Asia-Pacific Cold Pressed Oil Market Outlook, 2030

The Asia Pacific cold pressed oil market has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, driven by rising health awareness, changing consumer preferences, and a return to traditional dietary habits. Countries like India, China, Indonesia, and Thailand are at the forefront of this trend due to their large populations, diverse agricultural output, and cultural affinity for using unrefined oils such as coconut, sesame, mustard, and groundnut in cooking and personal care. The regional demand is being propelled by the growing inclination towards chemical-free and nutrient-rich edible oils that retain antioxidants, vitamins, and natural flavor, unlike their refined counterparts.

Cold pressed oils are increasingly used not only in food preparation but also in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and Ayurveda-based wellness products, particularly in India and Southeast Asia. Raw material availability is abundant across Asia Pacific, with India and China leading in the cultivation of oilseeds like sesame, sunflower, and mustard, while Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia dominate in coconut and palm oil production. These countries benefit from favorable agro-climatic conditions, extensive agricultural infrastructure, and low-cost labor, which support large-scale production. In November 2023, Bunge Limited joined forces with Musim Mas Group in Sambas, West Kalimantan, Indonesia to foster sustainable practices amongst smallholder farmers. The collaboration aims to provide training for over 1,000 independent smallholders, equipping them with the skills needed for sustainable palm oil production. As consumers sought healthier alternatives during prolonged lockdowns, cold pressed oil sales surged through digital platforms, creating new distribution opportunities. From a regulatory standpoint, policies vary widely across the region. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) supports traditional cold pressing methods but struggles with enforcing uniform quality standards, especially in unorganized markets where adulteration is prevalent.

According to the research report "Asia Pacific Cold Pressed Oil Market Outlook, 2030,", the Asia Pacific Cold Pressed Oil market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.02% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. With increasing awareness of plastic pollution and sustainability, countries such as China, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea are witnessing a shift from single-use packaging towards more durable, reusable alternatives across sectors like food and beverage, automotive, retail, and healthcare. Similarly, India’s Swachh Bharat Mission and extended producer responsibility (EPR) guidelines are compelling manufacturers and FMCG companies to adopt sustainable packaging practices.

In Japan and South Korea, corporate-led initiatives focused on circular economy models have encouraged companies to invest in reusable transit packaging to reduce their environmental footprints. Dabur India Ltd, India's largest Ayurvedic and Natural Health Care Company, announced its launch of virgin coconut oil in February 2022, further strengthening its position in the coconut oil market. Dabur Virgin Coconut Oil is cold pressed and 100% natural. In addition to being used for cooking, it is traditionally used for skin and hair care and as a massage oil. The rise of e-commerce and industrial logistics, which has led to a growing need for reusable plastic containers (RPCs), intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and stackable pallets that are cost-effective, durable, and capable of multiple usage cycles. For instance, the automotive and electronics sectors in countries like Thailand and Vietnam are increasingly relying on reusable dunnage and crates for cross-border shipments to enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste. Technological advancements have also contributed to market growth. The integration of IoT and RFID tagging in reusable packaging solutions is improving traceability and asset management, especially in warehousing and cold chain logistics. In February 2023, Cargill entered the Indian state of South India through its Gemini Pureit™ sunflower oil brand expand its edible oil business to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu regions. The establishment of a new USD 35 million Nellore facility in Andhra Pradesh received backing from an investment strategy to expand production and supply chain operations.

Market Drivers

• Rising Health Awareness and Shift Toward Traditional Diets: One of the major drivers in the Asia Pacific cold pressed oil market is the increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of natural, unprocessed oils. As lifestyle-related health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease rise across countries like India, China, and Japan, people are seeking healthier cooking alternatives. Cold pressed oils, which retain antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, are gaining popularity as they align with traditional diets and Ayurvedic or holistic wellness practices. In India, for example, oils like cold pressed coconut, sesame, and groundnut are being reintroduced into urban households due to their perceived health advantages.
• Expansion of Urban Middle-Class and Premium Food Markets: The growing middle-class population in Asia Pacific, coupled with increasing disposable incomes, is fueling the demand for premium and specialty food products including cold pressed oils. Urban consumers, particularly in cities like Shanghai, Bangkok, Mumbai, and Jakarta, are more willing to spend on organic, natural, and artisanal products. This socioeconomic shift has opened up new opportunities for health-focused oil brands to expand in modern trade outlets, specialty food stores, and e-commerce platforms. The premiumization of edible oils is becoming a key growth driver, especially in health-conscious and quality-driven urban markets.

Market Challenges

• High Production Costs and Price Sensitivity Among Consumers: Despite growing demand, one of the key challenges in the Asia Pacific market is the high cost associated with cold pressed oil production. The cold pressing method results in lower oil yields and requires high-quality raw materials, leading to higher retail prices. In many price-sensitive markets across Southeast Asia and South Asia, consumers often prefer cheaper refined oils, which are more accessible and widely available. This cost gap limits the mass adoption of cold pressed oils, particularly in rural or lower-income segments where affordability is a primary concern.
• Limited Consumer Awareness and Mislabeling Issues: Another significant challenge is the lack of widespread awareness and standardized labeling practices in parts of the Asia Pacific region. While urban consumers are increasingly educated about the benefits of cold pressed oils, many others are unfamiliar with the concept or cannot distinguish between cold pressed and regular oils due to poor labeling or marketing. Additionally, the market faces issues with mislabeling and counterfeit products, which erode consumer trust and create confusion. The absence of strong regulatory enforcement in some countries further complicates the market landscape.

Market Trends

• Growth of Online and Health Retail Channels: The rapid expansion of e-commerce and health-focused retail outlets in Asia Pacific has become a major trend shaping the cold pressed oil market. With digital platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Tmall, and Lazada gaining popularity, especially among young and urban consumers, brands have more direct access to their target markets. Many health and wellness brands are leveraging online channels to educate consumers, build brand awareness, and offer subscription-based models for regular oil consumption. Online retail also provides space for product transparency and traceability, which are increasingly important for health-conscious buyers.
• Innovation in Blends and Regionally Sourced Oils: Product innovation is emerging as a strong trend, with manufacturers introducing cold pressed oil blends that combine seeds, nuts, or herbs to enhance health benefits. In Asia Pacific, locally sourced ingredients are gaining popularity such as black sesame oil in China, rice bran oil in Japan, and moringa or neem oils in India. These innovations cater to both traditional preferences and modern health needs, allowing producers to tap into cultural relevance and scientific validation. Functional oils enriched with omega-3, herbal extracts, or superfood components are also becoming increasingly common in the premium segment.

The Coconut Oil type is the fastest growing in the Asia-Pacific cold pressed oil industry due to its deep-rooted cultural relevance, rising demand in natural personal care products, and increasing health awareness among consumers.

Coconut oil is witnessing rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific cold pressed oil market, primarily driven by its strong traditional presence in regional diets, beauty regimens, and medicinal practices. In countries like India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, coconut oil has historically been used for cooking, hair care, skincare, and Ayurvedic remedies, providing a culturally familiar and trusted product base. With the growing global and regional shift towards chemical-free, organic, and naturally derived products, cold pressed coconut oil has gained renewed attention for its purity, nutritional content, and eco-friendly extraction process.

Consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits associated with cold pressed coconut oil, such as its high content of lauric acid, antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties, which support immunity, heart health, digestion, and skin health. In addition, the surge in vegan and plant-based lifestyles across APAC, particularly in urban centers of India, Australia, and Southeast Asia, is boosting the adoption of coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative in cooking and baking. The rising disposable income and urbanization across emerging markets are also encouraging a shift towards premium, health-oriented oils for personal and household use. Simultaneously, the growth of the natural cosmetics industry in the region, supported by local beauty brands and global interest in K-beauty and J-beauty trends, has catalyzed the use of coconut oil in hair serums, moisturizers, and soaps. Moreover, government support for coconut farming and export in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia has improved supply chain efficiency, enabling easier access to cold pressed variants in domestic and international markets.

The Online distribution channel is the fastest growing in the Asia-Pacific cold pressed oil industry due to increasing internet penetration, digital payment adoption, and consumer preference for convenient access to health-focused products.

The rapid growth of the online distribution channel in the Asia-Pacific cold pressed oil industry is being propelled by a combination of technological advancement, evolving consumer habits, and the rising health-consciousness of the region’s population. Internet penetration in APAC has surged significantly, especially in major markets such as India, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, enabling a broader section of the population to access e-commerce platforms. As consumers increasingly shift toward digital lifestyles, they are relying more on online channels to purchase daily essentials, including health and wellness products like cold pressed oils.

These oils, often perceived as premium and niche, benefit from the online format where brands can educate consumers about product benefits, sourcing, and usage directly through detailed listings, videos, and reviews. The convenience of browsing various options, comparing prices, accessing discounts, and home delivery is particularly appealing in urban centers and among younger demographics. Additionally, digital payment systems and mobile wallets have become more accessible and secure, encouraging higher online transactions even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, normalizing online grocery and wellness product shopping as a safe and practical alternative to physical stores. Online platforms also allow smaller or artisanal cold pressed oil brands to reach wider audiences without needing physical shelf space, fostering a more competitive and innovative market. Moreover, the rise of health and wellness influencers and the use of social media marketing have driven greater awareness and trust in cold pressed oils, pushing consumers to seek them out via online stores and marketplaces like Amazon, Lazada, Flipkart, Shopee, and brand-owned websites.

The Food Industry is the largest application segment in the Asia-Pacific cold pressed oil industry due to the region’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, growing demand for healthier cooking oils, and rising awareness of natural and chemical-free food ingredients.

The dominance of the food industry in the Asia-Pacific cold pressed oil market is largely driven by the region’s rich culinary heritage, combined with a modern shift toward healthier and more natural food choices. In many APAC countries such as India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, oils play a fundamental role in daily cooking practices, from stir-frying and deep-frying to salad dressing and seasoning. With increasing awareness about the negative health effects of refined and chemically processed oils, consumers are actively seeking cold pressed alternatives that retain natural nutrients, antioxidants, and flavor.

Cold pressed oils such as sesame, coconut, mustard, groundnut, and sunflower are becoming preferred choices in households and restaurants for their purity, authenticity, and perceived health benefits. In particular, these oils are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and bioactive compounds, making them appealing to health-conscious consumers aiming to manage lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The rise in disposable incomes, growing middle-class population, and urbanization in APAC have also contributed to a shift in dietary preferences, where consumers are more willing to pay a premium for safe and organic food products, including cooking oils. The food processing industry, including manufacturers of packaged foods, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, is increasingly incorporating cold pressed oils into their formulations to meet demand for clean-label and functional ingredients. Furthermore, the rapid expansion of health-oriented cafes, organic food stores, and specialty restaurants across metropolitan areas has reinforced the demand for such oils in food preparation. Governments and health organizations in several APAC countries are also promoting the use of non-refined and traditional oils through dietary guidelines and public health campaigns, further boosting adoption within the food industry.

India is witnessing rapid growth in the Asia Pacific cold pressed oil industry due to increasing health awareness, rising preference for traditional and natural products, and a strong cultural foundation in using cold pressed oils for cooking and wellness.

India's growth in the cold pressed oil industry within the Asia Pacific region is being significantly propelled by a rising shift in consumer preferences toward healthier and more traditional alternatives to refined cooking oils. With the increasing incidence of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart conditions, Indian consumers are becoming more health-conscious and actively seeking chemical-free, nutrient-rich food options. Cold pressed oils, extracted without the use of heat or harmful solvents, are rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, which makes them highly appealing to modern consumers prioritizing wellness and preventive health.

Additionally, the cold pressed oil method is deeply rooted in Indian tradition locally known as "chekku," "ghani," or "kolhu" oils, these have long been used in Ayurvedic practices and rural households for both culinary and therapeutic purposes. This cultural familiarity makes it easier for Indian consumers to accept and trust cold pressed oils, especially varieties like sesame, groundnut, coconut, and mustard oils that have been staples in regional Indian cuisines for centuries. The rapid urbanization and expansion of the Indian middle class are also playing a role in boosting demand, as higher disposable incomes are enabling more consumers to spend on premium, health-oriented food products. E-commerce platforms and health food brands have made cold pressed oils more accessible to a broader population, even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Moreover, the rise of the organic and natural food movement in India, driven by both local and global health trends, has further fueled the popularity of these oils. Startups and small-scale producers have capitalized on this demand, offering a variety of cold pressed oils under clean-label, organic-certified, and sustainably packaged brands that resonate with eco- and health-conscious buyers.