Sunflower Seeds Market

Market CAGR for sunflower seeds is driven by the increasing consumer awareness of the multiple health advantages of sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds reduce the risk of irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, and triglyceride levels by decreasing the creation of atherosclerotic plaque and lowering blood pressure. Consumers are increasingly choosing better choices and living healthier lifestyles; as a result, sunflower seeds are gaining popularity since they are abundant in vitamins, proteins, and minerals and can help treat conditions like cancer, asthma, and depression.

According to the National Library of Medicine, a US-based provider of medical and biomedical services, sunflower seeds include 33.85% protein, 65.42% fats, and 18 minerals as of November 2021. Sunflower oilcake contains more fiber (31.88% and 12.64% for pellets and cake, respectively) and proteins (20.15% and 21.60%) than seeds and has a balanced amino acid profile. The seeds contain a high concentration of essential (6.63%) and non-essential (93.37%) amino acids. As a result, rising consumer knowledge of the multiple health benefits of sunflower seeds is propelling the expansion of packaged sunflower seeds.

For instance, in February 2023, according to survey reports published by Great Green Wall, a US-based provider of information about the Great Green Wall initiative, approximately 40% of Americans said they stick to their diets of, 20% actively seek out healthy foods, and 60% try. 20% of people actively seek foods that will improve their health. 68% believe it is easy to identify nutritious foods. As a result, the growing trend of eating healthy foods is driving the growth of the packaged sunflower seed market.

The Global Sunflower Seeds Market Industry is experiencing a surge in demand driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers. Sunflower seeds are recognized for their nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats. As individuals become more aware of the importance of a balanced diet, the consumption of sunflower seeds as a healthy snack option is likely to rise. This trend is reflected in the projected market value of 1.27 USD Billion in 2024, indicating a robust growth trajectory as health-oriented consumers seek nutritious alternatives to traditional snacks.

The Global Sunflower Seeds Market Industry is projected to experience significant growth, with expectations of reaching 2.26 USD Billion by 2035. The compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2035 is estimated at 5.39%, indicating a robust expansion trajectory. This growth is driven by various factors, including rising health consciousness, increased applications in the food industry, and innovations in product development. The market's current value of 1.27 USD Billion in 2024 serves as a foundation for future growth, reflecting the industry's potential to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.

The Global Sunflower Seeds Market Industry is witnessing a significant expansion due to the growing applications of sunflower seeds in the food industry. They are increasingly utilized in various products, including snacks, bakery items, and cooking oils. The versatility of sunflower seeds allows manufacturers to incorporate them into a wide range of food products, enhancing flavor and nutritional value. This trend is expected to contribute to the market's growth, with projections indicating a rise to 2.26 USD Billion by 2035. As food manufacturers continue to innovate, the demand for sunflower seeds is likely to increase.

The Global Sunflower Seeds Market Industry is characterized by continuous innovations in product development. Manufacturers are exploring new ways to process and package sunflower seeds, enhancing their appeal to consumers. Innovations such as flavored sunflower seeds and ready-to-eat snack packs are emerging to cater to diverse consumer preferences. This focus on product differentiation is likely to attract a broader customer base and stimulate market growth. As the industry evolves, the anticipated increase in market value to 2.26 USD Billion by 2035 suggests that innovation will play a pivotal role in sustaining demand.

The Global Sunflower Seeds Market Industry benefits from the expansion of agricultural practices aimed at increasing sunflower cultivation. Advances in farming techniques, such as precision agriculture and improved seed varieties, have enhanced yield potential. Countries with favorable climates for sunflower production are likely to see increased acreage dedicated to this crop. This expansion is crucial as it aligns with the growing global demand for sunflower seeds, potentially leading to a compound annual growth rate of 5.39% from 2025 to 2035. Enhanced agricultural practices may ensure a steady supply to meet market needs.

The Global Sunflower Seeds Market Industry is positively influenced by the rising demand for plant-based proteins. As consumers shift towards vegetarian and vegan diets, sunflower seeds serve as an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. This trend is particularly relevant in regions where plant-based diets are gaining popularity. The increasing incorporation of sunflower seeds into protein-rich products, such as protein bars and supplements, is likely to drive market growth. The projected market value of 1.27 USD Billion in 2024 reflects this growing consumer preference for plant-based nutrition.

By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America is likely to have the largest market share throughout the forecast period since sunflower seeds are employed in a number of culinary recipes due to their high nutritional value. The United States and Canada are the two countries producing the most sunflower seeds in North America. Sunflower seeds are quite popular in these nations due to their numerous applications in the food and beverage industries.

Sunflower seeds appear in a wide range of items, including bread, crackers, snacks, and salad dressings. Another element propelling the sunflower seed market in North America is an increase in consumer health consciousness.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: SUNFLOWER SEEDS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2023 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe Sunflower Seeds Market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the increased output of sunflower, which is used for food, feed, fuel, and industrial purposes in the region. Within the projected period. Further, the German Sunflower Seeds held the largest market share, and the UK market of sunflower seeds was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This is due to the region's growing need for healthier snacks. Moreover, China’s sunflower seeds industry held the largest market share, and the Indian market of sunflower seeds was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Sunflower Seeds Market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Sunflower Seeds industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one key business tactic used by manufacturers in the global Sunflower Seeds industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Sunflower Seeds industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to snacks industry. Major players in the Sunflower Seeds Market, including KENKKO CORPORATION, DuPont, Limagrain UK Ltd, CONAGRA FOODS, CHS Inc., and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Corteva, Inc. is a significant American agricultural chemical and seed firm that was once the agricultural division of DowDuPont until being spun off as an independent public company. In May 2022, Corteva extended its sunflower seed business in Europe by investing USD 14.1 million in Romania's Afumati production facility to address rising domestic and international demand for high-quality sunflower seeds.

BASF SE is a European multinational corporation and the world's largest chemical producer. Its headquarters are in Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has subsidiaries and joint ventures in more than 80 countries, with six integrated manufacturing sites and 390 additional production locations throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Africa. BASF serves customers in more than 190 countries and provides products to a diverse range of sectors. Despite its size and global reach, BASF has garnered very little public notice since it discontinued the manufacture and selling of BASF-branded consumer electronics goods in the 1990s.

In July 2019, BASF entered into a distribution arrangement with Euralis Semences to sell a new line of hybrid sunflower seeds across Europe. Because of its numerous health benefits, it became an important part of the modern diet, resulting in increased market growth.