Global Red Seaweed Extract Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Carrageenan, Agar, Porphyran, and Others), By Form (Liquid, Powder, and Flakes), By Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Agriculture, and Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2025 - 2035

Global Red Seaweed Extract Market Size Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Global Red Seaweed Extract Market Size Was Estimated at USD 2.5 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.7% from 2025 to 2035
• The Worldwide Red Seaweed Extract Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 4.6 Billion by 2035
• North America is expected to Grow the fastest during the forecast period.

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights and Consulting, The Global Red Seaweed Extract Market Size was worth around USD 2.5 Billion in 2024 and is predicted to Grow to around USD 4.6 Billion by 2035 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2025 to 2035. Red seaweed extract's inherent thickening, gelling, and antioxidant qualities, as well as consumers' growing desire for sustainable, plant-based products, are driving the market's growth in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

Market Overview

The global red seaweed extract market refers to the sector that focusses on the production and delivery of bioactive chemicals derived from red algae, which are widely used in food, cosmetics, medicines, and agriculture for functional, nutritional, and industrial applications. The growing customer inclination for natural and organic products is propelling the global market for red seaweed extract. The food, beverage, and cosmetics sectors greatly value red seaweed extracts as safer substitutes for synthetic substances because they are rich in bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-ageing characteristics. Red seaweed-derived carrageenan is used extensively in pharmaceuticals as a thickening, gelling, and stabilising agent. Its antiviral and antibacterial qualities also aid in the development of new drugs. The growth of the pharmaceutical industry, especially in developing nations, increases demand. Furthermore, red seaweed extracts are becoming more popular in sustainable agriculture as bio-stimulants and bio-fertilizers that support plant development, soil health, and increased yields, all of which are in line with the growing popularity of organic farming. Seaweed extracts open up new possibilities for skin-whitening and anti-aging products in the cosmetics industry when combined with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins.

In order to improve the smooth and creamy texture of dairy products from an organoleptic standpoint, Cargill produced a red seaweed powder in 2021. The product's natural components are preserved through development without the use of chemicals. In a similar vein, Compañía Española de Algas Marinas S.A. introduced Ceamfibre®, a seaweed extract solution designed to enhance bread and pastry quality and production efficiency.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the red seaweed extract market based on various segments and regions, forecasts revenue growth, and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the red seaweed extract market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition, have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the red seaweed extract market. 

Driving Factors

The natural thickening, stabilizing, and bioactive qualities of red seaweed extract are driving the market for this product in the food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors. Further speeding up acceptance is the growing consumer preference for organic, sustainable, and plant-based foods. Growing uses in functional foods, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals increase its market attractiveness. Furthermore, its use as a bio-stimulants and biofertilizer in sustainable agriculture promotes environmentally responsible farming practices. There are a lot of chances for expansion and diversification because of government support for seaweed farming, as well as increased interest in industrial and water treatment applications.

Restraining Factors

The market for red seaweed extract is beset by issues such as low awareness in developing nations, expensive production and processing costs, and climate dependence that impacts cultivation. Growth is further hampered by the complexity of regulatory compliance and competition from less expensive synthetic alternatives. Significant obstacles are also created by inefficient supply chains, growing transportation expenses, and sustainability issues brought on by overharvesting, which affect reliable supply, profitability, and long-term industry growth in international markets.

Market Segmentation

The red seaweed extract market share is classified into product type, form and application.

• The carrageenan segment dominated the market in 2024, accounting for approximately 47% and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the product type, the red seaweed extract market is divided into carrageenan, agar, porphyran, and others. Among these, the carrageenan segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Its many uses as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent in food, medicine, and cosmetics make it the industry leader. Growth is being driven by the growing demand for natural, clean-label substances and their beneficial qualities.

• The liquid segment accounted for the largest share in 2024, approximately 48.2% and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the form, the red seaweed extract market is divided into liquid, powder, and flakes. Among these, the liquid segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Red seaweed extracts in liquid form are highly prized for their quick absorption and ease of use, which makes them a popular option for medications and cosmetics. The benefits of nutraceuticals are increased by these extracts' easy mixing into formulations and increased absorption by the body. The natural gelling, moisturizing, and stabilizing qualities of liquid red seaweed extracts make them a popular addition to skincare products, including creams, lotions, and serums. Their adaptability in terms of function keeps driving market demand and expansion.

• The food & beverages segment accounted for the highest market revenue in 2024, approximately 42% and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the application, the red seaweed extract market is divided into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and others. Among these, the food & beverages segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growing need for natural ingredients and functional foods has made the food and beverage sector the biggest user of red seaweed extracts. Various food products, such as dairy, baked goods, and confections, use red seaweed extracts as natural colorants, thickening agents, and stabilizers.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Red Seaweed Extract Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share with approximately 76.5% of the Red Seaweed Extract market over the predicted timeframe.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the red seaweed extract market over the predicted timeframe. The market for red seaweed extract is dominated by the Asia Pacific area because of the large number of manufacturers and the abundance of red seaweed. China, Japan, and Indonesia are among the major producers and users of red seaweed extracts. The strong food and beverage and cosmetics sectors in these nations also contribute to the demand for red seaweed extracts. The pharmaceutical and agricultural industries are both expanding significantly in the Asia Pacific area, which supports the market's growth. China and Japan dominate the manufacturing and cultivation of red seaweed extract, making them major players in the industry. Significant market growth is driven by high domestic demand for food, medications, and cosmetics, as well as sophisticated aquaculture infrastructure.

North America is expected to grow with approximately 42% market share at a rapid CAGR in the red seaweed extract market during the forecast period. The region's high demand for natural and clean-label components across a range of businesses, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, is the reason for this supremacy. The growing desire for natural and organic products has made North America a significant market for red seaweed extracts. Red seaweed extracts are widely consumed in the food and beverage and cosmetics sectors in the US and Canada. The market is expanding in this area due to the growing health and wellness movement and increased knowledge of the advantages of red seaweed extracts. The market is also being driven by the North American pharmaceutical industry's investigation into the use of red seaweed extracts in medication formulations and treatments.

Europe is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR, approximately 31% in the red seaweed extract market during the forecast period. The market for red seaweed extract is expected to grow during the course of the forecast. The region's growing awareness of sustainability, health, and creative product applications, as well as the growing demand for natural and clean-label components in food, beverages, cosmetics, and medications, are the main drivers of this expansion.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the red seaweed extract market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Acadian Seaplants Limited
• Algaia
• Cargill Incorporated
• CP Kelco
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• Gelymar S.A.
• KIMICA Corporation
• Marcel Carrageenan
• MCPI Corporation
• Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Algae Industry Group Co., Ltd.
• Rongcheng Jingyi Seaweed Co., Ltd.
• Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd.
• Shemberg Ingredients & Gums Corporation
• SNP Inc.
• TBK Manufacturing Corporation
• W Hydrocolloids, Inc.
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs) 

Recent Development

• In May 2025, the EU-funded Marmade Project launched, aiming to develop sustainable, high-value ingredients for food and feed by valorizing marine biomass, including red seaweed, through advanced biorefinery processes
• In June 2024, FucoSkin CS, a red seaweed extract approved by COSMOS and Ecocert, was introduced by Hi-Q Marine Biotech. This product offers natural skin care advantages and is made for cosmetic formulations.
• In June 2023, Regenerative agtech companies Cascadia Seaweed and Refeed Canada partnered to launch liquid seaweed extract biostimulant products in the Canadian market. The collaboration aims to promote sustainable agriculture by providing natural, plant-based solutions that enhance crop growth and resilience.
• In September 2020, A portion of Philippine Bio-Industries Inc., a business that runs a seaweed production facility, was successfully purchased by W Hydrocolloids, Inc. In this transaction, PBI's fully automated refined carrageenan facility, which manufactures carrageenan and carrageenan blends, was purchased by W Hydrocolloids, Inc. In order to service clients worldwide, the organizations are also concentrating on obtaining more quality certifications in other countries and employing strict product testing techniques.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the red seaweed extract market based on the below-mentioned segments: 

Global Red Seaweed Extract Market, By Product Type

• Carrageenan
• Agar
• Porphyran
• Others

Global Red Seaweed Extract Market, By Form

• Liquid
• Powder
• Flakes

Global Red Seaweed Extract Market, By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics
• Agriculture
• Others

Global Red Seaweed Extract Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa