Spirulina Market Size, Share, By Form, Application, Distribution Channel, and Region - Trends, Analysis, and Forecast till 2035

• By 2035, the spirulina market size is expected to reach USD 1634.8 million.
• In 2024, the market was valued at USD 641.5 million.
• The target market is growing at a CAGR of 10.8%.

Spirulina is a nutrient rich blue green microalgae known for its protein content which is essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The focused market has seen exponential growth in recent years which is driven by increasing consumer awareness about health and wellness and the rising demand for plant based and natural products.

For instance, in June 2024, MD Logic Health, a leading provider of USA-made nutraceuticals, and AvalonX, founded by Melanie Avalon, proudly announce the launch of their latest vegan dietary supplement, Spirulina. This ancient superfood, celebrated for its nutrient-dense profile, combines advanced scientific research with proven wellness insights, setting a new benchmark in the wellness industry. For instance, Wesley Ramjeet, CEO of MD Logic Health, emphasizes the purity and potency of their Spirulina, which contains no artificial additives. This marks the fifth collaboration between MD Logic Health and AvalonX, exemplifying their elite alliance in wellness innovation.  

Key Takeaways:

• North America held the largest share of the market in 2024 as it is driven by high health consciousness, increasing demand for nutraceutical, and the use of spirulina as a natural coloring agent in various industries across the region.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period as this region benefits from significant production capabilities, supportive government initiatives promoting spirulina cultivation, and rising consumer awareness regarding super foods and dietary supplements.
• By form, the powder segment is expected to account for the largest share of approximately 70% of the Spirulina market in the upcoming years. The segment’s growth is attributed to its widespread use in nutraceuticals and as an ingredient in various food and beverage products it is driven by increasing consumer health awareness and demand for natural supplements.

Key Drivers of Target Market:

Rising Health Awareness is expected to Boost Market Growth

Growing consumer awareness about the health benefits of spirulina, including its high nutritional value and antioxidant properties, is significantly driving spirulina market growth. Spirulina is recognized for its ability to support immune function and combat malnutrition, which is attracting health-conscious consumers.    

• For instance, in May 2024, Blueberry Focus is the latest addition to Innocent’s popular line-up of Super Smoothies including Energize and Invigorate. Blueberry Focus is a blend of blueberries, strawberries, apples, rhubarb, and spirulina plus added vitamins. It comes in both a 300ml ‘on-the-go’ size for £2.50, and a larger 750ml bottle for the fridge with an RRP of £4.50. Functional smoothies are the fastest growing segment within the Smoothies category in the U.K. Most U.K. consumers are looking for ways to increase their health and wellbeing, with a growing demand for products that offer a positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition.

Increasing Government Support is Expected to Accelerate Market Expansion

Various governments are promoting spirulina production as a means to enhance food security and provide income for rural communities. Initiatives in countries, such as India and South Africa are boosting local production and consumption of spirulina.

• For instance, in August 2023, the Haryana government introduced a spirulina-based product under the integrated child development scheme (ICDS) for severe acute malnourished (SAM) and moderate acute malnourished (MAM) children on a pilot basis in Nuh for a duration of six months. Spirulina, an algae that grows in fresh or saltwater, is rich in nutrients and possesses antioxidant properties.

Restraints:

Supply Chain Disruptions Hampers the Focused Market Growth

Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions can lead to significant fluctuations in the prices of raw materials used in spirulina production. Further this volatility impacts profit margins for manufacturers.  

• Counterbalance Statements: Many leading companies implement strict quality control measures, which include microbiological tests and chemical composition analyzes to ensure that spirulina products meet high safety and quality standards.

Opportunities & Market Trends:

Rising Popularity of Plant Based Diets Can Provide Better Growth Opportunities

As veganism and plant-based diets are growing more popular, spirulina's position as a natural superfood puts it in a favourable market position and attracts customers searching for vegetarian protein sources.

The spirulina market is classified into form, application, distribution channel, and region.

Form:

The spirulina systems market by form is categorized into (powder, tablets, capsules, flakes, and other forms). The powder segment is expected to dominate over the forecast period as this powder can be easily added to smoothies, juices, snacks, and other food items making it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.

• For instance, in August 2021, Prolgae Spirulina Supplies, one of India’s largest manufacturers of sun-dried organic spirulina, had come with a product for the first time in namma Chennai. Prolgae launched its sweet spirulina powder and spirulina protein bar all-in-one superfood products in India. The specialty of the product is that it is a 100% vegan product to help people stay healthy and add up immunity to their routine. As it says, the five gms of spirulina is equal to 5kg of assorted fresh vegetables.

Application:

By application, the Spirulina market is segmented into food and beverages, nutraceutical, cosmetics and personal care, animal feed, and others. The food and beverages segment dominates the focused market share as driven by the incorporation of spirulina into various food products for its nutritional benefits and natural coloring properties.

• For instance, in September 2024, Spirulina specialist SimpliiGood has announced that it will launch its much-awaited spirulina-based smoked salmon in early 2025. Claimed as the first nutritious whole cut from microalgae, the spirulina smoked salmon offers 40% protein and features a clean label with fewer than ten “kitchen cupboard” ingredients, free from stabilizers and preservatives.

Distribution Channel:

Based on distribution channel, the Spirulina market is divided into online (e-commerce platforms, brand websites, and others) and offline (supermarkets/hypermarkets, health food stores, specialty shops, and others). The offline segment dominates the focused market share as it benefits from direct interaction with products and knowledgeable staff which can influence consumer decisions more effectively than online platforms.

Region:

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America: This region is expected to hold the largest market share as it is driven by increasing consumer health consciousness and a rising demand for natural and nutrient rich super foods. Further, spirulina a blue-green algae that is renowned for its high protein content and essential nutrients has gained popularity as a dietary supplement and natural food additive.

• For instance, in April 2024, Spirulina Mater, a leader in high-quality spirulina production, is thrilled to announce its upcoming launch on Walmart.com, marking a significant milestone as the company expands into the U.S. market. Originating from the untouched northern regions of Chile, Spirulina Mater is set to offer American consumers a superior line of spirulina-based superfoods, leveraging unique cultivation conditions and over three decades of expertise. This unique environment contributes to an increased concentration of antioxidants in Spirulina Mater products, setting a new standard in the superfood industry.
• Asia Pacific: This region is considered as fastest-growing region in the focused market as many governments in the Asia Pacific region are promoting spirulina cultivation as a solution to malnutrition and as an environmentally sustainable food source. Further, these initiatives include subsidies and grants that encourage local production.

 Spirulina Market Report Scope:

Segmentation:

By Form:

• Powder
• Tablets
• Capsules
• Flakes
• Other Forms

By Application:

• Food and Beverages
• Nutraceuticals
• Cosmetics and Personal Care
• Animal Feed
• Others

By Distribution Channel:

• Online

• E-commerce Platforms
• Brand Websites
• Others

• Offline

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Health Food Stores
• Specialty Shops
• Others

By Region:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

The key players operating in the spirulina market include Cyanotech Corporation, DIC Corporation, Dongtai City Spirulina Bio-engineering Co., Ltd., and others. Spirulina market is highly competitive, with well-established companies, which take advantage of technology developments and sustainability trends to grab expansion factors. The competition between major competitors is anticipated to heat up as customer preferences change toward eco-friendly products, boosting additional innovation and target market growth in the years to come.    

For instance, in August 2021, Prolgae Spirulina Supplies Pvt. Ltd., one of India's largest manufacturers of sun-dried organic spirulina has come with an amazing product first time ever in namma Chennai. Prolgae launched its sweet Spirulina powder and Spirulina protein bar all-in-one superfood products in India. Specialty of the product is that it is 100% vegan product to help people to stay healthy and to add up the immunity to their regular routine, as it 5 gms of Spirulina is said to be equal to 5 kg of assorted fresh vegetables.

List of Key Players in the Market:

• Cyanotech Corporation
• DIC Corporation
• Dongtai City Spirulina Bio-engineering Co., Ltd.
• Algenol Biofuels Inc.
• Prolgae Spirulina Supplies Pvt. Ltd.
• Sensient Technologies Corporation
• E.I.D. Parry Limited
• DDW Inc.
• Givaudan International SA
• Cabassi & Giuriati SpA
• Echlorial
• Naturex S.A.
• Algatec
• Spirulina Viva
• Aurospirul

• In November 2024, Reliance Retail’s multi-brand beauty business Tira launched a flagship luxury beauty store in Mumbai’s Jio World Plaza mall measuring over 6,200 square feet and housing 15 shop-in-shop boutiques for premium global beauty, skincare, and fragrance brands. The store’s Tira Cafe mixes refreshment with beauty by offering collagen and spirulina infused drinks along with small bites and transforms into a champagne bar for special occasions.
• In May 2024, Zinzino, the global health and wellness brand from Scandinavia, has acquired, through a business asset acquisition, the rights to the distributor database and associated customer register, inventory, and intellectual property of the Luxembourg-based direct sales company Xellis. This is a further strategically important step in Zinzino's growth plans, focusing on improving personal health and well-being on a global level with innovative biotechnology and a groundbreaking product portfolio marketed through direct sales.
• In September 2023, Lumen Bioscience won the first-ever USD 1.5 million the University of Utah received the Wilkes Center Environment Prize to this revolutionary invention. By employing spirulina to concentrate on and remove methane-producing bacteria in the cow intestines, the method they used addressed the significant effects of climate change.
• In July 2023, AlgaeCore Technologies Ltd, a spin-off business called SimpliiGood was the first to employ spirulina for a meat alternative. The company had previously produced mud-cured fish with spirulina, and at the time was becoming ready for the debut of vegan schnitzel.

Analyst View for Spirulina Market:

Spirulina market is positioned as a critical driver in the global health and wellness industry owing to its exceptional nutritional profile and sustainability benefits. Further, spirulina as a "superfood of the future," capable of addressing not only personal health needs but also larger global challenges, such as malnutrition and climate change fuels the target market growth in upcoming years.

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