Seaweed Cultivation Market Report 2025 (Global Edition)

Global Seaweed Cultivation Market Report 2025 Market Size Split by Type (Brown Seaweeds, Green Seaweeds, Red Seaweeds), by Application (Food, Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Others), by Method Of ...

Seaweed Cultivation Market Report Description

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• Triodos Food Transition Europe Fund takes equity stake in Ocean Rainforest

The Triodos Food Transition Europe Fund, based in the Netherlands, has acquired a minority equity stake in Ocean Rainforest, marking the fund’s first venture into the sustainable aquaculture sector. In its announcement, the fund emphasized that this investment not only targets a rapidly expanding global market but also aligns with Triodos’ commitment to Nature-Based Solutions, as seaweed offers significant benefits for biodiversity and has a strong capacity for carbon sequestration.
Ocean Rainforest successfully raised a total of EUR 2.5 million in this funding round, with contributions from both existing shareholders and new investors. The current shareholders include prominent global impact investors such as the Grantham Foundation, Builders Vision, Katapult Ocean, Twynam, and WWF.

• Ocean Rainforest secured technology to market plus up award

Ocean Rainforest, a leading innovator in sustainable seaweed aquaculture, has secured a USD 4.5 million Technology to Market Plus Up award from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (ARPA-E) as part of the MARINER Program. This significant achievement marks a major step forward in the company’s dedication to advancing offshore Giant Kelp cultivation technologies in California.
The Plus Up award is an extension of Ocean Rainforest’s Phase 2 contract and will enable the company to operate an 86-acre offshore cultivation testbed for Macrocystis pyrifera in the Santa Barbara Channel. This initiative will allow Ocean Rainforest to lead the development and demonstration of high-yield macroalgal cultivation technologies under real offshore conditions, pushing the boundaries of sustainable aquaculture.

• Ocean Rainforest secures $6.2 Million in Series-A funding for North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific expansion

Ocean Rainforest is a seaweed cultivation and processing company with operations in the Faroe Islands, Europe, and California, USA. Since its inception in 2010, the company has developed a pioneering open ocean cultivation system, the first of its kind, which has consistently proven effective under real offshore conditions in both the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Today, Ocean Rainforest ranks among the largest commercial seaweed cultivators in Europe and has secured the first-ever offshore seaweed cultivation permit in United States federal waters, specifically off the coast of Santa Barbara, California.
The recent investment funding enables Ocean Rainforest to increase its seaweed production to meet the growing demand in the functional food and feed markets. 

• Ocean Rainforest leads successful €9 million seaweed grant bid

A consortium led by Ocean Rainforest, which includes 25 international and cross-disciplinary partners, has been granted €9 million to expand seaweed production and its market applications across Europe. The funding, provided by the Horizon Europe Framework Programme under the "Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Sectors" initiative (HORIZON-CL6-2021-CIRCBIO-01), supports the SeaMark project, which aims to establish the foundation for a completely new European maritime industry. This initiative is designed to address the growing demand for seaweed-based products and attract investment from various sectors.

• First Specialized Multi-Purpose Seaweed Vessel

Ocean Rainforest recently held a formal handover ceremony for the christening of their first specially built multi-purpose seaweed vessel. The vessel was named Breiðbløðka, a Faroese variation of the name for sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima). This new vessel, designated as no. 59 by KJ Hydraulic, a local shipbuilder known for crafting working boats for the aquaculture industry, marks a significant addition to the company’s fleet.

• Kelp Blue to invest N$3 billion over four years project secures off-take by global food company Nestle

Kelp Blue, an innovative sustainable aquaculture company, is poised to make a significant impact on the domestic economy with an ambitious investment plan that could total N$3 billion over the next three to four years. 
This follows an initial capital investment of N$350 million and annual operational costs ranging from N$80 million to N$100 million. Central to Kelp Blue’s operations is the cultivation of Giant Kelp off the coast of Lüderitz, where the company has received a license to develop what could become the world’s first large-scale kelp farm.

• De Beers Group invests US$2 million in Kelp Blue, an innovative start-Up focused on growing underwater Kelp forests to lock away CO2

De Beers Group has announced an investment of US$2 million in Kelp Blue, an innovative start-up focused on cultivating and managing large-scale giant kelp forests, initially off the coast of Namibia. These underwater forests have the potential to safely and permanently sequester significant amounts of CO2 in the ocean. Studies have demonstrated that kelp forests sequester more carbon than terrestrial forests and play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems by providing food and shelter for numerous species.
In 2021, Kelp Blue was granted a license to cultivate Giant Kelp off Namibia’s coast and is currently in the pilot phase of its operations.

• Seaweed Solution AS completed the installation of infrastructure to farm a 19-hectare area in the Norwegian Sea

Seaweed Solutions AS, a pioneer in seaweed cultivation, has completed the installation of infrastructure to farm a 19-hectare area in the Norwegian Sea with a capacity of 500 tons of seaweed, paving the way for it to sharply raise production and leverage its unique position to become Europe’s leading seaweed company

Top Companies Market Share in Seaweed Cultivation Industry: (In no particular order of Rank)

• Seaweed Solutions AS
• CP Kelco U.S. Inc
• Ocean Rainforest
• Atlantic Sea Farms
• Kelp Blue
• Atlantic Mariculture Ltd
• The Seaweed Company
• AQUAGRI PROCESSING PRIVATE LIMITED
• Vitamin Sea Seaweed LLC
• Cargill Incorporated
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Regional Analysis of the Graphene Market

• North America

North America accounted for a significant market share of 19.50% in 2024. In the US, people have used seagrasses and seaweeds as a natural resource for fiber, food, and feed for thousands of years. For a deeper chronicling of Indigenous knowledge and use, and ‘natural history’ descriptions of seagrasses and seaweeds. Indigenous peoples across North America have managed and cultivated seagrass as a source of food, roofing, fodder for smoking meat, medicine as well as mulch and fertilizer for growing crops. The approach of managing seagrass beds is often called gardening or tending and encompasses the intentional growth, cultivation and propagation of seagrass beds for generations. Although typically valued for the fish and sea birds that thriving seagrass beds support, Zostera marina (eelgrass) rhizomes were also harvested in spring and served as an important source of sugar (sucrose) which accounts for approximately half of their dry weight. Full of vitamins and minerals, this energy-rich resource was a small but important source of sustenance to coastal communities.
Thus, subsequent to the increased funding support for seaweed research and development, and rapid increase in scholarly literature being released, there has been a rapid expansion in the number of companies offering seaweed services. The distribution of seaweed companies across the U.S. has vastly expanded to even include interior states, where processing equipment for the harvested crop is manufactured. The farmed seaweed sector, today, represents an ever-growing diversity in the types of products it offers.

• Europe

Europe accounted for a significant market share of 12.90% in 2024. Europe has seen an increasing trend towards plant-based, organic, and sustainable food products. Seaweed, being a highly nutritious and versatile superfood, is in demand across the continent. It is rich in vitamins (A, B, C, and E), minerals (especially iodine and calcium), fiber, and antioxidants. Its incorporation into food products, such as snacks, supplements, and even plant-based meat alternatives, has grown. For instance, in countries like the UK, Ireland, and Nordic regions, seaweed-based products (such as dulse, kelp, nori, and wakame) are becoming increasingly popular as food ingredients and dietary supplements. Seaweed is used in soups, salads, sushi, and as an additive in plant-based products. Seaweed farming is considered highly sustainable as it requires no land, no freshwater, and minimal inputs. It also absorbs CO? during growth, helping mitigate climate change. This aligns well with Europe's growing commitment to sustainability, especially in the face of climate change and marine ecosystem degradation.
The European seaweed industry is dominated by Norwegian, French and Irish production. Spain and Portugal are small suppliers and production has almost disappeared in the UK since the last processing plant in Scotland closed recently. The presence of processing industries is a major driver in the persistence of seaweed production. These are always located close to production areas. Although the uses of seaweed vary according to species and country and have changed over time, alginates production is the main end product of seaweed in Europe today. Despite the development of mechanized harvesting gear on boats, there is still a significant amount of activity conducted by foot gatherers. Their status is not fully recognized in all European countries leaving room for further discussion on their professional status and development. In most cases, local or national public authorities, fisher organizations (where they exist) and the processing industries are jointly involved in the development of regulations concerning seaweed harvesting and also in the marketing related rules.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share of 60.58% in 2024. The use of seaweeds as human food in eastern Asian countries has a long history, stretching back over a thousand years. Due to their location, the Korean peninsula, the Japanese islands and the Chinese coasts share a similar seaweed flora in their coastal waters, and it is not surprising that seaweed species chosen for cultivation, methods of farming and post-harvest processing in these countries have a lot in common. The government of India is planning to invest almost US$87 million to raise annual national farmed production from the current 2500 MT to one million MT, by 2026, thereby creating up to one million new jobs. Seaweed farming has already been promoted as a way of diversifying the livelihoods of artisanal fisherfolk, (women as well as men) in parts of India, for example, in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andra Pradesh. In the course of seaweed farming development in eastern Asia, the development and use of seaweed cultivars have contributed significantly to the seaweed farming industry in terms of improving both the biomass yield and the quality of the food products produced.
Kelps are the backbone of China’s seaweed industry. Several decades of kelp aquaculture not only offers diverse functional foods for a growing population, but also provides a considerable contribution to the total marine economy. Progressive research trials produced more than 20 cultivars of S. japonica and U. pinnatifida in China, and their aquaculture ranges also expanded from the northern Liaoning (34°N) to the southern Fujian (28°N). Currently, environmental pollution, germplasm degradation, genetic contamination and ocean warming/acidification have exerted various pressures on kelp aquaculture in China. To overcome these challenges, constructing a germplasm repository is the pre-requisite to maintaining a sustainable development of kelp industry. In essence, genome-based molecular breeding, including marker assisted selection, is one of the promising technologies to produce, maintain and distribute genetic improvement across the breadth of kelp cultivars relevant to growth and disease resistance. Furthermore, the regulatory gene network underlying fucoidan and alginate biosynthesis also has broad applications for genetic breeding and improvement.

• South America

South America accounted for a significant market share of 2.98% in 2024. Seaweed farming has now expanded across several continents from South East Asia to South America, Northern Europe, Canada and East Africa, contributing to global food security, supporting rural livelihoods, alleviating poverty and improving the health of oceans. Latin America (LA) covers a vast geographical area, which includes four different oceanic domains (Temperate Northern Pacific, Tropical Eastern Pacific, Temperate South America and Tropical Atlantic) and encompasses many types of coastal ecosystems with a wide range of seaweed species. LA has major potential for the development of seaweed farming activities; however, almost all the production is based on the harvesting of natural beds. This review describes the development of and prospects for the aquaculture seaweed industry in LA. The status of the seaweed aquaculture sector for green, brown and red seaweed and the main industry challenges are addressed. Regulation in the primary countries is also discussed. The expansion of the aquaculture industry in this region can be improved with new strains and farming methodologies, diversification of species, market expansion and an increase in domestic demand.
In conclusion, it is clear that LA has great potential for seaweed aquaculture, and that the benefits associated with this sector clearly outweigh any negative aspects. Seaweed farming has the potential to improve the livelihoods of many coastal.

• Middle East and Africa

Middle East and Africa accounted for a significant market share of 4.05% in 2024. The continent of Africa and its o?shore islands have considerable potential for seaweed production to contribute to world demand. Seaweed aquaculture production in Africa, led predominantly by women, has improved the livelihoods of its coastal people. Challenges through disease and pest outbreaks, as a result of climate change, and the low prices paid to farmers are highlighted as major constraints on the development of this industry. Through scaling up and expanding current e?orts in production and utilisation of seaweeds, Africa has the potential to join China and Southeast Asia as a global leader in producing, processing and consuming a wide variety of seaweeds.
Africa is a continent of great potential for seaweed farming. It is the world’s second-largest continent, with over 55% of its countries or territories bordering one of the four seas, which surround it. The continent encompasses a wide array of climatic zones from the cool northern and southern temperate environments to the warm tropical waters near the equator.The signi?cant blooms in Nigeria have been linked to the increased nutrients transported by the Guinea Current, which originates from the North Equatorial Counter Current (NECC) and ?ows eastward along the western coast of Africa.
A number of coastal African countries have recognized the bene?ts of seaweeds and are putting e?orts into responsibly developing their resources, whether it is through wild harvest or cultivation and valorisation. With such rich resources, the e?orts done so far to cultivate and process seaweed, Africa could be one of the continents that produces and processes seaweeds in large quantities, on a scale similar to Asia. With careful management and utilization of its resources including biosecurity e?orts to reduce the introduction and spread of pests and diseases (e.g. restricted importation, observing quarantine protocols for movement of seed, regular monitoring) and protecting its natural seaweed beds, Africa has the ability to establish a signi?cant seaweed industry. These aspects call for linkages and collaboration between and amongst countries to look at possibilities of making the farming of seaweeds in Africa a one-continent industry, which bene?ts all stakeholders.

The current report Scope analyzes Seaweed Cultivation Market on 5 major region Split (In case you wish to acquire a specific region edition (more granular data) or any country Edition data then please write us on info@cognitivemarketresearch.com

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Rest of South America)
• Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Nigeria, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA)

The above graph is for illustrative purposes only.

Seaweed Cultivation Market Analysis

Seaweed Cultivation Market Type Segment Analysis

• Brown Seaweeds
• Green Seaweeds
• Red Seaweeds

Based on species type, red seaweeds segment accounted for the 47.16% of market share in 2024. Red seaweeds, the largest group of marine macroalgae, predominantly grow in deep-sea environments. These seaweeds are rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (such as carrageenan and agar), proteins, amino acids, sterols, carotenoids, and bromophenols, among others. Polysaccharides, particularly carrageenan and agar, constitute a significant portion of red seaweed’s dry matter (40–50%), and are the most researched components for their extensive biological activities.
Red seaweeds, or Rhodophyta, are predominantly cultivated in warmer coastal waters. They are highly valued for their carrageenan and agar content—hydrocolloids extensively used as gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agents in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The red seaweed segment is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for these extracts. 
In India, the government introduced new guidelines in October 2024 to bolster seaweed production, recognizing the country's potential to produce approximately 9.7 million tonnes of seaweeds across 342 identified sites. This initiative aims to enhance the cultivation of various seaweed species, including red seaweeds, to meet domestic and global demand. 
In summary, each species type within the global seaweed cultivation market offers distinct advantages and applications. Brown seaweeds dominate global production due to their versatile industrial uses, green seaweeds provide nutritional benefits and sustainable livelihood options, and red seaweeds are crucial for their valuable hydrocolloid content. Ongoing research, supportive policies, and innovative cultivation practices continue to drive the growth and diversification of this market.

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Seaweed Cultivation Market Application Segment Analysis

• Food
• Feed
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agriculture
• Others

Based on application, food segment accounted for 75.19% share of seaweed cultivation market in 2024. Seaweed’s growing popularity in the food industry can be attributed to its health benefits, sustainability, and versatility. Below are some of the main applications of seaweed in food:
Seaweed is widely used in the food industry for its diverse applications. As a food additive, seaweed varieties like agar and carrageenan serve as thickeners and gelling agents in products such as jellies, ice cream, and sauces. Additionally, carrageenan and alginate are used as emulsifiers in dairy products and plant-based alternatives, while seaweed types like nori, kombu, and dulse add umami flavors to broths, soups, and seasonings.
In nutritional supplements, seaweed is valued for its high content of iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins like K and B12, often included in health supplements or fortified foods. Dried seaweed is also ground into powders and added to smoothies, snack bars, and protein powders for a nutritional boost.
In terms of sustainability, seaweed-based bioplastics are being explored as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging, contributing to waste reduction. Seaweed’s health benefits also make it a common ingredient in functional foods, promoting gut health, boosting immunity, and offering antioxidant properties in products like fortified breads and cereals. Additionally, seaweed is used in fermented products like traditional Korean dishes and condiments. Overall, seaweed’s multifunctionality enhances both the food industry's functionality and its commitment to health and sustainability.

The above Graph is for representation purposes only. This chart does not depict actual Market share.

Seaweed Cultivation Method Of Harvesting Segment Analysis

Seaweed Cultivation Market Method Of Harvesting Segment Analysis

• Traditional
• Industrial

Based on method of harvesting, traditional segment accounted for 62.88% share of seaweed cultivation market in 2024. Seaweed harvesting involves collecting seaweed from deeper offshore waters, away from the shoreline, and requires specialized equipment and techniques due to the challenges presented by dynamic marine environments. This process includes both wild seaweed collection and seaweed farming, depending on the specific harvesting method used. Below is an overview of traditional and modern methods of offshore harvesting:
Hand Harvesting from Boats: A traditional method of offshore harvesting involves the use of small boats or canoes to collect seaweed. Harvesters travel out to sea, where seaweed grows, using basic tools such as knives, sickles, or hooks to manually gather the seaweed. This technique is effective for accessing seaweed growing on deeper rocks or ocean floors that are otherwise unreachable from land. While it is labor-intensive, this method allows for a selective and sustainable harvest, requiring skill in understanding tides, seaweed species, and local sea conditions.
While traditional methods continue to be in use, technological advancements are enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of offshore seaweed harvesting. Innovations such as automated harvesting systems, drones for monitoring seaweed farms, and more durable farming setups capable of withstanding harsh offshore conditions are significantly improving the process. These technologies reduce the labor required, increase yields, and allow for more precise harvesting, all while minimizing environmental impact.
As the global demand for seaweed grows, particularly in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels, the role of sustainable offshore seaweed harvesting becomes even more crucial. It is essential to maintain healthy marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term availability of seaweed as a resource, making responsible harvesting practices a priority for future generations.

• Traditional
• Industrial

Seaweed Cultivation Cultivation Method Segment Analysis

Seaweed Cultivation Market Cultivation Method Segment Analysis

• Off-bottom (fixed bottom) Method
• Raft or Floating Method
• Longline Method

Based on cultivation method, off bottom (fixed bottom) method segment held the 46.38% of market share in 2024. The Off-bottom Method involves anchoring seaweed cultivation lines directly to the seabed in shallow waters, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 meters deep. Wooden stakes, approximately 1 to 1.5 meters in length and 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter, are driven into the sandy or muddy substrate at intervals of 20 to 25 centimeters. A 3-millimeter thick polypropylene rope is stretched between these stakes, with seaweed seedlings, each weighing around 150 grams, attached at intervals using raffia strings. The lines are suspended 20 to 30 centimeters above the seabed to prevent the seaweed from being buried in sediment and to ensure they remain submerged during low tide, protecting them from direct sunlight exposure, which can be detrimental. 
This method is particularly effective in regions with calm, shallow waters and stable substrates. For instance, in Zanzibar, seaweed farming activities are usually small-scale and carried out in the intertidal zones, largely in marine conservation areas, near mangroves and coral reefs. Since 1990, Zanzibar has become a primary seaweed producer in Africa, with 88% of seaweed farmers being women, making this an important activity to elevate their economic status and role in the community.

• Off-bottom (fixed bottom) Method
• Raft or Floating Method
• Longline Method

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Pratik Shirsath

Research Associate at Cognitive Market Research

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