Microalgae market thrives with a projected US$1.5 billion valuation by 2028, according to a new research report

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, Microalgae Market by Type, Application, and Region: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021–2028, the global microalgae market size was valued at US$977.3 million in 2020, and is projected to reach US$1,485.1 million by 2028, registering a CAGR of 5.4%.

North America was the highest revenue contributor in 2020, and is estimated to be dominant throughout the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is estimated grow at a significant CAGR of 6.7%. North America and Europe collectively accounted for around a hefty share in 2020.

Key players in the microalgae have adopted product launch and expansion as their key strategies to stay competitive in the market. Key players profiled in the report include include Algenol Biotech, Cellana Inc, Cyanotech Corporation, DIC Corporation, E.I.D Parry, Fuqing King Dnarmsa Spirulina Co, Kent BioEnergy Corporation, Taau Australia, Holdings, Inc, and Astareal AB

Microalgae are microscopic organisms that are unicellular and can exist individually, in chains, or groups. Based on the species, their sizes may range from a few micrometers (μm) to a few hundred micrometers. Unlike plants, microalgae do not have roots, stems, or leaves.

Growth of the market is attributed to growing application of algal protein in dietary supplements and food industry.

Moreover, algal protein is not considered an animal protein source, hence is perfect for consumption among the vegan population. Furthermore, microalgae have multiple applications in cosmetics and feed industries.

Both feed and cosmetics industry have experienced a surge in growth in the recent decade, which has increased demand for such products on a global level and resulted in increase in demand for microalgae. However, uncertainties in climatic conditions leading to problems in algae production act as restraint for the market growth.

On the contrary, breakthroughs in microalgae production technology and growing adoption of microalgae in the fortified food sector is expected to provide opportunities for growth of the microalgae market in the coming years.

The microalgae market has been segmented on the basis of type, application, and region. By type, the market is divided into spirulina, chlorella, dunaliella salina, and aphanizomenon flos-aquae.

On the basis of application, it is divided into dietary supplements, food/feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and others. Furthermore, it includes revenue generated from sales of Microalgae across North America (the USA, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa).

Based on microalgae market analysis by type, the spirulina segment was the largest segment in 2020, and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. Growth in this segment is attributed to rise in awareness regarding health & wellness among customers.

The spirulina segment was also the fastest-growing segment in the type category, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% throughout the forecast period.

Based on microalgae market forecast by application, the food/feed segment was the largest segment in 2020, and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the fact that microalgae has become a key ingredient in dairy, medical, pet supplement, and health supplement industries.

Rise in adoption of microalgae in the food/feed industry is also to rich nutritional value that microalgae offers. Increase in the pet owners, coupled with rise in the consumption of food with diverse macro and macronutrient profile drives the microalgae market growth.

Region wise, North America was the largest market in 2020, in terms of revenue generation, garnering almost one-third of the global Microalgae market share. U.S. is expected to expand at a notable growth rate exhibiting highest share throughout the forecast period.

However, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA in the Microalgae market are expected to witness notable growth during the forecast period. The growth in these regions can be attributed to improving business environment.