Fermented Dried Seaweed Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

Fermented Dried Seaweed Market Size 2025 to 2035

The global fermented dried seaweed market size reached at USD 378.60 million in 2025 and is anticipated to increase from USD 393.74 million in 2026 to an estimated USD 560.42 million by 2035, witnessing a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. The strong focus on gut health and the growing seaweed farming drive the market growth.

Key Highlights

• By region, Asia Pacific held 72% share in the fermented dried seaweed market in 2025.
• By region, Europe is growing at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By source type, the red seaweed segment held 52% share in the market in 2025. 
• By source type, the brown seaweed segment is growing at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. 
• By product form, the dried sheets/flakes segment held 46% share in the market in 2025.
• By product form, the powdered extract segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By application, the food & beverages segment held 58% share in the market in 2025.
• By application, the nutraceuticals and dietary supplements segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By distribution channel, the B2B segment held 65% share in the market in 2025.
• By distribution channel, the B2C segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.

Fermented Dried Seaweed Industry Coverage

Market Overview

Fermented dried seaweed is a highly digestible and sustainable superfoods consumed to enhance digestive health. They are widely used in human health and pet health applications. They enhances availability of nutrition, support joint health, improves digestion process, enhance flavor profile, and support immune function. Fermented dried seaweed is used as a natural binding agent and contains low iodine. They are widely used in prebiotic foods, snack products, aquaculture, dry kibble, dental chews, and functional beverages.

The fermented dried seaweed market growth is driven by the accelerated consumption of plant-based diets, increasing investment in seaweed farming, transition towards nutrient-rich plant proteins, focus on enhancing nutritional profile, growing demand for low-calorie food, and the increased consumption of seaweed-based products.

What are the Key Trends in the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market?

• Growing Snacks Consumption: The strong consumer focus on nutritious snacking and the shift towards clean-label snacking products increases demand for fermented dried seaweed. The increased production of snacking items like crisps and others requires fermented dried seaweed. 
• Focus on Gut Health: The increasing awareness about healthy gut health and the increased consumption of gut-friendly products increases demand for fermented dried seaweed. The focus on enhancing gut balance requires fermented dried seaweed. 
• Growing Nutraceuticals Industry: The consumer focus on preventing illness and the rising interest in scientifically-proven nutritional products increases demand for nutraceuticals like pet supplements, human supplements, and other products that require fermented dried seaweed. 
• Rising Processed Goods Demand: The growing number of long working hours and the increased consumer spending on processed items increase demand for fermented dried seaweed. The increasing use of fermented dried seaweed in pre-packaged foods helps market expansion.

Key Technological Shift in the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market

The fermented dried seaweed market is undergoing technological changes driven by demand for sustainable processing, enhancing sensory profiles, and high production scalability. The technological innovations, such as process simulation, data analytics, biochemical modelling, and metabolic engineering, enhance the efficiency of the fermentation process. The key technological shift is the integration of AI, which increases the production of higher yields and lowers environmental impact.

AI simply detects the impurities in seaweed and optimizes the fermentation process. AI develops high-value fermented dried seaweed products and supports sustainable harvesting. AI easily predicts the texture profile and tracks ecosystem health. AI optimizes the growth conditions of seaweed and enhances the production of the final fermented product. Overall, AI is a data-driven process that develops nutritious fermented dried seaweed products. 

Trade Analysis of the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market

• South Korea exported 939 shipments of dried seaweed. 
• The United States imported 1,855 shipments of dried seaweed. 
• South Korea exported 18,480 shipments of seaweed. 
• The United States imported 19,185 shipments of seaweed. 
• China imported 7,670 shipments of seaweed. 
• Indonesia exported 71 shipments of dried seaweed flakes.

Fermented Dried Seaweed Market Value Chain Analysis

Raw Material Procurement

• The stage focuses on sourcing raw materials like dried seaweed species, fermentation additives, water, and carbohydrate sources. 
• Key Players: Acadian Seaplants, Algaia SA, Cargill, Inc., Aura Biotechnologies Private Limited, Kim Minh Exim Co., Ltd. 

Processing and Preservation

• The processing involves steps like pre-treatment, fermentation methods such as microbial inoculation, and final drying. Preservation focuses on airtight storage, preservative addition, desiccant addition, and temperature control. 
• Key Players: Marine Biologics, Sea Forest, Ocean’s Balance, The Seaweed Company, Cargill, Kimnori USA, Marine Biologics 

Quality Testing and Certifications

• The stage focuses on evaluating properties like protein degradation, moisture content, unbound water, heavy metals content, impurities, and nutritional profiling. Certifications include HACCP, EU Organic, Kosher, ASC-MSC Seaweed Standard, and ISO 22000. 
• Key Players: TUV SUD, Eurofins Scientific, ASC-MSC, FFCE< Envirocare Labs, SGS

Type to Applications: Functional Mapping of Fermented Dried Seaweed

Fermented Dried Seaweed Market Regional Insights

What made Asia Pacific Dominate the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market? 

Asia Pacific dominated the fermented dried seaweed market with a 72% share in 2025. The strong presence of aquaculture and the increased functional food consumption increase demand for fermented dried seaweed. The increasing awareness about healthy food consumption and the growing production of organic fertilizers require fermented dried seaweed. The large-scale cultivation of seaweed in the ASEAN region and the growing demand for seaweed-based products drive the overall market growth.

Asia Pacific Fermented Dried Seaweed Market Size 2025 to 2035

The Asia Pacific fermented dried seaweed market size was calculated at USD 170.37 billion in 2025 with projections indicating a rise from USD 177.18 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 254.99 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.11% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

From Sea to Shelf: China’s Role in Fermented Dried Seaweed

China is the largest contributor to the market. The massive production of seaweed and the increased cultivation of Kelp species fuel market expansion. The rising number of health-conscious individuals and the availability of raw seaweed processing capabilities increase the production of fermented dried seaweed-based products. The growing consumption of protein-rich diets and the industrial growth require fermented dried seaweed, supporting overall market growth. 

• China exported 694 shipments of dried seaweed.

Europe Fermented Dried Seaweed Market Trends

Europe is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The consumer preference for nutrient-dense food and the rise in vegan diets increase demand for fermented dried seaweed. The growing popularity of sushi and the growth in environmentally conscious consumer increases adoption of fermented dried seaweed. The increased soup consumption and the focus on improving digestibility require fermented dried seaweed, driving the overall market growth.

Rise of Fermented Dried Seaweed in Germany

Germany is rapidly growing in the market. The consumer shift towards high-fiber diets and the popularity of Asian cuisine increase demand for fermented dried seaweed. The increasing interest in sustainable diets and the presence of a health-conscious audience increase demand for fermented dried seaweed. The availability of seaweed-based products in German retail stores supports the overall market growth.

Fermented Dried Seaweed Market Segmental Insights

Source Type Insights

Why Red Seaweed Segment Dominates the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market?

The red seaweed segment dominated the fermented dried seaweed market with 52% share in 2025. The growing adoption of sustainable products and the increased production of hydrocolloids increase demand for red seaweed. The growing cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii and expanding cosmetics applications help market expansion. The excellent nutritional value, high fermentation efficiency, and superior protein value of red seaweed drive the market growth. 

The Brown Seaweed Segment is the Fastest-Growing in the Market During the Forecast Period.

The growing production of novel foods and the rapid growth in cosmeceuticals increase demand for brown seaweed. The high bioactive compounds, improved palatability, and enhanced safety of brown seaweed boost market expansion. The growing use of Kelp species in various industrial applications and the growth in sustainable aquaculture support the overall market growth. 

Product Form Insights

How did the Dried Sheets or Flakes Segment hold the Largest Share in the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market?

The dried sheets or flakes segment held the largest revenue share of 46% in the fermented dried seaweed market in 2025. The popularity of ready-to-eat snacks and the focus on extending the shelf life of food increase demand for dried sheets or flakes. The increased consumption of salads and the trending Asian cuisines increases demand for dried sheets or flakes. The convenience, ease of transportation, superior texture, and enhanced nutrition of dried sheets or flakes drive the overall market growth.

The Powdered Extract Segment is Experiencing the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period.

The increasing use of nutritional enhancers and the development of skin-loving products increase demand for powdered extract. The high consumption rate of health beverages and the production of nutraceuticals require powdered extracts. The superior solubility, longer shelf life, high nutrient concentration, and enhanced stability of powdered extracts support the overall market growth.

Application Insights

Which Application Dominated the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market?

The food and beverages segment dominated the fermented dried seaweed market with 58% share in 2025. The popularity of clean-label diets and the increased consumption of specialized teas increases demand for fermented dried seaweed. The strong consumer focus on superfood consumption and the growing development of vegan products increase demand for fermented dried seaweed. The expanding production of fermented seaweed-infused beverages and seaweed-based snacks supports the overall market growth. 

The Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements Segment is the Fastest Growing in the Market During the Forecast Period.

The growing consumption of supplements daily and the focus on the consumption of immune-enhancing products require fermented dried seaweed. The growing consumer focus on increasing vitamin levels and lowering allergic reactions increases the consumption of nutraceuticals containing fermented dried seaweed. The growing consumption of marine collagen, thyroid, and gut health supplements requires fermented dried seaweed, supporting the overall market growth. 

Distribution Channel Insights

Why did the B2B Segment hold the Largest Share in the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market?

The B2B segment held the largest revenue share of 65% in the fermented dried seaweed market in 2025. The growing industrial applications and the increasing use of hydrocolloids increases adoption of B2B. The increased production of organic fertilizer and the focus on bulk processing increase demand for B2B. The cost-efficiency, supply chain efficiency, and quality control in B2B drive the overall market growth. 

The B2C Segment is Experiencing the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period.

The growing culinary transition and the robust growth in snackification increases adoption of B2C. The high consumption of cleaner food labels and consumer focus on novelty increases the adoption of B2C. The strong presence of e-commerce and the expanding supermarkets support the overall market growth.

Recent Developments in the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market

Scoular and SEADLING

• In August 2024, Scoular collaborated with SEADLING to launch fermented dried seaweed powder to pet food in North America. The collaboration aims to improve the overall well-being of pets and develop clean-label products. (Source: PetFood industry)

SEADLING

• In August 2025, SEADLING launched a second functional seaweed ingredients processing facility in Malaysia. The facility enhances the production capacity of fermented ingredients for human and pet food products. (Source: AFN News)

KelpEat

• In February 2025, KelpEat launched crackers made up of Eu-farmed seaweed and Solein fermented protein. The crackers provide nutrients like calcium, antioxidants, vitamin B12, magnesium, and vitamin B9. (Source: Vegconomist)

Top Companies in the Fermented Dried Seaweed Market

• Cargill, Incorporated: The family-owned Minnesota-based agribusiness company produces seaweed-based powder like WavePure ADG 8250 and red seaweed for applications like personal care, dairy, and confectionery products. 
• CP Kelco (J.M. Huber Corp): The Georgia-based company supports sourcing and extraction of seaweed to serve applications like personal care and food products. 
• Acadian Seaplants Limited: The Canada-based fully integrated biotechnology company produces various seaweed products for human, agriculture, and animal nutrition. 
• Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group: The China-based company processes seaweed into products like marine fertilizers, alginates, and functional sugar alcohols to serve the cosmetic, agriculture, and food industry.
• Gelymar S.A.: The company is a major producer of seaweed-based hydrocolloids to support applications like meat, cosmetics, dairy, and pet food.

Other Companies

• Gelymar S.A.
• Algaia S.A.
• DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences
• Mara Seaweed (Seaweed Enterprises)
• Seadling (Fermentation Specialist)
• Atlantic Sea Farms
• Ocean Harvest Technology
• Maine Coast Sea Vegetables
• Sunil Products Co., Ltd.
• Nantong Xinlang Seaweed & Foods
• Beijing Leili Agricultural Co.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Source Type

• Red Seaweed (Nori/Dulse)
• Brown Seaweed (Kelp/Wakame/Kombu)
• Green Seaweed (Ulva)

By Product Form

• Dried Sheets/Flakes
• Powdered Extract
• Whole Leaf

By Application

• Food & Beverages (Snacks/Seasoning)
• Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements
• Animal Feed & Aquaculture
• Cosmetics & Personal Care

By Distribution Channel

• B2B (Industrial/Food Processing)
• B2C (Retail/E-commerce)

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific 
• MEA
• Latin America