Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Size 2025 to 2035

The global specialty oil crop seeds market size was calculated at USD 32.75 billion in 2025 with projections indicating a rise from USD 34.35 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 52.84 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.9% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. Growing demand for healthy and clean-label oils, as well as the expanding nutraceutical and personal care sector are driving the market.

Key Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the global specialty oil crop seeds market with 36% largest share in 2025.
• By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR from 2026 to 2035.
• By crop type, the canola/rapeseed specialty varieties segment held the major market share in 2025. 
• By crop type, the flax/linseed segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR between 2026 and 2035.
• By form, the whole seed segment dominated the market in 2025. 
• By form, the seed oils segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the projected period.
• By application, the food and beverages segment contributed the biggest market share in 2025.
• By application, the animal feed and nutrition segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2026 and 2035.

Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Industry Coverage

Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Drivers 

Specialty oil crop seeds are rich in nutritionally desirable components such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids, phospholipids, phytosterols, and other bioactive phenolics. There is a growing demand for specialty oils and fats that not only possess specific physical properties but also contain bioactive compounds that provide health benefits and enhance the oxidative stability of food products. These oils are commonly used in dietary supplements, special culinary applications, and cosmetics. The global demand for vegetable oil and meal, which are essential for feed, food, and fuel, is encouraging specialty oil crop seed processors to expand their operations. 

Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Trends

• The rising demand for sustainable, renewable fuel sources is increasing the popularity of biofuels and boosting the specialty oil crop seeds. Subsidies, tax benefits, and regulations are further promoting this trend.
• Organic, non-GMO, and clean-label specialty oil crop seeds command higher price premiums, resulting in greater profitability for farmers due to the health benefits associated with organic foods. 
• The rise in vegetarian and vegan diets is likely to boost the market further, as consumers seek alternatives to animal-based products. This increasing preference for plant-based diets is driving up the demand for specialty oil crop seeds.

Key Technological Shift in the Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market

Advancements in gene-editing technologies are being applied to oilseed crops to make precise genome modifications, introduce beneficial variations, enhance fatty acids elongation and desaturation, and increase overall oil accumulation in seeds. The oilseed industry is evolving in response to climate change and shifting consumer preferences. Research is focused on developing varieties with higher oil content, improved disease resistance, and better nutritional profiles. For example, high-oleic varieties of sunflower and soybean provide greater stability and health benefits. These innovations aim to create superior specialty oil crop seed varieties and extract oils more sustainably and efficiently, addressing health demands and food security needs.

Trade Analysis of the Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market

• Globally, the top three exporters of sunflower seeds are the United States, China, and Spain. The United States leads in sunflower seed exports with 2,529 shipments, followed by China with 660 shipments and Spain with 330 shipments. 
• From April 2024 to March 2025, the United States exported 412 shipments of oil seeds through 75 exporters to 48 different buyers, marking a growth rate of 162% compared to the previous twelve months. 
• In the same period, India exported 1,653 shipments of oil seeds using 366 exporters to 513 buyers, with the majority of these exports going to Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. 
• The top three importers of sesame seeds are the United States, China, and Nigeria. The United States leads in sesame seed imports with 14,912 shipments, followed by China with 5,709 shipments and Nigeria with 5,517 shipments.

Value Chain Analysis of Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market

Raw Material Procurement

• Raw material sourcing for specialty oil crop seeds includes s sourcing high-quality, often niche, agricultural products by establishing relationships with local farmers or suppliers.

Quality Control

• It includes inspection from field production to post-harvest storage, using standards from organizations like the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).

Distribution

• Distributed by utilizing broad networks of distributors, retailers, and direct sales to reach farmers globally.

Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Regional Insights

Which Region Dominated the Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market in 2025?

North America dominated the specialty oil crop seeds market in 2025. Over the years, petroleum-based ingredients have replaced many plant-based components in various products. Growing consumer demand for bio-based products produced through sustainable practices has intensified pressure on existing vegetable oil supplies. The search for new vegetable oil sources, especially for non-edible industrial products and fuel production, has led to the exploration of various specialty oil crop seeds as potential resources to alleviate the demand for commonly used commodity oils in food applications.

North America Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Size 2025 to 2035

The North America specialty oil crop seeds market size was calculated at USD 11.79 billion in 2025 with projections indicating a rise from USD 12.37 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 19.29 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.05% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

U.S. Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Trends 

The growing production of specialty crops including safflower, flaxseed, and camelina has propelled the growth of the U.S. market for specialty oil crop seeds. The market for specialty oils has increased due to growing customer interest in local, organic, and healthful options. Cottonseed, soybeans, canola, sunflower seed, rapeseed, and peanuts are the main oilseed crops grown in the United States. Approximately 90% of the oilseeds produced in the United States are soybeans.

How Big is the U.S. Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market?

The U.S. specialty oil crop seeds market size was valued at USD 8.84 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 9.27 billion in 2026 to reach nearly USD 14.56 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.12% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

Asia Pacific Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Trends

Asia Pacific expects fastest growth during the forecast period. The market is being fueled by evolving consumer preferences for healthier and functional food options, growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of oils such as avocado, flaxseed, and chia seed oils, increased global consumption of edible oil, higher production of peanuts and soybeans, rising demand for oilseed meals used as livestock feed, the availability of improved seed varieties, and broader industrial applications of oilseed oils.

India Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Trends

The Indian market for specialty oil crop seeds is primarily driven by the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, health trends, and industrial applications in food, cosmetics, and biofuels. Government initiatives have further enhanced production capabilities and export potentials. India stands as one of the largest exporters of oilseed products, including soybeans, mustard seeds, groundnuts, sesame seeds, niger seeds, cotton seeds, castor seeds, as well as sunflower and safflower seeds. In the fiscal year 2025, oilseed exports reached a valuation of USD 1.34 billion. Oilseeds are pivotal not only for nutritional security but also for supporting farmer welfare, as they serve as significant cash crops that sustain rural incomes and employment.

Europe Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Trends

In Europe, specialty oil crop seeds market plays an essential role in the continent's mission to produce sustainable, locally sourced oils, thereby reducing dependence on imports and bolstering regional agriculture. The European market is witnessing consistent growth, largely fueled by increased demand for soybean, rapeseed, sunflower, and other oilseeds. The market size is expanding due to heightened consumption in sectors such as food processing, biofuel production, and animal nutrition. 

Germany Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Trends

Specialty oil crop seeds market in Germany is expanding rapidly. There is an increasing preference for natural, organic, and functional oils, accompanied by a growing vegan and vegetarian demographic, and an expanded application in the cosmetics and nutraceuticals sectors. The rising prevalence of health-conscious lifestyles is prompting consumers to opt for specialty oils rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Moreover, the food service industry transition towards premium ingredients and innovative culinary applications is catalyzing market growth.

Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market Segmental Insights

Crop Type Insights

Which Crop Type Segment Dominated the Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market in 2025?

The canola/rapeseed specialty varieties segment held the largest market share in 2025. Rapeseed is primarily cultivated for the production of edible oils, biodiesel, industrial chemicals, and animal feed. Its oil serves as a vital raw material for various industrial products, including paints, inks, plastics, and lubricants. The growing health consciousness among consumers substantially propels the demand for canola oil, attributed to its heart-health benefits, which represent a key driver of the canola seed market.

The Flax/Linseed Segment is Projected to Experience the Fastest Growth Rate During the Forecast Period.

Due to its recognition for its eminent composition as a nutraceutical and functional food. Flaxseeds are enriched with α-linolenic acids, short-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, phyto-estrogenic lignans, a cluster of anti-cancer agents, and other bioactive compounds. They have been integrated into a variety of bakery product, beverages, and dairy items.

Form Insights

Which Form Segment Dominated the Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market in 2025?

The whole seeds segment accounted for the largest market share in 2025. Due to their high demand, whole seeds are increasingly utilized in the production of various food products. This demand arises from their dual-purpose nature, providing essential edible oils and high-protein meals for livestock, alongside growing industrial applications. Furthermore, consumer preference for minimally processed products boosts the demand for whole seeds.

The Seed Oils Segment is Anticipated to Grow at a Notable Rate During the Forecast Period.

Driven by increased demand from food processing industries. The rising consumption of processed and baked goods in developing economies is further propelling this market. Consumers increasingly favor oils that are sustainably produced, without harsh chemicals, particularly those categorized as organic and cold-pressed varieties.

Application Insights

Which Application Segment Dominated the Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market in 2025?

The food and beverages segment held a dominant share of the specialty oil crop seeds market in 2025, driven by consumer preferences for healthy food options. In addition to cooking oil, oilseed derivatives are being incorporated into health supplements, protein powders, and functional food. Their rich nutrient profile, which includes omega fatty acids and antioxidants, is particularly appealing to health-conscious consumers. Recent innovations encompass seed-based protein isolates and fortified snack products.

The Animal Feed and Nutrition Segment is Expected to Exhibit the Fastest Growth Rate During the Forecast Period. 

This demand is fueled by the necessity for balanced, nutrient-dense diets for poultry, swine, ruminants, and pets, leveraging by-products from oil extraction to enhance feed efficiency and reduce costs. Vegetable proteins derived from oilseeds, including groundnut, coconut, sesame, sunflower, and soybean, are increasingly employed in animal feed. Oilseed meals are valued in animal husbandry due to their abundant energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Recent Developments in the Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market

Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited

• Launch: In October 2025, Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited, a manufacturer and seller of sustainable edible oils, announced that its flagship consumer brand, GEO, has officially launched on Zhongsheng GO, a digital retail platform managed by Zhongsheng Group Holdings Limited. (Source: GlobeNewsWire)

Saipol

• Launch: In August 2025, Saipol launched a new range of refined rapeseed and sunflower oils, sourced from French-grown seeds cultivated using sustainable farming practices. These practices focus on soil regeneration, reduced inputs, and the promotion of biodiversity. This new offering combines quality and traceability while supporting the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals of food industry players and their brands. (Source: Avril)

Top Companies in the Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market

• Corteva Agriscience, a leading player in the market, has been developing and characterizing hybrid seeds for farmers for nearly 100 years. The company has worked with farmers around the world to provide agricultural seed products and management recommendations.
• Bayer Crop Science, following its acquisition of Monsanto, is a dominant force in global commercial seeds, particularly in oil crops such as soybeans, cotton, and canola. As a subsidiary of Bayer, Monsanto generates significant revenue from genetically modified seeds and invests heavily in research and development.

Other Companies in the Specialty Oil Crop Seeds Market 

• Syngenta AG
• BASF SE
• Limagrain
• KWS SAAT SE
• Sakata Seed Corporation
• Nuseed (Nufarm)
• ZeaKal Inc.
• Smart Earth Seeds
• AgReliant Genetics

Segments Covered in the Report

By Crop Type

• Sunflower seeds
  
  • High oleic sunflower varieties
  • Mid-oleic sunflower varieties
  • Confectionery sunflower seeds
  • Oil-type sunflower seeds
• Canola/rapeseed specialty varieties
  
  • High oleic canola
  • Omega-3 enhanced canola
  • Winter canola varieties
  • Spring canola varieties 
• Camelina (false flax)
  
  • Industrial camelina varieties
  • Food-grade camelina
  • Biofuel camelina varieties 
• Sesame seeds
  
  • White sesame seeds
  • Black sesame seeds
  • Brown sesame seeds
• Hemp seeds
  
  • Industrial hemp varieties
  • Food-grade hemp seeds
  • CBD hemp varieties 
• Safflower seeds
  
  • High oleic safflower
  • High linoleic safflower
  • Birdseed safflower 
• Flax/linseed
  
  • Oil flax varieties
  • Fiber flax varieties
  • Food-grade flaxseed 
• Other specialty oilseeds
  
  • Chia seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Pennycress
  • Brassica carinata
  • Crambe
  • Jojoba

By Form

• Whole seeds
  
  • Raw unprocessed seeds
  • Cleaned and graded seeds
  • Roasted and processed seeds
• Seed oils
  
  • Cold-pressed oils
  • Expeller-pressed oils
  • Solvent-extracted oils
  • Refined and processed oils
• Seed meals and proteins
  
  • Defatted seed meals
  • Protein concentrates
  • Protein isolates 
• Value-added products
  
  • Encapsulated oils
  • Emulsified products
  • Specialty formulations

By Application

• Food and beverages
  • Cooking oils and edible applications
  • Functional foods and nutraceuticals
  • Bakery and confectionery products
  • Snack foods and direct consumption
  • Food ingredients and additives
• Biofuels and energy
  
  • Biodiesel production
  • Aviation biofuels
  • Renewable diesel
  • Biogas and energy co-products 
• Cosmetics and personal care
  
  • Skin care products
  • Hair care applications
  • Anti-aging and premium cosmetics
  • Natural and organic personal care 
• Pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
  
  • Omega fatty acid supplements
  • Pharmaceutical excipients
  • Therapeutic applications
  • Veterinary medicine 
• Industrial applications
  
  • Lubricants and industrial oils
  • Paints and coatings
  • Adhesives and sealants
  • Plastics and polymers 
• Animal feed and nutrition
  
  • Livestock feed supplements
  • Aquaculture feed
  • Pet food applications
  • Protein meal co-products

By Region 

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