Safflower Seeds Market Analysis
The Safflower Seeds Market size is estimated at USD 1.09 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.67 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.70% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The safflower seed market encompasses the cultivation, production, and sale of safflower seeds from the Carthamus tinctorius plant. These seeds yield oil used in cooking, cosmetics, and industrial applications, while also serving as ingredients in bird feed and natural dyes.
The increasing consumer focus on health has elevated the demand for healthier cooking oils. Safflower oil, especially high oleic varieties, offers a healthier alternative due to its high monounsaturated fat content and low saturated fats. The rise in heart-healthy diets has increased safflower oil consumption in cooking and food products. Additionally, the global shift toward plant-based and vegan diets has increased demand for safflower seeds and oil as consumers prefer plant-derived alternatives to animal-based products.
Major safflower seed production occurs in regions with semi-arid or dry climates. Primary producing countries include India, the United States, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Argentina, and Turkey. Kyrgyzstan safflower seed production increased from 6,004 metric tons in 2022 to 6,474 metric tons in 2023, according to FAOSTAT. The country's favorable growing conditions support both domestic use and exports of this oilseed crop.
Safflower seeds serve as high-protein ingredients in animal feed, particularly for poultry and livestock. Growing livestock consumption in North America, Asia, and Latin America increases demand for safflower seed oilcakes and meals. The United States' poultry meat consumption rose from 19,914.5 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 20,443.9 thousand metric tons in 2023, according to OECD data. In Europe and Latin America, safflower seeds enhance growth and production rates in poultry and livestock feed, supported by increasing demand for cost-effective animal feed in large-scale farming operations.
Safflower Seeds Market Trends
Industries' Growing Demand for Safflower Boosts Seed Production
The growing demand from various industries is boosting safflower seed production globally. As industries in the food, feed, and biofuels sectors expand, the need for safflower seed—both for oil extraction and other applications—continues to rise. According to FAOSTAT, global safflower seed production increased from 627.3 million metric tons in 2021 to 723.9 million metric tons in 2023.
Safflower seed production is increasing due to growing consumer preference for healthier cooking oils. Safflower seed, known for its rich polyunsaturated fats (notably omega-6 fatty acids) and Vitamin E content, has established its position in cooking and food processing. As consumers shift towards alternatives to palm or soybean oil, safflower oil demand has increased. The snack food industry represents another significant market segment, with safflower seeds used in energy bars, granola bars, trail mixes, and other snacks. Additionally, the rise of plant-based diets has positioned safflower seeds as a protein source in meat substitutes, plant-based milk, and various vegan foods.
Safflower oil serves as a feedstock in biodiesel production, particularly in regions prioritizing renewable energy sources. The growing global biofuels market has increased the importance of safflower oil in this sector. The cosmetics industry also utilizes safflower oil for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, with demand from personal care and cosmetics sectors contributing to increased safflower seed production.
Asia-Pacific Dominate the Market
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region dominates the safflower seeds market through extensive production, consumption, and agricultural diversity. India is the world's largest producer of safflower seeds, contributing significantly to global production. According to FAOSTAT, India's safflower seed production increased from 61,270 metric tons in 2022 to 90,002.46 metric tons in 2023. The country's semi-arid regions provide optimal conditions for safflower cultivation. India maintains a strong domestic market for safflower oil in both cooking applications and cosmetics manufacturing. The primary safflower-producing states include Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Australia has developed into a significant safflower seed producer, particularly in South Australia, though its production volume remains below India and the United States. The Australian agricultural sector has increased safflower cultivation, capitalizing on the crop's drought resistance and adaptability to various climatic conditions. The country's safflower production supports domestic demand for safflower oil, primarily in health-focused food products.
The increasing preference for plant-based and organic products has enhanced safflower oil's market position in food and cosmetics applications. In India, the natural and organic cosmetics trend has increased safflower oil demand in beauty and skincare products. Manufacturers incorporate safflower oil into skin creams, lotions, and soaps, utilizing its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Safflower Seeds Market News
- June 2024: The Canadian government invested in Seed, including safflower seeds facilities, to support economic growth. The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to USD 330,000 through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to enhance the Superior Plant Upgrading and Distribution (SPUD) Unit in New Liskeard. The SPUD Unit supports farmers and the wider agriculture and food industry by offering testing for plant diseases and providing a stock of healthy plants to commercial growers across the province.
- October 2024: The Indian Union Cabinet approved the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to increase domestic oilseed production and reduce import dependency. The mission, with a budget allocation of Rs 10,103 crore, will operate from 2024-25 to 2030-31. NMEO-Oilseeds aims to enhance the production of primary oilseed crops including safflower, rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, and sesamum. The mission also focuses on improving the collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources such as cottonseed, rice bran, and tree-borne oils.
