Quinoa Seeds Market (2024 - 2030)

Quinoa Seeds Market Summary

The global quinoa seeds market size was estimated at USD 381.4 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 389.2 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 0.3% from 2024 to 2030. The growth of the market is majorly driven by factors, such as the growing consumption of plant-based diets coupled with the high demand for gluten-free food products.

Quinoa seeds possess high quantities of folate, calcium, fiber, zinc, antioxidants, and other types of vitamins, which can be used in diverse applications as a substitute for gluten-based crops. In addition, the rising cases of cardiovascular diseases and chronic diseases have fueled the demand for these seeds. Growing demand for healthier foods among consumers and the rising popularity of ancient grains and superfoods have heightened the product demand globally.

Furthermore, COVID-19 accelerated the promotion of plant-based proteins and gluten-free foods. The emphasis on environmental sustainability and health has significantly contributed to the growth of organic grains, such as quinoa. For instance, in October 2020, Ingredion Incorporated expanded its range of plant proteins with the launch of the HOMECRAFT Quinoa 112 Flour product. The flour has diverse applications in baked goods, snacks, pasta, and pet food. Through the launch of quinoa flour, the company aimed to expand the demand for plant-based proteins.

In addition, in June 2023, Washington State University and Brigham Young University collaborated to produce three new quinoa varieties namely Shisha, Cougar, and Gikungu. The introduction of such varieties can help farmers in African nations to improve nutrition and food security. The advances in farming methods, such as improved breeding, mechanization, and sustainable farming methods, in the production of quinoa, boost the demand in the market. For instance, the adoption of mechanized equipment has helped modernize tasks, such as planting, harvesting, and post-harvesting process.

Type Insights

In terms of type, the market is segmented into white, red, black, and multicolor. The white quinoa segment held the largest share of 50.4%, in terms of revenue, in 2022. Mild flavor and its familiarity with consumers over other types of quinoas are the primary factors driving the demand for white quinoa. The growing adoption of white quinoa in salads and ready-to-eat (RTE) meals is also favoring the growth of the segment. A U.S.-based food and beverages services company, SIMPLi, offers regenerative white quinoa, which is gluten-free and ideal for plant-based food applications.

The multicolor segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 3.9%, in terms of volume, during the forecast period. The demand for multicolor quinoa has been fueled by the vibrant appearance achieved by a combination of several colored grains. In addition, the growing marketing trend by food companies toward tricolor and multicolor is favoring the growth of the segment. In May 2023, a Malaysia-based provider of RTE meals launched a noodles meal kit that includes noodles made from tricolor quinoa, and high-protein wheat flour. The meal kit is available in Prawn Mee, Curry Laksa, and Soy Sauce & Scallion flavors.

Application Insights

The direct whole seed consumption application segment held the largest revenue share of 68.7% over the forecast period. Whole seeds are utilized for human and animal feed consumption. Product usage in several culinary applications, such as salads, soups, RTE meal kits, and baked goods, coupled with the increasing adoption of vegan diets, has supported its demand as an alternative protein source. Moreover, it offers a complete protein profile that comprises all important amino acids, thereby acting as an essential ingredient for vegan and plant-based applications. In March 2023, ADM announced the launch of a D2C brand Knwble Grwn, which promotes small farmers utilizing regenerative methods for producing quinoa.

The range includes quinoa, hemp, flaxseed, and hemp seed. The processing segment is estimated to register a significant CAGR of 1.0% by volume during the forecast period. The processing segment includes flour, flakes, crisps, and other forms of processed quinoa utilized in food and beverage applications. The product usage in processed applications offers food manufacturers a unique selling proposition enabling companies to offer innovative products. In March 2022, a U.S.-based provider of chocolate snacks, Undercover Snacks, announced the launch of chocolate quinoa crisps.

Distribution Channel Insights

On the basis of distribution channels, the industry has been further bifurcated into food service and retail. The food service segment held the largest revenue share of 62.2% in 2022. The shift toward the consumption of fiber-rich and plant-based foods coupled with a rising vegan populace has encouraged several restaurants and bars to provide plant-based protein sources, such as quinoa, on their menus. For example, a U.S.-based restaurant, Saladworks, utilizes ancient grains, such as barley, quinoa, and farro, in rice and pasta dishes.

The retail segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 0.4%, in terms of revenue, during the forecast period. The retail segment comprises supermarkets/hypermarkets, online channels, wholesale stores, and other convenience stores. A rise in the number of companies offering innovative products in the industry coupled with increased health consciousness among consumers has encouraged several supermarket and hypermarket chains to offer a wide variety of quinoa-based products. For instance, GoGo Quinoa, a Canada-based provider, offers a range of its grains, such as amaranth and quinoa, in supermarkets.

Regional Insights

North America held the dominant revenue share of 28.7% in 2022 owing to the high demand for vegan food and the presence of key players in the region. Factors, such as social media influence and the rise in popularity of vegan diets, have propelled the product demand in the region. In addition, the adoption of large-scale quinoa farming and advancements in farming machinery have supported the regional product demand. For instance, Washington State University is conducting several tests on identifying quinoa varieties and testing them on factors, such as sprouting season and heat resistance. Furthermore, the U.S. is estimated to register a significant growth rate of 0.29%, in terms of revenue, over the forecast period.

Companies, such as Lundberg Family Farms and Andean Naturals, are actively involved in product distribution in the U.S. and protecting smaller farmers in the country. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 0.62% from 2023 to 2030, in terms of revenue. Rising emphasis on healthy living and consumption of healthy foods in the region has contributed to the product demand. Europe is expected to witness a growth rate of 0.09%, in terms of revenue, from 2023 to 2023, owing to the high consumption of ancient grains. In 2020, as per the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries, major consumer markets for the product include the UK, Germany, and France. In addition, several countries in the region are actively working on quinoa breeding research, thereby fueling the regional product demand.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The global market is characterized by intense competition due to the strong presence of several key players. Companies are innovative products to cater to the rising consumer demand. For example, in May 2022, Above Food Corporation announced the acquisition of Northern Quinoa Production Corporation. Through the acquisition, the company will be able to scale up its production of specialty ingredients. Some of the prominent players in the global quinoa seeds market include:

• Above Food Inc.

• Alter Eco

• Irupana Andean Organic Food SA

• Andean Naturals

• Industrial and Technological Complex Yanapasiñani SRL

• Arrowhead Mills Inc.

• Quinoabol SRL

• The British Quinoa Company

• Ancient Harvest

• Quinoa Foods Company

Quinoa Seeds Market