Chlorella Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source (Chlorella Vulgaris, Chlorella Pyrenoidosa, Chlorella ellipsoidea, Other Sources), By Type (Organic, Inorganic), By Application (Food Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetic Industry, Other), By Technology (Open Pods, Closed Pods, Autotrophic, Heterotrophic), By Product (Powder, Tablets, Extracts, Capsules, Others), By Distribution Channel (B2B, B2C, Offline, Distributors, Retailers, Online, Direct-to-Consumer) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2023-2031

Market Overview

The global chlorella market size was valued at USD 200 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 400 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 8.01% during the forecast period (2023 to 2031). The increasing use of chlorella in various end-use industries drives market growth.

Chlorella is a freshwater green alga that belongs to the Chlorophyta phylum. It is a single-celled bacterium with a high nutritional profile and potential health advantages. Chlorella is a superfood, including pills, capsules, powder, and liquid extracts.

Chlorella food and beverage product development, expanding health and wellness trends, a thriving nutraceutical business, and rising vegetarianism are the primary market drivers boosting the Chlorella Market share. The high cost of chlorella production is a major impediment to market growth. Consumable Chlorella requires carbonated water to grow, which raises the expense of production.

Market Dynamics

Global Chlorella Market Drivers

Rising Health and Wellness Awareness

Consumer attitudes around health and well-being have shifted noticeably in recent years. People are becoming more driven to live better lifestyles, concentrating on preventive health rather than therapeutic techniques. Consumers seek natural and organic products that meet their desire for clean, transparent, and long-lasting nutrition. As a freshwater alga, Chlorella is regarded as a natural and plant-based superfood. 

A Nielsen survey found that 48% of global customers are willing to adjust their buying habits to lessen their environmental effects. This trend increases demand for environmentally friendly and plant-based goods such as Chlorella. Chlorella contains important elements such as vitamin B12, iron, and chlorophyll. Because of its nutritional richness, a study published in Nutrients emphasized Chlorella's potential as a functional food. Furthermore, the global wellness business comprises diverse products and services to improve consumers' well-being. Chlorella has established itself as a natural and nutrient-dense nutritional supplement. The chlorella market trend is predicted to change due to this shift toward healthier eating patterns.

Global Chlorella Market Restraints

Limited Consumer Awareness in Some Regions

Consumer awareness of Chlorella and its potential health advantages may be restricted in certain locations, particularly those with traditional dietary practices and less exposure to health and wellness trends. Chlorella consumer awareness and uptake varies greatly by area. While Chlorella has grown in popularity in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia, it may be less well-known and consumed in other areas. Regions with strong cultural and culinary traditions may be less exposed to new and unusual superfoods such as Chlorella. Traditional foods and nutritional patterns dominate the local cuisine. In some regions, low consumer awareness of Chlorella is a barrier to market expansion.

Global Chlorella Market Opportunity

Expansion in the Functional Food and Beverage Sector

Given its rich nutrient profile and possible health advantages, Chlorella has the potential to play a big role in the functional food and beverage sector. Chlorella can position itself as a desirable component as customers seek products that provide nutrition and specific health benefits. Chlorella can be added to energy bars, giving consumers a handy and nutritious snack alternative. These bars can be promoted as on-the-go energy and well-being solutions. Consumers are increasingly interested in food and beverage items that provide functional benefits such as improved digestion, immunological support, and increased energy levels. The potential of Chlorella as a functional component corresponds to these consumer demands.

Chlorella sees tremendous opportunity as the functional food and beverage sector expands. Its high nutrient profile, potential health advantages, and versatility as an ingredient in various products make it an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers. Manufacturers can appeal to a growing market segment seeking nutritionally enhanced and health-promoting dietary options by adding Chlorella into functional foods and beverages in novel ways.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

The global chlorella market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4% over the forecast period. This is due to rising consumer health awareness and changing lifestyles in Asian nations. Using chlorella ingredients in various Asian cuisines boosts the market's growth and adoption of chlorella ingredients. Increasing demand for Chlorella in lotions, moisturizers, powders, and other personal care items; technological and scientific advancements in the field of micro-algae research for various health foods and dietary supplements; and rising consumer awareness for natural food products are primarily responsible for Asia Pacific's dominance in the global chlorella industry. 

Additionally, the agriculture industry is anticipated to increase chlorella sales in the Asia-Pacific region. The strong presence of the agricultural sector and the growing awareness of genetically modified seedlings contribute to the expansion of Chlorella in the region. Japan is the greatest chlorella consumer in the Asia-Pacific region. Increasing investments in hygiene products, particularly by millennials and Generation Z, positively affect regional chlorella demand. In Asia-Pacific, chlorella product demand is anticipated to increase due to the region's rapid economic growth and increased incidence of skin-related disorders. 

North American market occupied a significant share due to the rising consumption of healthful food products, which increased the presence of chlorella ingredients. In addition, advancements in the food and beverage industry and the rising popularity of veganism among the populace fuel the expansion of the chlorella ingredients market. In addition, rising innovations in the food and beverage industry and rising veganism among the population drive the growth of the chlorella ingredients market. In addition, the U.S. chlorella market held the greatest market share, while the Canadian chlorella market grew the quickest in the North American region. Demand for chlorella products is anticipated to increase in North America due to the region's accelerated development and rising incidence of skin-related problems. The rapidly expanding food and beverage industry and the rising popularity of vegetarian cuisine among the population contribute to expanding the market.

The European Chlorella Market insights indicate that the market will expand due to rising demand for Chlorella in cosmetics and personal care products, consumers' willingness to pay higher prices for more natural, less processed, and environmentally friendly products, and consumers' growing interest in natural foods. The desire for a healthy lifestyle, altering food consumption patterns toward functional foods, an increase in disposable income, and an increase in chronic diseases due to the aging population in the region all contribute to the demand for Chlorella. In addition, the British market held the greatest market share, whereas the German market was the fastest-growing market in Europe.

Segmental Analysis

The global chlorella market is segmented based on source, type, application, technology, product, distribution channel, and region.

Based on the source, the market is divided into Chlorella Vulgaris, Pyrenoidosa, and Ellipsoidea.

Chlorella Vulgaris holds the largest market share.

Chlorella Vulgaris is one of the most common and extensively researched Chlorella strains. It is known for its high chlorophyll content and swift growth rate. Typically, this strain has a spherical shape and a solitary chloroplast. Chlorella Vulgaris is often used in dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages due to its abundant nutrient content, including essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is prized for its possible health benefits, including immune support and detoxification.

Type is further segmented into Organic and inorganic.

Organic type occupies the highest share of the market.

Organic farming practices prohibit synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers in cultivating organic Chlorella. Instead, organic Chlorella is grown in organically certified or natural environments. Frequently, organic Chlorella products carry certifications such as "USDA Organic" or comparable certifications from other regions. These certifications attest that the product meets organic cultivation requirements.

The segment can be bifurcated by application into the Food, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmetic industries.

Food Industry is a significant contributor to the market.

Chlorella is present in numerous food products, including dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages. It is available in the form of Chlorella granules, extracts, and formulation ingredients. Chlorella is prized for its high vitamin and mineral content and protein and chlorophyll content. It is frequently used as a nutritional supplement in the culinary industry to improve the nutritional profile of products.

Based on technology, The market is sub-segmented into Open Ponds, closed ponds, autotrophic, and heterotrophic.

Open Ponds is the most commonly used technology in the market.

In open-pond cultivation, Chlorella is grown in open-air systems, such as ponds or raceways. These systems permit exposure to natural sunlight and require less regulation of environmental factors. Open pod cultivation is relatively economical and relies on sunlight for photosynthesis. It may be appropriate for regions with ample sunlight. Open systems are, however, susceptible to contamination and require regular monitoring and upkeep.

Based on product, the market is classified into Powder, Tablets, Extracts, and Capsules.

Powder led the market growth and is expected to grow tremendously during the forecast period. 

Chlorella powder is chlorella algae that has been coarsely ground. It is a versatile form readily incorporated into various food and beverage products or taken as a supplement. Powdered Chlorella is ubiquitous in green smoothies, health drinks, energy bars, and recipes. It can also be mixed with water or beverages and consumed. In addition, Chlorella powder offers flexible serving sizes, allowing consumers to tailor their Chlorella consumption.

Based on the Distribution Channel, the market can be segmented into B2B, B2C, Offline, distributors, online, and direct-to-consumer.

B2C is the major distribution channel in the market.

B2C is the direct sale of Chlorella products to individual consumers. B2C products include chlorella supplements, dietary products, and functional consumables. Consumers purchase these products for personal use and health benefits. Additionally, B2C enables brands to connect directly with end consumers, collect consumer feedback, and market their Chlorella products more comprehensively.

Recent Developments

• August 2023- Probiotical chooses Stauber for the distribution of skin postbiotics.
• September 2023- Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a prominent pharmaceutical and nutraceutical excipients provider will unveil its extensive range of moisture protection excipients, including three new product grades, at CPHI Barcelona next month.