Global Sunflower Seeds Market Size, Share, Growth and Trend Analysis Report, 2032

Summary
Market Landscape
Methodology
Table of Contents

Global Sunflower Seeds Market Size, Share & Growth and Trend Analysis Report, By Colour, By Type, By Application, By Distribution Channel and By Region (Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America and Middle East & Africa) and Forecasts 2025 – 2032.

The Sunflower Seeds Market was valued at approximately USD XX billion in 2024. It is projected to grow to USD XX billion by 2032, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2025 to 2032.

Industry Trends

Innovations in product offerings, such as roasted, flavoured, and organic sunflower seeds, are enhancing market appeal, particularly among health-conscious consumers. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly packaging to align with growing environmental concerns. The rise in sunflower seed-based ingredients in food processing, as well as the expanding use of sunflower seeds in animal feed and biofuel production, is contributing to the market’s diversification.

The Sunflower Seeds market is undergoing significant transformation, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthy, plant-based snacks and the growing popularity of sunflower seed oil due to its numerous health benefits. The market is expanding as sunflower seeds are being recognized for their rich nutrient profile, including high levels of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. This shift in consumer preferences towards healthier alternatives is further accelerating market growth.

However, challenges such as climatic conditions impacting sunflower yield and price volatility remain. With increasing investment in research and development, the Sunflower Seeds market is expected to experience continued innovation, creating new growth opportunities across various industries.

Industry Expert’s Opinion

Daryl Rex, Manitoba Crop Alliance

“The price of sunflower seeds has increased by about 10 to 15 cents per pound, from an average of about 25 cents per pound to as much as 40 cents. For the past three or four years, the area for planting sunflowers had been around 200 to 245 square kilometres, but this year that increased to about 365.”

TT Consultants’ Perspective

The sunflower seeds market is growing steadily, driven by rising consumer demand for healthy snacks, oils, and protein-rich foods. Sunflower seeds are increasingly valued for their nutritional benefits, offering healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. This trend is particularly strong in the food and beverage sector, where sunflower oil is favored for its light flavor and high smoking point, while sunflower seeds are gaining popularity in snacks, bakery products, and bird feed.

Advancements in sunflower cultivation, such as genetically modified seeds with better disease resistance and higher yields, are boosting production. Manufacturers are also focusing on sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly innovations. As the market shifts towards sustainability, consumer preference for natural, traceable, and healthy products continues to shape the sunflower seeds industry, positioning it for ongoing growth and transformation.

Market Segmentation

1. By Colour (Bright Yellow, Green, Light Grey, Claret Red, Black and White)

The Bright Yellow sunflower seeds segment holds the largest market share of XX% in 2024, primarily due to its widespread popularity and use in both food products and oil extraction. This variant is known for its high-quality seeds, which are favoured by manufacturers and consumers for snacking, roasting, and oil production. Green sunflower seeds are also gaining traction, with growing demand for organic and unprocessed products, catering to health-conscious consumers. This segment benefits from the rising trend of plant-based snacks and natural ingredients.

Light Grey sunflower seeds are gaining ground in niche markets, particularly in the production of sunflower seed oil, which is increasingly being used for its high unsaturated fat content. The Claret Red variety, though less common, is emerging in gourmet and specialty food segments, valued for its distinct colour and taste. Black and White sunflower seeds are also making an impact, often used in ornamental and pet food applications, with an increasing trend of incorporating them into bird feed and other non-food products.

2. By Type (Oil Seed and Non-Oil Seed)

In the global sunflower seeds market, Oil Seed segment holds the largest market share of XX% in 2024, driven by the increasing demand for sunflower oil due to its health benefits and widespread use in the food and cosmetic industries. Sunflower oil is known for its high unsaturated fat content, making it a preferred choice for cooking, frying, and food manufacturing. The Non-Oil Seed segment is also experiencing significant growth in the global sunflower seeds market, largely due to the rising popularity of sunflower seeds in the snack food and health food markets. These seeds are consumed raw, roasted, or as an ingredient in various products like granola, trail mixes, and protein bars.

3. By Application (Edible Oil, Bakery, Snacks, Products, Confectionery Products and Birdfeed)

The Edible Oil segment holds the largest market share of XX% in 2024, primarily driven by the increasing demand for sunflower oil in cooking, frying, and food manufacturing. Sunflower oil's health benefits, such as being high in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats, make it a popular choice among consumers and food producers alike. The growing preference for healthier oils in the food industry is fueling the demand for sunflower oil, leading to robust market growth in this application.

The Bakery segment is also experiencing substantial growth with a CAGR of XX% in the global sunflower seeds market, as sunflower seeds and oil are commonly used in the production of baked goods such as bread, cakes, and cookies. Their mild flavour and nutritional benefits make sunflower seeds a key ingredient in healthy bakery products.

Similarly, the Snacks and Confectionery Products segments are growing due to the rising popularity of sunflower seeds as a snack ingredient, often found in trail mixes, granola bars, and snack bags. Sunflower oil is also used in snack food production, particularly in chips and fried products.

Competitive Scenario

The global sunflower seeds market is highly competitive, with key players such as Bunge Limited, ADM, and Cargill leading in the production of sunflower oil and seeds, offering high-quality products with enhanced nutritional benefits. Olenex and Hanson Group focus on industrial-scale sunflower oil production, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and sustainability, while Sunflower Foods Ltd. and ConAgra Brands specialize in sunflower seed-based snacks, enhancing flavor options and catering to health-conscious consumers. Syngenta and BASF play crucial roles in the sunflower seed breeding sector, focusing on developing high-yielding, pest-resistant, and disease-resistant seed varieties.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Agrihold and Russia’s Rusagro are major players in sunflower seed cultivation, driving innovation in agricultural practices and increasing production volumes. As competition intensifies, companies are investing in R&D, sustainable farming practices, and innovative product developments to meet the growing demand for sunflower oil, snacks, and other sunflower-based products.

Strategic Activities:

In February 2025, Dragotec USA, Fenton, Iowa, announced the introduction of the Drago Gold sunflower head, designed to increase harvest yield capture and efficiency. The new head is created by Olimac, the industry-leading developer of Drago corn heads.
In February 2025, Export of sunflower seeds to Azerbaijan by Kyrgyzstan grew 15 times in 11 months of 2024, according to the National Statistical Committee.
In January 2025, Chelmer Foods reported that sunflower seed prices had increased due to high oil prices and a shortage of raw materials.
In July 2023, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated USD 33 million to 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to enhance research and development efforts. Distributed through the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the funding will support 82 projects aimed at advancing sustainable farming practices.