THE UNDERWATER SUPERFOOD: THE POTENTIAL OF MACROALGAE AROUND THE WORLD
Office of Export Promotion
Global demand for algae has shown strong growth worldwide, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1% between 2021 and 2026. Without a doubt, one of the world’s most dynamic markets is the algae market, which, according to the consulting firm Mordor International, is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 8.1% between 2021 and 2026, reaching a value of approximately $24 billion.
This positive trend can be explained, in part, by the optimal positioning of algae as top-tier healthy superfoods due to their functional properties, with spirulina and chlorella being the most popular products.
Another important factor to consider is the growing demand for seaweed in the production of hydrocolloids such as agar, alginate, and carrageenan, which are used as natural gelling agents in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this segment, brown and red seaweeds dominate the category, including Macrocystis pyrifera and Chondracanthus chamissoi, Lessonia trabeculata, Lessonia nigrenscens, Irish sea moss, Chondrus crispus, pelillo, Gracilaria, Codium (commonly known as “yuyo”), Achicoria, Ulva lactuca, Eisenia cokeri, Gigartina chamissoi, Rhodymenia, Macrocystis integrifolia, sea lettuce, and Ecklonia arborea, which grow in Peruvian waters.
Although historically most seaweed consumption has been concentrated in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region—particularly markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea—as well as Taiwan, the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, and Ireland
Over the past decade, its popularity in Western countries has increased significantly due to its health benefits. In Europe, for example, growing awareness of animal welfare has accelerated the adoption of vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, in which seaweed has become a key ingredient in both food and cosmetics.
In fact, depending on its application, 73% of global demand for seaweed is met by the food and beverage industry. Thus, in addition to being consumed fresh or dried, it is also processed into flours used in the production of bread, noodles, cookies, and fortified extruded products. Meanwhile, 15% of the demand comes from the dietary supplement industry, where it is enjoying growing popularity due to its nutritional and metabolic properties resulting from its high levels of magnesium and iron. In this segment, brown algae such as kelp are gaining particular importance due to recent studies indicating that they contain a high percentage of soluble fiber and a distinctive amino acid composition compared to other vegetables, making them a potential source of new types of fiber.
Although demand is currently concentrated in the food industry, it is important to mention recent advances and innovations in other productive sectors. Such is the case with the use of Ulva lactuca to capture electrical currents without environmental impact in Israel, or the development of Macrocystis-based biostimulants. Likewise, in Mexico and India, there are initiatives for the production of Macrocystis-based packaging and bioplastics. Finally, new product launches have been observed in the dermatology industry, such as Macrocystis-based skin care cosmetics in the United States and natural powders made from Lesselia in France.
The outlook for Peruvian exports is positive.
In direct proportion to the growth in global demand, Peruvian seaweed exports have increased significantly over the past six years, reaching $39 million in 2021, for a total of $44 million.
According to the trade names available from SUNAT, more than half of Peru’s exports consist of the Macrocystis variety. The main destination for this product is, by far, China, and, to a lesser extent, Mexico. On the other hand, about 15% of seaweed shipments consist of the Lessonia variety, which are destined exclusively for Asia.
Finally, other varieties exported include Gracilaria and Chondracanthus (yuyo), the latter of which is in high demand in the Canadian market.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the private sector’s efforts to develop the export supply of other macroalgae with high potential in the southern part of the country, such as spirulina. In this context, with an increased supply of algae, Peru could position itself as one of the world leaders in the export of these products.
