| Market Size 2023 (Base Year) | USD 502.99 Million |
| Market Size 2032 (Forecast Year) | USD 789.72 Million |
| CAGR | 5.14% |
| Forecast Period | 2024 - 2032 |
| Historical Period | 2018 - 2023 |
According to Market Research Store, the global agar market size was valued at around USD 502.99 million in 2023 and is estimated to reach USD 789.72 million by 2032, to register a CAGR of approximately 5.14% in terms of revenue during the forecast period 2024-2032.
The agar report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market, including its size, share, growth trends, revenue details, and other crucial information regarding the target market. It also covers the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges till 2032.
Agar is a gelatinous substance derived primarily from red algae, particularly species like Gelidium and Gracilaria. It is widely known for its use as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin and is commonly utilized as a gelling agent in food products, microbiological culture media, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In the food industry, agar is valued for its ability to stabilize, thicken, and improve texture in items such as desserts, jellies, and dairy alternatives. In microbiology, it serves as a solid medium for culturing bacteria and fungi due to its stable gel formation and resistance to degradation by most microorganisms.
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| Report Attributes | Report Details |
|---|---|
| Report Name | Agar Market |
| Market Size in 2023 | USD 502.99 Million |
| Market Forecast in 2032 | USD 789.72 Million |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 5.14% |
| Number of Pages | 165 |
| Key Companies Covered | Neogen Food Safety, AgarGel, HISPANAGAR, Sobigel, AGARMEX, S.A., Meron, INDUSTRIAS ROKO S.A., Hispanagar, PT. Agarindo Bogatama, Merck KGaA, SETEXAM, MARINE SCIENCE CO., LTD., MSC Co.,Ltd., Green Fresh Group, Fujian Wuyi Feiyan Agar, Kingyen, Agar Brasileiro, Shantou Chenghai District Agar Glue Factory, Taike Biotechnology Huey shyang, Fuli Agar Factory, Global BioIngredients, Mingfu Fujian Agar Co., Iberagar, Marine Hydrocolloids, B&V Agar, ROKO, and Others |
| Segments Covered | By Form Type, By Type, By Application, By, And By Region |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America, Middle East, and Africa (MEA) |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Historical Year | 2018 to 2023 |
| Forecast Year | 2024 to 2032 |
| Customization Scope | Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Request For Customization |
The global agar market is divided by form, type, application, and region.
Based on form, the global agar market is divided into powder, strip, and others. In the agar market, powder form is the most dominant segment due to its ease of use, longer shelf life, and high solubility. It is widely preferred in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and microbiology because it can be easily mixed into various formulations and allows precise dosing. The powdered form is ideal for mass production and industrial applications, making it the top choice across both developed and developing markets. Strip form follows as the second most significant segment, commonly used in traditional and household cooking, particularly in Asian countries. Although less convenient than powder for industrial use, agar strips are valued for their purity and are often chosen for recipes that require slow gelling or specific textural qualities. They retain a strong presence in regions with long-established culinary practices involving agar.
On the basis of type, the global agar market is bifurcated into wild harvest gracilaria agar, wild harvest gelidium agar, aquafarm gracilaria agar, aquafarm gelidium agar, and others. Wild Harvest Gracilaria Agar is the most dominant type, primarily due to the widespread availability of Gracilaria species in coastal regions and the cost-effectiveness of harvesting them from natural habitats. This type of agar is commonly used in food processing and industrial applications where moderate gel strength is sufficient. Its broad utility and relatively lower production cost contribute to its leading market share. Wild Harvest Gelidium Agar follows closely behind, known for producing high-quality agar with superior gel strength and clarity. It is preferred for high-end applications, especially in microbiological and pharmaceutical industries where purity and consistency are critical. However, the limited availability and higher cost of Gelidium restrict its use to more specialized sectors.
In terms of application, the global agar market is bifurcated into pharmaceuticals, food & beverage (beverages, meat products, dairy, bakery, snacks/instant noodles, and confectionary), and others. The food and beverage sector is the most dominant application segment, driven by its extensive use across a wide range of products. Within this category, agar is widely used in confectionery and bakery items for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. In dairy products and meat alternatives, it acts as a texturizer and vegetarian gelatin substitute. It is also used in beverages like plant-based drinks and functional health beverages to improve mouthfeel and consistency. The snacks and instant noodles subsegment use agar for enhancing texture and shelf life, further fueling demand. The pharmaceutical sector follows as the second-largest segment, where agar plays a crucial role in preparing culture media for microbiological testing and in the formulation of capsules, syrups, and topical gels.
Asia Pacific dominates the global agar market due to its abundant availability of red algae and the long-standing tradition of using agar in various culinary and industrial applications. Countries such as China, Japan, Indonesia, and South Korea are leading producers and consumers. The region benefits from cost-effective labor, established harvesting and processing infrastructure, and strong demand across food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors. The growing preference for plant-based ingredients and increased export activity further strengthen Asia Pacific's market position.
Europe holds the second-largest share in the agar market, driven by rising demand for clean-label, vegan, and organic food products. The region has a mature food processing industry that frequently uses agar in confectionery, dairy alternatives, and bakery items. Additionally, strict regulations favoring natural additives and significant use in pharmaceutical and microbiological applications contribute to the consistent demand across European countries such as Germany, France, and the UK.
North America follows closely, with strong demand stemming from the food and beverage industry, as well as the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. The growing trend of veganism and plant-based diets fuels the use of agar in food products, while the presence of advanced life sciences research supports its widespread use in laboratory culture media. The United States leads the region in consumption due to its robust food technology landscape and ongoing innovations in the biotech field.
Latin America represents a growing market for agar, especially in countries like Brazil and Mexico where agar is increasingly being used in processed foods and confections. While production is limited compared to other regions, imports support domestic needs. Gradual industrial development and rising awareness of plant-based and functional ingredients contribute to steady growth in this region’s agar market.
Middle East and Africa currently hold the smallest share of the global agar market. Usage is still in its early stages, mainly limited to niche food applications and select pharmaceutical uses. However, increasing urbanization, health awareness, and evolving food consumption patterns are slowly driving demand. As infrastructure and market awareness develop, this region is expected to show moderate future potential.
The report provides an in-depth analysis of companies operating in the agar market, including their geographic presence, business strategies, product offerings, market share, and recent developments. This analysis helps to understand market competition.
Some of the major players in the global agar market include:
By Form
By Type
By Application
By Region
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