Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market Size

• The Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market size was valued at USD 514.91 thousand in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 996.26 thousand by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.60% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fuelled by the rising demand for healthier snacking options, increasing awareness about the nutritional benefits of sunflower seeds, and their growing use in the food processing and oil extraction industries
• In addition, the expanding popularity of plant-based diets and sustainable agricultural practices is contributing to the increased consumption and cultivation of sunflower seeds across the region

Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market Analysis

• The market is witnessing steady growth due to rising consumer inclination toward functional foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which sunflower seeds provide
• Sunflower seeds are widely consumed in roasted form and are increasingly used in breakfast cereals, energy bars, and bakery products, enhancing their visibility in the health food segment
• China dominated the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market with the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by high consumption of sunflower seeds as traditional snacks, strong domestic production, and growing demand for sunflower oil in both household and industrial applications​
• Japan is expected to witness the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market due to increasing interest in functional foods, rising demand for plant-based snacks, and a growing emphasis on nutritional wellness
• The kernel/hulled segment held the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by its widespread use in ready-to-eat snacks, bakery products, and cooking ingredients. Consumers favor hulled sunflower seeds due to their convenience and ease of use in both household and industrial applications. In addition, this type is often preferred by food processors for its versatility and nutritional profile

Report Scope and Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market Segmentation       

Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market Trends

“Rising Popularity of Sunflower Seeds in Plant-Based and Vegan Diets”

• Sunflower seeds are increasingly being incorporated into vegan and plant-based food formulations across the Asia-Pacific region, serving as a protein-rich, allergen-friendly alternative to nuts and soy. As consumer awareness around nutrition and food sensitivities grows, sunflower seeds offer a safe, versatile ingredient that supports diverse dietary needs
• Their naturally high content of healthy fats, vitamin E, and essential minerals aligns well with the region’s rising preference for clean-label and functional foods, especially in urban markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia. These attributes also support immunity and skin health, enhancing their appeal in wellness-oriented product lines
• Food manufacturers in the region are actively using sunflower seeds in innovative formats including dairy-free spreads, protein-rich bars, and alternative cheese products, catering to both vegan and flexitarian demographics
  • For instance, Australian brands have launched sunflower seed-based cream cheese to meet rising demand for nut-free, plant-based options
• The growing emphasis on sustainability and allergy-conscious consumption is accelerating innovation in seed-based food products across APAC, especially as more consumers seek plant-forward choices with low environmental impact. Sunflower seeds provide a water-efficient, lower-emission alternative compared to many tree nuts
• Several vegan cheese brands across Asia-Pacific, such as those in India and Australia, have started replacing cashews with sunflower seeds, enabling them to lower production costs and widen their appeal to consumers with nut allergies while maintaining desirable taste and texture in plant-based dairy alternatives

Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market Dynamics

Driver

“Growing Health Awareness and Nutritional Demand”

• Asia-Pacific is witnessing increased health awareness and a growing focus on active lifestyles, which is driving demand for nutritious, functional ingredients such as sunflower seeds. These seeds are being recognized for their role in supporting heart health, muscle recovery, and overall well-being
• Sunflower seeds are valued for their content of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants, particularly vitamin E. These attributes align well with clean-label and better-for-you food trends seen in markets such as Japan, Australia, and South Korea.
• Manufacturers across the region are incorporating sunflower seeds in granola bars, trail mixes, high-protein bakery items, and smoothie blends, appealing to consumers seeking on-the-go nutrition
  • For instance, an Australian health food brand recently launched a sunflower-protein granola line that is now stocked in major supermarket chains.
• The shift toward minimally processed, transparent food products is gaining traction, especially among younger, urban consumers in India, Singapore, and China. Sunflower seeds support these preferences due to their natural, unrefined characteristics.
• Retailers are expanding shelf space for clean-label, plant-based snacks that include sunflower seeds as a core ingredient. This reflects broader regional interest in nutrient-rich alternatives that support holistic wellness and energy-boosting diets

Restraint/Challenge

“Climate Dependency and Fluctuating Crop Yields”

• Sunflower cultivation in the Asia-Pacific region is highly climate-sensitive, relying on optimal rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions. Countries such as India and China, which are major producers, are particularly vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns
• Unfavorable climate events—such as delayed monsoons, droughts, or heatwaves—can severely impact sunflower yield and quality, disrupting local supply and creating shortages
  • For instance, a prolonged drought in central India in 2023 significantly reduced sunflower output and drove up raw material costs for processors
• These climatic uncertainties contribute to volatile pricing, posing challenges for both growers and downstream industries such as edible oil producers and snack manufacturers, who depend on steady supply and price predictability
• The limited adaptability of sunflower crops to highly varied agro-climatic zones in Southeast Asia restricts cultivation expansion, making key producing states within India, China, and Australia critical for regional stability
• To mitigate production risks, companies are increasingly exploring integrated weather-resilient farming practices, but such shifts require time, investment, and government support, especially for small and mid-sized farmers vulnerable to crop failure

Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, product, product type, category, packaging, packaging size, and distribution channel.

• By Type

On the basis of type, the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market is segmented into kernel/hulled, inshelled, and semi-shelled. The kernel/hulled segment held the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by its widespread use in ready-to-eat snacks, bakery products, and cooking ingredients. Consumers favor hulled sunflower seeds due to their convenience and ease of use in both household and industrial applications. In addition, this type is often preferred by food processors for its versatility and nutritional profile.

The inshelled segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, supported by increasing demand for natural and traditional snacking options. Inshelled seeds are particularly popular in Asia-Pacific and among consumers seeking minimally processed foods, offering a healthier and more engaging snacking experience.

• By Product

On the basis of product, the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market is segmented into roasted and unroasted. The roasted segment dominated the market in 2024 due to its enhanced flavor, texture, and longer shelf life, making it a preferred option for packaged snacks and seed-based products. Roasted seeds are also widely used in salad toppings and trail mixes across Asia-Pacifican households.

The unroasted segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, owing to rising awareness about raw and minimally processed food consumption. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly opting for unroasted variants to retain the natural nutrients of sunflower seeds.

• By Product Type

On the basis of product type, the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market is segmented into original and flavored. The original segment captured the highest revenue share in 2024, driven by its broad acceptance and versatility in multiple applications, including direct consumption and cooking.

The flavored segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, supported by the rising preference for taste-enhanced healthy snacks. Varieties such as spicy, salted, and herb-seasoned sunflower seeds are gaining popularity among younger consumers in urban areas.

• By Category

On the basis of category, the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market is segmented into organic and inorganic. The inorganic segment led the market in 2024, attributed to its wide availability, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale production across Asia-Pacific.

The organic segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, due to increasing demand for chemical-free and eco-friendly food products. Rising awareness about food safety and sustainability is encouraging consumers to shift toward organically grown sunflower seeds.

• By Packaging

On the basis of packaging, the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market is segmented into pouches, bottles, and jars. The pouches segment held the largest share in 2024 due to their portability, affordability, and suitability for on-the-go consumption.

Jars is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, particularly in premium segments, as they offer better preservation and visual appeal for retail shelf presentation.

• By Packaging Size

On the basis of packaging size, the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market is segmented into 50 oz. The 50 oz packaging size segment has gained traction due to its value-for-money proposition for regular consumers and family-size usage. This size is commonly preferred in both online and store-based retail channels for its convenience and cost-efficiency.

• By Distribution Channel

On the basis of distribution channel, the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market is segmented into store-based retailing and non-store retailing. Store-based retailing dominated the market in 2024, supported by the strong presence of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and health food stores offering a wide range of sunflower seed products.

Non-store retailing is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing consumer preference for e-commerce platforms and doorstep delivery. Online retailers are expanding their organic and flavored sunflower seed offerings, further fueling segment growth.

Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market Regional Analysis

• China dominated the Asia-Pacific sunflower seeds market with the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by high consumption of sunflower seeds as traditional snacks, strong domestic production, and growing demand for sunflower oil in both household and industrial applications

• The country’s large population base, expanding retail sector, and rising health consciousness are further fueling the adoption of sunflower seeds across various formats, including roasted, flavored, and packaged variants

• Government initiatives promoting oilseed cultivation and advancements in food processing infrastructure continue to support market expansion in China

Japan Sunflower Seeds Market Insight

The Japan is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing interest in functional foods, rising demand for plant-based snacks, and a growing emphasis on nutritional wellness. The country’s aging population and focus on preventive health are encouraging the inclusion of nutrient-rich foods such as sunflower seeds in daily diets. Moreover, innovation in product offerings, including low-sodium and organically flavored variants, is attracting health-conscious consumers across the Japanese market

Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market Share

The Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• COFCO Corporation (China)
• Kangmei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China)
• Shandong Wonderful Industrial Group Co., Ltd. (China)
• Qiaqia Food Co., Ltd. (China)
• Dalian Jinnuo Grain & Oil Co., Ltd. (China)
• China National Seed Group Corporation (China)
• ITOCHU Corporation (Japan)
• Sumitomo Corporation (Japan)
• Marubeni Corporation (Japan)
• Nisshin OilliO Group, Ltd. (Japan)

SKU-57215