Global Biofortification Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

 Biofortification Market Size  

• The global biofortification market size was valued at USD 127.24 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 239.03 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.20% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the rising demand for nutrient-rich crops to combat malnutrition and enhance food security
• Public health organizations and governments in developing countries are supporting biofortification programs to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. These initiatives are backed by funding, awareness campaigns, and research grants
• Innovations such as CRISPR, marker-assisted selection, and gene editing are accelerating the development of biofortified varieties. These tools enhance efficiency and accuracy in incorporating key nutrients into staple crops

Biofortification Market Analysis

• The global biofortification market is witnessing consistent demand due to a growing focus on improving the nutritional value of staple crops through natural enhancement techniques such as selective breeding or conventional methods without the use of synthetic interventions
• This market trend reflects a steady shift in agricultural practices toward sustainable nutrition solutions, where stakeholders including farmers and food producers are increasingly adopting biofortified crops for their ability to deliver enhanced vitamins and minerals to populations at risk of micronutrient deficiencies, for instance through iron-enriched beans or zinc-fortified rice varieties
• North America dominates the biofortification market with the largest revenue share of 35.05% in 2024, driven by a strong focus on nutritional innovation and widespread adoption of advanced agricultural practices
• Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in the biofortification market during the forecast period with share of 10.05%, propelled by high rates of micronutrient deficiency, population growth, and increased government initiatives
• The iron segment is expected to hold a substantial market share of 30%. Iron deficiency is a widespread global health issue, particularly in developing countries, leading to anemia and other health problems

Report Scope and Biofortification Market Segmentation      

Biofortification Market Trends

“Increasing Adoption of Nutrient-Rich Crop Varieties”

• The market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits of biofortified crops
• Governments and international organizations are investing in biofortification programs to combat micronutrient deficiencies
• Technological advancements in genetic engineering and conventional breeding techniques are enhancing the development of biofortified crops
• Biofortified crops, such as iron-rich beans and zinc-enhanced wheat, are gaining popularity in regions with high rates of malnutrition
• The market is expanding as biofortified crops become more accessible to farmers and consumers worldwide 
  • For instance, in September 2024, the International Rice Research Institute announced the successful development of a new biofortified rice variety with enhanced zinc content, aimed at addressing zinc deficiency in developing countries
• The biofortification market is poised for substantial growth, driven by technological innovations, increased awareness, and supportive policies, all contributing to improved global nutrition

Biofortification Market Dynamics

Driver

“Growing Consumer Demand for Sustainable and Ethical Products”

• Consumer preference for sustainable and ethically produced products is rapidly increasing as more people become aware of the environmental and social impacts of their purchases, driven by widespread access to information and environmental advocacy
• In the fashion and luxury sector, brands such as Stella McCartney and Gucci are responding by using eco-friendly materials and adopting transparent supply chains to meet consumer demand for responsible sourcing and fair trade
• Younger generations such as millennials and Gen Z play a crucial role by favoring brands that prioritize social responsibility and sustainability, often willing to pay more for products that align with their values
• Companies are innovating with sustainable certifications and alternative materials such as mushroom leather and recycled fabrics, combining luxury with environmental consciousness to attract discerning buyers
• This growing demand fosters brand loyalty and opens new revenue opportunities as consumers increasingly support companies committed to ethical practices and transparent communication

Restraint/Challenge

“High Production Costs Limiting Market Accessibility”

• High production costs linked to premium or specialized products create a significant barrier to market growth as expensive raw materials, skilled labor, and complex processes drive prices upward
• These elevated costs limit accessibility, confining the market largely to affluent consumers and restricting broader market penetration among middle-income buyers
• For instance, the use of sustainable materials or advanced technologies often requires costly research and sourcing, adding to overall expenses and product prices
• Economic uncertainties increase price sensitivity, causing many potential buyers to delay or avoid luxury purchases, which restricts demand growth in key consumer segments
• Companies must carefully balance maintaining exclusivity and quality while managing costs, as attempts to lower prices through cheaper materials risk harming brand reputation and consumer trust

Biofortification Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of crop type, targeted nutrients, gene pool, and technique.

• By Crop Type

On the basis of crop type, the biofortification market is segmented into sweet potato, cassava, rice, corn, wheat, beans, pearl millet, and others. The sweet potato segment is projected to account for the largest share of the biofortification market. This is primarily due to the significant advancements in increasing its nutrient content, especially for orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) which is rich in vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are a staple food in many regions, and their high carbohydrate content combined with enhanced nutritional value makes them a crucial crop for addressing micronutrient deficiencies.

The cereals segment (including rice, corn, and wheat) is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate. This is driven by the fact that cereals are staple foods consumed by a vast majority of the global population, making them ideal targets for widespread nutritional improvement. Continued research and development in enhancing the micronutrient content of these widely consumed crops will fuel their rapid adoption and market expansion.

• By Targeted Nutrients

On the basis of targeted nutrients, the biofortification market is segmented into iron, zinc, vitamins, amino acid, and others. The iron segment is expected to hold a substantial market share of 30%. Iron deficiency is a widespread global health issue, particularly in developing countries, leading to anemia and other health problems. Biofortification of staple crops with iron offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to combat this deficiency, driving its significant market presence.

The vitamins segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR. This growth is driven by the increasing awareness of vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin a, in various populations and the rising demand for nutrient-dense foods. Biofortified crops rich in vitamins, such as vitamin a-enhanced sweet potatoes and maize, are gaining traction due to their direct impact on improving public health and reducing instances of related health issues.

• By Gene Pool

On the basis of gene pool, the biofortification market is segmented into primary, secondary, and tertiary. The primary gene pool segment held the largest market share. This is because the primary gene pool consists of species that can readily cross with the cultivated crop and produce fertile offspring, making conventional plant breeding a more straightforward and widely accepted method for introducing desired traits, including nutrient enhancement.

The primary gene pool segment is also expected to witness the fastest growth rate. This is due to the continued advancements and efficiency of conventional breeding techniques. These methods are generally less contentious than genetic modification and are proving effective in enhancing nutrient content within the existing genetic diversity of staple crops, leading to faster and more widely adopted biofortified varieties.

• By Technique

On the basis of technique, the biofortification market is segmented into conventional plant breeding, agronomy, and genetic technology. The conventional plant breeding segment held the largest market revenue share. This dominance is due to its established history, broader acceptance among consumers and regulatory bodies globally, and its proven success in developing numerous biofortified crop varieties by leveraging natural genetic variation.

The genetic technology segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR. This growth is driven by ongoing advancements in biotechnological tools such as Crispr and other gene-editing techniques, which offer more precise and rapid ways to enhance crop nutritional content. As regulatory frameworks evolve and public acceptance increases, these advanced techniques hold immense potential for accelerating the development of highly nutritious crops.

Biofortification Market Regional Analysis

• North America dominates the Biofortification market with the largest revenue share of 35.05% in 2024, driven by a strong focus on nutritional innovation and widespread adoption of advanced agricultural practices
• The region has a well-established ecosystem of universities, biotech firms, and public health institutions actively developing and promoting biofortified crops to improve public health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable communities
• Various federal programs and non-profit partnerships are encouraging the cultivation and consumption of biofortified crops, aiming to address hidden hunger and dietary deficiencies in schools, food banks, and community health efforts

U.S. Biofortification Market Insight

The U.S. biofortification market is growing steadily, with increased investments in agricultural biotechnology and a focus on improving nutritional security. Institutions and researchers are accelerating the development of biofortified crops to meet dietary needs, particularly among vulnerable populations. Consumer awareness around nutrition, supported by policy advocacy and educational programs, is helping drive acceptance and adoption across the region.

Europe Biofortification Market Insight

The Europe biofortification market is expanding gradually, shaped by a growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture and food innovation. Research organizations and government bodies are encouraging the use of biofortified crops to support public health goals. The region's well-established food systems and regulatory frameworks are enabling controlled adoption, especially in school feeding and public nutrition programs.

U.K. Biofortification Market Insight

The U.K. biofortification market is anticipated to grow at a noteworthy CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the escalating trend of home automation and a desire for heightened security and convenience. In addition, concerns regarding burglary and safety are encouraging both homeowners and businesses to choose keyless entry solutions. The UK’s embrace of connected devices, alongside its robust e-commerce and retail infrastructure, is expected to continue to stimulate market growth.  

Germany Biofortification Market Insight

The Germany biofortification market is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by increasing awareness of digital security and the demand for technologically advanced, eco-conscious solutions. Germany’s well-developed infrastructure, combined with its emphasis on innovation and sustainability, promotes the adoption of biofortifications, particularly in residential and commercial buildings. The integration of biofortifications with home automation systems is also becoming increasingly prevalent, with a strong preference for secure, privacy-focused solutions aligning with local consumer expectations.  

Asia-Pacific Biofortification Market Insight

The Asia-pacific biofortification market is emerging as the fastest-growing region with share of 10.05%, propelled by high rates of micronutrient deficiency, population growth, and increased government initiatives in countries such as India, China, and the Philippines. Public health campaigns, seed distribution programs, and international funding are driving adoption among smallholder farmers and local communities. The region also benefits from strong agricultural infrastructure supporting large-scale implementation.

Japan Biofortification Market Insight

The Japan biofortification market is experiencing growing interest due to the country’s strong focus on health, aging population, and food innovation. While still in early stages compared to other regions, Japan is exploring the integration of biofortified crops to support its nutrition and wellness goals. With a culture that values functional foods and preventive healthcare, biofortified varieties are gradually being introduced through research initiatives and public-private partnerships.

China Biofortification Market Insight

The China biofortification market holds significant potential, fueled by the country's ongoing efforts to improve national nutrition and food security. With a large population affected by micronutrient deficiencies, China is investing in the development and distribution of biofortified crops such as zinc-rich rice and iron-fortified wheat. The government's strong support for agricultural innovation and public health programs is expected to drive widespread adoption, especially in rural and underserved regions.

Biofortification Market Share

The Biofortification industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Syngenta (Switzerland)
• BASF SE (Germany)
• DuPont (U.S.)
• Bayer AG (Germany)
• LemnaTec GmbH  (Germany)
• Intertek Group plc (U.K.)
• Nestlé S.A. (Switzerland)
• Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. (Canada)
• ArborGen Inc. (U.S.)
• Arcadia Biosciences (U.S.)
• Corteva (U.S.)
• Mahyco (India)
• Charles River Laboratories (U.S.)
• HarvestPlus (U.S.)
• KWS SAAT SE (Germany)
• Vilmorin & Cie (France)
• Advanta Seeds (India)
• Calyxt, Inc. (U.S.)
• Plant Sciences, Inc. (U.S.)
• Inari Agriculture, Inc. (U.S.)

Latest Developments in Global Biofortification Market

• In October 2021, Fedearroz introduced BioZn035, Colombia's first biofortified zinc rice, poised to meet significant demand in rural areas due to its health benefits, addressing nutritional deficiencies prevalent in the region
• In July 2021, The Philippines legalized commercial cultivation of golden rice, genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, aimed at combating vitamin A deficiency among its population
• In November 2020, HarvestPlus launched the CSDietary software on the Intake platform, pioneering the use of dietary data to shape evidence-based policies and programs targeting global nutrition challenges
• In August 2020, Bayer AG partnered with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to advance biofortified rice varieties, enhancing nutritional content to address food insecurity
• In September 2020, BASF SE collaborated with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) to develop biofortified cassava varieties, enriching nutritional profiles to combat malnutrition in tropical regions
• In July 2020, Syngenta AG partnered with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to innovate biofortified maize varieties, aiming to enhance nutritional value and food security globally

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