
Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By Form (Granular, Powder, Pellet), By Source (Conventional, Organic), By End Use (Livestock, Poultry, Aquaculture, Pet Food), By Application (Animal Feed, Food Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market is projected to grow from USD 11.5 Billion in 2025 to USD 17.9 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% from 2026 through 2035. Sunflower seed meal, a high protein byproduct of sunflower oil extraction, is primarily valued for its nutritional content in animal feed and increasingly in niche human food applications. The market is propelled by a rising global demand for protein rich animal feed, particularly for poultry and swine, as meat consumption continues to climb worldwide. Furthermore, the increasing awareness of sustainable and natural feed ingredients among livestock producers is a significant driver. Technological advancements in processing methods to improve the digestibility and nutrient profile of sunflower seed meal are also contributing to market expansion. However, market growth faces restraints from price volatility of sunflower seeds, which directly impacts the cost of the meal, and competition from other protein meals like soybean meal, which often boasts higher protein content. Despite these challenges, the expanding global livestock industry and the growing focus on feed efficiency present substantial opportunities for market participants. The leading application segment for sunflower seed meal is animal feed, capturing a dominant share of the market due to its widespread use as a valuable protein source in compound feeds.
Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035

2025 - 2035
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Europe stands as the dominant region in the global sunflower seed meal market. This dominance is attributed to its well established livestock industry, significant sunflower cultivation, and advanced processing infrastructure. The region benefits from robust demand for high quality animal feed and a strong emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices. Conversely, Asia Pacific is identified as the fastest growing region, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a burgeoning middle class, leading to a surge in demand for meat and dairy products. This growth fuels the expansion of the region's livestock sector, consequently boosting the consumption of protein rich feed ingredients like sunflower seed meal. Government initiatives supporting livestock farming and the expansion of feed manufacturing capacities further contribute to the rapid growth in Asia Pacific. The market also observes an important trend towards the utilization of sunflower seed meal in aquaculture feeds, as the global seafood industry seeks sustainable and cost effective protein alternatives. Moreover, there is a growing interest in incorporating sunflower seed meal into human food products, particularly in bakery and snack items, though this remains a nascent segment.
Key players in the global sunflower seed meal market include Cargill, Energex, Sunflower Oil Co, Sungold Foods, Maverick Biofuels, AgProcessing, United Oilseeds, Sime Darby Oils, CHS Inc., and Louis Dreyfus Company. These companies are actively engaged in strategic initiatives such as expanding their processing capacities, forging partnerships with livestock producers, and investing in research and development to enhance product offerings. For instance, some players are focusing on developing specialized sunflower seed meal products with improved amino acid profiles or lower fiber content to cater to specific animal feed requirements. Others are exploring backward integration to secure raw material supply or forward integration into feed manufacturing to capture greater market share. Geographical expansion, particularly into high growth regions like Asia Pacific, is another key strategy employed by leading market participants to capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen their global footprint. Innovation in sustainable sourcing and production practices also forms a critical part of their competitive strategies, aligning with global trends towards environmental responsibility.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 11.5 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 17.9 BillionLeading Segment:
Animal Feed (88.5% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
Europe (38.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
5.4%
What is Sunflower Seed Meal?
Sunflower seed meal is a byproduct remaining after oil extraction from sunflower seeds. It primarily consists of the protein rich solid material, along with fiber and residual oil. This meal is a valuable ingredient, particularly in animal feed, due to its high protein content and moderate energy levels. It serves as an excellent protein supplement for livestock like cattle, poultry, and pigs, contributing to their growth and development. Its application helps minimize waste from the oil production process, effectively utilizing all components of the sunflower seed.
What are the Trends in Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market
Sustainable Protein Powering Livestock Feed
Plant Based Pet Food Fueling Demand
Aquafeed Industry Innovating with Sunflower Meal
Biofuel Byproduct Value Chain Optimization
Sustainable Protein Powering Livestock Feed
Sunflower meal is increasingly vital for livestock feed due to its high protein and fiber content. It provides an excellent sustainable alternative, reducing reliance on less sustainable protein sources. This trend is driven by the growing demand for eco friendly animal nutrition and the circular economy, leveraging a co product from oil extraction.
Plant Based Pet Food Fueling Demand
Plant based pet food, rich in protein, is increasingly sought by health conscious pet owners. This trend boosts demand for alternative protein sources like sunflower seed meal. Its high protein content makes it an excellent ingredient for formulating nutritious and sustainable pet food, directly driving its consumption and expanding the global sunflower seed meal market.
Aquafeed Industry Innovating with Sunflower Meal
Aquafeed producers are embracing sunflower meal as a sustainable, protein rich ingredient, diversifying beyond traditional fishmeal. This innovation reduces reliance on marine resources, offering a cost effective, nutrient dense feed component. Research and development confirm its efficacy, driving increased adoption and market demand within the global aquaculture sector.
Biofuel Byproduct Value Chain Optimization
Biofuel byproduct value chain optimization transforms sunflower seed meal. Historically a low value feed ingredient, it's now eyed for higher value applications. Processors are extracting proteins and fiber for food ingredients, pet food, and industrial uses. This shift maximizes revenue from existing agricultural waste streams, creating new revenue streams and reducing environmental impact by utilizing every part of the seed efficiently.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market
Rising Demand for Plant-Based Protein in Animal Feed
Expansion of Aquaculture and Poultry Industries
Increasing Awareness of Nutritional Benefits in Livestock
Technological Advancements in Seed Processing and Meal Production
Rising Demand for Plant-Based Protein in Animal Feed
Growing consumer preference for plant based diets extends to animal products, pushing feed manufacturers to incorporate more plant derived proteins. Sunflower seed meal, a cost effective and nutritious option, is increasingly used in livestock and aquaculture feeds. This shift aligns with sustainability goals and addresses concerns about traditional protein sources, fueling demand for sunflower seed meal globally.
Expansion of Aquaculture and Poultry Industries
Growing aquaculture and poultry sectors demand more protein rich feed. Sunflower seed meal, a cost effective, high quality ingredient, increasingly fulfills this need. As these animal industries expand globally, their reliance on such nutritional components drives the sunflower seed meal market upward. This surge in demand reflects the intensifying need for efficient, sustainable animal nutrition solutions.
Increasing Awareness of Nutritional Benefits in Livestock
Livestock producers are increasingly recognizing that sunflower seed meal offers significant nutritional advantages for their animals. This growing understanding of its protein and fiber content, coupled with improved animal health and productivity outcomes, is fueling greater adoption. Farmers are actively seeking feed ingredients that enhance livestock well being and overall farm profitability.
Technological Advancements in Seed Processing and Meal Production
Innovations in seed processing machinery improve efficiency and yield of sunflower meal. Advanced techniques like dehulling and oil extraction optimize protein content and reduce waste. Automation and sensor technologies enhance product quality and consistency. This progress allows producers to meet increasing demand for high quality animal feed and plant based protein alternatives.
Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Restraints
Volatile Sunflower Seed Supply Chains and Price Fluctuations
Unpredictable weather patterns and geopolitical tensions disrupt sunflower seed harvests and trade routes. This volatility in raw material supply cascades into erratic pricing for sunflower seeds. Consequently, manufacturers face fluctuating input costs, leading to instability in sunflower seed meal prices for buyers. The unpredictable supply and cost of key ingredients make long term planning and consistent pricing challenging within the global market.
Intensifying Competition from Alternative Protein Meals
Sunflower seed meal faces significant pressure from alternative protein sources. Plant-based meals like soy, canola, and cottonseed, alongside animal proteins, are expanding their market share. These alternatives often offer competitive pricing, comparable nutritional profiles, and increased availability. Manufacturers and consumers are increasingly exploring these options, diverting demand away from sunflower seed meal. This growing preference for diverse protein sources limits the expansion potential and pricing power of sunflower seed meal in the global market.
Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Opportunities
Sunflower Seed Meal: A Sustainable Protein Ingredient for the Plant-Based Food Market
Sunflower seed meal presents a significant opportunity as a sustainable protein ingredient for the burgeoning global plant based food market. Its eco friendly production and rich nutritional profile make it an ideal choice for innovative food manufacturers. Consumers increasingly seek plant derived, nutritious, and environmentally responsible food alternatives, creating strong demand. This meal can fulfill the need for versatile, high quality protein in products like meat substitutes, dairy free options, and snacks. Leveraging sunflower seed meal allows companies to cater to this accelerating trend and secure a competitive edge.
High-Protein Sunflower Seed Meal for Premium Aquaculture and Pet Food Formulations
High protein sunflower seed meal offers a substantial opportunity in premium aquaculture and pet food markets worldwide. Its superior nutritional profile makes it an ideal ingredient for high value formulations seeking quality protein sources. The burgeoning demand from the Asia Pacific region, a rapidly expanding market for both aquaculture and pet nutrition, significantly boosts this potential. Producers can capitalize on this by positioning the meal as a sustainable, cost effective alternative, catering to the increasing industry focus on advanced animal feed and specialized dietary requirements.
Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Application
- •Animal Feed
- •Food Industry
- •Pharmaceuticals
- •Cosmetics
By End Use
- •Livestock
- •Poultry
- •Aquaculture
- •Pet Food
By Source
- •Conventional
- •Organic
By Form
- •Granular
- •Powder
- •Pellet
Segment Share By Application
Share, By Application, 2025 (%)
- Animal Feed
- Food Industry
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cosmetics

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Why is Animal Feed dominating the Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market by application?
Sunflower seed meal is highly valued for its rich protein content and essential amino acid profile, making it an excellent and cost effective ingredient in animal nutrition. Its widespread adoption across the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture sectors underscores its importance. This application segment significantly contributes to the market's overall growth due to continuous demand for high quality animal protein sources globally, driving extensive incorporation of sunflower seed meal into various feed formulations to support animal health and growth.
Which end use segment heavily relies on sunflower seed meal and why?
The livestock and poultry end use segments collectively represent the primary consumers of sunflower seed meal. Within the broader animal feed application, these sectors utilize the meal extensively as a protein supplement in diets for cattle, pigs, and chickens. Its nutritional benefits, including its high fiber and energy content, make it an indispensable component for optimizing animal growth rates, milk production, and overall health, particularly in regions with established animal agriculture industries.
How do source and form segments influence the market landscape?
Conventional sunflower seed meal dominates the market due to its wider availability and generally lower production costs compared to organic varieties. This makes it more accessible for large scale industrial applications, especially within the price sensitive animal feed sector. Regarding form, granular and pellet forms are preferred for their ease of handling, storage, and incorporation into automated feed mixing systems, offering practical advantages for large volume industrial use over powder forms.
What Regulatory and Policy Factors Shape the Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market
Global sunflower seed meal markets operate within a complex regulatory framework. Import tariffs and quotas significantly influence trade flows, varying across nations and regional blocs such as the EU. Strict feed safety standards are paramount, especially regarding mycotoxins and pesticide residues, necessitating compliance for market entry in many countries. Labeling requirements for origin and nutritional content are also critical. Phytosanitary certificates are essential for cross border movement, preventing disease transmission. Sustainability policies and traceability mandates are emerging trends, driven by environmental concerns and consumer preferences influencing procurement. Subsidies in some producing regions can distort market pricing. Adherence to international trade agreements and national agricultural policies fundamentally shapes market dynamics.
What New Technologies are Shaping Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market?
Innovations are significantly reshaping the sunflower seed meal market. Advanced processing technologies enhance protein extraction efficiency and digestibility, improving its value in animal feed. Emerging enzymatic hydrolysis techniques are creating functional ingredients for human nutrition, expanding market reach beyond traditional applications. New uses in aquaculture, pet food, and plant based protein alternatives are gaining traction. Genetic improvements in sunflower varieties are yielding higher quality, more nutritious meals. Digital solutions and AI are optimizing production processes, ensuring consistent product quality and reducing waste. Furthermore, sustainable sourcing and supply chain traceability, often enabled by blockchain, are becoming critical competitive differentiators. These advancements promise sustained market expansion.
Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Regional Analysis
Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market
Trends, by Region

Europe Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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North America's sunflower seed meal market is driven by demand for high-protein animal feed, particularly in dairy and poultry sectors. The US dominates, benefiting from established livestock industries and increasing awareness of its nutritional value over alternatives. Canada also contributes, albeit on a smaller scale, with growth linked to organic and non-GMO feed trends. Limited domestic sunflower production necessitates imports, impacting regional pricing. Future growth hinges on stable import channels, expanding pet food applications, and continued demand for sustainable protein sources, despite competition from soybean meal.
Europe dominates the global sunflower seed meal market with a significant 38.2% share, driven by robust domestic sunflower cultivation and a well-established processing industry. Major contributors include Ukraine, Russia, and other Black Sea region countries, which are key producers and exporters. Strong demand for high-protein animal feed across European Union member states further solidifies the region's leading position, ensuring consistent consumption and market stability. The integrated supply chain, from farming to feed manufacturing, strengthens its hold on the market.
The Asia Pacific region is rapidly emerging as a significant force in the global sunflower seed meal market, boasting the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. This robust growth is primarily fueled by the expanding livestock and aquaculture industries across countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. Increased demand for high-protein animal feed, coupled with rising meat consumption and intensifying feed production, are key drivers. Furthermore, a growing awareness of sunflower meal's nutritional benefits and its cost-effectiveness compared to alternative protein sources further propels its adoption in this dynamic region.
Latin America holds niche but growing potential in the global sunflower seed meal market. Argentina dominates regional production and exports, primarily driven by its established sunflower industry. Other countries like Uruguay and Chile contribute on a smaller scale, mainly for domestic livestock feed. High soy and corn production traditionally limit widespread sunflower meal adoption in the broader region. However, increasing demand for diverse protein sources in animal feed and growing interest in sustainable agriculture could drive modest expansion, particularly for countries with suitable climates for sunflower cultivation, serving both internal markets and potential niche export opportunities.
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) sunflower seed meal market is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by an expanding livestock and aquaculture sector. Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa are key contributors, boasting increasing demand for high-protein animal feed ingredients. While local sunflower production is limited, imports from Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region remain crucial. The market benefits from rising meat consumption and government initiatives promoting agricultural diversification. Challenges include price volatility of raw materials and geopolitical instability. However, the region presents significant untapped potential, particularly in poultry and dairy segments, as industrial farming practices continue to evolve.
Top Countries Overview
The United States is a net importer of sunflower seed meal, with domestic production primarily serving the poultry and livestock sectors. Global prices and supply chains significantly influence US market dynamics, particularly given its reliance on imports from countries like Argentina for animal feed.
China dominates the global sunflower seed meal market. Its vast livestock industry fuels demand. Domestic production and imports secure supply. Pricing and trade are influenced by Chinese consumption patterns. The nation's market share significantly impacts international trade dynamics for this crucial feed ingredient.
India is a minor player in the global sunflower seed meal market. Domestic demand for protein rich animal feed largely consumes its limited production. Import dependency is low. Export activity is negligible due to competitive pricing and lower output compared to major producers.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitical tensions involving key sunflower oil producers like Ukraine and Russia significantly impact the meal market due to supply disruptions and trade route uncertainties. Sanctions and counter sanctions can limit export access and alter established trading partnerships, forcing buyers to seek alternative sources or pay premium prices. Energy price volatility, often exacerbated by these tensions, translates to higher processing and transportation costs for sunflower meal, affecting producer margins and end user prices.
Macroeconomic factors such as global economic growth influence demand for livestock feed, a primary end use for sunflower meal. Inflationary pressures in key consuming regions can reduce purchasing power, potentially shifting demand towards cheaper alternatives. Currency fluctuations also play a crucial role, impacting the competitiveness of exporters and the import costs for buyers, further shaping trade flows and market dynamics.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Cargill announced a strategic partnership with United Oilseeds to expand their sunflower seed meal distribution network across Eastern Europe. This collaboration aims to leverage United Oilseeds' extensive regional logistics to meet growing demand for high-protein animal feed.
- July 2024
Sungold Foods launched a new line of specialized organic sunflower seed meal, targeting the premium pet food and aquaculture markets. This product offers a certified organic, non-GMO protein source designed to cater to niche consumer preferences for sustainable and traceable ingredients.
- November 2024
Louis Dreyfus Company completed the acquisition of a significant stake in Energex, a leading producer of high-quality sunflower seed meal in the Black Sea region. This acquisition strengthens Louis Dreyfus's upstream supply chain capabilities and enhances its global footprint in the agricultural commodities market.
- April 2025
Maverick Biofuels and CHS Inc. announced a joint strategic initiative to research and develop novel applications for sunflower seed meal in the production of sustainable biofuels. This partnership seeks to explore the viability of using defatted sunflower meal as a feedstock for advanced biofuel technologies, aiming for circular economy benefits.
- February 2025
Sime Darby Oils unveiled a new product innovation: a highly concentrated sunflower seed protein isolate, designed for the plant-based food and beverage industry. This high-purity protein offers a neutral flavor profile and excellent functional properties, suitable for developing innovative meat alternatives and dairy-free products.
Key Players Analysis
The Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market sees key players like Cargill, Louis Dreyfus Company, and CHS Inc. dominating the trading and processing landscape, leveraging their extensive global supply chains and logistics networks. Energex and Maverick Biofuels represent emerging innovators focused on advanced processing technologies for higher value applications, including biofuels and specialized animal feed. United Oilseeds and Sime Darby Oils, while diversified, contribute significantly through their integrated crushing facilities. Strategic initiatives across the board include optimizing extraction efficiency, developing novel feed formulations, and expanding into new geographic markets to meet the escalating demand for protein rich animal feed, a primary market growth driver.
List of Key Companies:
- Cargill
- Energex
- Sunflower Oil Co
- Sungold Foods
- Maverick Biofuels
- AgProcessing
- United Oilseeds
- Sime Darby Oils
- CHS Inc.
- Louis Dreyfus Company
- Groupe Limagrain
- ADM
- Bunge
- Olam International
- Dreyfus
- Pioneer HiBred
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 11.5 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 17.9 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 5.4% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Source, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Form, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Source, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Form, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Source, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Form, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Source, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Form, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Source, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Form, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Source, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Form, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Sunflower Seed Meal Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
