Microgreens are young vegetable and herb plants that are harvested when they are typically no more than 14 days old. Microgreens are gaining popularity owing to their rich nutritional content with antioxidants and vitamins. They are considered superfood due to their high concentration of nutrients and minerals. Microgreens require less space and time to grow which makes them a sustainable crop. They are versatile and can be easily incorporated into salads, sandwiches and main dishes adding flavour and textures. The global microgreens market is driven by rising health consciousness, busy lifestyles and growing demand for organic and locally grown produce.
Global Microgreens Market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.71 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.38 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Microgreens are AeroFarms, Fresh Origins, Gotham Greens, Good Leaf Farms, Living Earth Farms, Farmbox Greens, Chef’s Garden, Bowery Farming, Teshuva Agricultural Projects Ltd., Madar Farms, and Metro Microgreens.
The growing Microgreens Market Demand is attributed to their high nutritional content packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They require minimal inputs, space and time to cultivate making them a sustainable crop. Technological advancements such as controlled environment agriculture and hydroponics have enabled year-round production of microgreens overcoming seasonality challenges.
Market Trends
- Indoor vertical farming of microgreens is gaining traction among producers to ensure year-round supply. Controlled environment protected agriculture techniques such as hydroponics and aeroponics enables producers to grow microgreens closer to demand centers.
- Automation of microgreens cultivation and harvesting processes is being adopted to improve productivity and reduce labor costs. Technologies including autonomous mobile robots, automated seeding, and planting and harvesting equipment are streamlining microgreens production.
Market Opportunities
- Growing popularity of nutrient-dense, pesticide-free microgreens present an opportunity for organic certified producers to expand their market share. The market for organic microgreens is expected witness strong growth over the forecast period.
- E-commerce platforms and direct-to-customer models enable microgreens producers to access a wider customer base beyond local markets. Online sales channels provide an opportunity for producers to boost volumes and better price premium microgreens varieties.
Impact of COVID-19 on Microgreens Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the microgreens market in the initial months. Lockdowns and supply chain disruptions affected production as well as consumption. Many restaurants, cafes, and foodservice outlets were completely shut down during lockdowns, which represented a major portion of demand. International trade barriers further disrupted exports and imports.
However, as people started spending more time at home, the demand for fresh and nutritious foods saw an increase. Microgreens being a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found more traction among consumers. Several small growers engaged in direct-to-consumer sales through digital platforms to sustain their business operations. Food retail outlets ensured adequate supplies of microgreens to benefit from the rising health-conscious trend.
As lockdowns ease globally with rapid vaccination drives, foodservice establishments are rebuilding business. The demand from restaurants, cafeterias is recovering steadily. Moreover, increased awareness about boosting immunity is propelling the consumption of microgreens on a long-term basis. Players in the market are exploring automation and controlled environment agriculture technologies to ensure reliable year-round supplies. Partnerships along the cold chain and digital procurement are also gaining prominence. The microgreens market is well-positioned to demonstrate steady growth in the coming years on the back of improved production and consumption patterns in the post-COVID period.
North America currently holds the major share of the microgreens market in terms of value. The region has witnessed rapid adoption of microgreens owing to rising health awareness and changing consumer food preferences. The busy lifestyles have driven the demand for convenient, nutritious fresh foods like microgreens. Several major retailers offer microgreens to meet the requirements of time-pressed consumers. Besides, the presence of innovating agri-tech startups is supporting the growth of microgreens cultivation in North America.
Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing regional market for microgreens over the forecast period. Rising health consciousness coupled with growing prosperity in countries like China and India will drive the consumption of high-value crops including microgreens. Furthermore, development of sustainable indoor vertical farming is expanding microgreens production throughout Asia Pacific cities to satisfy the burgeoning demand from urban populations. Favorable government initiatives are also encouraging young farmers to begin microgreens business, thus serving to accelerate the Asia Pacific microgreens market.
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About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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