Flax Seed Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Flax Seed Market is segmented By Type (Whole Flaxseed, Ground Flaxseed, Flaxseed Oil, Flaxseed Meal), By Form (Raw, Roasted, Refined, Cold-Pressed), By Application (Food and Beverages, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Animal Feed, Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail, Ohers), By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Report Overview

Global Flax Seeds Market reached US$ 0.89 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 2.1 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031. 

The global flaxseed market is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing health consciousness and a shift towards plant-based diets. Rising demand for functional foods and supplements is fueling this growth, with flaxseed's versatile applications. With its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and lignans, flaxseed aligns perfectly with the need for foods that offer additional health benefits. 

Innovations in processing and product development are further propelling the market, making flaxseed a valuable ingredient in various sectors, including food, nutraceuticals, animal feed and personal care products. Supportive regulations and ongoing research continue to support this expansion, highlighting the significant potential of flaxseed in meeting evolving consumer needs.

North America dominates the global flaxseed market. US's large flaxseed imports relative to its exports underline North America's significant role in the global flaxseed market. US imported 5,700 thousand bushels of flaxseed and exported only 200 thousand bushels as per USDA, 2023-34. The import and export figures for flaxseed in US illustrate a significant aspect of North America's role in the global flaxseed market.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics

Growing Vegan Population

According to the World Animal Foundation, approximately 88 million people were vegans worldwide in 2022. The rise in plant-based and vegan diets has also boosted the demand for flaxseeds, as these flaxseeds offer valuable nutrients that align with vegan dietary needs. Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein, making them a good choice for those seeking plant-based alternatives to nutrients typically found in animal products.

Moreover, as the vegan lifestyle becomes more popular, there is greater emphasis on incorporating nutritious and versatile ingredients like flaxseeds into various food products. This trend has led to an expansion in the availability and variety of flaxseed-based products, in various forms further fueling market growth. 

Improvements in Processing Technologies

Advancements in processing techniques have significantly boosted the global flaxseed market by enhancing the quality and functionality of flaxseed products. Modern cold pressing and supercritical fluid extraction methods ensure high yield and higher purity and nutritional content in flaxseed oil, catering to health-conscious consumers and premium markets. 

For instance, to enhance oil extraction yields, various advanced methods have been developed, including ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, subcritical extraction, three-phase partitioning and enzyme-assisted three-phase partitioning, as reported in an article from Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods, 2021.

Additionally, improved grinding and milling technologies produce finer, more consistent flaxseed powders that integrate seamlessly into various food products, from baked goods to smoothies. These innovations enhanced product quality and increased the versatility of flaxseed, making it a more attractive ingredient for manufacturers.

Production Issues of Flaxseed

The global flaxseed market is under significant strain in 2023 due to severe production issues. The Kazakh Grain Union forecasts a 26% decline in production and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has also lowered its crop estimates. The downturn resulted due to adverse weather conditions, rising production costs and cultivation challenges such as poor soil conditions, pests and diseases. These factors reduced yields and overall lower production.

Market Segment Analysis

The global flax seeds market is segmented based on type, form, application, distribution channel and region.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

The global flax seeds market is segmented based on type into whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil and flaxseed meal. The flaxseed oil segment has the largest share in the global market. Flaxseed oil dominates the global flaxseed market primarily due to its high nutritional value and versatility. Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, flaxseed oil offers significant health benefits such as reducing inflammation and supporting heart health. 

The nutritional advantage drives demand from health-conscious consumers and those seeking plant-based alternatives to fish oil. Additionally, flaxseed oil is used in a variety of applications beyond dietary supplements, including cooking, salad dressings and personal care products, further expanding its market reach. Furthermore, its longer shelf life enhances its convenience for both consumers and manufacturers. 

Market Geographical Share

Presence of High Production Capacity Countries in North America

North America dominates the global flaxseed market. In 2021, US contributed 2.708 million bushels of flax from 268,000 acres, marking a significant role. On the other hand, Canada, which leads the world in flaxseed production, accounts for about 40% of total global output. The substantial share emphasizes Canada’s crucial role in the flaxseed industry. The combined production from both Canada and US highlights North America's significant influence in the flaxseed market. 

In North America, technological advancements play a significant role, with farmers benefiting from improved seed varieties, effective pest management strategies and efficient harvesting techniques, all of which contribute to higher yields and superior flaxseed quality. Additionally, significant investments in research and development have led to the creation of new flaxseed varieties with enhanced nutritional profiles and disease resistance.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill Incorporated, The Scoular Company, CanMar Foods Ltd., Simosis International, SHYAM INDUSTRIES, AG Organica, Flax Farm Ltd, Nature's Way Brands and Linwoods Health Foods.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic had a moderate impact on the global flaxseed market. It disrupted supply chains and caused price volatility. Lockdowns, transportation restrictions and labor shortages affected flaxseed production and distribution, leading to delays and increased costs. Export and import dynamics were also disrupted, with major producers facing challenges in trade flows. 

The focus on health and wellness during the pandemic increased interest in flaxseed for its nutritional benefits, though reduced demand from food service sectors tempered this effect. The pandemic accelerated the shift toward online shopping. The heightened awareness of health benefits had bolstered the long-term demand for the flaxseed market.

By Type

• Whole Flaxseed
• Ground Flaxseed
• Flaxseed Oil
• Flaxseed Meal

By Form

• Raw
• Rosted
• Refined
• Cold-Pressed

By Application

• Food and Beverages
• Nutraceuticals
• Cosmetics and Personal Care
• Animal Feed
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online Retail
• Ohers

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In April 2022, Malibu Mylk, a California-based non-dairy beverage company, launched Flax Mylk, the world’s first high-fiber milk made entirely from whole organic flaxseeds.
• In January 2022, Scoular launched a new high-speed flax processing facility in Regina, marking the first new flax plant in Western Canada.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global flax seeds market segmentation based on type, form, application, distribution channel and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the flax seeds market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global flax seeds market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 67 figures and 225 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies