Microgreens Market Size
Global Microgreens Market reached USD 1.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 13.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031. With the increasing urbanization and limited space for traditional agriculture, microgreens have become a preferable choice for urban agriculture and indoor farming initiatives.
They can be grown in small spaces, making them suitable for rooftop gardens, vertical farms, and home cultivation.
According to a study published by V.Chandrshekaran, founder of a hydroponic technology firm, in soil-based agriculture, the average annual yield of lettuce per acre was 9-10 tonnes, while in hydroponics agriculture, it was 300-400 tonnes. Microgreens have gained popularity within the culinary global, as chefs and home cooks use them to feature a burst of taste, texture, and visual attraction to their dishes. The rising use of microgreens in restaurants, cafes, and food service establishments boosts market growth.
Market Summary
| Metrics | Details |
| CAGR | 13.1% |
| Size Available for Years | 2021-2030 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2031 |
| Data Availability | Value (US$) |
| Segments Covered | Type, Farm, Growth Medium, End-User, Distribution Channel, and Region |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Region | North America |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and Acquisitions, New Equipment Type Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, Porter’s Analysis, Pricing Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Supply-Chain Analysis, and Other key Insights. |
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Market Dynamics
Rise in Adoption of Indoor Farming
The rising adoption of indoor farming is a significant driver behind the growth of the microgreens market. The rapidly growing population and reduced arable land cause a rise in indoor faring. In May 2021, BrightFarms opened an indoor farm in Hendersonville, NC. The 6-acre greenhouse will produce 2 million pounds of lettuce per year for the Southeast region. Indoor farming allows for year-round cultivation of microgreens, regardless of external weather conditions. This continuous production ensures a steady supply of fresh microgreens, meeting the increasing demand from consumers and food service establishments.
Indoor farming techniques optimize resource utilization, such as water and energy, resulting in higher crop yields and reduced wastage. This efficiency enables growers to produce a larger quantity of microgreens in a smaller space compared to traditional outdoor farming methods. With indoor farming, growers have precise control over environmental factors like light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. These optimized conditions promote faster and healthier growth of microgreens, resulting in higher-quality produce.
Rising Health and Wellness Consciousness
The growing health consciousness has led people to consume a diet full of nutrients which has led to significant growth in the microgreens market. Microgreens contain essential nutrients, like minerals, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants when compared to their mature counterparts. For example, compost-grown broccoli microgreens have 1.15 and 2.32 times more minerals, like phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, calcium, sodium, and copper, compared to their mature counterpart.
Microgreens have phytochemicals that offer various health benefits, like improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and better heart health. For example, microgreens can contain up to 40% more phytochemicals (beneficial nutrients and components) than fully-grown vegetables. Health-conscious consumers recognize the value of these concentrated nutrients and are incorporating microgreens into their diets which drives the microgreens market growth.
High Production Cost
Microgreens cultivation involves specific requirements, intensive labor, and careful monitoring to ensure optimal growth and quality. Starting a microgreens farm or indoor growing facility requires investment in infrastructure which leads to its higher cost. According to MicroVeggy, the total cost of producing a 1020 tray of microgreens is about $3-5. For each 1020 tray, the average yield is between 8 to 12 oz per harvest (7-14 days).
In addition, indoor growing facilities require specialized equipment like LED grow lights, environmental controllers, and hydroponic or aeroponic systems. The initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs for this technology can add to production expenses. High-quality growing medium, seeds, nutrients, and other inputs are essential for successful microgreens cultivation. The cost of these inputs can impact production costs, especially for large-scale operations. After harvesting, microgreens require careful post-harvest handling to maintain freshness and quality. Proper storage, packaging, and transportation processes can add to production costs.
Market Segmentation Analysis
The global microgreens market is segmented based on type, farm, growth medium, end-user, distribution channel, and region.
Rising Demand For Broccoli Due to its Nutritional Benefits
Broccoli is one of the rapidly growing and easy microgreens practiced globally. It can be grown with indoor farming. Broccoli is a rich source of minerals that can be grown by individuals, even in urban areas, providing better access to adequate nutrition. Therefore, the cultivation of broccoli as a microgreen has been boosted, owing to the nutritional demand from the growing population.
According to FAO, in 2021 the total amount of broccoli and cauliflowers produced in China was 9.60 million tons. Interest in microgreens has also been generated by widespread websites, which indicate that microgreens may be around 4–40 times the amount of vegetables a mature plant would produce. Thus, broccoli as a microgreen will propel the market for microgreens in the coming years.
Market Geographical Share
North America’s Growing Indoor Farming
The large-scale microgreens farming in the U.S. and consumption in restaurants are supporting the market in this region. Many farms have been set up in the country to grow microgreens. With the enhancement of indoor and vertical farming practices, U.S. cultivators produce microgreens on a large scale. Walmart, the world’s leading retailer, recently purchased a stake in Plenty Unlimited, a US vertical farming firm, as part of a USD 400 million fundraising round to bring fresh, peak-flavor produce to shoppers year-round.
Many retailers are offering "Certified Naturally Grown" microgreen seeds to several local restaurants and farmers in the U.S. which can be cultivated hydroponically and through vertical farming in the country. Moreover, Canadian farmers are counting on indoor farming compared to greenhouse farming for growing microgreens. For instance, in September 2022, GlobalMedic, a Canadian charity, joined forces with The Six Farms to set up a vertical farm program in its new Oakville location to grow microgreens to help supply food for local food banks.
Major Key Players
The major global players include Fresh Origins, SAKATA, Farmbox Greens, AeroFarms LLC, Living Earth Farms, Metro Microgreens, Chef’s Garden Inc, Gotham Greens, 2BFresh, and GoodLeaf Farms.
COVID-19 Impact on Market
As the COVID-19 pandemic has changed people's attitudes about their food shopping habits, do-it-yourself microgreens have offered a sustainable alternative. Microgreens do not have a direct effect on curbing the virus but help indirectly by protecting the organs due to their antioxidant properties, strengthening one’s immune system, and helping develop a first-line defense system against the virus. Hence, the market for microgreens experienced a hiked demand from the consumer's side and is expected to grow during the forecast period.
On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the supply chain of food products, with only essential food items being allowed to transport. Emerging economies, such as China and India, were not able to meet the demand for microgreens, especially broccoli. Total production of broccoli in 2020 totaled 15.8 million cwt, down 5% from 2019. The area harvested, at 100,300 acres, was also down 4% from 2019.
By Type
- Brassicaceae
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Others
- Asteraceae
- Lettuce
- Chicory
- Others
- Amaranthaceae
- Amaranth
- Spinach
- Quinoa
- Others
- Cucurbitaceae
- Micro Cucumber
- Micro Melons
- Others
- Lamiaceae
- Basil
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Others
- Lentils
- Onion, Garlic, and Leeks
- Others
By Farm
- Indoor Farming
- Greenhouse Farming
- Vertical Farming
- Others
By Growth Medium
- Coconut Coir
- Peat Moss
- Soil
- Tissue Paper
- Others
By Distribution Channel
- Supermarket/Hypermarket
- Retail Stores
- E-Commerce
- Others
By End-User
- Retail
- Food Service
- Others
By Region
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- 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 June 2023, AeroFarms Microgreens, a US-based vertical farming company, expanded its business by offering fresh, flavorful, and delicious microgreens Launched in Amazon Fresh Stores.
- In October 2021, AeroFarms, a leader in indoor vertical farming, announced to expand its distribution of leafy greens to more than 350 Stop & Shop Stores across the Northeast and New England regions including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
- In March 2021, Gotham Greens, an indoor agriculture company opened a 10-acre facility in Northern California, its first West Coast greenhouse location. This will increase its total annual production to 40 million heads of lettuce and herbs.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the global microgreens market segmentation based on type, farm, growth medium, end-user, 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 microgreens 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 microgreens market report would provide approximately 77 tables, 86 figures, and 181 Pages.
Target Audience 2024
- Manufacturers/ Buyers
- Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
- Research Professionals
- Emerging Companies
