Duckweed Protein Market Size By Species (Lemna minor, Wolffia globosa, Spirodela polyrhiza), By Form (Powder, Oil, Paste), By End-Use (Food Processing, Animal & Fish feed, Others) & Global Forecast, 2023 - 2032

Duckweed Protein Market Size By Species (Lemna minor, Wolffia globosa, Spirodela polyrhiza), By Form (Powder, Oil, Paste), By End-Use (Food Processing, Animal & Fish feed, Others) & Global Forecast, 2023 - 2032

Duckweed protein market will amass substantial growth by 2032, led by the increasing focus on plant-based feed additives.

Duckweed offers significant scope as an alternative protein source in poultry. Existing protein sources have become a major concern for the environment. For instance, soy production has aggravated deforestation, necessitating more sustainable and eco-friendly protein alternatives in animal feed. Duckweed is one of the fastest-growing floating plant species, easing the burden of growing soy. Besides, the plant has a rich nutritional profile, with crude protein levels as high as 44% in dry matter.

Growing concerns associated with the carbon footprint of animal farming are propelling the need for sustainable feed additives with minimal environmental impact. Ongoing advancements in the field of hydroponics are boosting the scope of duckweed production. For instance, a group of researchers from the Aberystwyth University Department of Life Sciences forayed a study to produce duckweed with the help of wastewater, and slurry from beef & dairy plants for livestock animal feed.

The duckweed protein market is bifurcated into species, form, end-use, and region.

Based on species, the industry is classified into Wolffia globosa, Lemna minor (common duckweed), Spirodela polyrhiza (great duckweed), and others. Among these, the Wolffia globosa duckweed protein market size will reach USD 18 million by 2032. It is also known as Mankai and is rich in polyphenols, and bioactive compounds. It has been recognized to have a promising neuroprotective effect on obese or dyslipidemic people and can help lower blood pressure, cardiovascular risk, and LDL cholesterol.

In terms of form, the market is segmented into paste, powder, and oil. The demand for duckweed protein paste is set to increase over 2032 owing to the rising consumer inclination toward plant-based protein. A noticeable rise in the vegan population has accelerated the consumption of plant-derived protein via solid foods, smoothies, and a variety of other food products. Duckweed paste is gaining popularity in culinary due to its many health benefits.

With regard to end use, the duckweed protein market share from food processing will reach USD 105 million by 2032. Duckweed has been consumed as a food across several parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia, where it is popularly known as Khai-nam or vegetable water. The increasing focus on plant-derived protein and superfoods will propel the demand for duckweed protein in the region.

Regarding the regional landscape, Europe duckweed protein market size will expand at over 11% CAGR from 2023 to 2032, led by the robust food and animal feed sectors in the region. The implementation of favorable government regulations on the sustainable production of feed additives and livestock feed will offer new business prospects for the manufacturers of duckweed protein in Europe.