Microalgae Market Report 2026

The microalgae market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.19 billion in 2025 to $1.27 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing demand for natural nutritional ingredients, expansion of aquaculture feed applications, early adoption of algae-based pigments, availability of photobioreactor technologies, growth of algae research initiatives.

The microalgae market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.65 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing focus on sustainable protein sources, rising investments in bio-based materials, expansion of algae-derived pharmaceuticals, growing use of microalgae in carbon capture applications, increasing commercialization of specialty algae strains. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of microalgae in nutritional supplements, rising adoption of algae-based biofuels, expansion of microalgae in cosmetics applications, growing investment in controlled algae cultivation systems, enhanced focus on high-yield strain development.

The rising demand for plant-based protein is expected to drive the growth of the microalgae market going forward. Microalgae, including spirulina and chlorella, are rich protein sources and offer a sustainable alternative to conventional proteins such as soy or animal-derived products. As consumers increasingly adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, microalgae are valued for their nutritional content, balanced amino acid profiles, and versatility across various food applications. For instance, in June 2025, the Good Food Institute, a US-based non-profit organization, reported that the French retail market for five categories of plant-based foods reached $0.591 billion in 2024 - an increase of 8.8% from 2023 and 20.5% from 2022. Therefore, the growing demand for plant-based protein is driving the microalgae market.

Major companies in the microalgae market are pursuing strategic investments to enhance product portfolios, expand market reach, and accelerate innovation. Strategic partnerships help improve production efficiency, access new markets, and advance technological capabilities. For example, in June 2024, Brevel Ltd., an Israel-based microalgae cultivation technology developer, inaugurated its first commercial plant dedicated to producing microalgae protein. Spanning 27,000 square feet, the facility aims to supply hundreds of tons of microalgae protein powder to the alternative protein sector. Its unique production process combines light and fermentation to achieve high yields of nutritious microalgae, addressing the increasing demand for plant-based protein in food products.

In March 2025, Algal Bio Co. Ltd., a Japan-based biotechnology company, acquired EBIS Algae Research Institute for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Algal Bio sought to expand its commercial microalgae production capabilities and integrate advanced cultivation technologies to strengthen its position in the global microalgae market. EBIS Algae Research Institute, based in Japan, specializes in cultivating and supplying microalgae, including Nannochloropsis, for aquaculture feed and various industrial applications.

Major companies operating in the microalgae market are Cyanotech Corporation, Algatech, Cellana, Brevel, Checkerspot, microTERRA, Industrial Phycology, Provectus Algae, Phycom, Viridos, ALGAMA, Arborea, Kuehnle AgroSystems Inc., ALGBIO, Revyve, MiAlgae, Algenol Biofuels, AquaBioTech Group, Algaeventure Systems, Algae Floating Systems Inc., Algae Biosciences Corporation, AlgaeLink N.V., Blue Marble Energy, Solazyme Inc., Sapphire Energy, Heliae Development LLC, Seambiotic, Algorhythm, EcoPRT, Algal Scientific.

North America was the largest region in the microalgae market share in 2025. The regions covered in the microalgae market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the microalgae market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The microalgae market consists of sales of crypthecodinium, schizachyrium, and nannochloropsis species. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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