PUBLISHER: Global Insight Services | PRODUCT CODE: 1916361
PUBLISHER: Global Insight Services | PRODUCT CODE: 1916361
Hydroponics Market is anticipated to expand from $11.1 billion in 2025 to $26.9 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of approximately 8.7%. The hydroponics market is witnessing rapid growth fueled by significant investments, technological advancements, and strong government support worldwide. Major players such as 80 Acres Farms, AeroFarms, BrightFarms, and Village Farms are expanding large-scale, sustainable, and pesticide-free farming operations across multiple regions. Innovative startups including Easy Urban Garden, WallFarm, Oasis Biotech, and HydroGreen Global Technologies are driving compact, urban-friendly hydroponic solutions and automation to optimize efficiency.
Government initiatives play a vital role in accelerating adoption. The USDA in the United States has allocated $14.4 million in grants supporting urban agriculture and innovative production. India's Holkar Science College is advancing indoor hydroponic cultivation of vegetables and medicinal plants, while Canadian cities like Montreal employ hydroponics for year-round local food production, enhancing food security.
The industry also features some of the world's largest vertical farms, such as ECO 1 by Bustanica and Aerofarm AGX in the UAE, setting benchmarks in technology and sustainable practices.
| Market Segmentation | |
|---|---|
| Type | Aggregate Systems, Liquid Systems |
| Equipment | HVAC, LED Grow Lights, Control Systems, Irrigation Systems, Material Handling Systems, Others |
| Aggregate Systems | Drip Systems, EBB and Flow Systems, Wick Systems |
| Liquid Systems | Nutrient Film Technique, Deep Water Culture, Aeroponics |
| Farming Method | Indoor, Outdoor |
| End-Use | Commercial, Residential |
| Crop Type | Vegetables, Fruits, Flowers, Herbs, Other Crops |
Initial setup costs for hydroponic systems range from $60 to over $600, covering essential equipment such as grow trays, lighting, and pumps. Monthly operating expenses for electricity, water, and nutrients typically range from $8 to $70. Optional investments in automation and training add $25 to $1,200, improving system control and productivity.
Hence, hydroponics is emerging as a sustainable and efficient agricultural solution that addresses urbanization, resource limitations, and growing consumer demand for fresh, locally grown produce worldwide.
Segment Overview
Based on type, the market is segmented into aggregate systems and liquid systems. Among these the aggregate systems accounted for the largest share of 56.1% in 2024, driven by its essential role in hydroponic farming. These systems use inert media such as rock wool, perlite, coconut coir, and vermiculite to provide optimal root support, improve oxygenation, and maximize nutrient uptake. Highly sustainable, aggregate hydroponics reduces water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional soil farming while minimizing nutrient runoff, aligning with global environmental regulations. Urban regions in North America and Asia-Pacific heavily rely on aggregate systems to overcome limited arable land, enabling year-round, pesticide-free crop production close to consumers. Advanced technologies like precision LED lighting and sensor-driven climate controls boost yields by up to 40%, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Industry leaders such as AeroFarms and BrightFarms offer modular, scalable systems that combine automated nutrient delivery with inert media, significantly reducing labor and energy costs. Government initiatives further accelerate market growth. Singapore's "30 by 30" goal aims to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030, while Japan's Agriculture DX (Digital Transformation) program offers subsidies for smart farming technologies. In Europe, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds sustainable and indoor farming projects. These programs provide financial support, research grants, and infrastructure development, expanding opportunities for indoor farming technologies.
The outdoor hydroponics farming segment is projected to grow at a 10.3% CAGR from 2025 to 2034, driven by cost savings and sustainable resource use. Outdoor systems harness natural sunlight, reducing energy costs compared to indoor setups reliant on artificial lighting. They also benefit from natural airflow and rainfall, which enhance plant growth and reduce water consumption, promoting sustainability. For instance, Mattagami First Nation advanced food security in 2024 by producing over 600 pounds of crops through expanded outdoor gardens and hydroponics. Their new dome-shaped greenhouse will enable year-round tropical plant cultivation, increasing local fresh produce and lowering dependence on imports. The growing commercial adoption of outdoor hydroponics is also boosting demand for specialized fertilizers. Neutrog Australia's fertilizer exports surpassed 6,000 tonnes in 2024, driven by markets like California's almond orchards and New Zealand's vegetable farms. Their product Bounce Back is tailored to support robust growth in outdoor hydroponic environments. However, outdoor hydroponics also faces challenges from weather variability. Sensei Ag's greenhouses in Hawaii experienced significant wind damage and solar power disruptions, which forced reliance on expensive diesel generators as backup power. This shows the need for designs that can handle tough weather conditions.
Geographical Overview
Asia-Pacific dominates the global hydroponics market, holding a significant share in 2024 due to rapid urbanization, shrinking arable land, and growing food security concerns. Countries like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea heavily invest in advanced hydroponic technologies such as IoT sensors, AI-driven climate control, and automated nutrient delivery, enabling year-round crop production. Leading firms like Mirai Co. Ltd in Japan operate some of the largest indoor farms, producing over 10,000 heads of lettuce daily. In Singapore, Sky Greens has developed a vertical farm system producing 50 to 100 kilograms of vegetables every 28 to 30 days using recycled water and low energy consumption. However, high energy demands and infrastructure challenges in developing countries like India and Indonesia limit scalability.
North America holds a significant market share in the hydroponics market, driven by growing consumer demand for sustainable, pesticide-free produce and robust innovation from key players like AeroFarms, AMHYDRO, Argus Control Systems, and LumiGrow. GrowGeneration Corp.'s acquisition of Grassroots Hydroponics further strengthens its market presence, especially in Southern California. Europe's growth is supported by developed economies such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, which combine advanced infrastructure with increasing adoption of genetically modified crops to enhance controlled environment farming. In the UK, Thanet Earth produces approximately 53 million pounds of hydroponically grown crops annually, including 225 million tomatoes, 16 million peppers, and 13 million cucumbers. The Philippines' Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) promotes affordable hydroponics with nutrient solutions supporting small-scale, electricity-free farming. Latin America is steadily emerging, while the Middle East and Africa are the fastest-growing regions with a CAGR of 11.9%, driven by water scarcity and harsh climates, supported by strategic investments and partnerships addressing infrastructure and technology gaps.
Key Trends and Drivers
Rising Global Population Spurs Demand for High-Yield Farming Solutions -
The rapid growth of the world's population is intensifying the need for increased food production. According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global population is expected to reach approximately 9.1 billion by 2050, requiring food output to grow by 25% to 70%. This challenge is driving greater adoption of innovative farming methods that deliver higher yields in shorter periods. In regions like Asia Pacific and Europe, where farmland and water resources are limited, the shift toward efficient, high-yield farming technologies is accelerating, supporting significant market expansion.
Urban Vertical Farming Expansion Enhances Food Security and Sustainability -
Rapid urbanization and limited arable land are driving the expansion of vertical farming, boosting the hydroponics market. Vertical farming grows crops in stacked layers, maximizing yield and enabling year-round production in small urban spaces. In early 2023, Glens Falls, New York, launched a 480-square-foot vertical farm growing basil hydroponically, funded by a $96,700 grant. In December 2024, Middletown, Connecticut, began building a 2,640-square-foot Dutch-style greenhouse combining soil and hydroponic systems to address food insecurity and promote healthy living. This urban farming approach enhances food security and sustainability by reducing transportation emissions and resource use.
Research Scope