PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1801042
PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1801042
The global hemp-based food market size reached USD 1.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 5.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 12.69% during 2025-2033. There are various factors that are driving the market, which include rising preferences of individuals for natural and organic food products, increasing consumption of gourmet food items, and the legalization of hemp cultivation and the relaxation of regulations.
Increasing Health and Wellness Awareness
As per the IMARC Group research report, the health and wellness market was US$ 3,670.4 Billion in 2023 across the globe. The growing awareness about health and wellness represents one of the key factors influencing the market positively. Additionally, the market is growing due to the general public's increasing health consciousness about the significance of the nutritional content of the food items they consume. Food items that are derived from hemp such hemp oil and seeds have high levels of protein, vitamins, and important nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Besides this, the industry is expanding because of the rising popularity of vegetarianism and veganism diets. People are preferring plant-based protein sources and functional food items. Furthermore, rising preferences for natural and organic products are catalyzing the hemp-based food demand.
Expansion of Legalization and Regulation
The legalization of hemp cultivation and the relaxation of regulations about hemp-derived products shows another growth-inducing factor of the market. Governing agencies of numerous countries are updating their laws to permit the sale as well as production of hemp-based items. This shifting legal environment is spurring innovation, investment, and product development. Moreover, the removal of trade restrictions in various countries is motivating food players to include hemp ingredients in their products, which further creates a positive hemp-based food market outlook. Besides this, legalization is encouraging companies to engage in diverse kinds of partnerships. For instance, on 5 July 2023, Burcon NutraScience Corporation, a global technology leader in the development of plant-based proteins for foods and beverages, unveiled that it has partnered with HPS Food and Ingredients Inc. (HPS), a leading provider of food ingredients based on hempseed, to explore the commercialization of Burcon's unique high purity and soluble hempseed protein isolate. With this partnership, the company hopes to take advantage of the growing trend of the hempseed protein market and provide people all over the world with high-quality plant-based protein options.
Sustainability and Environmental Concerns
The increasing focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness is encouraging people to seek out alternative and eco-friendly food sources, which is impelling the hemp-based food market growth. Compared to many traditional crops, hemp farming uses less water and pesticides, making it an eco-friendlier choice. Apart from this, rising environmental concerns associated with the food processing industry are catalyzing the demand for food items having a reduced ecological footprint. In addition, a large number of companies are minimizing their carbon footprint by using sustainable packaging solutions like compostable and biodegradable materials. On 18 April 2023, Hemperella launched an innovative new line of hemp-based superfood products in 900 LIDL stores across Poland and 400 LIDL stores throughout the Netherlands and became the leading hemp Superfood brand for consumers who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Hemperella's nutritious and delicious products are sourced from high-quality and sustainably grown hemp plants and are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids.
Hemp seeds account for the majority of the market share
Hemp seeds have essential nutrients like fatty acids, protein, and fiber. Additionally, their balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 promotes individuals' general health. These seeds are very simple to use in a variety of recipes. They appeal to a broader spectrum of consumers due to their ability to be eaten raw, cooked, or roasted. Compared to other hemp-based food products like hemp milk or hemp oil, they have a longer shelf life. Furthermore, hemp seeds are relatively easy to cultivate, and harvest compared to other parts of the hemp plant, which makes them a cost-effective option for farmers and leads to a positive hemp-based food market forecast.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets hold the largest share of the industry
Supermarkets and hypermarkets are popular shopping solutions that provide hemp-based food goods with excellent visibility. These retail establishments use a variety of marketing and promotional strategies including loyalty programs, bundled offers, and discounts. In addition, they facilitate easy access to a larger range of consumers for food products that are made from hemp. Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide a one-stop shopping experience that allows people to purchase other grocery goods in addition to hemp-based food items. These stores also feature a wide range of products including oils, seeds, and ready-to-eat (RTE) snacks that are all hemp-based.
North America leads the market, accounting for the largest hemp-based food market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for hemp-based food.
The presence of a robust supply chain at sourcing, manufacturing, and distributing hemp-based food items in the North America region is bolstering the market growth. This streamlines market operations and minimizes disruptions. Additionally, hemp-based food products are widely available across offline retail channels in the region. This retail presence makes the products more accessible to individuals. Apart from this, the rising health consciousness among North American consumers is driving the demand for all-natural and nutrient-rich foods. Furthermore, in North America, particularly the United States, has a well-established regulatory environment for hemp cultivation and product development, which creates a more secure landscape for investors and manufacturers, thereby increasing the hemp-based food market value. On 13 March 2024, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, a pioneer and leader in branded hemp-based food items and is recognized as a Certified B Corporation and the first Canadian food company to attain a Carbonzero Certification, introduced its latest hemp-based food innovations at the Natural Products Expo West. The event features the company's new Superseed Oatmeal and a Bioactive Fiber product aimed at supporting gut health. These oatmeals are blended with hemp hearts and flax to provide a source of protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids.
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)