Archive · 30 Jan 2026
India's Seaweed Demand to Rise with Middle Class Growth
Experts say India will need a lot more seaweed in the next 20 years.
This is because more people will be in the middle class and they will want seaweed products.
Seaweed is used in food, medicine, and even to make plastic that is better for the environment.
India has a long coastline, which is good for growing seaweed.
Seaweed also helps the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide.
There is a lot of money being invested in seaweed products, and experts think India can be a big part of this industry.
India is emerging as a key market for seaweed products, driven by a growing middle class and industrial applications.
The country's demand for carrageenan, a seaweed-derived substance, is projected to grow faster than in Europe and the US.
Seaweed-based bio stimulants and plastic alternatives are growing at around 10% annually, with a projected demand of 1.16 million tonnes by 2030.
Global investments in seaweed-based plastics have exceeded ₹1,500 crore since 2020.
Seaweed farming is highlighted for its role in climate mitigation and contributing to the blue carbon framework.
- Who
- Experts at the Global Seaweed Summit, including Stevan Hermans
- What
- India's growing demand for seaweed and its potential in various industries
- When
- The summit concluded on January 30, 2026
- Where
- ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in India
- Why
- Due to rising domestic consumption, expanding industrial applications, and shifting global supply dynamics
- Event
- Global Seaweed Summit at ICAR-CMFRI
- Organizers
- Indian Chamber of Commerce, CMFRI, CSMCRI
- Projected Middle Class Growth
- 600 million people in 25 years
- Carrageenan Demand Growth
- Faster than Europe and the US
- Seaweed Demand by 2030
- 1.16 million tonnes
- Investment in Seaweed-Based Plastics
- Over ₹1,500 crore since 2020
- Seaweed Farming Benefits
- Carbon dioxide absorption and blue carbon contribution