Global Sunflower Meal Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

The Global Sunflower Meal Market is diverse and segmented across several dimensions, including form, source, and end use. By form, the market is divided into pellets, cakes, and ground-up powder. Pellets are highly favored in large-scale animal feed operations due to their ease of handling, minimal dust generation, and extended shelf life. The compact nature of pellets makes them ideal for automated feeding systems. Cakes, which are typically a by-product of sunflower oil extraction, contain higher protein content and are often used in livestock feeds, especially for ruminants like cattle and sheep. Ground-up powder, though less commonly used, is preferred in smaller-scale or customized feed formulations, where precise blending with other ingredients is required. Each form caters to specific operational needs, with pellets dominating in commercial feed and cakes and powders serving niche markets where protein content is a priority.

In terms of source, sunflower meal is primarily derived from decorticated sunflower seeds and whole sunflower seeds. Decorticated seeds, which have the husks removed, are more nutrient-dense and provide higher protein content in the resulting meal. This makes them particularly valuable in premium animal feed, where higher nutritional value is required for optimal animal performance. Whole sunflower seeds, while more cost-effective, result in a meal with slightly lower protein content due to the inclusion of the outer husk. This type of meal is often used in general-purpose feed for animals like swine and poultry, where fiber is also an important consideration alongside protein. The choice between decorticated and whole sunflower seeds depends on the desired balance between cost and nutritional quality, with premium markets leaning toward decorticated seeds.

By end use, the Global Sunflower Meal Market is segmented into ruminants, swine, and poultry, each with specific nutritional needs. In ruminants, such as dairy cattle, beef cattle, and sheep, sunflower meal provides a high-protein, fiber-rich option that supports growth, milk production, and overall health. The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective feed ingredients has boosted the use of sunflower meal in these sectors. Swine producers benefit from sunflower meal's favorable amino acid profile, which supports lean growth and efficient feed conversion. Finally, poultry farmers also rely on sunflower meal for its rich protein and amino acid content, which aids in both meat production and egg laying. As global demand for poultry products grows, sunflower meal’s role in this sector is expected to continue expanding. Overall, the market dynamics across form, source, and end use reflect the diverse applications of sunflower meal and its crucial role in supporting global livestock production.

Global Sunflower Meal Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Sunflower Meal Market has been segmented by Form, Source, End Use, and Geography.

Global Sunflower Meal Market, Segmentation by Form

The Global Sunflower Meal Market has been segmented by Form into Pellets, Cakes and Ground up powder.

The Global Sunflower Meal Market is segmented by form into three distinct categories: Pellets, Cakes, and Ground-up Powder. Pellets are one of the most commonly used forms due to their ease of handling, storage, and transportation, making them particularly popular in the animal feed industry. Their compact nature allows for efficient distribution and reduces waste. The cakes, on the other hand, are typically a by-product of sunflower oil extraction and are favored for their nutritional content, especially for livestock feed. The ground-up powder form is ideal for mixing with other feed ingredients, providing versatility in the formulation of animal diets. Each of these forms caters to different processing needs and preferences in various regions.

Pellets offer several advantages, including longer shelf life and convenience in automated feeding systems. They also reduce dust generation compared to loose forms, which can be a critical factor in large-scale livestock operations. On the other hand, cakes are often preferred when a higher protein content is required in animal feed, making them an excellent choice for ruminants. The choice between pellets, cakes, or ground-up powder often depends on factors such as the specific nutritional needs of the animals and the processing infrastructure available.

In terms of usage, the ground-up powder is particularly useful in smaller-scale or specialized production, where precise formulation of the feed mix is necessary. This form allows for easier blending with other ingredients and is ideal for more customized animal diets. Ultimately, the demand for these forms of sunflower meal is influenced by factors such as region, type of livestock, and local processing capabilities, as well as the overall demand for animal feed products in the global market.

Global Sunflower Meal Market, Segmentation by Source

The Global Sunflower Meal Market has been segmented by Source into Decorticated sunflower seeds and Whole sunflower seeds.

The Global Sunflower Meal Market is also segmented by source into two categories: Decorticated sunflower seeds and Whole sunflower seeds. Decorticated sunflower seeds, which have had their outer husks removed, are a preferred source for sunflower meal due to the higher protein content in the remaining kernel. The processing of these seeds typically results in a higher-quality meal, with enhanced digestibility and nutrient availability for livestock. This form of sunflower meal is often used in premium feed formulations where protein content is a key factor in animal performance.

Whole sunflower seeds, on the other hand, are a more cost-effective option and can be processed into meal with a slightly lower protein content due to the inclusion of the outer husk. This meal is often used in general-purpose feed, where high protein levels are not as critical. The inclusion of husks also provides additional fiber, which can be beneficial for certain livestock species, such as ruminants, that require higher fiber intake for digestive health. The choice between decorticated and whole sunflower seeds often depends on the specific nutritional needs of the animals and the cost-effectiveness of the feed formulation.

In regions where cost constraints are more significant, whole sunflower seeds may be more widely used, while in markets that prioritize higher nutritional value, decorticated sunflower seeds are preferred. The increasing demand for more sustainable and nutritionally balanced animal feed is expected to drive innovation and investment in processing techniques to maximize the benefits of both forms of sunflower meal. As the market for sunflower meal continues to grow, both sources are expected to maintain their place in the feed industry, with evolving preferences depending on regional and economic factors.

Global Sunflower Meal Market, Segmentation by End Use

The Global Sunflower Meal Market has been segmented by End Use into Ruminants, Swine and Poultry.

The Global Sunflower Meal Market is also segmented by end use into three main categories: Ruminants, Swine, and Poultry. Each of these end-user categories has specific nutritional needs that influence the demand for sunflower meal, as it is often used as a protein supplement in animal feed. Ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, are typically fed sunflower meal for its high fiber and protein content, which supports growth and milk production. Sunflower meal’s digestibility and nutrient profile make it a valuable feed ingredient for these animals, especially in regions where other protein sources may be scarce or expensive.

Swine feed is another significant end use of sunflower meal, where it is used to provide a balanced diet that supports growth and health. Sunflower meal for swine feed is favored for its amino acid profile, particularly in regions where soymeal or other protein sources are either costly or less available. It helps improve the overall feed conversion ratio and promotes lean growth. The increasing awareness about sustainable and cost-effective feed ingredients is driving the use of sunflower meal in pig farming, particularly in markets such as Europe and Asia.

Poultry also constitutes a large share of the sunflower meal market, as it provides a rich source of protein and amino acids for chickens, turkeys, and other poultry species. The inclusion of sunflower meal in poultry diets supports efficient growth and egg production. The growing global demand for poultry products, along with the shift toward more sustainable feed ingredients, has contributed to the increased utilization of sunflower meal in poultry nutrition. As the market continues to expand, sunflower meal's role in the feed sector is expected to strengthen, particularly in regions with a high demand for poultry production.

Global Sunflower Meal Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Sunflower Meal Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Sunflower Meal Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The regional outlook of the sunflower meal market highlights varied growth trends across different global regions. Europe stands as a prominent player, benefiting from its robust sunflower oil production and stringent regulations promoting sustainable feed ingredients. The European market is characterized by a well-established livestock sector and a strong focus on environmental sustainability, which drives the demand for sunflower meal as an eco-friendly feed option. The rising popularity of organic farming further supports this trend, with countries like Germany and France leading the charge in adopting more sustainable agricultural practices, boosting the region's sunflower meal consumption.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience substantial growth in the sunflower meal market, fueled by increasing livestock production and a rising demand for aquafeed. Countries such as China and India are expanding their agricultural and aquaculture industries at a rapid pace, creating a growing need for high-quality feed ingredients. Sunflower meal’s economic advantages, coupled with government initiatives aimed at enhancing domestic feed production, are expected to drive market expansion in this region. With a projected CAGR of 5%, the Asia Pacific market presents a significant opportunity for sunflower meal growth, becoming a key area of development in the coming years.

In North America, the sunflower meal market is steadily expanding, supported by a strong agricultural infrastructure and heightened awareness about the benefits of sustainable feed solutions. The United States and Canada are leading producers and consumers of sunflower meal, with the livestock and poultry industries being the primary end-users. As the region focuses on improving feed efficiency and reducing environmental impact, sunflower meal’s attributes align well with these goals, contributing to its continued demand. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets, driven by growing agricultural activities and an increasing emphasis on sustainable resource utilization, further fueling the global sunflower meal market.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Sunflower Meal Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Increasing demand for high-protein feed for livestock
• Cost-effectiveness of sunflower meal compared to other protein sources
• Rising consumer demand for animal-based protein

• Sustainable and eco-friendly attributes of sunflower meal: The environmental impact of traditional animal feed production has become a critical issue within the agricultural industry. As concerns over climate change and resource depletion rise, the need for more sustainable and eco-friendly practices has grown significantly. Sunflower meal stands out as a promising solution in this regard. Unlike many other protein sources, such as soybean meal, sunflower meal requires fewer resources to produce, making it a more sustainable option for livestock feed. This characteristic aligns well with the increasing demand for sustainable farming practices and the push for reducing the carbon footprint of the agriculture industry.

  Additionally, sunflower cultivation requires relatively low levels of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides compared to other crops, which further reduces its environmental footprint. Sunflower meal is a byproduct of oil extraction, meaning that it maximizes the use of the sunflower seed without waste. This characteristic of utilizing every part of the sunflower contributes to a more efficient use of resources. As the agricultural sector continues to place more emphasis on sustainability, sunflower meal is likely to see increased adoption, especially among farmers looking for more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional feed ingredients. In the coming years, the demand for products that are not only cost-effective but also environmentally responsible will be a key driver of market growth for sunflower meal.

Restraints:

• Price volatility of sunflower seeds
• Competition from other feed ingredients
• Anti-nutritional factors in sunflower meal

• Limited awareness in some regions regarding sunflower meal's benefits: While sunflower meal has gained significant traction in certain markets, its benefits and potential remain underutilized in several regions. A major reason for this limited adoption is the lack of awareness and knowledge about sunflower meal's nutritional advantages. In many developing countries or regions with limited access to agricultural extension services, farmers may be unaware of sunflower meal as a viable feed ingredient or may perceive it as an inferior alternative to traditional protein sources like soybean meal. This lack of awareness can hinder the widespread adoption of sunflower meal, especially in regions where the demand for protein-rich feed is rising rapidly.

  Furthermore, the lack of research and development in these regions may result in an underestimation of sunflower meal’s potential to enhance livestock productivity. In many markets, the perception of sunflower meal may be skewed due to its lesser-known reputation compared to other well-established animal feed ingredients. Overcoming this barrier requires educational initiatives and market awareness campaigns to inform farmers and feed manufacturers about the nutritional profile, economic benefits, and environmental advantages of sunflower meal. Only with adequate education and outreach can sunflower meal realize its full potential in emerging markets, which are key to the global expansion of the market.

Opportunities:

• Growing demand for plant-based protein sources in animal feed
• Advancements in sunflower meal processing technologies
• Expansion of sunflower cultivation areas

• Increasing adoption of sunflower meal in emerging markets: Emerging markets represent one of the most significant growth opportunities for the sunflower meal industry. Countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are experiencing rapid population growth, coupled with increasing incomes, leading to higher consumption of meat and dairy products. As the demand for livestock products rises, the need for protein-rich, cost-effective animal feed is also growing. Sunflower meal, with its high nutritional content and relatively low cost, is well-positioned to meet this rising demand.

  In emerging markets, the challenge often lies in the cost of feed ingredients and the need to balance nutrient requirements with affordability. Sunflower meal presents a favorable solution, particularly in regions where soybean meal is expensive or difficult to source. Additionally, the increasing awareness of sustainable agriculture practices in emerging markets aligns with the eco-friendly profile of sunflower meal, making it an even more attractive option. As these regions continue to industrialize and modernize their agricultural practices, the adoption of sunflower meal as a primary feed ingredient is expected to grow significantly. However, the success of sunflower meal in these regions will depend on factors such as local sunflower cultivation capacity, infrastructure for processing and distribution, and educational efforts to demonstrate the benefits of sunflower meal in livestock feed formulations.

Key players in Global Sunflower Meal Market include,

• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Bunge Limited
• Cargill, Incorporated
• CHS Inc.
• Wilmar International Limited
• Louis Dreyfus Company
• Ag Processing Inc.
• Glencore Agriculture Limited
• Noble Group Limited
• Olam International
• Aston Foods and Food Ingredients
• Kernel Holding S.A.
• EFKO Group
• Astarta Holding N.V.

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis