PUBLISHER: Fairfield Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1513795
PUBLISHER: Fairfield Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1513795
The demand for flaxseed in the food industry is on the rise, driven by its high nutritional value. Traditionally used in the industrial sector for producing paints, varnish, and other industrial products, flaxseed is now majorly processed for producing flaxseed oil. This oil is also used to make flaxseed meal, widely utilized in the animal feed industry. Fairfield Market Research's report on the flaxseed market highlights its growing use in various sectors and the factors driving this growth.
Flaxseed in the Food and Nutraceutical Industries
Flaxseed's high content of omega-3 fatty acids has made it a popular ingredient in the nutraceutical industry. The report covers the consumption assessment of flaxseed in different forms, including whole, powder, oil, and others, for end-use in various industries such as food, nutraceuticals, animal feed, retail/household, and industrial.
Organic Flaxseed Driving Market Growth
Manufacturers are increasingly offering high-quality organic flaxseed for specific end-use industries. This trend is a major driver expected to propel demand over the forecast period from 2020 to 2030. The report discusses the rapid growth factors across Latin America, South Asia, and East Asia, while also analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on the food ingredients market and the demand for flaxseeds.
Dominance in Animal Feed Sector
The animal feed sector covers a major market share due to flaxseed's high omega-3 fatty acid content, which offers substantial energy. Flaxseed is used as an ingredient in animal feed to enhance its nutritional value. However, the increasing awareness of flaxseed's health benefits and its application in the food industry is driving its growing use in the nutraceutical segment.
Plant-Based Protein Trend Benefiting Flaxseed Manufacturers
The growing consumer preference for plant-based protein is significantly benefiting flaxseed manufacturers. Plant-based proteins are lower in calories and fat than animal proteins, rich in essential nutrients and fiber, and associated with weight loss properties. Consumers are minimizing meat consumption due to the risks of allergies or diseases from animal products. Factors such as hygiene, cleanliness, and moral reasons are contributing to the increased demand for plant-based proteins over animal proteins. As flaxseeds are a rich source of plant-based proteins, their demand is expected to rise continuously.
Increased Demand for Transparency and Traceability
Consumers are increasingly keen on knowing how their food is produced, where it comes from, and the quality of the ingredients used. Awareness regarding the harmful effects of added chemicals and pesticides has led to consumers demanding transparency in labeling. With technology, consumers are tracing the journey of food from source to consumption to ensure safety. This spotlight on food safety issues has heightened awareness about the potential risks, driving demand for transparency and traceability.
For instance, Zeghers Canada has made significant investments in buying labeling and traceability software to meet increased customer demand for transparent labeling.
Flaxseed as a Cost-Effective Alternative to Guar Gum
Flaxseeds possess mucilaginous qualities, making them an excellent thickener. They work like glue to bind ingredients together, easily absorbing water to quickly expand into mucilage. Ground flaxseeds are commonly used as a thickening agent in baking pie crusts, breads, cookies, and crackers. In gluten-free baking, flaxseeds help bind ingredients while offering nutritional benefits such as lowering cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and being suitable for diabetic patients.
Other thickening agents like guar gum, agar, and xanthan gum are more expensive, making flaxseed a cheaper alternative for thickening in bakery and other food applications. Bioriginal Food & Science Corp provides XanFlax, derived from flaxseed meal, which is a clean-label product with a favorable nutritional profile for baking applications.
Challenges Faced by Flaxseed Manufacturers
Flaxseed manufacturers face significant competition from substitutes like chia seeds. Both flax and chia seeds have similar nutrient content and health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels, promoting a healthier heart, and providing protection against certain types of cancers. Chia seeds, however, have some advantages over flaxseeds, including higher fiber content, calcium, and phosphorus, and they do not go rancid or need to be ground. These factors make chia seeds a preferred choice for weight-conscious consumers, creating a challenging environment for flaxseed manufacturers.
The global flaxseed market is set for steady growth driven by its high nutritional value and versatile applications in the food, nutraceutical, and industrial sectors. Technological advancements, consumer preferences for plant-based proteins, and the demand for transparency and traceability are key drivers of this growth. Despite competition from substitutes like chia seeds, flaxseed manufacturers are well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for organic and high-quality flaxseed products. The continued focus on innovation and strategic investments will further enhance the market's growth prospects over the forecast period.
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