Phycocyanin Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Form (Powder, Liquid and Gels), Source (Spirulina, Phormidium, Chlorella, Genetically Engineered Organisms and Other Sources), Distribution Channel, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Phycocyanin Market is accounted for $190.85 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $316.57 million by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. Phycocyanin is a blue pigment-protein complex found in cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and some red algae. It is a type of phycobiliprotein, responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis. Phycocyanin absorbs light in the orange-red spectrum and reflects blue light, giving it its characteristic colour. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, making it popular in dietary supplements and functional foods.

According to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report, Phycocyanin exhibits 70% antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in spirulina and it is widely consumed by more than 40% of the Japanese population as a dietary supplement.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing vegan and plant-based diet trends

As consumers shift towards plant-based lifestyles, there is a growing demand for natural, sustainable, and plant-derived ingredients, positioning phycocyanin as a desirable option. Derived from algae, phycocyanin meets the needs of health-conscious individuals seeking clean-label, vegan-friendly products. Its use as a natural food colorant, supplement, and cosmetic ingredient aligns well with the ethical and health values of plant-based diets. This trend enhances the appeal of phycocyanin in a wide range of products, driving market growth and adoption in the food sector.

Restraint:

Stability issues

Stability issues in phycocyanin arise due to its sensitivity to environmental factors like temperature, light, and pH. This makes it prone to degradation, colour fading, and loss of bioactivity, particularly in food, beverages, and cosmetics. The need for specialized storage conditions and shorter shelf life can increase production costs and limit its use in commercial applications. Consequently, these limitations reduce market growth potential, especially compared to more stable synthetic alternatives.

Opportunity:

Expansion of functional foods

Functional foods, which offer benefits beyond basic nutrition, often include natural antioxidants, immune support, and anti-inflammatory properties. Phycocyanin, derived from spirulina and other algae, fits perfectly within this trend due to its proven health benefits. As consumers seek clean-label, plant-based, and natural alternatives, phycocyanin is becoming a sought-after ingredient in functional foods like energy bars, smoothies, and supplements. Its inclusion in these products aligns with the growing focus on holistic health, thus driving further market growth for phycocyanin.

Threat:

Competition from synthetic alternatives

Synthetic colorants and additives are widely used in food, beverages, and cosmetics due to their cost-effectiveness and long shelf life. This makes it challenging for phycocyanin, which is derived from natural sources like algae, to compete on price and stability. Additionally, synthetic alternatives can be produced at a larger scale, creating supply chain advantages. As a result, manufacturers may prioritize synthetic options over natural ingredients like phycocyanin, limiting its market share.

Covid-19 Impact

The covid-19 pandemic initially disrupted the phycocyanin market due to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and the closure of manufacturing facilities. However, the pandemic also increased consumer interest in immune-boosting products, driving demand for natural ingredients like phycocyanin in dietary supplements and functional foods. Additionally, the rising trend towards health-conscious and plant-based diets during the pandemic further contributed to market growth. As global conditions stabilize, the phycocyanin market is expected to recover and expand.

The spirulina segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The spirulina segment is predicted to secure the largest market share throughout the forecast period. Phycocyanin from spirulina is a natural, blue pigment-protein complex extracted from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis. Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, spirulina-derived phycocyanin is widely used in dietary supplements, functional foods, and cosmetics. It is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic colorants, making it popular in clean-label products.

The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The pharmaceuticals segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. It is used in formulations targeting oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and immune system support. Phycocyanin's natural origin and therapeutic benefits make it a popular choice in alternative medicine and natural remedies. The increasing shift towards plant-based pharmaceuticals is fueling the demand for phycocyanin-based products.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is expected to register the largest market share during the forecast period due to growing demand for health supplements, and plant-based products. Key players in the region are DIC Corporation, Cyanotech Corporation, Parry Nutraceuticals, and BASF SE. Countries like India and China, with strong algae cultivation practices, are key contributors in Asia Pacific. The market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow significantly, driven by health-conscious consumers and expanding application areas in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is expected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period driven by the growing demand for natural food colorants, health supplements, and eco-friendly products. The region is home for many key players such as Cyanotech Corporation, DIC Corporation, Earthrise Nutritionals, and Algatechnologies Ltd. With rising health-consciousness and demand for plant-based ingredients, the phycocyanin market in North America is expected to experience robust growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Phycocyanin Market include DIC Corporation, Royal DSM N.V., BASF SE, FMC Corporation, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Kemin Industries Inc., Parry Nutraceuticals, Japan Algae Corporation, Far East Bio-Tec Corporation, Valensa International, DDW The Color House, Phyco-Biotech Labs, SPIMACO Addwaeih, GNT Group B.V., Cyanotech Corporation and Bluetec Naturals Corporation.

Key Developments:

In June 2020, DIC Corporation introduced LINABLUE(R), a natural blue food colorant derived from Spirulina algae, offering a vibrant blue hue for various food and beverage applications. This colorant is designed to provide an alternative to synthetic dyes and offers a safe and sustainable option for manufacturers.

In February 2018, Parry Nutraceuticals and Valensa International made a joint venture with Indian partner Synthite Industries to develop phycocyanin-based ingredients. This collaboration aimed to enhance the production and application of phycocyanin in dietary supplements and functional foods.

Forms Covered:

• Powder
• Liquid
• Gels

Sources Covered:

• Spirulina
• Phormidium
• Chlorella
• Genetically Engineered Organisms
• Other Sources

Distribution Channels Covered:

• Online Platforms
• Retailers
• Direct Sales
• Other Distribution Channels

Applications Covered:

• Food & Beverages
• Nutraceuticals
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Animal Feed
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Industrial Processing
• Commercial Use
• Research & Development
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances