Sunflower Oil Market By Type (Refined Sunflower Oil, Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil, High-Oleic Sunflower Oil), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline {Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Local Stores and Groceries, Wholesale Distributors, Other}), By End User (Household Consumers, Pharmaceutical Industry, Food Service Industry, Cosmetics Industry), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Sunflower Oil Market accounted for USD 23.6 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 45.74 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 6.2% between 2025 and 2035. The sunflower oil market is a global oil trade and consumption from the seed extraction sunflower. This oil is extracted from sunflower seeds and used in cooking, food processing, and various industrial applications. It's an oil that has a light flavor, a high smoke point, and health benefits.

Sunflower oil is extensively preferred to fry, bake, or dress salads. Rising consumer demand for healthier cooking oil is influencing the market. High oleic sunflower oil gained popularity for its healthy fats, mainly in cooking, as it now offers heart-healthy benefits. Additionally, there are applications in cosmetics pharmaceuticals, and feedstock for biodiesel production. Trends towards organic, non-GMO, and sustainable production are also driving markets. Innovations in packaging and the emergence of online retail channels are reformatting the distribution channels. As awareness of the unhealthy aspects of other oils grows, sunflower oil is used more frequently as a healthy alternative.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

The growing popularity of organic and non-GMO sunflower oil opens markets

The increased demand for organic and non-GMO sunflower oil is associated with the more stringent requirements by consumers concerning healthier, more eco-friendly products. Governments have created policies and initiatives encouraging organic farming and the production of non-GMO products for this purpose.

In Europe the sale of organic foods attained €46.7 billion in 2021, a very significant increase in consumer demand for organic products, the European Commission explains. Government incentives and subsidy provisions for sustainable agriculture, such as the cultivation of non-GMO crops, have also played a part in the growth of the organic oil market. As consumers grow awareness concerning health benefits associated with the consumption of organic oils, their demand for organic and non-GMO sunflower oil is significantly on the increase.

Versatility in Cooking and Food Processing Driving Sunflower Oil Market Growth

The versatility in cooking and processing of food with sunflower oil is a great driver to its market growth. It has a neutral flavor with a high smoking point, therefore applicable for frying, baking, and sautéing. Its stability at high temperatures also adds to its appeal in the food industry.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), sunflower oil among other vegetable oils, has gained preference in commercial food production processes since it contributes to the ability to lengthen shelf-life and preserve quality at various temperatures. Within the European Union, sunflower oil is, by far one of the major processed food ingredients as the European Commission points out that edible oils account for roughly nearly 10% of the total value from the food sector.

More importantly, governments are providing support for the use of sunflower oil in food processing through sustaining appropriate agricultural practices, the promotion of healthier oils, and public health programs. This has resulted in its widespread use in snacks, margarine, and dressings, thereby increasing its demand as well.

Raw Material Price Volatility Restraining Sunflower Oil Market Growth

One of the major restraints in the sunflower oil market is raw material price volatility. The sunflower seed price fluctuates consequently, which affects production costs. Crop yields and weather conditions along with other geopolitical tensions in key producing regions such as Ukraine and Russia affect the supply chain, which can lead to instability.

According to the U.S. The USDA considers this to be a significantly sensitive crop to weather; yield fluctuations between the years cause price fluctuation for sunflower seeds. For example, the political turmoil in Ukraine in 2022-the largest sunflower oil-producing country to the generalized surge in prices for sunflower oil.

Moreover, the European Commission points out that fluctuations in the prices of raw materials have been the cause of increased food production costs for both the producing and consuming sides. Governments have responded with policies to support domestic farmers and stabilize prices, but the market remains vulnerable to these external factors, making sunflower oil prices unpredictable.

Increasing Demand for Organic and Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil

Increasing demand for organic and cold-pressed sunflower oil increases the market's potential for growth, especially at the premium level. Consumers are also increasingly health-conscious and willing to pay for natural, minimally processed oils that advance their values of sustainability and wellness. The U.S. For instance, the organic food market in the U.S. alone has passed over $60 billion to date in 2022, with organic oils being a key driver in this growth.

According to the European Commission, organic food sales in Europe have been growing steadily and reached €46.7 billion in 2021. Governments are actively encouraging the organic sector through subsidies, certification programs, and incentives for farmers transitioning to organic practices. An added aspect of the trend towards organic and cold-pressed oils is consumer awareness about what to avoid, increasing concerning benefits of avoiding chemical pesticides and GMOs. Consequently, offering organic, cold-pressed sunflower oil opens up great business opportunities for producers through a specific demographic of health-conscious consumers.

Rising Demand for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Driving Sunflower Oil Market Opportunities

Functional foods and nutraceuticals have increasingly included sunflower oil which is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin E, and healthy fats. Demand for healthier food intake and wellness is leading some governments to call for this, thus creating a growing market opportunity. In the U.S., the FDA has granted sunflower oil heart-healthy status, facilitating the use of such oil in foods designed to promote cardiovascular health.

The market for functional foods and nutraceuticals has been valued at over €31.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to rise with the increasing interest of consumers in healthy products. A good example of such dietary health-conscious products can be observed in the oils rich in vitamin E, omega-3, and antioxidants. To facilitate this change, governments have begun establishing policies that encourage the use of healthier fats, this will give manufacturers a chance to design healthier sunflower oil formulations.

Industry Experts Opinion

 “Praised the government, noting that the decision will boost confidence among soybean farmers.”

• Dorab Mistry, Director of Godrej International.

“The increase in duty aims to elevate seed prices, particularly ensuring that soybean prices rise above the Minimum Support Price (MSP).”

• Sudhakar Rao Desai, CEO of Emami Agrotech.

Segment Analysis

Based on type, sunflower oil includes refined, cold-pressed, and high-oleic varieties. Refined oil is commonly used for its neutral flavor, while cold-pressed oil retains more nutrients. High-oleic oil is rich in healthy fats and valued for its heart benefits and stability. High-oleic sunflower oil is leading the market due to increasing consumer demand for healthier, more stable oils with heart-healthy properties.

Based on end user, the sunflower oil market serves household consumers, pharmaceuticals, food service, cosmetics, and other sectors. It’s used for cooking, in supplements, for frying, in skincare, and increasingly in biodiesel production. Household consumers lead the market due to the high demand for cooking oil and its health benefits.

Regional Analysis

The largest region in the global sunflower oil market is Europe, due to major producers such as Ukraine and Russia. These are significant exporters of sunflower oil into several markets around the globe. Within Europe, processed foods, cooking, and even biofuels use large amounts of sunflower oil for utilization, which further increases its demand.

It also has a strong preference for healthier oils, which further pushes up the consumption of sunflower oil, particularly as consumers seek alternatives to more saturated oils. The European market is dominating with its established base of production and robust demand in every industry. The government's support for sustainable farming practices and biofuel production is further pushing growth into the sunflower oil sector.

Asia-Pacific is the world's fastest-growing market for sunflower oil in particular India and China. Increasing incomes and expanding middle-class health-conscious populations are stimulating demand for healthier cooking oils, among them sunflower oil. Increasing awareness of its health benefits, along with growth in the food service and retail sectors, drives the adoption of this oil.

The growth within the region in terms of the food and beverage industries contributes to the growth of consumption of sunflower oil, thus positioning Asia-Pacific as the growth driver within the global market. Additionally, the trend of consuming more sustainable and plant-based oils within the region will drive growth in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape

The sunflower oil market is highly competitive. The most prominent key players in this global supply are Cargill, Inc., Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Bunge Limited, Wilmar International Limited, and Kernel Holding S.A. These companies dominate production as well as distribution, with considerable presence in the key sunflower oil-producing regions such as Ukraine, Russia, and Argentina.

Recent market trends include a trend to more healthy and premium oils, where companies such as Bunge and ADM focus on high-oleic sunflower oil, which provides added stability and heart health advantages. Companies such as Wilmar International are also increasing their Asian presence with increasing demand for healthier oil types from consumers. It also resulted in newer product innovations, where organic and cold-pressed sunflower oil variants have been introduced by players, targeting the increasing number of health-conscious consumers.

Sunflower Oil Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In October 2023, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, an Indian company, launched a 10-liter sunflower oil jar. The new product’s packaging has been designed to bring sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
• In February 2023, Cargill Inc., a global company, aimed to expand its edible oil portfolio to the Southern part of India by launching Gemini Pureit™ in Karnataka. The company planned to produce sunflower oil at the Nellore plant and sell it across four South Indian states.

Report Coverage:

 By Type

• Refined Sunflower Oil
• Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil
• High-Oleic Sunflower Oil

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline
  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Local Stores and Groceries
  • Wholesale Distributors
  • Others

 By End User

• Household Consumers
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Food Service Industry
• Cosmetics Industry
• Other

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Cargill, Inc.
• Archer Daniels Midland
• Bunge Limited
• Wilmar International Limited
• Louis Dreyfus
• KAISSA Oil
• Kernel Holding S.A.
• Aston Food and Food
• EFKO Group
• Olvita
• Adams Vegetable Oils
• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• Rusagro Group
• Agrocorp International Pte Ltd
• NMGK Group
• Delizio
• Vitol Group
• Oilseeds International

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)