Segments - Microgreens Market by Product Type (Arugula, Broccoli, Cabbage, Peas, and Others), Farming Type (Commercial Greenhouse, Indoor Vertical Farming, and Others), Distribution Channel (Farmers’ Market, Online Stores, Retail Stores, and Others), and Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2023 – 2031
The global microgreens market size was USD 2.63 billion in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 7.35 billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 12.1% during 2023–2031. The market growth is attributed to the increasing expenditure by consumers on premium food products.
Increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits and nutritional value of microgreens are driving the market. Microgreens are young tender greens that are harvested at an early stage of growth after germination. They are known for their high nutritional value and are used in various culinary applications. Microgreens are incorporated in a wide range of dishes for various purposes. Their vibrant colors and unique flavors make them popular among consumers.
Rising investments of agriculture and technology companies in vertical farming and controlled environment farming to optimize the production of microgreens is augmenting the market. There is an increasing focus on quality and safety standards in the production and distribution of microgreens, which is likely to propel the market in the coming years.
The research report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the microgreens market. The global lockdown affected hotels, restaurants, and other food-providing services, which led to a decrease in the demand for microgreens. Whereas, the shift in consumer behavior toward health-conscious food increased the demand for nutrient-based food such as microgreens. The trend provided an opportunity for individuals to cultivate microgreens, which are suited for small spaces. Their rapid growth cycle ensures a continuous supply of fresh greens.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a significant impact on the microgreens market. AI-powered systems are able to monitor and adjust environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, and light in real time. This ensures that microgreens receive suitable conditions for growth, which increase the product yield and quality. AI analyzes data from various sources to predict growth patterns and identifies signs of diseases or early pests to take proactive measures to prevent crop loss.
Rising demand for indoor cultivation of nutrient-rich food under a controlled environment is driving the market. A surge in health consciousness led individuals to adopt indoor farming practices to be able to consume a diet full of nutrients. People are cultivating in greenhouses along with indoor farming. This propels the market of microgreens in the coming years. For instance,
On January 15, 2023, the National Library of Medicine published a report, according to which, microgreen production has increased by 1.2-4.3 times in recent years, due to the popularity of organic food.
Increasing sustainability concerns to prevent environmental pollution are driving the market. Growing microgreens locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Consumers prefer locally sourced sustainable produce, due to the upward concerns of environmental impact. In addition, the growing demand for microgreens from the personal care and cosmetic industry is driving the market.
Lack of skilled individuals is restraining the market. Indoor vertical farming is an emerging technology, which many farmers are unaware of. They cultivate crops with traditional methods. Greenhouse farming and vertical farming require technologies, such as automatic systems, AI & ML, hydroponic, aquaponics, and other systems. These advanced systems require a skilled workforce to operate, which is likely to hamper the market during the forecast period.
Technological advancements in environmental agriculture are expected to create lucrative opportunities in the market in the coming years. With the advancement in technology, urban farming, and controlled environment agriculture offer a sustainable and space-consuming way for microgreens in densely populated areas. In addition, investing in R&D to develop new varieties of microgreens and innovative growing techniques is expected to propel the market in the coming years.
The market report includes an assessment of the market trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
Attributes |
Details |
Report Title |
Microgreens Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast |
Base Year |
2022 |
Historic Data |
2016–2021 |
Forecast Period |
2023–2031 |
Segmentation |
Product Type (Arugula, Broccoli, Cabbage, Peas, and Others), Farming Type (Commercial Greenhouse, Indoor Vertical Farming, and Others), and Distribution Channel (Farmers’ Market, Online Stores, Retail Stores, and Others) |
Regional Scope |
Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa |
Report Coverage |
Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Market Trends, and Revenue Forecast |
Key Players Covered in the Report |
AeroFarms; Bowery Farming; Chef’s Garden; Fresh Origins; Good Leaf Farms; Gotham Greens; Living Earth Farms; Madar Farms; Metro Microgreens; Teshuva Agricultural Projects Ltd. |
Based on product type, the microgreens market is divided into arugula, broccoli, cabbage, peas, and others. The broccoli segment dominates the market and is expected to expand at a significant growth rate during the projection period, owing to wide health benefits. Broccoli helps in cancer prevention, fights inflammation, and improves digestion & heart health. For instance,
On July 7, 2023, Cleveland Clinic, a multispecialty academic medical center, published a report stating that research on animals shows that broccoli microgreens improve insulin resistance.
Arugula is the second-largest consumed microgreens in the market, and is anticipated to boost the market during the forecast years. The growth of the segment is attributed to the rising demand for arugula from restaurants, to garnish food and salads. Arugula microgreens are low in carbohydrates, sugar, and fats. Furthermore, they are high in vital nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, folate, vitamin K, and potassium. It’s consumption protects against ulcers. In addition, their seed is cheap in cost. Thus, these factors drive the segment in the market.
On the basis of farming type, the global market is segregated into commercial greenhouse, indoor vertical farming, and others. The indoor vertical farming segment accounts for the largest revenue share of the market, owing to the rising technological evolution and space-efficient nature. The insurgence of information technology and remote operations allows cultivators to operate cultivation methods through mobile applications such as fertilization, automatic irrigation, and others. For instance,
According to a published report, on September 13, 2023, in indoor farming fruits & vegetables were valuable crops in 2021 and valued at USD 2.5 billion compared to medicinal crops, which were valued at USD 814 million.
The commercial greenhouse segment is projected to register a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, as it provides optimal and precise environmental conditions for fresh greens. Greenhouse provides protection and stability to microgreens from external factors. It ensures continuous production that allows a constant supply of fresh microgreens that meet steady demand from end-users.
On the basis of distribution channel, the microgreens market is segmented into farmers’ markets, online stores, retail stores, and others. The retail store segment accounts for a large revenue share, owing to diverse selection, convenience, and accessibility. Consumers find a wide range of microgreen varieties in retail stores catering to their nutritional needs and various culinary preferences. In addition, these stores provide product information through labeling and packaging that enable informed purchasing decisions.
In terms of region, the global microgreens market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the global market in 2022 with the large market share, owing to the presence of a prominent leader in the market. The unwavering emphasis on health and wellness among consumers leads to the growing demand for nutrient-dense foods such as fresh greens. Additionally, the thriving food service in the region plays a substantial role in the popularity of microgreens in the region. For instance,
According to a press release by CBS News New York, on March 24, 2023, Gotham Greens, one of the largest greenhouse lettuce producers in the US plans to grow 100 million heads of lettuce for the current year, 2023.
Europe is expected to dominate the market during the projected period, due to urbanization trends and growing health-conscious consumers. The rising popularity of microgreens is attributed to the integration of fresh greens into traditional cuisine. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of healthy dietary patterns & plans and the growing consumption of organic food products are augmenting the market growth in the region.
The microgreens market has been segmented on the basis of
Key players competing in the global microgreens market are AeroFarms; Bowery Farming; Chef’s Garden; Fresh Origins; Good Leaf Farms; Gotham Greens; Living Earth Farms; Madar Farms; Metro Microgreens; and Teshuva Agricultural Projects Ltd.
These companies adopted development strategies including mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, collaboration, product launches, and production expansion to expand their consumer base globally. For instance,
On January 19, 2023, Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a US-based private equity firm in growing markets, announced its acquisition of Fresh Origins, a leading shipper and grower of microgreens to expand Fresh Origin’s leadership in the market.
On May 18, 2022, US Food Holdings Corp., a US-based food service distributor announced a partnership with Kalera, global leader in hydroponic indoor vertical farming companies, to expand its sustainable and local fresh produce to customers.