The global astaxanthin market was valued at USD 2.34 billion in 2023, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by rising demand across multiple sectors, including aquaculture, animal feed, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages. Astaxanthin is particularly valued in aquaculture as a feed ingredient for prawns, salmon, trout, and ornamental fish to enhance their coloration, which increases their commercial appeal. Besides improving pigmentation, astaxanthin also contributes to enhanced stress tolerance, improved performance, immune support, reproductive health, increased survival rates, and disease resistance in aquatic animals. To meet this demand, major market players are focusing on product innovation and forming partnerships, especially in the aquaculture sector.

Organizations promoting awareness about astaxanthin’s applications further support market growth. The Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association (NAXA), for example, plays a significant role in advocating for natural astaxanthin, promoting its benefits across various industries, supporting research, and certifying products with the NAXA Verification Seal.

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To expand market reach, companies are leveraging strategies such as product launches and collaborations with leading firms in key industries. For example, in May 2022, Algalif partnered with Divi’s Nutraceuticals to launch AstaBeads, a high-concentration astaxanthin beadlet targeting sports nutrition and healthy aging applications. This collaboration is poised to boost market penetration of natural astaxanthin products. Furthermore, The Lubrizol Corporation introduced ASTAGILE microcapsules in October 2020 to promote cognitive health and agility for both young and elderly consumers.

In May 2022, Algalif and Divi’s Nutraceuticals collaborated on producing high-concentration natural astaxanthin beadlets. Based in Iceland, Algalif uses a renewable-energy-powered process to produce high-quality astaxanthin oleoresin from microalgae. Divi’s Nutraceuticals then applies its expertise in fat-soluble ingredients to transform this oleoresin into AstaBead beadlets, which contain a concentrated 5% astaxanthin. This partnership emphasizes both sustainability and premium product quality, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and product excellence.

Application Segmentation Insights:

In 2023, the aquaculture and animal feed sector held the largest market share at 46.39%, primarily due to astaxanthin’s extensive use as a feed additive to enhance reddish pigmentation in species like salmon, trout, and shrimp, which is a key consumer preference. Astaxanthin oil also promotes better feed uptake, accelerating shrimp growth. The growing adoption of astaxanthin in the aquaculture sector to improve seafood quality supports this segment’s dominance in the market. Leading players are also launching new products with health benefits for animal feed. For instance, AstaReal introduced Novasta in July 2022, an astaxanthin-based ingredient for animal feed, expanding health-focused applications in animal nutrition.

The nutraceuticals segment is anticipated to experience the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by increasing demand for natural astaxanthin in health supplements due to its superior antioxidant properties compared to other supplements. The rising need for nutritional products, alongside aging populations, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle-related health concerns, is boosting demand in this sector. Astaxanthin’s antioxidant benefits are linked to support against conditions like liver and oral cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Thus, the growing prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases is expected to provide substantial growth opportunities for the nutraceuticals market.

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