Overview
Global Sunflower Lecithin Market reached US$ 477.12 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 801.57 million by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
The Sunflower lecithin, derived from sunflower seeds, is gaining popularity among consumers as a commercial lecithin. This natural lipid blend is considered a more organic lecithin source than other lecithin forms. It offers various functional benefits and has the potential to provide health advantages across a diverse array of industries.
Additionally, to enhance the commercial accessibility of sunflower lecithin products, manufacturing companies are actively creating innovative offerings. For instance, in November 2020, Lactalis Ingredients launched an instant whey protein range with sunflower lecithin which is whey protein Pronativ and whey protein Laktein WPC80/WPl.
The food and beverages segment and North American region account for the largest share of the global sunflower lecithin market. The vegan population is high in this region which helps in driving plant-based products such as sunflower lecithin. Also, the manufacturers in this region are gaining approvals for sunflower lecithin products, which also helps in increasing the adoption rate for sunflower lecithin products.
Dynamics
Rising Demand for Alternations of Soy Lecithin
Some people are found to be allergic to soy products. For instance, according to the Food Allergy Research & Education report soy allergy is more common in infants and young children than in older children and approximately 0.4% of infants in the U.S. have soy allergy. Hence, such prevalences of soy allergens can significantly help in driving the demand for sunflower lecithin products.
Furthermore, manufacturing companies are launching products to meet the surge demand of consumers. For instance, in June 2021, Sternchemie GmbH & Co. KG launched SternPur S DH 50, a hydrolyzed, de-oiled sunflower lecithin. This product is allergen-free, non-GMO, and can be used as an alternative to artificial emulsifiers.
Rising Demand for Natural Ingredients in Various Industries
Consumers are widely adopting sunflower lecithin as a type of commercial lecithin. As Extracted through a cold press or dehydration of sunflowers, it is considered a more organic lecithin source than other lecithin forms. Rising general health awareness has led to consumers’ consciousness of natural product ingredients, which helps drive the global sunflower lecithin market.
In addition, Manufacturing companies are implementing product launches to expand their market size and increase revenue generated through this market. For instance, in November 2020, Lactalis Ingredients released a range of protein ingredients formulated with sunflower lecithin. It is an alternative to traditional soy-based lecithin ingredients.
Limited Production and Supply
The unpredictable situation of Covid-19, Russia-Ukraine war has impacted the supply and distribution of sunflower lecithins. Russia and Ukraine are the major producers of sunflower oil. The war has impacted the production of sunflower oil which has created a crisis for the supply of sunflower lecithin.
Furthermore, due to the decline of production and supply rate for sunflower lecithin, the manufacturers are opting for other alternative sources. For instance, in September 2022, Kerry Group launched Puremul, a new texture system that reportedly enables manufacturers to reformulate using a label-friendly non-GMO alternative to sunflower lecithin.

Segment Analysis
The global sunflower lecithin market is segmented based on nature, form, packaging, application, and region.
Increasing Demand for Sunflower Lecithin in Food and Beverages
The food and beverages segment accounts for the largest share of the global sunflower lecithin market. Consumers are highly adopting sunflower lecithin-based products as an alternative to soy lecithin as they are rich in essential phospholipids that are vital for maintaining healthy cell membranes critical for health and well-being.
Furthermore, the manufacturing companies are launching innovative sunflower lecithin products. For instance, in November 2022, Novastell launched sunflower lecithin granules for use in food and beverage applications, Suncithin G96 is made from sunflower lecithin; also non-GMO and allergen-free.
Geographical Penetration
Vegan Population, Regulatory Approvals
North America has been a dominant force in the global sunflower lecithin market and its significance has only grown in the post-2020 era. Consumers in this region are highly adopting sunflower lecithin products as they are derived from plant sources and provide numerous health benefits. Hence, it can help in driving the global sunflower lecithin market.
Furthermore, there is a significant growth in the vegan population and natural product trends in this region. For instance, according to the World Animal Foundation’s report of 2023, there are more than 15.5 million vegans in the U.S. Hence, such a high population increases the prevalence of plant-based products in this region.
In addition, the manufacturers in this region are also obtaining approvals for the usage of sunflower lecithin. For instance, in April 2021, Sternchemie received a GRAS “letter of no objection” from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its wide range of sunflower lecithin. The FDA confirms that sunflower lecithin from Sternchemie, whether liquid, de-oiled, or hydrolyzed, can safely be used in a wide variety of food products.

Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include Cargill, Incorporated., Lipoid GmbH, GIIAVA., Lekithos Inc., Bunge., ciranda, inc., Sonic Biochem Extractions Pvt. Ltd., Lecilite, ConnOils LLC, and MITUSHI BIOPHARMA.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic may have affected the sunflower lecithin market, as it has impacted many industries. Movement restrictions, lockdowns, and transportation disruptions could have disrupted the supply chain of sunflower lecithin. As a result, sourcing of raw materials and transportation of finished products may have become challenging.
Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis
Ukraine is the largest producer of sunflower oil in the world, responsible for almost all of the global supply. The conflict in Ukraine has, amongst many other things, disrupted the supply of sunflower oil and products derived from sunflower used in food production. For instance, according to the Food Standards Agency report, in March 2022, in the imminent shortages of sunflower oil due to supply chain issues raised due to the Ukraine conflict.
By Nature

  • Organic
  • Conventional


By Form

  • Liquid
  • Powder
  • Others


By Packaging

  • Pouches
  • Bottles


By Application

  • Food and Beverage
  • Cosmetics
  • Nutraceutical
  • Others


By Region

  • North America


o U.S.
o Canada
o Mexico

  • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Italy
o Russia
o Rest of Europe

  • South America


o Brazil
o Argentina
o Rest of South America

  • Asia-Pacific


o China
o India
o Japan
o Australia
o Rest of Asia-Pacific

  • Middle East and Africa


Key Developments

  • In September 2023, New Jersey-based National Lecithin, Inc. acquired the business assets of Soya International LLC, through the acquisition of Soya International, National Lecithin gains access to an active customer base in bakery, dairy, and confectionery sectors, promising growth and enhanced product solutions.
  • In September 2021, AAK agreed on a deal to purchase BIC Ingredients, the lecithin arm of BIC International Holding, to significantly increase its footprint in the European lecithin market.


Why Purchase the Report?

  • To visualize the global sunflower lecithin market segmentation based on nature, form, packaging, application, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
  • Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
  • Excel data sheet with numerous data points of sunflower lecithin market-level with all segments.
  • PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
  • Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.


The global sunflower lecithin market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 61 figures and 210 Pages.
Target Audience 2023

  • Manufacturers/ Buyers
  • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
  • Research Professionals
  • Emerging Companies