| Product Code: ETC388404 | Publication Date: Aug 2023 | Updated Date: Nov 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
| Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Ravi Bhandari | No. of Pages: 75 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 20 |
India`s agar import market saw a notable shift in 2024 with top exporters being China, Indonesia, Spain, Vietnam, and Morocco. The market concentration remained high, indicating a competitive landscape. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2020 to 2024 was steady at 0.64%, while the growth rate in 2024 surged to 2.91%. This data suggests a growing demand for agar in India, with key players from various countries vying for market share in the industry.

The agar market size in India was estimated to be around USD 14.03 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 18.3million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.1%. The increasing demand for food & beverage applications such as ice cream and desserts, coupled with the wide availability of raw materials, including carrageenans and seaweeds are major factors driving the growth of this market in India. Additionally, rising consumer awareness regarding health benefits associated with agar is further propelling its demand among India consumers. Furthermore, expanding e-commerce industry has also led to increased sales for agar products through online platforms in India.
The India Agar market has experienced substantial growth due to its widespread applications in the food and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, and microbiology. Agar, a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed, is widely used as a gelling agent, stabilizer, and thickener in various products. The growth of the food processing industry, along with the increasing popularity of plant-based and vegan products, has driven the demand for agar in India. Moreover, the pharmaceutical sector`s use of agar for microbiological testing and research has also contributed to the market`s expansion.
The agar market in India is driven by its diverse applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. However, the market faces certain challenges. Agar is sourced from specific seaweed species, and the availability of high-quality agar depends on sustainable harvesting practices. Ensuring a stable supply of seaweed and addressing environmental concerns related to seaweed cultivation are essential for the industry`s growth. Additionally, competition from synthetic substitutes and fluctuating raw material prices pose challenges for agar manufacturers and exporters.
The India agar market is a significant segment within the food and beverage industry, primarily driven by the extensive applications of agar as a gelling and thickening agent. Agar is derived from seaweeds and is widely used in the preparation of various food products. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the market was experiencing steady growth, with a rising demand for natural and plant-based food additives. However, the pandemic had an impact on the market. Disruptions in the supply chain and logistics affected the availability of agar. Additionally, the closure of restaurants and reduced food processing activities impacted the demand for agar in the food industry. Despite these challenges, the market demonstrated resilience, with manufacturers exploring new product applications and expanding into the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors as the demand for agar in non-food applications increased.
Key players in the India agar market include agar producers such as Agar India Pvt. Ltd., Marine Agar Industries, and AgarTech Solutions. These companies extract and process agar from seaweed and supply it to various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Moreover, agar exporters like Agar Exports India and SeaGel Merchants facilitate the global distribution of agar products.