Microgreens Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Microgreens Market Analysis

The Microgreens Market size is estimated at USD 245.77 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 335.16 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

• Microgreens are small, tender vegetable greens used to enhance the color, texture, and flavor of various dishes, including pasta, pizza, omelets, and salads. Their robust aromatic flavor, diverse range of colors, and textures make them popular in culinary applications. Consuming microgreens is associated with health benefits such as weight management, prevention of chronic medical conditions, immunity boosting, and mental health improvement. 
• The global trend towards healthier eating habits and increased nutritional awareness continues to drive the microgreens market. Consumers, particularly in urban areas, have become more informed about the high nutrient density of microgreens compared to their mature counterparts. A study published in the International Journal of Home Science found that microgreen varieties contained up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature plant equivalents. Consequently, major supermarket chains in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have expanded their microgreens offerings. 
• To meet the growing demand, investments are being made in advanced hydroponic systems that utilize artificial intelligence and smart sensors to optimize growth conditions. Aa a result, there is significant growth in greenhouse hectares for cultivation. For instance, according to the European Commission, the area under greenhouses in Spain reached 25,000 ha and in Italy 18,500 ha in 2023. Companies like Freight Farms are maximizing output by integrating microgreens into their production cycles in vertical farms, utilizing existing space. These microgreens can yield between 0.001 to 0.002 metric tons per tray, generating significant revenue. 
• While greens and herbs or microgreens are among the most profitable crops, the limited varieties available for indoor farming may restrict market growth. Although hydroponics farming holds significant potential, its progress and adoption in agriculture have been relatively slow. 
• Broccoli, lettuce, arugula, and basil are among the essential microgreens cultivated worldwide using hydroponics and vertical farming techniques. The demand for microgreens is increasing in developed countries, as they can be cultivated indoors throughout the year. According to the United States Fresh Produce Association, the likelihood of consumers purchasing broccoli microgreens increases with income and age. With a growing population, microgreens offer a nutritious and sustainable means to diversify the food supply, which is expected to drive market growth. 

Microgreens Industry Segmentation

Microgreens are shoots of salad vegetables picked just after the first leaves have developed. They have fully grown cotyledon leaves and, usually, one pair of very small, partially produced true leaves. They are cultivated using various kinds of farming, such as vertical farming, indoor farming, and commercial greenhouses. The microgreens market is segmented by type (broccoli, lettuce and chicory, arugula, basil, fennel, carrots, sunflower, radish, peas, and other types), farming (indoor farming, vertical farming, commercial greenhouses, and other farming), growth medium (coconut coir, peat moss, soil, tissue paper, and other growth mediums), distribution channel (hypermarkets/supermarkets, restaurants, and other distribution channels), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa). The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of value (USD) and volume (Metric Tons) for the above-mentioned segments.