Microgreens Market Forecasts to 2028 – Global Analysis By Type (Arugula, Basil, Broccoli, Radish and Other Types), Farming (Commercial Greenhouses, Indoor Farming, Vertical Farming and Other Farmings), Distribution Channel (Retail Stores, Supermarkets and Hypermarkets and Other Distribution Channels), End User and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Microgreens Market is accounted for $1.51 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $3.07 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period. Microgreens are edible plants harvested at an early stage of development. Their crop cycle is short. They are ready to harvest in 7 to 14 days depending on the species and microgreens. Microgreens are primarily grown in indoor vertical and greenhouse farming methods since they demand a lot of attention and a controlled environment. Microgreens grow best at temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C and relative humidity (RH) levels ranging from 40 to 60%. As a result, sheltered cultivation is widely used. Due to its rich aromatic flavour and range of colours and textures, microgreens are mostly used to improve the colour, texture, or flavour of various cuisines such as pasta, pizza, omelettes, and salads. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
According to a survey by Artemis, an intelligence platform, almost 16% of growers in indoor cultivation are involved in microgreens production.
Market Dynamics:Driver:The rise in demand for indoor cultivation
Greenhouses and indoor vertical farming are widely used farming practises for producing microgreens due to benefits such as increased farming land productivity, control over extreme weather conditions, more efficient use of productive resources, and reduced risk of pests, weeds, and crop diseases. Furthermore, the rise in technological innovations in indoor Farming, such as the resurgence of information technology in vertical Farming and greenhouses, encourages farmers to adopt agriculture, indirectly supporting the growth of the global microgreens market during the forecast period.
Restraint:Shortage of skilled workforce
Indoor vertical farming is one of the growing technologies in indoor farming. Most farmers are unaware of this technique and the crops that can be grown with this farming method. Sensors, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic systems are among the technology used in vertical farming and greenhouse farming. A knowledgeable and skilled workforce is required to operate these sophisticated technologies. The shortage of a skilled workforce has affected different sectors globally.
Opportunity:Rapid increase in the retail and online stores
The retail sector is quickly increasing, and internet businesses are displacing traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Online retailers must boost their inventory more than ever before in order to stay up with the demand for their products. This creates a massive market opportunity for microgreens. Microgreens are incredibly essential in the health business since they may be ingested fresh and do not require much preparation or heating. Because of their small size, they are easy to travel and grow in a small area of a home or greenhouse.
Threat:High cost
High initial investments, high production costs, and a lack of distribution channels are the key obstacles restricting the growth of the microgreen sector. Aside from that, certain soil nutrient deficiencies and a lack of knowledge about microgreens pose a threat to the market. Furthermore, unorganised market management, rising demand for non-GMO microgreens, and a limited variety of microgreens types are all factors.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak wreaked havoc on the microgreens business at every stage of the value chain. It also caused significant disruption at the production, distribution, and inventory levels. Shortages of herbs and vegetable seeds for microgreen production have also been observed due to transportation and personnel travel limitations. Furthermore, multiple trade restrictions implemented by various nations impacted the market growth. However, due to their nutritional properties, end-consumers' demand for microgreens increased during the pandemic.
The broccoli segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The broccoli segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, due to numerous health benefits associated with its consumption, such as fighting inflammation, cancer prevention, improved heart health, and improved digestion. It contains a high concentration of vitamin C and E, making it beneficial for those with compromised renal function. As a result, the growing popularity of the health benefits of broccoli microgreens, as well as the use of roof gardens and park gardens to grow microgreens, are likely to drive up demand for microgreens of the broccoli microgreens variety.
The indoor vertical farming segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The indoor vertical farming segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period, because of the increasing technical evolution in indoor vertical farming, such as remote operations and the resurgence of information technology that allows managing things through mobile applications, automatic irrigations, and fertilisations. Indoor vertical farming is the cultivation of agricultural products in a controlled setting, such as a building, where crops are provided with the necessary environment, such as temperature, light, suitable water, and growth media.
Region with highest share:
North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the large-scale microgreens farming in the U.S. and consumption in restaurants. Microgreen farms have been established all across the nation. Microgreens are being produced on a huge scale in the United States thanks to the advancement of indoor and vertical farming practises. Microgreens are in high demand from chefs in the United States as flavour enhancers and vibrant garnishes on hotel and restaurant menus, which is why organic vegetable growers are entering the microgreens market.
Region with highest CAGR:Europe is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to growing popularity of microgreens in health-conscious populations and the quick adoption of indoor vertical farming technology. In addition, an expanding number of restaurants and a growing desire for healthy food items in Europe are expected to drive up demand for microgreens. Furthermore, the area under protected cultivation in Europe has been growing significantly and has gained a significant share of the global area under protected cultivation, which is expected to drive the growth of the global microgreens market during the forecast period.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Microgreens Market include Fresh Origins, The Chef's Garden Inc., AeroFarms, Madar Farms, 2BFresh (Teshuva Agricultural Projects Ltd.), Metro Microgreens, Bowery Farming Inc., GoodLeaf Farms (TruLeaf), Farmbox Greens LLC (Charlie’s Produce), Living Earth Farm, Gotham Greens, Shanghai Dehuan Industry Co. Ltd and Jiangsu Skyplant Greenhouse Technology Co. Ltd.
Key Developments:In October 2021, AeroFarms, a leader in indoor vertical farming, expanded its distribution of leafy greens to more than 350 Stop & Shop Stores across the Northeast and New England regions, including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
In March 2021, The indoor agriculture company Gotham Greens has opened a 10-acre facility in Northern California, its first West Coast greenhouse location, using funding from its most recent 87 million Series D capital raise. This expansion will increase its total annual production to 40 million heads of lettuce and herbs.
Types Covered:
• Arugula
• Basil
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Cress
• Peas
• Radish
• Other Types
Farmings Covered:
• Commercial Greenhouses
• Indoor Farming
• Vertical Farming
• Other Farmings
Distribution Channels Covered:
• Retail Stores
• Farmers Market
• Online Store
• Other Distribution Channels
End Users Covered:
• Commercial
• Residential
Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements