Sunflower Oil Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Linoleic Oil, Mid-Oleic Oil, High-Oleic Oil) , Applications (Food, Biofuels, Cosmetics, Other) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Sunflower Oil Market Size

The Global Sunflower Oil Market size was USD 16.87 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 17.41 Billion in 2025 and USD 22.4 Billion by 2033, registering a growth rate of 3.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033. This market expansion is being driven by a 34% increase in health-conscious consumer demand, 27% growth in non-GMO product purchases, and a 29% surge in cold-pressed oil sales. The steady increase in processed food production and dietary transitions are contributing significantly to the global expansion of sunflower oil consumption across major regions.

In the U.S., the Sunflower Oil Market has grown significantly due to the rising preference for heart-healthy and clean-label oils. Around 38% of consumers in North America now prefer sunflower oil over canola or soybean oils. Additionally, high-oleic variants have seen a 31% surge in retail sales, particularly through organic and plant-based food product segments. Online grocery channels contributed to 26% of the region’s sales, while food processing applications have driven nearly 22% growth in sunflower oil usage for snacks, dressings, and frozen meals.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at $16.87 Bn in 2024, projected to touch $17.41 Bn in 2025 to $22.4 Bn by 2033 at a CAGR of 3.2%.
• Growth Drivers: Health-conscious consumer demand up 34%, non-GMO preferences up 27%, and organic oil consumption rising by 29%.
• Trends: Cold-pressed variants rose 29%, e-commerce sunflower oil sales grew by 26%, and plant-based meals using sunflower oil up 23%.
• Key Players: Kernel, Bunge, Cargill, Wilmar, EFKO Group & more.
• Regional Insights: Europe leads with 44% market share, followed by Asia-Pacific at 21%, North America at 17%, Middle East & Africa at 13%, and Latin America holding 5%, collectively representing 100% of the global sunflower oil market distribution.
• Challenges: Raw material volatility up 30%, price-sensitive consumers switching by 28%, and 19% drop in low-income market adoption.
• Industry Impact: Supply chain innovation boosted by 33%, backward integration increased 22%, and traceability adoption hit 61% coverage.
• Recent Developments: New product launches up 34%, blockchain traceability integrated in 61% of operations, and packaging innovation at 15% growth.

The Global Sunflower Oil Market continues to evolve, driven by changing dietary behaviors, increasing plant-based food adoption, and a global push toward healthier cooking oils. With 56% of market demand sourced from food applications, sunflower oil is becoming a kitchen staple for both households and commercial kitchens. High-oleic oil now accounts for 31% of total demand, thanks to extended shelf life and stable frying performance. The rise in cold-pressed, organic, and fortified oils is reshaping branding and innovation strategies, while 44% of demand from Europe secures its lead in global consumption. Sunflower oil’s versatility ensures continued expansion in food, biofuel, and personal care industries.

Sunflower Oil Market Trends

The Sunflower Oil Market is experiencing a strong surge in demand due to changing dietary preferences and the growing consumer inclination toward heart-healthy edible oils. Over 40% of consumers in urban areas are now shifting from traditional cooking oils to sunflower oil, citing health benefits like low cholesterol and high Vitamin E content. Around 32% of households in emerging economies now prefer sunflower oil due to its light taste and high smoke point, making it suitable for both frying and baking.

Globally, sunflower oil consumption has risen by over 27% across the food service industry, especially in quick-service restaurants and industrial-scale kitchens. Additionally, nearly 18% of global packaged snack brands are incorporating sunflower oil as their primary frying medium, driven by its non-GMO and trans-fat-free profile. Approximately 36% of consumers consider sunflower oil as a premium choice due to its organic and non-refined variants gaining momentum in retail chains and online grocery platforms.

Europe accounts for nearly 44% of global sunflower oil usage, largely driven by food manufacturers and household consumption. In Asia-Pacific, sunflower oil demand has spiked by 21%, supported by rising disposable incomes and the increasing popularity of Mediterranean diets. Moreover, over 29% of new product launches in the edible oils category include sunflower oil as a core ingredient, reflecting strong innovation trends. Cold-pressed and fortified sunflower oil segments are registering a combined growth share of 33% due to rising health awareness among millennials and Gen Z consumers.

Sunflower Oil Market Dynamics

DRIVERS

Rising Health Awareness Among Consumers

Over 38% of global consumers are now opting for edible oils with reduced saturated fat content, with sunflower oil emerging as a leading preference. Approximately 41% of surveyed consumers associate sunflower oil with cardiovascular health benefits. This shift is driving higher consumption in both domestic and food processing applications. Furthermore, 35% of urban middle-class families have switched to sunflower oil, replacing other conventional oils due to its antioxidant-rich composition.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in Online Grocery Channels

Online grocery platforms now account for nearly 28% of total retail sunflower oil sales in key markets, a significant jump from traditional retail channels. The increased penetration of e-commerce in rural and semi-urban regions has boosted visibility and accessibility of premium sunflower oil brands. Over 23% of sunflower oil sales in developing countries now occur via digital platforms, supported by attractive discounts, bulk pack availability, and targeted marketing campaigns. This channel expansion opens new doors for market penetration across untapped regions.

RESTRAINTS

"Supply Chain Disruptions and Raw Material Dependency"

Roughly 47% of sunflower oil production globally is dependent on a limited number of sunflower seed-producing regions. Supply chain instability and geopolitical tensions have resulted in over 30% fluctuation in sunflower seed availability, directly affecting oil processing capacity. Nearly 25% of manufacturers report delays and cost inefficiencies due to inconsistent raw material supply. Moreover, 19% of food processors have shifted toward alternative oils temporarily due to sunflower seed shortages, posing a restraint to long-term market stability.

CHALLENGE

"Price Volatility and Competitive Oil Alternatives"

Sunflower oil faces intense competition from soybean, palm, and canola oils, with nearly 33% of bulk buyers switching to substitutes due to fluctuating sunflower oil prices. Price volatility is triggered by over 22% variation in sunflower seed production year-over-year, pushing procurement managers toward cost-stable alternatives. Additionally, 28% of small-scale retailers reported losing consumer interest due to inconsistency in sunflower oil pricing, leading to decreased shelf penetration in lower-income markets. The challenge is further intensified as 31% of emerging market households opt for more economical vegetable oil alternatives.

Segmentation Analysis

The sunflower oil market is segmented by type and application, each playing a critical role in shaping overall demand. Type segmentation includes linoleic, mid-oleic, and high-oleic oils, each offering varied fatty acid compositions that cater to distinct consumer and industrial needs. Application-wise, the market spans across food processing, biofuels, cosmetics, and other industrial uses. Over 56% of the global sunflower oil volume is consumed in food applications, with biofuels contributing significantly due to the eco-friendly profile of the oil. Cosmetics account for 11% of demand, driven by growing preference for plant-based formulations. The rest is distributed across niche and industrial applications.

By Type

• Linoleic Oil: Comprising over 48% of the global sunflower oil production, linoleic oil is widely used for everyday cooking due to its light texture and high polyunsaturated fat content. Nearly 52% of household consumers prefer linoleic sunflower oil for deep frying and baking, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe.
• Mid-Oleic Oil: This type holds around 21% market share and is favored in food service operations due to its enhanced oxidative stability. Mid-oleic oil is used in about 25% of snack manufacturing industries that prioritize shelf life and a balanced fatty acid profile. It is also increasingly adopted in school meal programs and public institutions.
• High-Oleic Oil: Accounting for approximately 31% of market demand, high-oleic sunflower oil is gaining traction due to its heart-healthy attributes and longer fry-life. Nearly 37% of organic food brands in North America now use high-oleic variants, particularly in salad dressings and gourmet packaged foods.

By Application

• Food: Representing nearly 56% of total market usage, sunflower oil is extensively used in frying, baking, and salad dressing applications. Over 43% of ready-to-eat food brands utilize sunflower oil in their product formulations due to its light flavor and health profile. Institutional food buyers also favor it for its non-GMO labeling.
• Biofuels: Around 18% of sunflower oil is now utilized in the biofuel industry. With sustainability regulations increasing globally, nearly 22% of biodiesel producers in Europe have switched to sunflower oil as a feedstock, citing its higher combustion efficiency and reduced emissions.
• Cosmetics: Comprising 11% of global usage, sunflower oil is now an essential ingredient in nearly 31% of skin care and hair care product lines. Its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties make it a preferred base for organic cosmetic formulations, especially in North America and Japan.
• Other: Roughly 15% of sunflower oil is used across industrial lubricants, animal feed, and pharmaceutical delivery mediums. Demand in these sectors is rising, with 19% of animal feed formulations incorporating sunflower oil to enhance palatability and fat content.

Regional Outlook

The sunflower oil market demonstrates diverse growth patterns across global regions, shaped by consumption habits, industrial demand, and agricultural practices. Europe leads global consumption, accounting for nearly 44% of the market volume due to high usage in food processing and household cooking. Asia-Pacific is emerging rapidly, with over 21% growth in consumption driven by rising middle-class populations and health-focused consumer shifts. North America, contributing about 17% to global volume, exhibits strong growth due to organic and non-GMO product preferences. Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa is becoming a promising frontier, with increased imports accounting for nearly 13% of total regional consumption. Regional governments in Africa are also promoting local processing units, driving production capacity upward by 15%. Varying climatic suitability and trade logistics continue to impact regional market dynamics, especially in seed sourcing and supply chain resilience.

North America

In North America, sunflower oil demand is largely driven by the rising adoption of plant-based diets and preference for heart-healthy cooking oils. Approximately 38% of consumers in the U.S. and Canada now consider sunflower oil a healthier alternative to canola and soybean oil. Over 31% of grocery retail chains in the region stock high-oleic sunflower oil due to growing demand in organic food categories. Additionally, 29% of processed food manufacturers use sunflower oil in salad dressings, snacks, and frozen foods, taking advantage of its extended shelf life. Imports have grown by 18%, fueled by increased dependence on Eastern European suppliers for refined oil.

Europe

Europe remains the dominant region in the sunflower oil market, accounting for around 44% of global usage. Countries like Ukraine, Russia, and Romania contribute more than 52% of sunflower seed production in the continent. Nearly 47% of packaged food companies in the EU use sunflower oil in their formulations due to regulatory limits on saturated fats. Moreover, 34% of consumers in Europe prefer sunflower oil for home use, with higher traction in Germany, Spain, and France. Retailers are reporting a 22% surge in demand for cold-pressed variants, while exports from EU countries to Africa and Asia have climbed by 19% in recent years.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is witnessing fast-paced growth in sunflower oil consumption, with nearly 21% increase in demand driven by rising disposable income and expanding urban populations. India, China, and Japan lead regional demand, collectively accounting for more than 26% of global imports. In India alone, 33% of edible oil users have shifted from palm oil to sunflower oil, influenced by health awareness campaigns. In China, sunflower oil is used in 18% of fast-food operations and ready-to-eat meal production. E-commerce platforms in Asia-Pacific have contributed to 24% of retail sunflower oil sales, particularly among younger consumers aged 25–40.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is rapidly increasing its reliance on sunflower oil imports, with over 31% of its edible oil requirement met through sunflower oil. South Africa and Egypt are key markets, accounting for 41% of regional consumption. Import volumes have grown by 27%, particularly from Eastern European suppliers. In the Gulf countries, sunflower oil makes up 22% of all edible oil used in commercial kitchens and fast-food chains. Additionally, 18% of local food manufacturers in Sub-Saharan Africa are investing in sunflower oil processing due to its neutral taste and wide acceptance in multicultural recipes. Domestic production initiatives are increasing, supported by a 15% rise in local cultivation area.

List of Key Sunflower Oil Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the sunflower oil market is accelerating, with nearly 33% of new funding directed toward refining and processing infrastructure in Asia-Pacific and Africa. Multinational companies are expanding their footprint in emerging markets, where consumption is growing by over 21% annually. Private equity groups have increased their interest in sunflower oil startups, especially those focusing on organic and non-GMO product lines, accounting for 18% of total edible oil investments. Additionally, 26% of new investment projects are focused on enhancing supply chain resilience and backward integration through sunflower seed farming.

Governments in Eastern Europe and Africa are offering subsidies and tax benefits, resulting in a 22% increase in local production units. Meanwhile, 29% of food processing companies are entering long-term contracts with sunflower oil suppliers to secure consistent input costs and ensure traceability. Innovations in packaging, such as eco-friendly pouches and resealable bottles, account for 15% of total capital allocation by top brands. The increasing shift toward biofuel applications is also influencing a 19% rise in industrial R&D investments linked to sunflower oil derivatives and clean energy blends.

New Products Development

New product development in the sunflower oil market is intensifying as consumer preferences evolve. High-oleic sunflower oil variants have witnessed a 34% increase in new product launches, particularly in health-conscious snack categories and premium cooking oil lines. Cold-pressed and fortified sunflower oil products now make up 21% of innovations across retail shelves, with added ingredients like Vitamin D and Omega-3 gaining traction among 27% of consumers aged 30–45.

Plant-based food companies are increasingly turning to sunflower oil for its neutral flavor and health profile, making up 23% of their new launches. Meanwhile, 19% of cosmetic brands have formulated skincare and haircare products using sunflower oil due to its emollient properties and growing preference for botanical ingredients. Ready-to-cook and convenience meal producers have also increased sunflower oil incorporation by 22% in new recipes, especially in vegan and gluten-free formats. Product formats such as spray oils and single-serve sachets are driving innovation, now representing 14% of all packaging-related new developments in the market.

Recent Developments

• Kernel: Expansion of Refining Facilities: In 2023, Kernel expanded its sunflower oil refining capacity by 18% to meet growing demand in Eastern Europe and Asia. This expansion included state-of-the-art filtration systems that enhance oil purity, aligning with the company’s goal to supply cleaner, high-quality sunflower oil for foodservice and retail. The new facility is expected to handle 26% more raw sunflower seeds annually, improving output efficiency.
• Bunge: Launch of High-Oleic Product Line: In early 2024, Bunge launched a new high-oleic sunflower oil line targeted at premium food manufacturers. These oils contain up to 83% oleic acid, appealing to 38% of health-conscious consumers seeking products with better stability and longer shelf life. The launch also supported Bunge’s plan to grow its presence in the organic and non-GMO product category, which grew by 27% year-over-year.
• Wilmar: Strategic Partnership in Africa: In mid-2023, Wilmar entered a strategic partnership with a local African agribusiness to set up joint sunflower oil processing facilities. The collaboration is aimed at reducing import dependency, with expectations to locally process up to 34% of the sunflower seeds used in the region. This move supports Wilmar’s efforts to penetrate emerging markets with rising consumption rates.
• EFKO Group: Introduction of Cold-Pressed Variants: EFKO Group introduced cold-pressed sunflower oil products in Q3 2024, targeting eco-conscious consumers in Europe. The company reported that nearly 29% of its customer base expressed interest in additive-free oils. The cold-pressed variant has been launched in recyclable glass packaging, supporting a sustainability-driven product innovation strategy.
• Cargill: Investment in Digital Traceability: In 2023, Cargill implemented blockchain-based traceability for its sunflower oil supply chain, allowing 100% visibility from seed sourcing to retail delivery. The system has already been adopted across 61% of its sourcing operations in Eastern Europe. This development has enhanced customer confidence and is projected to influence 33% of institutional buyers in the region.

Report Coverage

The report on the sunflower oil market offers an in-depth analysis covering all key market dimensions, including production trends, consumer behavior, competitive dynamics, and investment opportunities. It includes segment-wise insights across linoleic, mid-oleic, and high-oleic oil types, which collectively account for over 97% of total market volume. Application coverage spans food (56%), biofuels (18%), cosmetics (11%), and industrial uses (15%), reflecting the diverse demand base.

Regional analysis includes detailed trends across Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, and the Middle East & Africa, accounting for 44%, 21%, 17%, and 13% of market activity respectively. The report evaluates key manufacturers, with Kernel and Bunge holding a combined 25% share. Consumer trends such as the 34% rise in cold-pressed oil consumption and the 22% increase in e-commerce-based sales are included to map evolving buying patterns. Furthermore, the report tracks over 200 new product launches, 18% of which are high-oleic variants and 27% focus on organic labeling. Investment trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain challenges are also addressed, offering a 360-degree view of market performance from 2023 to 2024.