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Sunflower Oil Market

The market for Sunflower Oil was estimated at $23.6 billion in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $31.2 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $41.4 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS1901009
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
Datatree
Food & Beverage
Packaged & Processed F&B
Sunflower Oil
Share
Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents

Global Sunflower Oil Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$23.6B

Forecast, 2035

$41.4B

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

5.8%

The Sunflower Oil industry revenue is expected to be around $23.6 billion in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 5.8% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. This robust outlook underscores the rising strategic importance of Sunflower Oil across global edible oil value chains, as manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators prioritize versatile, cost-effective, and healthier vegetable oil options. The Sunflower Oil market is benefiting from expanding packaged foods consumption, regulatory pressure to replace trans-fat-rich fats with unsaturated alternatives, and increasing preference among health-conscious consumers for cholesterol-free cooking oil with a favorable fatty acid profile. Demand is particularly strong in the food industry and HoReCa segment, which together account for 77.2% of end-use consumption, reflecting Sunflower Oil’s central role in frying, baking, and large-scale meal preparation. Despite periodic supply disruptions and price volatility, the Sunflower Oil industry continues to adapt through diversified sourcing, product innovation, and strategic partnerships, ensuring its ongoing relevance in both mature and emerging markets.

Sunflower Oil is a light, neutral-flavored vegetable oil derived from sunflower seeds, characterized by its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, natural vitamin E, and relatively high smoke point, which make it well suited to a wide range of culinary and industrial applications. Linoleic Sunflower Oil type currently dominates the Sunflower Oil industry, generating about $13.81 billion in sales in 2025 due to its extensive use as a household cooking oil and in large-scale food industry and HoReCa frying operations, while high oleic and refined Sunflower Oil grades are gaining traction for premium snacks, bakery fats, and long-life processed foods. Beyond food, the Sunflower Oil market serves cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical formulations, where its emollient and oxidative stability properties are valued in creams, lotions, and nutraceuticals. Recent trends driving demand include the shift toward plant-based diets, stronger consumer interest in clean-label and sustainable sourcing, and the rollout of fortified and cold-pressed Sunflower Oil variants positioned as higher-value, health-oriented edible oil solutions

Sunflower Oil market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035
Sunflower Oil Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Sunflower Oil market is projected to grow from $23.6 billion in 2025 to $41.4 billion in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 5.8%, reflecting rising demand across Food Industry, Personal Care, and Industrial Use.

  • Archer Daniels Midland Company, Bunge, and Cargill Incorporated are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.

  • Ukraine and Russia are the top markets within the Sunflower Oil market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 3.8% to 5.6% between 2025 and 2030.

  • Emerging markets including China, Brazil and South Africa are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 6.7% to 8.0%.

  • Transition like Sustainability Initiatives has greater influence in Ukraine and Russia market's value chain; and is expected to add $660 million of additional value to Sunflower Oil industry revenue by 2030.

  • The Sunflower Oil market is set to add $17.9 billion between 2025 and 2035, with manufacturer targeting Horeca & Personal Care and Cosmetics Application projected to gain a larger market share.

  • With

    health benefits, and

    Growing Demand for Organic Products, Sunflower Oil market to expand 76% between 2025 and 2035.

sunflower oil market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Sunflower Oil - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Sunflower Oil

India’s fast-growing processed foods industry is also shifting from palm to Sunflower Oil to satisfy urban consumers seeking lighter textures and heart-healthy oil in chips and extruded snacks. Mid-oleic sunflower oil offers extended shelf life and neutral taste, positioning it as the most attractive option for large-scale snack manufacturing. Globally, mid-oleic revenues are forecast to rise from $5.82 to $8.01 billion by 2030, a 6.6% CAGR, with India expected to capture an outsized share through long-term supply contracts and co-branding initiatives.

Growth Opportunities in Europe and Asia-Pacific

In Europe, the Sunflower Oil market is shaped by mature consumer preferences for healthier edible oil options, making the Food Industry the most influential end-use segment through its deep integration into bakery, snacks, ready meals, and branded cooking oil portfolios; top opportunities center on premium high-oleic sunflower oil, cold-pressed sunflower oil, and sustainably sourced vegetable oil positioned with traceability and low-saturated-fat claims, alongside tailored functional blends for plant-based and free-from product formulations. Competitive dynamics are characterized by a consolidated refining base, strong retailer private labels, and agile mid-sized regional processors that compete on quality, packaging innovation, and supply security rather than pure volume, prompting differentiation through origin storytelling, clean-label processing technologies, and fortified sunflower seed oil variants. Key regional drivers include regulatory pressure to reduce trans fats, consumer shifts toward heart-healthy oils, demand for recyclable and lightweight packaging in the cooking oil market, and food manufacturers’ need for reliable, de-risked supply chains that can navigate harvest volatility and logistics constraints, creating room for investment in logistics hubs, value-added packaging, and co-development partnerships with leading food brands and personal care formulators.
In Asia-Pacific, Sunflower Oil is increasingly positioned as an aspirational, light-tasting alternative within a price-sensitive edible oil landscape, with the Horeca sector emerging as the most strategically relevant end-use due to rapid expansion of quick-service restaurants, cloud kitchens, and organized catering that seek stable frying performance and healthier image attributes. Top opportunities lie in supplying bulk high-oleic sunflower oil and blended frying solutions to foodservice operators, introducing mid-sized packaging formats tailored to independent restaurants, and using digital channels to promote premium cold-pressed and fortified variants to urban households, while simultaneously opening specialized cosmetic-grade streams for local personal care and cosmetics brands. Competition remains fragmented, with numerous local bottlers and import-dependent traders facing margin pressure from cheaper oils, creating space for integrated players and strategic alliances with distributors that can secure long-term Horeca contracts, invest in market refining or packing, and build regional brands around purity, safety, and consistency. Principal regional drivers include rising disposable incomes, accelerated urbanization, policy initiatives discouraging trans fats, growing consumer awareness of cholesterol and cardiovascular health, and the expansion of modern retail and e-commerce, all of which support targeted investment in differentiated Sunflower Oil portfolios, localized marketing, and technical support services for both foodservice and beauty applications.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rising Health Consciousness and Expansion of Processed Food Demand Driving Sunflower Oil Growth

Sunflower oil’s global market growth is also significantly propelled by two interlinked factors the increasing health awareness among consumers and the robust expansion of the processed food industry. Rising health consciousness is also driving consumers toward heart-friendly and nutrient-rich oil options, with high-oleic and cold-pressed sunflower oil variants gaining preference due to their high unsaturated fat and vitamin E content that supports cardiovascular wellness. This shift is also especially evident in developed regions where clean-label and functional foods are also trending among millennials and Gen-Z buyers. At the same time, the rapid growth of the processed and convenience food sector is also enhancing demand for refined sunflower oil as a stable, neutral-flavored ingredient suitable for frying, baking, and packaged foods. Food manufacturers increasingly incorporate sunflower oil to meet consumer expectations for healthier, trans-fat-free products, which in turn reinforces volume growth across global food processing markets. These combined trends create a strong dual-driver effect that underpins sustained market expansion through both consumer preference shifts and industrial adoption.
A key driver of sunflower oil demand beyond food use is also the growing focus on renewable energy and biofuel mandates. Governments in regions such as the European Union and North America are also implementing policies that incentivize biodiesel production from sustainable feedstocks, including vegetable oils like sunflower oil. Biodiesel derived from sunflower oil meets environmental targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. As a result, regulatory support, blending mandates, and rising investments in green energy infrastructure are also encouraging producers and refiners to expand sunflower oil use in biofuel applications. This trend enhances the oil’s industrial market share and diversifies demand beyond traditional culinary and personal care applications.
02

Restraint: Volatile Raw Material Prices and Global Supply Chain Disruptions Limiting Market Expansion

Sunflower oil’s growth is constrained by significant price volatility in raw materials and persistent supply chain disruptions. The cost of sunflower seeds fluctuates widely due to adverse weather, geopolitical tensions, and export duties, which directly raises production costs and compresses margins for refiners and food manufacturers. For example, reduced harvests in key producing regions have led to supply shortages and elevated oil prices, making sunflower oil less competitive against alternatives and dampening demand in price-sensitive markets. Additionally, logistical bottlenecks such as shipping delays and freight inflation increase procurement costs and delivery uncertainty. These combined pressures weaken market revenue prospects and can push buyers toward more stable alternatives, altering overall demand dynamics and challenging market stability.
03

Opportunity: High oleic Sunflower Oil for European quick-service restaurant frying applications and Organic cold pressed Sunflower Oil in North American natural skincare

Stringent nutrition regulations and delivery-driven menus are pushing European quick-service chains to adopt high oleic sunflower oil for stable deep-frying, replacing partially hydrogenated fats. This segment benefits from superior oxidative stability, longer fryer life, and positioning as a non-GMO, heart-friendly edible oil aligned with the broader edible oils market premiumisation trend. High-oleic Sunflower Oil, though currently the smallest segment at $3.94 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $5.69 billion by 2030, achieving the fastest 7.64% CAGR in foodservice channels.
Natural beauty brands in North America are increasingly replacing mineral oils with organic, cold pressed Sunflower Oil as a vitamin E-rich emollient in facial oils, balms, and baby-care products. Linoleic variants dominate volumes, with global revenues expected to rise from $13.81 to $17.54 billion by 2030 at 4.9% CAGR, but the fastest value growth will stem from premium, certified-organic formulations. Brands prioritising clean label positioning, traceable sourcing, and dermatologist-tested claims can unlock higher margins through direct-to-consumer and specialty retail partnerships.
04

Challenge: Intense Competition from Lower-Cost Vegetable Oils and Substitute Products Reducing Demand Share

A critical restraint for sunflower oil is the strong competitive pressure from alternative vegetable oils such as soybean, palm, and canola, which often benefit from lower production costs, higher global yields, and established supply networks. Cost-sensitive consumers and industrial buyers may switch to these substitutes when sunflower oil prices rise or supply becomes inconsistent, eroding sunflower oil’s market share. For instance, competitive pricing and broad availability of palm and soybean oils incentivize bulk purchasers in the food processing sector to favor these alternatives, especially in emerging economies where price is a key decision factor. This substitution trend directly impacts sunflower oil demand and revenue growth, constraining its expansion despite recognized health benefits.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Sunflower Seed Cultivation

Bunge Ltd.Cargill IncorporatedKernel Holding S.A
2

Sunflower Oil Processing

Archer Daniels Midland CompanyWilmar International Ltd. Bunge Ltd
3

Edible Oil Packaging

Cargill IncorporatedWilmar International Ltd.Archer Daniels Midland Company
4

Cooking Oil Applications

Food ProcessingCosmetics & Personal CareBiofuel Production
Sunflower Oil - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Sunflower Oil in Food Industry & Personal Care

Food Industry : Sunflower oil is widely used in the food industry for cooking, frying, baking, salad dressings, sauces, and processed food products because of its neutral taste, high smoke point, and favorable nutritional profile rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats. Refined and high-oleic sunflower oil variants are preferred by food manufacturers and commercial kitchens for thermal stability and consistent quality during high-heat applications. Major food processors like Cargill Inc., Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Bunge Ltd., and Adani Wilmar leverage extensive supply chains and processing capabilities to supply food-grade sunflower oil globally, strengthening their market positions with broad distribution networks and diversified product portfolios.
Personal Care : In personal care and cosmetics, sunflower oil is valued for its emollient, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties, making it a common ingredient in lotions, creams, hair oils, serums, and skin care formulations. Cold-pressed or organic sunflower oil is often chosen for premium personal care products due to its natural nutrient retention and skin-friendly profile, enhancing hydration and barrier protection. Companies that produce edible sunflower oil also supply cosmetic-grade variants or collaborate with personal care brands to meet this demand, capitalizing on the trend toward natural and sustainable ingredients. Leading agribusiness players support this segment through diversified product lines that serve both food and cosmetic applications.
Industrial Use : Sunflower oil’s industrial applications span biodegradable lubricants, paints and coatings, soaps and detergents, bio-based polymers, and biofuel/biodiesel production, where its biodegradability, oxidative stability, and renewable nature are key advantages. Refined industrial grades and modified sunflower oil derivatives are used as eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based materials in machinery lubrication and coatings. In biofuel manufacturing, sunflower oil is a feedstock for biodiesel through transesterification, supporting sustainability goals. Large integrated agribusiness firms and specialized producers cater to these industrial markets by offering tailored oil grades and technical support, enhancing their competitive strengths in renewable and biodegradable industrial solutions.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the sunflower oil market reflect rising demand for healthy cooking oil alternatives and premium edible oils, driven by consumer preference for high-oleic and cold-pressed variants with better nutritional profiles. Supply chain volatility and vegetable oil price fluctuations are influencing procurement strategies, while value-added products like flavored oils expand usage occasions. A key trend is the shift toward sustainable and traceable supply chains, prompting investments in organic certification and quality differentiation to capture health-focused and foodservice segments.

June 2025 : Bunge Ltd. received final regulatory approval from China for its $34 billion merger with Viterra Ltd., clearing the last major hurdle ahead of expected closure in early July 2025. This mega-merger significantly enhances Bunge’s global grain and oilseed trading and processing network including sunflower oil and other vegetable oils and positions it closer in scale to competitors like ADM and Cargill.
April 2024 : Bunge Ltd. and Chevron’s joint venture Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables LLC approved a final investment decision to build a new oilseed processing plant on the U.S. Gulf Coast (Destrehan, Louisiana), targeted for operation by early 2026. The facility will increase capacity for renewable feedstocks, including sunflower oil derivatives used in biofuels and industrial applications.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Sunflower Oil Market

As a core segment of the Packaged & Processed F&B industry, the Sunflower Oil market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Sustainability Initiatives and Value-Added Products have redefined priorities across the Packaged & Processed F&B sector, influencing how the Sunflower Oil market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability initiatives are evolving from peripheral commitments to core value drivers in the Sunflower Oil market, particularly across Ukraine and Russia, where eco-friendly farming and cleaner processing are reshaping the industry value chain. By embedding sustainable agriculture practices, carbon footprint reduction, and improved traceability into large-scale sunflower production, leading producers are positioned to unlock an estimated $660 million in additional Sunflower Oil industry revenue by 2030. This transition supports differentiation in the global edible oils market, enables premium pricing for cold-pressed and non-GMO sunflower oil, and strengthens supply chain resilience amid tightening regulatory and consumer expectations. As sustainability becomes a decisive purchasing and compliance criterion, early movers in regenerative agriculture and green processing standards will capture disproportionate strategic advantage and market share growth.
02

Value-Added Products

Value-added product development is reshaping the sunflower oil market by shifting competition from volume-driven commodity sales to differentiation-led premiumization. Producers are introducing flavored sunflower oils infused with herbs, spices, or garlic to target gourmet cooking, foodservice, and premium retail segments, improving margins and brand loyalty. Simultaneously, high-oleic, cold-pressed, organic, and non-GMO sunflower oils are gaining traction in health-focused food, nutraceutical, and personal care industries due to superior oxidative stability and nutritional positioning. These innovations influence adjacent industries by enabling cleaner labels in packaged foods, premium formulations in cosmetics, and healthier frying solutions for quick-service restaurants. As a result, demand is becoming more segmented, encouraging processors and agribusiness firms to invest in advanced refining, traceability, and specialty seed varieties, broadening the overall market value chain.