As France looks to capitalise on its untapped potential, international examples demonstrate the huge opportunities offered by the macroalgae sector

Macroalgae Farms Flourish in France Amid Growing Industrial Interest

FRANCE
Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

The French macroalgae farming sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased interest and investment from industrial players. The association Merci les Algues!, which includes Nordic SeaFarm, views this momentum as a valuable opportunity for domestic operators, according to Vincent Schumeng of Produit de la Mer.

“Many companies are seeking partners to secure funding,” explains Éric Philippe, co-president of Merci les Algues!. “It’s important to demonstrate the success of macroalgae farming in other contexts.” Nordic SeaFarm plans to use its recent investments to expand its cultivation area from 15 hectares to approximately 100 hectares and further enhance its R&D efforts. Philippe emphasizes the need to raise consumer awareness to drive demand for algae-based products.

Merci les Algues! aims to unify the sector by structuring operations, marketing products, and promoting the wide-ranging uses of macroalgae. These include applications in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, human and animal nutrition, and bioplastics. Philippe also highlights the importance of showcasing the sector’s financial potential to attract further investment.

“Macroalgae products can serve as sustainable alternatives to finite resources like wood or plastic for manufacturers,” Philippe says. “We need to demonstrate that the algae sector has strong market demand and continues to grow. We are currently in a consolidation phase to catalyze additional investments.”

France AgriMer Evaluates Macroalgae's Potential

A recent study by France AgriMer, published in summer 2024, reveals that French macroalgae production reached 86,000 tonnes in 2021, valued at €7.1 million. While harvested seaweed constitutes 65% of the volume, it represents only 47% of the value. The report outlines the sector’s diverse markets, including:

• Edible seaweed: Fresh, processed, vegetarian products, and catering
• Well-being and beauty products: Creams, parapharmaceuticals, and personal care
• Industrial applications: Alginates, carrageenans, and agar agar

Despite 96% of French consumers perceiving seaweed as healthy and sustainable, barriers such as lack of awareness and product unfamiliarity hinder broader adoption. Asian cuisine and gourmet products like spreads are exceptions, performing well in the market.

To address these challenges, France AgriMer recommends increasing public communication about the diversity and benefits of algae. The agency also suggests repositioning algae-based products as exciting and exotic culinary options. However, a significant obstacle remains: insufficient domestic production volumes. The sector relies heavily on imports, underscoring the need to scale up local farming.

Global Leaders in Macroalgae Production

France AgriMer’s study also highlights leading global players in the macroalgae sector:

• Norway: Europe’s top wild algae producer, harvesting 150,000–180,000 tonnes, primarily kelp used for alginates and algae-based animal feed.
• South Korea: A dominant force with 1.85 million tonnes of cultured algae, accounting for 77% of the nation’s aquaculture volume. The country’s sector benefits from the growth of abalone farming, as abalone depend on macroalgae for feed.

As France looks to capitalize on its untapped potential, these international examples demonstrate the vast opportunities within the macroalgae sector for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

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