Core Insights - The increasing health awareness among consumers is driving the demand for kelp, which is rich in iodine, dietary fiber, and trace elements, leading to its popularity as a low-calorie, high-nutrition food option [1][4] - The market potential for kelp is significant, with a projected demand of 231,300 tons in China by 2024, translating to a per capita demand of 0.16 kg [1][4] - The production of kelp in 2024 is also expected to reach 231,300 tons, with Liaoning province contributing 76.92% and Shandong province 22.73% of the total production [1][4] Market Overview - Kelp (scientific name: Undaria pinnatifida) is a large brown algae known for its high nutritional and medicinal value, commonly referred to as "sea vegetable" in Western countries [2][3] - The algae can be consumed directly or processed into various products such as dried, ready-to-eat, and seasoning products, catering to diverse consumer needs [1][3] Market Policies - The Chinese government has implemented several policies to support the development of the aquatic product industry, including kelp, which provides guidance and resources for industry growth [3][4] Industry Structure - The kelp industry consists of upstream activities (cultivation, harvesting, processing equipment, packaging), midstream processing (initial and deep processing), and downstream sales channels (supermarkets, e-commerce, etc.) [5][6] Production and Export Data - The area for kelp cultivation in China is projected to reach 10,962 hectares in 2024, marking a 1% increase year-on-year, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for the industry [7] - In the first half of 2025, China exported 11.42 tons of dried kelp, generating an export value of $86,900, with an average export price of $7,600 per ton [8] Competitive Landscape - The kelp industry in China is characterized by a large number of small-scale enterprises, with major players including Gais Food Co., Ltd. and Dalian Haibao Food Co., Ltd., primarily located in resource-rich provinces like Liaoning and Shandong [9][10] - Gais Food Co., Ltd. reported a total revenue of 270 million yuan in the first half of 2025, with 39.19% of this revenue coming from its algae business [10] - Dalian Haibao Food Co., Ltd. achieved a revenue of 103 million yuan in the same period, with a gross margin of 34.46% [10] Development Trends - Consumer demand for kelp products is expected to diversify, with an increasing market share for ready-to-eat foods, nutritional extracts, and health supplements [11] - The global market for kelp is anticipated to expand, with rising international demand and increasing domestic awareness of kelp's health benefits [11]