Non-GMO Soybean Market Size (2023 – 2030)

The Global Non-GMO Soybean Market was valued at USD 27.41 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 50.92 billion by the end of 2030, with a projected CAGR of 8.05% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030.

The Non-genetically modified organisms (non-GMO) soybean market has undergone a remarkable evolution. It transitioned from a niche player in the agricultural sector catering to health-conscious consumers to becoming a mainstream commodity. The surge is driven by heightened consumer demand for natural and organic products. Presently, it stands as an integral part of agriculture, with producers adapting to meet growing demand, expanding cultivation, and embracing sustainable farming practices. Looking ahead, the future appears promising as the global trend toward health-conscious choices and sustainability continues. The non-GMO soybean market is poised for sustained growth, offering significant opportunities for industry players and stakeholders in tune with evolving consumer preferences and environmental concerns.

Key Market Insights:

The global non-GMO soybean market is thriving due to heightened consumer awareness of health and sustainability. Brazil, recovering from a dip in 2020/21, is projected by ISL to produce over 3.5 million tons of non-GMO soybeans, making up 2.5% of its total soybean crop.

India, with 12.4 million tons of annual non-GMO soybean production, plays a vital role. The U.S. produces 116.2 million tons, and Brazil, 132 million tons. The Russia-Ukraine conflict impacts EU industries, disrupting Ukrainian exports and causing energy price surges.

North America's conscious consumers drive the non-GMO soybean market. Europe, with strict GMO regulations, also matters. The war in Eastern Europe affected the EU protein meal supply due to disrupted Ukrainian exports and adverse weather conditions, leading to a 10% drop in EU soybean production.

In the U.S., non-GMO soybean production grew by 13% from 4.6 million acres in 2019 to 5.2 million in 2021. A survey by the United States Exports Council found that 31% of farmers plan to increase non-GMO food-grade soybean production, reflecting a rising trend in non-GMO agriculture.

The global non-GMO soybean market is thriving, driven by health and sustainability concerns. Brazil's recovery, India's role, and the US trend toward non-GMO agriculture are positive signs. However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupts European industries and challenges the market's stability, calling for adaptability and resilience.

Non-GMO Soybean Market Drivers:

Growing awareness among consumers about the potential health risks associated with GMOs is driving the demand for non-GMO soybeans.

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in consumer awareness regarding the potential health risks linked to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This heightened awareness has translated into a growing demand for non-GMO soybeans in the global market. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term implications of GMO consumption on their health and well-being. They are actively seeking out food products that provide a clear non-GMO assurance, leading to a preference for non-GMO soybeans in various food items and food processing.

Stringent regulations and labeling requirements for GMO products in several regions are encouraging the adoption of non-GMO soybeans.

Various regions around the world have imposed stringent regulations and labeling requirements for GMO products. These regulations have fostered an environment where non-GMO soybeans are not only preferred but often mandated. Consumers benefit from clear labeling that allows them to make informed choices. This regulatory push towards non-GMO products has further incentivized farmers and producers to adopt non-GMO soybean cultivation practices to meet market demands while complying with these regulations.

Non-GMO soybeans align with the principles of sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, attracting environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.

Non-GMO soybeans align harmoniously with the principles of sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. This alignment is particularly appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses. Sustainable farming practices, including non-GMO cultivation, reduce the environmental impact associated with intensive farming methods, such as excessive pesticide and herbicide use. As a result, non-GMO soybeans are becoming a preferred choice for those who prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable food options, further bolstering their demand in the market.

Non-GMO Soybean Market Restraints and Challenges:

Non-GMO soybean cultivation often involves higher production costs, which can affect pricing and market competitiveness.

The non-GMO soybean market encounters a significant challenge in the form of elevated production costs. Compared to their genetically modified counterparts, cultivating non-GMO soybeans typically involves greater expenses. This is primarily due to the need for more extensive pest management practices and potentially lower yields. These higher production costs can have a direct impact on pricing, making non-GMO soybean products comparatively more expensive for consumers. This cost factor can sometimes pose a restraint on the market's growth, especially in price-sensitive consumer segments.

Managing non-GMO soybeans through the supply chain requires careful segregation to prevent contamination with GMO varieties, adding complexity and costs.

Ensuring the purity of non-GMO soybeans throughout the supply chain is a meticulous process that demands strict segregation practices. The risk of contamination with genetically modified soybean varieties is a genuine concern. This adds layers of complexity and cost to the supply chain management of non-GMO soybeans. From field to market, rigorous measures are required to avoid mixing with GMO soybeans. Such measures can include separate storage, transportation, and processing facilities, all of which contribute to higher operational expenses.

The market faces competition from conventional and genetically modified soybean varieties, which may offer cost advantages in some cases.

The non-GMO soybean market faces competition from both conventional and genetically modified soybean varieties. Conventional soybeans are often more cost-effective to cultivate, and GMO soybeans may offer specific advantages such as resistance to pests or herbicides. In some cases, these cost and performance advantages can make them a preferred choice for farmers and producers. This competitive landscape challenges the growth of the non-GMO soybean market, as it must continually demonstrate its unique value proposition in terms of health, sustainability, and consumer preferences to maintain its market share.

Non-GMO Soybean Market Opportunities:

Non-GMO soybeans have strong export potential to regions where GMO regulations are strict or where consumers prefer non-GMO products.

Non-GMO soybeans present a promising opportunity for global export, particularly to regions with stringent GMO regulations or a consumer preference for non-GMO products. Many countries have implemented strict regulations governing the labeling and importation of genetically modified organisms. In such markets, non-GMO soybeans enjoy a competitive advantage, as they align with regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for food safety and transparency. This export potential opens up new markets for non-GMO soybean producers, allowing them to tap into the demand of regions that prioritize non-GMO products. By strategically targeting these markets, producers can expand their customer base and increase market share, potentially driving substantial growth in the non-GMO soybean sector.

Processors can create value-added products from Non-GMO soybeans capitalizing on the growing demand for plant-based foods.

Processors within the non-GMO soybean market have a significant opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for plant-based foods. Non-GMO soybeans serve as a key ingredient in a wide range of plant-based products, including meat alternatives, dairy substitutes, and various plant-based snacks. By creating value-added products from non-GMO soybeans, processors can cater to the rising consumer interest in healthier and sustainable food options. This includes producing items like non-GMO tofu, soy milk, or protein-rich meat analogs. Leveraging this opportunity not only meets consumer demand but also enhances profit margins by offering premium, specialized products in a rapidly expanding market segment.

GLOBAL NON-GMO SOYBEAN MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Non-GMO Soybean Market Segmentation:

Market Segmentation: By Product Type:

• Organic Non-GMO Soybeans

• Conventional Non-GMO Soybeans

In 2022, based on the Product Type, the Organic Non-GMO Soybean accounted for the largest revenue share because of its consistent CAGR of 7.9%. The segment is popular among the masses due to an increasing preference for organic products and the awareness concerning chemicals and artificial additives that are bad for health.

Moreover, South America in general and Brazil in particular is the hub for producing Organic Non-GMO Soybeans. The state of Mato Grosso is the largest producer of non-GMO soybeans in Brazil, yielding nearly 48.7% of the national production, followed by Paraná, Goiás. In Mato Grosso, 491.6 thousand hectares will be seeded with conventional soybeans, a 34.6% growth in acreage compared to the last crop, pegged at 365.2 thousand hectares.

The Conventional Non-GMO Soybeans is another segment that is showing a CAGR of 5.2% and is predicted to be set as the most opportunistic segment during the outlook period. Moreover, the conventional non-GMO soybean market benefits from the fact that it is a more cost-effective option compared to organic non-GMO soybeans. This affordability appeals to a broad consumer base, making conventional non-GMO soybeans accessible to a wider range of customers.

Non-GMO Soybean Market Segmentation: By Product:

• Crushed Soybeans

  • Soy Concentrates

  • Soy Flour

  • Textured Soy Protein

• Whole Soybeans

In 2022, Crushed Soybeans segment dominated the market and is expected to exhibit a steady CAGR of 6.8% throughout the forecast period. Within the segment, the Soy Concentrates segment emerged as the leader in the market and is poised for continued growth with a projected CAGR of 7.96% during the forecast period. Following closely behind, the Soy Flour segment secured the second-largest market share during the same year.

Notably, approximately 97.8 percent of crushed soybean meal serves the purpose of animal feed production, while the remaining fraction is utilized in the creation of soy flour and proteins. Within the oil fraction, around 94.6 percent is dedicated to edible oil production, with the remaining portion finding application in industrial products such as fatty acids, soaps, and biodiesel.

Non-GMO soybeans, on the other hand, are available in multiple forms, including raw, dry, roasted nuts, and canned beans. This diversity in non-GMO soybean types empowers soyfood manufacturers to select beans that align best with their product requirements in terms of color, flavor, texture, size, and nutrient content. While dried yellow non-GMO soybeans remain the most prevalent, there's a growing demand for other varieties such as immature green non-GMO soybean edamame and various forms of roasted soynuts. Additionally, small round black non-GMO soybeans, primarily cultivated for dry bean usage, are referred to as black non-GMO soybeans.

Non- GMO Soybean Market Segmentation: By Application:

• Soybean Oil

• Soybean Meal

• Food for Human Consumption

• Others

In 2022, the Soybean oil segment emerged as the leader in market share in 2020 and is anticipated to exhibit strong growth with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.57% during the forecast period. Following closely behind, the Soybean Meal segment secured the second-largest market share during the same period.

Soybean oil, a prominent category within this segmentation, holds a significant position as a non-GMO vegetable oil, trailing only palm oil in global vegetable and animal oil and fats consumption. The appeal of non-GMO soybean oil as a culinary oil stems from several factors: its consistent and ample supply, competitive pricing, neutral flavor profile, and stability in both unhydrogenated and partially hydrogenated forms. Additionally, the soaring demand for complex feed formulations, and consequently soybean meal, has bolstered soybean oil production. While palm oil is known for higher oil yield per unit area, the role of non-GMO soybean oil remains secure due to the substantial demand for soya meal and the lucrative nature of oil as a by-product.

The nutrient-rich composition of non-GMO soybean meal is a pivotal factor in optimizing animal diets and assessing nutrient intake. This quality positions non-GMO soybean meal as a staple in the majority of animal and poultry feed products. The primary demand for non-GMO soybean meal is observed in the animal feed industry, where it is processed into protein-rich feed for livestock and poultry. A smaller portion of non-GMO soybeans is processed for human consumption, yielding products like soy milk, soy flour, soy protein, tofu, and various retail food items. Furthermore, non-food or industrial products also feature non-GMO soybeans in their composition. In culinary applications, non-GMO soybean oil is preferred for cooking and frying, owing to its desirable qualities.

Non- GMO Soybean Market Segmentation – By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• South America

• Middle East and Africa

In 2022, the Asia-Pacific region held a dominant position in the global non-GMO soybean market, accounting for a significant share of the revenue, estimated at approximately 42.6%. This regional supremacy can be attributed to the increasing consumer awareness of health and sustainability, driving the demand for non-GMO. India, in particular, has witnessed a rising trend in non-GMO food preferences, with consumers seeking genetically modification-free food products, further fueling the growth of the non-GMO soybean market in Asia-Pacific.

Europe also plays a vital role in the non-GMO soybean market, boasting a substantial market share. The region's growth is propelled by stringent regulations on GMO labeling, consumer preferences for organic and natural foods, and the adoption of non-GMO soybeans in various food products. Countries such as France, the U.K., and Spain are witnessing the development of medical facilities and organizations, aligning with the rising trend of non-GMO food choices.

However, the North American region presents the most promising growth prospects. The region's growth is attributed to the lower production costs of non-GMO soybeans and their alignment with the preferences of cost-conscious consumers. U.S.A., recognized as one of the top destinations for non-GMO soybeans, is experiencing substantial market growth. Moreover, in North America, the certified non-GMO crop is grown on more than 53 thousand hectares. An increase in the production of non-GMO soybeans has occurred since the inception of organic labeling due to increased human consumption of soy products and increased demand for organic non-GMO soybean meal to produce organic animal products.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Global Non-GMO Soybean Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic had varying impacts on the non-GMO soybean market. While supply chain disruptions affected some regions, the overall demand for non-GMO soybeans remained resilient, driven by consumer health concerns and the desire for natural products.

Latest Trends/Developments:

The global Non-GMO soybean market exhibits several noteworthy trends and developments. Market players often form strategic collaborations to enhance their presence, focusing on supply chain improvements, research efforts, and joint marketing initiatives. Significant investments in research and development aim to boost non-GMO soybean quality and yield, meeting increasing demand sustainably.

Companies diversify their product portfolios by introducing value-added options such as soy-based snacks, beverages, and meat alternatives. Infrastructure enhancements, government support, and a strong sustainability focus further propel market growth. Notably, consumer education drives awareness of non-GMO soybean benefits, and export opportunities are expanding as these beans are recognized as premium commodities in regions with strict GMO regulations or consumer preferences for non-GMO products. Emphasizing product traceability ensures transparency and reassures consumers about product authenticity and quality.

Key Players:

1. Amaggi

2. Yuwang Group

3. Ouris Proteins

4. Primavera

5. Sojaprotein

6. Sinograin

7. Clarkson Grain Company

8. Grain Millers

9. Espartina S.S

10. Laura Soybeans

In December 2022, to meet the growing demand for plant-based proteins, ADM is partnering with Benson Hill on a 2023 production offering in central and southern Illinois. Through this strategic partnership, ADM will process and commercialize proprietary ingredients derived from Benson Hill e42P713 Ultra-High Protein, non-GMO Soybeans. Participating producers have an opportunity to earn premiums for the 2023 growing season.