Raw Watermelon Seeds Market Size (2023-2030)

The Global Raw Watermelon Seeds Market was estimated to be worth USD 1.2 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 1.52 Billion by 2030, growing at a fast CAGR of 3% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Raw watermelon seeds are tiny, oval-shaped seeds found inside the flesh of watermelons. They are typically black or dark brown in colour and have a harder exterior. Though many people discard watermelon seeds, they are edible and have multiple culinary applications. Further, raw watermelon seeds provide numerous health benefits as it contains proteins, fibres, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron, and others. Moreover, they protect the body from free radicals and improve heart health by regulating blood pressure. Furthermore, the rising demand for snacking plant-based food products has driven the market demand for raw watermelon seeds.

Global Raw Watermelon Seeds Market Drivers

Growing trends of healthy snacking drive the demand for raw watermelon seeds in the market.

Consumers have shifted their preference towards a healthy diet, as they recognize the potential side effects of unhealthy food. Moreover, these healthy snacks are not only good in taste but also provide nutritional benefits that help in the weight management of the consumer. Since raw watermelon seeds are rich in nutritional value, they are quite popular in on-the-go consumption snacks such as energy bars, snack bars, trail mixes, raw watermelon seeds snack packets, and others that improve the overall well-being of consumers.

Culinary versatility boosts the demand for raw watermelon seeds in the market.

Raw watermelon seeds are versatile and have multiple culinary applications due to their mild flavour and crunchy texture. Raw watermelon seeds can be consumed as a standalone snack or can be sprinkled on salads to add a crunchy and mild flavour such as in leafy salads or fruit bowls. Moreover, due to their unique taste and texture, they can be added to baked products such as pastries, cakes, muffins, and others. Additionally, they can also be used as a topping in smoothies and yoghurts. Further, health-conscious people can benefit from raw watermelon seeds by combining them with other nuts or seeds for creating homemade trail mixes. Like other seeds, raw watermelon seeds can be grounded or blended to create a creamy spread that can be used in bread-based recipes.

Global Raw Watermelon Seeds Market Challenges:

Lack of consumer awareness is the biggest challenge to the raw watermelon seeds market. Consumers are not aware of the health benefits of raw watermelon seeds to the body and hence consider it as a discarded material, which cannot be used again.

Furthermore, potential side effects or allergies from raw watermelon seeds such as intestinal disturbance can decline the market demand for raw watermelon seeds.

COVID-19 Impact on the Global Raw Watermelon Seeds Market:

The pandemic had a positive impact on the raw watermelon seeds market. Due to the lockdown, people spent most of their cooking and snacking, which increased the demand for raw watermelon seeds during the pandemic. Further, they were widely used in powdered form to prepare sauces and dressings as sides to main dishes. Additionally, an increase in health awareness boosted the demand for raw watermelon seeds-based snacks such as chocolate bars, energy bars, health mixes, and others from e-commerce platforms that provided contactless delivery during the pandemic.

RAW WATERMELON SEEDS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Raw Watermelon Seeds Market Segmentation: By Form

• Whole Raw Seeds

• Powdered Raw Seeds

Based on market segmentation by form, whole raw seeds occupies the highest share in the market. These seeds are directly harvested from the watermelon and are sold as raw seeds with their hard shell. These are preferred by consumers who prefer natural and unprocessed ingredients that can be used in various recipes, added to snack mixes, or roasted for added flavour in recipes.

The powdered raw seeds segment is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Powdered seeds are prepared by processing the seeds into a fine powder, which can be used for various recipes. Further, due to their versatility and ease of use as an ingredient in recipes, they are widely used in healthy smoothies, protein shakes, muffins, pastries, and others. Further, they can be used as a thickening agent in sauces and dressings for main course dishes.

Global Raw Watermelon Seeds Market Segmentation: By Packaging

• Bulk bags

• Containers

• Pouches

• Others

Based on Market Segmentation by packaging, the pouches segment occupies the highest share of the market. Pouches come in small sizes and are made up of recycled plastic that does not harm the environment and helps to reduce carbon footprint. Moreover, they offer transparency about the product that helps consumers make better purchasing decisions.

The bulk bags segment is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. This typically consists of raw watermelon seeds in large sacks or containers that cater to the demand of restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food establishments.

Global Raw Watermelon Seeds Market Segmentation: By Distribution Channel

• Offline

• Online

Based on market segmentation by distribution channel, the online segment occupies the highest share of the market. The increase in the presence of groceries, retail stores, farmers’ markets and others has contributed to the increased demand for raw watermelon seeds in the market. Moreover, e-commerce platforms provided a variety of options to consumers and enabled them with product descriptions, facilitated product/quality comparisons with other brands, and read reviews that helped them make better purchasing decisions. Additionally, one-day delivery and access to a wide variety of raw watermelon seeds suppliers are other benefits of online distribution channels to consumers.

The offline segment occupies a significant share of the market. The offline segment consists of hypermarkets/supermarkets, farmers markets, health stores, grocery stores, and others providing consumers with a wide variety of healthy snacking options. Further, the fear of receiving bad or damaged food products, especially in the case of perishable commodities such as raw watermelon seeds via online platforms, is another reason for the demand for raw watermelon seeds from offline distribution channels.

Global Raw Watermelon Seeds Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Middle East and Africa

• South America

Based on market segmentation by region, North America occupies the highest share of the market. Increased demand for plant-based diets has boosted the demand for raw watermelon seeds in the region. Consumers have shifted their preference towards plant-based diets due to the health and environmental benefits they possess. Moreover, plant-based diets such as raw watermelon seeds based diet promote sustainability and provide healthy diet options to consumers. They include raw watermelon seeds trail mixes, raw watermelon seeds pestos, raw watermelon seeds crusted chicken tender, raw watermelon seeds salad toppers, and others.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. Due to the natural prevalence of watermelon and rich culinary traditions, there is an increase in demand for raw watermelon seeds in the region. Further, watermelon is widely consumed in Asia-Pacific regions, which have increased their culinary applications such as in roasted snacks, desserts and sweets, and others. Moreover, these seeds are used in traditional medicinal applications due to their diuretic properties such as in herbal teas and formulations.

Global Raw Watermelon Seeds Market Key Players:

1. DLF Seeds & Science

2. Mahindra Group

3. Sakata Seed Group

4. Bayer AG

5. Advanta Ltd

6. HW Wellness Solutions

7. Nimbark Organic Foods

8. FarmUp

9. Swiss Naturals

10. Happilo International Pvt Ltd