Top 10 Companies in the Latin America Agar-Agar Market (2025): Industry Pillars Shaping Food and Pharmaceutical Sectors

In Business Insights
June 03, 2025

The Latin America Agar-Agar Market was valued at US$ 142 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 186 million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.6% during the forecast period (2024-2030). This expansion is driven by escalating demand for plant-based ingredients, growth in food processing industries, and expanding pharmaceutical applications across Mexico, Brazil, and Chile.

As vegetarian and vegan trends accelerate, Agar-Agar has emerged as a critical gelatin alternative with superior gelling properties. This analysis examines the Top 10 Companies in the Latin America Agar-Agar Market – highlighting producers and innovators that are transforming the regional hydrocolloid landscape.


🔟 1. Gelita AG

Headquarters: Eberbach, Germany
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical and food-grade Agar-Agar solutions

Gelita maintains a strong foothold in Latin America through its specialized collagen and gelatin alternatives. The company’s agar products are widely used in confectionery, dairy, and pharmaceutical applications across the region.

Market Strengths:

  • Global R&D facilities supporting local application development

  • Customized gel strength solutions for tropical climate formulations

Download FREE Sample Report: Latin America Agar-Agar Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Hispanagar

Headquarters: Burgos, Spain
Key Offering: High-purity microbiological and food-grade Agar-Agar

Hispanagar dominates the Latin American microbiology sector with its premium agar products. The company supplies research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and food manufacturers throughout the region.

Market Strengths:

  • ISO 13485 certification for medical-grade products

  • Special sterilization technologies for sensitive applications


8️⃣ 3. Sobigel

Headquarters: Sabadell, Spain
Key Offering: Biotechnology and food processing Agar-Agar

Sobigel has significantly expanded its Latin American operations, particularly in Mexico’s growing biotech sector. The company provides tailored agar solutions for tissue culture and microbial testing.

Market Strengths:

  • Dedicated technical support teams in Argentina and Colombia

  • Custom product development for regional applications


7️⃣ 4. DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Textural systems incorporating Agar-Agar

DuPont leverages its extensive distribution network to serve key Latin American markets. The company’s agar-based solutions are particularly valued in dairy alternative and confectionery products.

Market Strengths:

  • Application expertise across multiple food categories

  • Sustainable sourcing initiatives


6️⃣ 5. CP Kelco

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: High-performance Agar-Agar blends

CP Kelco has made strategic investments in Latin America to serve the growing food and pharmaceutical sectors. The company is recognized for its innovative agar formulations that enhance texture and stability.

Market Strengths:

  • Local manufacturing capabilities in Brazil

  • Co-development programs with regional customers

Download FREE Sample Report: Latin America Agar-Agar Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 6. Nexira

Headquarters: Rouen, France
Key Offering: Clean-label Agar-Agar solutions

Nexira has successfully entered Latin America’s health-conscious consumer market with its organic-certified Agar-Agar products. The company specializes in plant-based texturizers for functional foods.

Market Strengths:

  • Organic and non-GMO product lines

  • Strong positioning in health-focused applications


4️⃣ 7. Kerry Group

Headquarters: Tralee, Ireland
Key Offering: Taste and texture systems with Agar-Agar

Kerry Group provides comprehensive solutions to Latin American food manufacturers, incorporating agar for superior product performance. The company’s expertise spans dairy, meat alternatives, and baked goods.

Market Strengths:

  • Regional application centers in São Paulo and Mexico City

  • Integrated taste modulation capabilities


3️⃣ 8. Nitta Gelatin Inc.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical-grade Agar-Agar

Nitta Gelatin has expanded its pharmaceutical business in Latin America, supplying high-purity agar for capsule production and culture media. The company meets stringent pharmacopeia standards.

Market Strengths:

  • GMP-certified manufacturing

  • Technical support for regulatory compliance


2️⃣ 9. TIC Gums

Headquarters: White Marsh, Maryland, USA
Key Offering: Specialty hydrocolloid blends with Agar-Agar

TIC Gums offers customized textural solutions to Latin American food processors, combining agar with other hydrocolloids. Their products address formulation challenges in tropical climates.

Market Strengths:

  • Application labs in Mexico and Brazil

  • Rapid prototyping capabilities


1️⃣ 10. Agarmex S.A.

Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico
Key Offering: Locally produced Agar-Agar

As Mexico’s leading domestic producer, Agarmex supplies the regional food industry with cost-effective agar solutions. The company has vertically integrated operations from seaweed sourcing to final processing.

Market Strengths:

  • Geographic proximity to key markets

  • Tailored products for traditional Mexican foods

Get Full Report Here: Latin America Agar-Agar Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: Latin America’s Agar-Agar Market Evolution

The Latin American agar-agar industry is undergoing transformation, driven by consumer demand for natural ingredients and innovative applications. As regional food processors adopt more sophisticated texturizing systems, growth opportunities are expanding across multiple sectors.

📈 Key Market Development Trends:

  • Rising demand for clean-label plant-based foods

  • Expansion of local production in Chile and Peru

  • Increasing pharmaceutical applications in vaccine production

  • Development of seaweed farming initiatives

Get Full Report Here: Latin America Agar-Agar Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are at the forefront of innovation, developing new applications and formulations that will define the future of the Agar-Agar market in Latin America.