The China Seaweed Hydrocolloids Market was valued at USD 423.5 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 587.6 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during the forecast period (2024-2030). This growth stems from China’s leadership in global seaweed production (accounting for 60% of world supply), breakthroughs in extraction technology, and expanding applications across food, pharmaceuticals, and advanced biomaterials.
As the industry transitions from commodity production to high-value functional ingredients, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the China Seaweed Hydrocolloids Market—pioneers transforming marine biomass into sustainable solutions for global industries.
🔟 1. Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Algae Industry Group Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Qingdao, Shandong
Key Products: Carrageenan (42% purity), Alginate (food/pharma grade), Agar-Agar
China’s largest vertically integrated seaweed processor controls 40% of domestic raw material supply through strategic aquaculture partnerships. The company operates 16 GMP-certified extraction facilities with ISO 22000 certification.
2023 Highlights:
- Record export volume of 48,000 MT to 82 countries
- Secured 7 new patents for cold-extraction technologies
- Launched world’s first seaweed-based vegan gelatin alternative
Download FREE Sample Report: China Seaweed Hydrocolloids Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. FMC Corporation (China Operations)
Headquarters: Shanghai (Regional HQ)
Specialization: Pharmaceutical-grade Carrageenan (USP/EP compliant)
The Chinese subsidiary of this US specialty chemical giant dominates high-value medical applications, supplying 65% of China’s controlled-release drug formulations.
Technical Capabilities:
- Dedicated analytical lab with HPLC and FTIR testing
- 22 formulation patents for time-release capsules
- Strategic MoU with Sinopharm Group
8️⃣ 3. Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Qingdao, Shandong
Key Strength: Cost-effective alginate for domestic food industry
Specializing in mid-range hydrocolloids, Bright Moon supplies over 50,000 small-medium food producers nationwide with tailored viscosity solutions.
2023 Milestones:
- 35% market share in China’s industrial alginate sector
- Opened 3 new regional blending facilities
- Launched budget-friendly clean-label stabilizer line
7️⃣ 4. Shandong Jiejing Group Corporation
Headquarters: Rizhao, Shandong
Export Champion: Ultra-pure Agar (microbiology grade)
China’s top agar exporter holds 28% of global agar trade volume, specializing in high-gel-strength products for scientific applications.
Quality Assurance:
- 123 international certifications (USP, EP, JP)
- Dedicated QC team for batch consistency
- Temperature-controlled logistics network
Download FREE Sample Report: China Seaweed Hydrocolloids Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Kimica Corporation (China Subsidiary)
Headquarters: Dalian, Liaoning
Medical Focus: Alginate wound care products
The Chinese operation of Japan’s alginate leader supplies 70% of domestic alginate-based wound dressings, with specialized products for burns and chronic wounds.
Clinical Expertise:
- Class III medical device certification
- Collaborations with 8 teaching hospitals
- Proprietary calcium-alginate fiber technology
5️⃣ 6. Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Qingdao, Shandong
Differentiator: Organic-certified hydrocolloids
China’s first certified organic seaweed processor supplies premium brands like Nestlé and L’Oréal with EU/USDA-approved ingredients.
Sustainability Credentials:
- Carbon-neutral production since 2021
- Blockchain traceability from farm to formulation
- Zero synthetic additives guarantee
4️⃣ 7. Hispanagar (China Operations)
Headquarters: Guangzhou
Scientific Focus: High-performance agarose
The Chinese division of this Spanish biotech leader specializes in molecular biology-grade agarose for diagnostics and research.
Technical Leadership:
- 90% share of China’s electrophoresis market
- Batch consistency <1% variance
- ISO 13485 certification for IVD applications
3️⃣ 8. Haiyang Zhouji Seaweed Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Yantai, Shandong
Innovation: Cost-optimized carrageenan blends
Pioneer in value-engineered hydrocolloid systems that deliver 30% cost savings versus pure carrageenan, widely adopted by instant food manufacturers.
Commercial Impact:
- Supplies 6 top instant noodle brands
- Patented starch-carrageenan matrix
- Custom development within 72 hours
2️⃣ 9. SNP Inc.
Headquarters: Qingdao, Shandong
Niche Expertise: Modified alginates
Specialty chemical innovator with 18 proprietary alginate modification technologies for advanced applications.
Emerging Applications:
- Leading supplier for 3D food printing
- Textile printing alginate with 50+ patents
- Biomedical scaffold development
1️⃣ 10. Bluwat Chemicals Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Xi’an, Shaanxi
Premium Offering: Laboratory-grade agar
China’s premier supplier of research-grade agar meets exacting standards for microbiology and cell culture applications.
Research Networks:
- Exclusive supplier to Chinese CDC
- 99.5% purity guarantee
- Endotoxin levels <0.25 EU/mL
Get Full Report Here: China Seaweed Hydrocolloids Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌱 Market Outlook: China’s Hydrocolloid Revolution
The seaweed hydrocolloids sector is transitioning from basic ingredients to sophisticated functional biomaterials, driven by China’s dual goals of food security and sustainable industry.
📈 Key Market Drivers:
- China’s “Blue Bioeconomy 2035” plan prioritizing marine biotechnology
- 75% increase in plant-based food formulations requiring hydrocolloids
- Biomedical applications growing at 15% CAGR
- Export shift from raw materials to value-added specialties
These industry leaders are not just supplying ingredients—they’re engineering the sustainable materials of tomorrow.
Get Full Report Here: China Seaweed Hydrocolloids Market – View in Detailed Research Report
