Global Irish Moss Market: Introductions
Irish moss or what it is known as Chondrus crispus, is a species of red algae which grows copiously on rocky parts of Atlantic coast of Europe and North America. When the moss is in fresh condition its texture is soft and cartilaginous, varying in colour from a greenish-yellow, through red to a dark purple or purplish brown.
Chondrus crispus or Irish moss is a small alga which is 20 cm in length and grows from a discoid holdfast (root like structure that anchors aquatic sessile organisms such as seaweed or other sessile algae.
The Irish moss is found commonly around the shores of Ireland and along the coast of Europe including Iceland, the Faroe Islands. Additionally, its also discovered in the western Baltic Sea to southern Spain, from Atlantic coasts of Canada to California in the United States and Japan.
Despite of the name, Irish moss or Chondrus crispus isnt a moss, its a type of seaweed or algae. Irish moss plays a vital role as an ingredient in many industries, yet one of the prominent uses is in food.
Irish moss is mostly made up of jelly-like substance known as carrageenan which makes moss the most vital ingredient. Carrageenan acts a vegetarian substitute for gelatine or as a general emulsifier, hence can be found in ice-cream to infant formulae.
Global Irish Moss Market: Overview
Global Irish Moss Market was treasured at USD 1841.7 Million in 2021 and is projected to show a gripping rise of USD 2811.3 Million with a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecasted period of 2021 to 2028.
Irish moss or Carrageenan is a class of red algae which cultivates lavishly along the craggy parts of Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. The principal constituent is mucilaginous body, which is made from polysaccharide carrageenan, that constitutes 55% of its dry weight. It also comprises 10% of dry protein weight and 15% of mineral matter. The Irish moss is rich in iodine and sulphur which is the another benefit for your health.
Irish moss has significant health benefits. For instance, sea-weed is rich in iodine, which is a vital nutrient for thyroid. Iodine helps to the thyroid glands to produce hormones which control the metabolism, nerves and bone growth. Other benefits of Irish moss and sea-weed include better heart health, control of blood sugar levels, reduced risk of cancer. Sea-weed including Irish moss is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is connected to lowering the risk of heart disease, blood clots, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Additionally, Fucoxanthin an antioxidant found in Irish moss is helpful for controlling or regulating blood sugar levels in the body. For people suffering with diabetes, consuming Irish moss may help prevent blood sugar spikes or crashes. Fucoxanthin plus other carotenoids found in Irish moss are also known to help fight free radicals. Uncontrolled free radicals can damage cells, causing them to cultivate in hazardous manner and these damaged cells become cancerous. It has been studied that, the Fucoxanthin plus other carotenoids found in Irish moss, if consumed help reduce the risk of developing such cancerous cells.
Depending on the climatic conditions its availability differs. It is available in various colours such as greenish-yellow, red and purple-brown etc.
Market Drivers & Restraints
Drivers
Moss is a kind of algae that is grown in western parts of the world mainly on coastal side of Europe and North America. Due to its vast availability, it has gained popularity which is a positive trend for the market growth.
Moss is used in variety of products such as, Clarifying Agent, Thickener and Binding Agent, Stabilizer, Softening and Cleansing Agent, Detoxifying Agent, Antimicrobial and antiviral Agent, and Others. This factor is driving up the market.
Moreover, the Irish moss has healing effects or in case of radiation and has opened up opportunities for the Irish moss in dietary supplements. Its vitamin and anti-oxidants rich ingredients twining with anti-viral properties, has encouraged cosmetic manufacturers, specifically skin care product manufacturers to include Irish moss in skin creams. This has boosted the market growth.
Restraints
Although moss has many health benefits to offer some studies have noticed its negative effects too.
It has been noticed that the Irish moss can cause inflammation of the intestines causing nutrition absorption problem. It has also been observed that Irish moss can cause stomach lesions and ulcers leading to stomach cancer. This is one factor that is affecting the growth of the market.
Global Irish Moss Market Segmentation
Based on the Product Type the market is further divided as
Fresh
Dried
Based on Form the market is further divided as
Powder
Flake
Whole and Others
Market Segmentation by Application
Clarifying Agent
Thickener and Binding Agent
Stabilizer
Softening and Cleansing Agent
Detoxifying Agent
Antimicrobial and antiviral Agent, and Others
Of all types, Thickener and Binding Agent segment is accounted for largest share. These are the substances which are used to enhance viscosity. The growing acceptance of the natural food thickeners is one of the prominent reasons to boost the market.
Market Segmentation by Application by End User
Food and Beverages,
Carrageenan Production
Bakery and Snacks
Dairy Products
Soups and Stews
Dips and Raw Desserts
Dietary Supplements
Medicinal
Personal Care Products, and Others
Market Key players
The market is known by its financial backers or central participants. A few noticeable prominent participants are
Starwest Botanicals
The Lubrizol Corporation
Red's Kitchen Sink
Gaia Herbs
Brouwland bv
Brupaks
Seatech Bioproducts Corp
Holdfast Seaweed LLC
Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Algae Industry Group CO., LTD
Irish Seaweeds
Global Irish Moss Market Regional Outlook
Based on the geographical view, the market occupies region such as North America, Europe, Asia pacific, South America, and MEA. North America will continue to dominate the highest position in the market with Canada being the prominent producer of the moss. Irish moss is mostly used in North America due to its unique functional properties.
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