We can help you harness the power of SPIRULINA, the world's oldest organism, to create a profitable, healthier, more sustainable future for your family farm, community or agribusiness
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina (Athrospira platensis) is a microscopic blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, that grows in highly alkaline bodies of water. Cyanobacteria, just like green plants, photosynthesize. That is, they capture the sun’s energy and use it to make carbohydrates from CO2.
In nature, Spirulina grows in mineral-rich lakes that are often found near volcanoes or places with thermal activity. The largest Spirulina lakes include Lake Texcoco in Mexico, lakes along the Great Rift Valley in East-Africa; and Lake Chad in Central Africa.
Why Spirulina?
Spirulina is the world's most nutritious food
"The Most Complete, Balanced & Nutritious Food on earth"
World Health Organization
"1kg of Spirulina Equals 1000 kg of Fresh Vegetables"
NASA
"The Future of Nutrition "
United States Department of Agriculture
"The Most Ideal Food for Humankind"
United Nations World Food Program
Spirulina is a nutritional powerhouse
Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and potent phytonutrients, weight for weight, Spirulina is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Spirulina is rich in vitamins B1, B2 and B3, as well as copper, iron, vitamin E and selenium and is safe for consumption by children and infants. Spirulina can be integrated into people's existing diets as a supplement or mixed in with their other foods. Recipes have been developed which combine spirulina with other foods.
Just 1 teaspoon of Spirulina powder is equivalent to 6 servings of vegetables in terms of nutrition
Spirulina has potent medicinal properties
The impressive nutritional and medicinal properties of spirulina are well documented. There are over a thousand peer reviewed scientific articles that report numerous medicinal properties of spirulina, some of which are listed below:
Spirulina farming
How Spirulina is cultivated
Spirulina is cultivated in a nutrient rich aqueous media. It can be farmed on a large or small scale and employ high- or low-tech systems, ranging from one IBC servicing a family, to a mini-farm servicing a community or village, to a large-scale commercial operation producing spirulina for sale to wholesalers. A productive spirulina production system can be designed to fit the resources and technologies available. Find out more here.
Spirulina farming uses resources very efficiently
Estimated resources required to produce 1kg of protein from different sources
SPIRULINA | SOYBEAN | BEEF | |
|---|---|---|---|
FOSSIL FUEL (L) | 0.3 | 1.8 | 6 |
LAND (m2) | 0.2 | 2.5 | 20 |
WATER (L) | 45 | 360 | 1600 |
PESTICIDE (L) | 0 | 9 | 95 |
Comparative advantages of Spirulina farming
Traditional agriculture - versus Spirulina farming
Spirulina production is climate change proof
Traditional agriculture is increasingly challenged by extreme weather events as global warming intensifies. Because Spirulina is grown in closed systems and does not have the same vulnerabilities as crop and animal production systems, and because it thrives at higher temperatures compared to traditional food plants, it is virtually climate change proof. For example, drought, unseasonal rainfall or high temperatures will not cause a catastrophic loss of the culture.
Spirulina farming can be a lower carbon emitter
Spirulina
0 Kg GHGE /kg of protein
Legumes
8.4 Kg GHGE /kg of protein
Beef
490 Kg GHGE / kg of protein
Spirulina farming leaves a smaller environmental footprint
The Commercial Market for Spirulina
Spirulina market by application
Health food industry
Marketed as a superfood in various formats - powder, tablets, fresh frozen.
Functional foods
Spirulina is incorporated into various food products like protein bars, energy drinks, and nutritional supplements.
Cosmetics
Spirulina's antioxidant properties and potential anti-aging benefits make it a desirable ingredient in skincare products.
Nutraceuticals
Spirulina can be used as a raw material for the production of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements
Food color and dye
Phycocyanin, the vibrant blue pigment isolated from spirulina is used as a natural colorant in a variety of products
https://unsplash.com/@s1awek
Animal and fish food
Spirulina can be added to animal and fish feed to enhance the nutrient and protein content.
Spirulina market by product type
Powder
Capsules
Tablets
Sundried flakes
Phycocyananin
https://spiraveg.com/collections/frozen-spirulina
Fresh frozen
Spirulina market outlook 2024 - 2035
Strong and growing demand
The Spirulina market is expected to rise from US$ 450 million to $1.1 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 9.4%.
The demand for spirulina has been surging in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of its nutritional benefits and its potential applications in various industries. Its high protein content, rich source of vitamins and minerals, and antioxidant properties have made it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.
Additionally, spirulina's versatility has led to its incorporation into a wide range of products, including dietary supplements, food and beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
As consumers continue to prioritize natural and sustainable ingredients, the demand for spirulina is expected to remain strong in the years to come.
In terms of volume the market is expected to reach around 103,000 tons by 2030 with a CAGR of 8
Key Drivers
- Growing preference for plant based diets and veganism
- Rising demand for for natural food colours
- Positive environmental impact of spirulina cultivation
Spirulina can generate carbon credits
Image by redgreystock on Freepic
Depending on the production system used, Spirulina cultivation can be a lower a greenhouse gas emitter than other types of farming. Thus, when Spirulina protein replaces protein from sources that leave a heavy carbon footprint, a carbon credit can be realized. For this reason, Spirulina farm development can attract investment from the carbon credit trading industry.
How Selvanex Projects can work with you
Selvanex Projects helps its clients to design and implement a Spirulina farming project that suits their needs and aspirations, including navigating regulatory issues, capturing carbon credits, and taking the product to market.
We can work with NGOs and government agencies to deploy individual growing units to subsistence farmers to improve their families' nutrition, or help set up mini-farms at village level, or help existing farmers (e.g. fish farm operators) to add a Spirulina component to their existing set-up, or help design a large-scale Spirulina production facility that covers many acres.
The beauty of Spirulina is that it can be grown at any scale, and we have the expertise to assist Spirulina farmers of all types. We can assist with the following activities:
Curious? Reach out to us