EU Edible Seeds: Growth Over or Next Demand Wave Coming?

Looking at edible seed consumption in the EU’s largest edible seed market, Germany, reveals that 1) direct (in-shell) snacking of edible seeds is often confined to consumers with a migration background, 2) premiumisation in baked goods and breakfast cereals is fighting the trend of slow or negative growth in bread and breakfast cereal consumption, 3) new innovative snacks and protein alternatives provided strong growth in Germany, as they sometimes included considerable amounts of edible seeds.

"Future growth in edible seeds will come from product innovation," says Stefan Vogel, Global Strategist, Grains & Oilseeds. "Health-driven product innovation is leading to new snacks coming to market, be it sweet, salty, in bowls or in dairy products. This leads to additional future demand for edible seeds and provides opportunities for traders, especially those with cleaning, processing and packaging capacities. Product innovation in the baking industry might also add growth, not only in Germany but also in other EU countries that traditionally consume white/plain bread, and that have consumers looking for (perceived) healthier products."

This report outlines the impact of changes in the edible seed market on supply chains.