China Sunflower Oil Market Outlook, 2028

Chinese consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious, and this shift has led to a growing demand for sunflower oil, which is known for its heart-healthy attributes due to its low saturated fat content and high levels of beneficial nutrients. China is a significant importer of sunflower oil, and it sources this commodity from various countries like Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, and Bulgaria. While China primarily focuses on meeting its domestic demand for sunflower oil, it also exports a relatively smaller quantity to neighboring countries and regions. These exports typically go to countries in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Sunflower oil production in China is primarily concentrated in the northeastern and northwestern regions of the country. Heilongjiang Province, located in the northeastern part of China, Heilongjiang is one of the leading sunflower oil-producing regions. Adjacent to Heilongjiang, Jilin Province is another important sunflower oil-producing region. The highest consumption of sunflower oil in China is predominantly concentrated in urban and more affluent regions, where dietary habits and cooking preferences tend to favor healthier options. Coastal provinces and major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong (including cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen), and Zhejiang are among the regions with the highest sunflower oil consumption.

According to the research report "China Sunflower Oil Market Outlook, 2023-28," published by Bonafide Research, is predicted to expand significantly during the course of the forecast year 2023-2028. The sunflower oil market in China is witnessing a remarkable transformation, characterized by a shift towards healthier cooking oil choices and an expanding consumer base. With growing health consciousness, Chinese consumers are increasingly turning to sunflower oil for its lower saturated fat content and rich nutritional profile. This changing preference is reinforced by government initiatives promoting healthier dietary habits. As a result, the sunflower oil market is experiencing substantial growth, with both domestic and international producers vying to cater to this burgeoning demand. Furthermore, the diversification of sunflower oil applications, from cooking to industrial use, is adding to its market dynamics. China's sunflower oil market is not only reflective of changing lifestyles but also represents a promising sector that combines health awareness, economic development, and evolving consumer tastes. For instance, according to the US Department of Agriculture, in 2021, China's population consumed around 2.6 million metric tons of sunflower seed oil, an increase from approximately 2.07 million tons in the previous year.

The report is segmented on the basis of Nature of Sunflower Oil into Conventional and Organic. Conventional sunflower oil consumption undeniably holds the largest market share in China's sunflower oil market, owing to its widespread availability and affordability. This traditional cooking oil has been a staple in Chinese kitchens for many years. However, alongside the dominance of conventional sunflower oil, there is a noticeable and expanding interest in organic sunflower oil. As Chinese consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, the demand for organic and natural products has been on the rise. Organic sunflower oil, produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and often using non-GMO sunflower seeds, has gained traction among health-conscious and eco-conscious consumers. They value its purity and the absence of chemical residues. The expansion of the organic sunflower oil segment is also supported by the increasing number of health food stores, organic markets, and e-commerce platforms offering a variety of organic cooking oils, including sunflower oil. Additionally, as consumers become more discerning about the origin and quality of their food products, they are willing to pay a premium for organic options.

The report is segmented based on the End-Users; which include Households, Industrial, and Food Services. Sunflower oil is indeed a popular choice in Chinese households, with its use extending beyond just culinary applications. While it serves as widely used cooking oil due to its mild flavor and health benefits, it also finds versatile applications in various non-food industries. One notable industrial use of sunflower oil is in the cosmetics and personal care sector. Sunflower oil's natural emollient properties and high vitamin E content make it a sought-after ingredient in skincare products, hair care formulations, and massage oils. Its ability to moisturize and nourish the skin has contributed to its inclusion in a range of beauty and wellness products. Another significant application of sunflower oil lies in the production of biodiesel. As the world focuses on renewable and sustainable energy sources, sunflower oil has become a valuable feedstock for biodiesel production in China. Its triglyceride composition makes it suitable for biodiesel conversion, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional diesel fuel. Furthermore, sunflower oil can be found in various industrial processes, such as in the manufacturing of soaps, candles, and lubricants. Its versatility, combined with its favorable chemical properties, makes it a valuable commodity in non-food sectors.


In China, the sale of sunflower oil is currently robust through conventional stores, hypermarkets/supermarkets, and direct sales channels. These traditional avenues have long been the go-to options for consumers to purchase their cooking oils, providing easy access and a sense of familiarity. Local grocery stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets offer a wide range of sunflower oil brands and variants, making it convenient for shoppers to find their preferred choices. Direct sales, often involving door-to-door or person-to-person interactions, have also been a significant distribution method, particularly in more remote or less urbanized areas of China. However, there is a notable and accelerating shift toward online sales channels. E-commerce platforms have seen remarkable growth in China, with consumers increasingly turning to online shopping for convenience and a broader product selection. Sunflower oil producers and retailers have recognized this trend, and many have established a strong online presence. Online sales platforms, including e-commerce giants like Alibaba's Taobao and JD.com, as well as food delivery apps, offer consumers the convenience of ordering sunflower oil from the comfort of their homes. The ability to compare prices, read reviews, and access a variety of brands has made online shopping an attractive option. Additionally, during events like "Singles' Day" and various promotions, consumers find attractive deals and discounts on sunflower oil and other cooking essentials.



The Russia-Ukraine war has had a notable impact on the global sunflower oil market, as both Russia and Ukraine are major players in the production and export of sunflower oil. The conflict has led to disruptions in the production and supply chains of sunflower oil. Ukraine, in particular, is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of sunflower oil. The war has created uncertainty in the region, affecting agricultural activities and transportation routes. This uncertainty has, at times, led to supply shortages and price fluctuations in the global market.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: China
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report:
• China Sunflower Oil Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Nature:
• Conventional
• Organic

By End User:
• Household
• Industrial
• Food Service

By Distributional Channel:
• Conventional Store
• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• Direct Sales
• Online
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Sunflower Oil Market industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.