b'A SUNNY OUTLOOKGlobal acreage is growing due to one main consumer driver, and breeding companies are keeping pace.Treena HeinLIKE THE CROP ITSELF,the presentand futureforthat the oil is in demand. In a recent report called Sunflower Oil sunflowers is bright and cheerful. Growth in worldwide acre- Market Growth, Trends and Forecasts 2020-2025, experts from age continues, and according to industry experts such as MarkResearch And Markets point to fluctuating prices of oils such as Jackson, general manager at Nuseed Americas, thats almost allpalm and soybean oil as a global demand driver. According to because of increasing demand for sunflower oil.Nuseed, the global vegetable oil market is currently dominated by The category is expected to grow more than 6% over thepalm oil, followed by soybean, canola, sunflower and coconut oil.next five years, with India leading the demand side, he explains. India is the top importer of sunflower oil globally, and with increasing disposable income among consumers and their look- India is the top importer of sunflower oil globally, and ing for healthier food options, sunflower oil will see more growth to come.with increasing disposable income among consumers Breeding of hybrids that provide healthier oil with moreand their looking for healthier food options, sunflower processing stability therefore continuesand in addition, oil processing methods are now in play that avoid the destruction ofoil will see more growth to come. vitamins and other health-providing biochemicals, adding to the Mark Jacksonoils health profile.Bill Gilbert agrees that demand for healthy, lower-priced edible oil is driving up demand for sunflower seed to plant around the world, especially demand in developing countriesThe reports authors note that snack manufacturers are read-and in the Asia-Pacific region. Gilbert, who is the commercialily opting for sunflower oil due to its capability to impart good marketing manager for the Americas at S&W Seed Company inproperties to the products at a comparatively lower cost, and Colorado, adds that new oil products including high-oleic andthat in addition, sunflower oil provides cost-effective solutions in the pressed oil segments, which have high smoke temperatureother industries as well . Itsconsidered for a variety of skin care points, are increasing in use for cooking.products due to its lower pricing as compared to other nourish-Besides sunflower oils traits however, there is another reasoning oils like argan, almond and olive oil.92/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2020'