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Key learning outcomes
To introduce the main uses of hemp fibre and shives in various industries
To illustrate the advantages of using various hemp seeds-based products in multiple industries etc.
Hemp seeds, derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), have a diverse range of uses in the food industry and are increasingly popular due to their nutritional benefits. Hemp seeds have been traditionally added in seed mixes for ornamental birds, while press cake is becoming popular among horse keepers. Also, hemp oil is sold for animals as feed supplement and is gaining popularity especially for horses and dogs.
They are commonly used as an ingredient in various foods and dishes, either whole or (de)hulled. They can be sprinkled on salads, yogurt, or oatmeal, added to smoothies, baked into bread, muffins, or granola bars, or used as a topping for soups and stir-fries. Their mild, nutty flavour makes them versatile and easy to incorporate into a wide range of recipes.
Hemp seeds can be pressed to extract hempseed oil, which is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Hempseed oil is used as a cooking oil and salad dressing, and it can also be used topically as a moisturizer for the skin or as a carrier oil for essential oils.
Hemp seeds can be blended with water to make hemp milk, a non-dairy alternative to cow's milk. Hemp milk is a good source of plant-based protein and is often fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Hemp seeds can be ground into hemp protein powder, which is high in protein and fibre. Hemp protein powder is commonly used as a supplement for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to support muscle growth and recovery.
There is a variety of hemp seed-based snacks available on the market, including roasted whole hemp seeds or hulled seeds (also known as hemp hearts), hemp seed bars, and hemp seed energy balls. These snacks are convenient, portable, and provide a healthy source of energy and nutrients.
Hemp seed oil is used in dietary supplements in the form of capsules or tablets. These supplements may be marketed for various purposes, such as promoting overall health, supporting cardiovascular health, or providing essential nutrients.
Overall, hemp seeds offer a wide range of culinary and nutritional benefits, and their versatility makes them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. As interest in hemp-based products continues to grow, the market for hemp seeds and hemp seed-derived products is expanding, with an increasing number of options available to consumers.
Feed materials
Feed materials
Hemp feed materials have been widely used in animal nutrition for centuries. With a reinvigorated interest in the nutritional properties of hemp and an increase in cultivated surface areas in Europe, this crop is gaining ground and its share in the feed market is constantly expanding. Moreover, hemp has proved to be an extremely sustainable multipurpose crop and perfectly in line with the aims of the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy. Indeed, with its high-quality protein and fibre profile, hemp can guarantee a potential stock of locally produced feed and an additional source of income for farmers. This is especially important in the context of the Farm to Fork objective to dedicate 25% of agricultural land to organic farming. Indeed, hemp is highly suited to organic farming, and it would also contribute to solving the ongoing issue of the increasing shortage of feed produced without phytosanitary products.
As of March 2024, feed materials derived from hemp that can be placed on the market in the EU must abide to the marketing description listed in Regulation 68/2013 or the EU Feed Material Register. A new feed material can be marketed, but its denomination and description must be first approved and included in the Feed Material Register. The table below illustrates the products that are currently on the EU market, with the relevant market denomination and official description, derived both from seeds and other parts of the hemp plants.
Table 1. hemp feed market denominations (23/06/2024)
Threats and future opportunities
The driving force behind the growth of the seed market undoubtedly lies in the increasing consumer awareness. With a greater emphasis on health and environmental consciousness, there's a burgeoning demand for natural and sustainable products. Hempseeds, with their rich nutrient profile including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, perfectly align with these consumer preferences, making them an ideal ingredient in various food preparations.
Another significant factor propelling growth in the sector is the versatility of hempseeds. Whether milled into flour for bread and biscuits, used whole or dehulled in energy bars, salads, and granola, or in the form of isolate proteins, hempseeds offer a wide range of culinary possibilities. Hemp protein can be used in the meat alternative industry, as well as in many other processed foods, as vegan alternatives to animal-based proteins like whey or casein. Varying from white to green colour, hemp protein is particularly interesting as it is considered less allergenic. Moreover, advancements in processing techniques and innovation can lead to the creation of new hempseed-based products boasting enhanced nutritional value and superior taste and texture, thereby attracting consumer interest and expanding market reach.
Hempseed's high protein content positions it as a valuable resource in the pursuit of plant-based protein sovereignty, particularly within the European Union, serving as a source of both food and feed material. The forthcoming European Protein Strategy, slated for delivery during the next European legislature, underscores this focus. Already, some Member States are championing protein crop farming within their borders, often providing financial support to incentivize cultivation.
Despite the legality of hemp cultivation, regulatory frameworks governing its production and marketing remain complex and subject to change. This legal uncertainty poses a potential hindrance to market growth and investment within the industry. However, the adoption of standardized THC limits in food products starting January 2023 is expected to bring about stability in the sector, with noticeable changes already observed at the national level.
Hempseed does face competition from other crops that are sources of plant-based protein and omega-3 fatty acids, such as soy, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. The increasing availability and marketing of these alternatives could potentially encroach upon the market share of hempseed products, highlighting the importance of differentiation and innovation within the industry.
As the body of evidence supporting CBD’s health benefits continues to grow, so does its potential in the food and cosmetics industries. The ongoing exploration of CBD’s well-being properties, coupled with an evolving regulatory environment, suggests a promising future for CBD-infused products. Companies operating in these sectors are poised to benefit from the integration of CBD into their offerings, tapping into consumer interest in natural, plant-based ingredients for health and beauty products.
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