Aquaculture Feed Market Report

Aquaculture Feed Market Overview

The Aquaculture Feed Market size was valued at USD 29412.48 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 39749.31 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The aquaculture feed market plays a vital role in global food security and protein supply, supporting the production of over 87 million metric tons of aquatic species annually. Aquaculture contributes approximately 52% of global fish consumption, with demand steadily rising due to population growth and changing dietary patterns. In 2023, more than 53 million metric tons of formulated aquafeed were produced worldwide to sustain intensive aquaculture practices. Key species consuming aquafeed include tilapia, carp, salmon, catfish, and shrimp, which together account for over 71% of total feed usage. Asia-Pacific dominates the aquaculture feed market, contributing to over 78% of total global aquafeed consumption. China alone produced more than 24 million metric tons of aquafeed in 2023, followed by Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. These nations continue to expand aquaculture capacity, leading to a 13% increase in feed production volumes over the previous year. Feed conversion efficiency and sustainability remain core focus areas, with advanced formulations incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and plant-based proteins replacing traditional fishmeal and fish oil ingredients. The growing need to minimize environmental footprints is pushing manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly and traceable feed solutions. As of 2023, over 18% of aquafeed was certified under sustainable aquaculture standards.

Key Findings

Driver: Intensification of aquaculture to meet global protein demand.

Country/Region: China, producing over 24 million metric tons of aquafeed annually.

Segment: Pellet feed, accounting for over 46% of total aquaculture feed consumption.

Aquaculture Feed Market Trends

The aquaculture feed market is evolving rapidly in response to sustainability demands, technological innovation, and species-specific nutrition. One of the most significant trends is the reduction of fishmeal usage, which decreased by 11% in 2023 due to rising costs and supply constraints. Manufacturers are incorporating plant-based alternatives such as soybean meal, canola meal, and insect protein, which now constitute 37% of total feed protein content. There has been a notable increase in functional feed formulations aimed at enhancing immunity and growth performance. In 2023, functional aquafeed products accounted for 22% of market volume, driven by disease outbreaks and biosecurity challenges. These feeds typically include additives like beta-glucans, nucleotides, and herbal extracts, which are used in more than 17,000 aquaculture facilities globally.

Automation and digital feeding systems are reshaping feed delivery practices. Over 8,500 commercial farms worldwide adopted sensor-based feeding technology in 2023, leading to a 12% reduction in feed waste. This trend is particularly strong in Norway, Chile, and parts of Southeast Asia, where operators reported feed efficiency improvements of up to 18%. Sustainability certifications are becoming mainstream. More than 9.2 million metric tons of aquafeed were produced under certified programs like ASC, BAP, and GlobalG.A.P. in 2023. These programs are particularly important for exporters, as over 60% of retailers in Europe and North America require sustainability assurance for imported seafood products. Regional demand shifts are also influencing feed formulation. For example, high-energy diets with enhanced lipid profiles are gaining ground in cold-water aquaculture zones, whereas tropical systems are incorporating more digestible carbohydrates. Overall, market players are focusing on improving nutrient retention and reducing nitrogen and phosphorus emissions, with over 1,400 R&D projects dedicated to feed sustainability and performance.

Aquaculture Feed Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising global demand for protein-rich seafood

Global seafood consumption surpassed 178 million metric tons in 2023, with aquaculture contributing over half of this volume. Population growth, particularly in Asia and Africa, and the shift toward healthier diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids are key demand drivers. The expansion of intensive aquaculture systems, including recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and biofloc technology, has resulted in increased feed requirements. In 2023, over 28 million metric tons of aquafeed were used in intensive systems alone. Shrimp and salmon sectors reported the highest growth, consuming 7.6 million and 6.4 million metric tons of feed respectively.

RESTRAINT

Environmental concerns and regulatory limitations

Effluent discharge, eutrophication, and resource-intensive feed inputs are major environmental concerns linked to aquafeed. Regulatory authorities in Europe and parts of Asia introduced stricter effluent control limits in 2023, affecting over 3,800 aquaculture operations. The overuse of fishmeal and fish oil derived from wild fisheries continues to attract criticism. In Peru, anchovy quotas—vital for fishmeal production—were reduced by 14%, leading to supply shortages. Additionally, inconsistent quality of alternative ingredients like insect meal and algal protein limits broader adoption. These challenges contribute to rising costs and force manufacturers to reformulate diets under new compliance parameters.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of sustainable feed ingredients and circular economy inputs

The development of circular feed ingredients is gaining momentum. By 2023, over 5.6 million metric tons of feed included by-products such as poultry meal, distillers’ dried grains (DDGS), and plant trimmings. Insect protein production increased to 510,000 metric tons, primarily in Europe and Southeast Asia, with over 120 large-scale production units in operation. Algal oils, used as fish oil substitutes, contributed over 140,000 metric tons of lipid content in aquafeed last year. These alternatives reduce dependence on finite marine resources while maintaining nutritional balance. Startups and large feed firms are investing heavily in R&D to optimize digestibility, improve palatability, and ensure economic feasibility. Government grants for feed innovation rose by 21% in 2023, highlighting growing institutional support.

CHALLENGE

Price volatility and raw material supply constraints

Feed costs are significantly influenced by global commodity price fluctuations. In 2023, soybean meal prices rose by 17%, while fishmeal prices increased by 23%, largely due to geopolitical tensions and climate-related fishery disruptions. These input cost surges affected feed producers’ margins and prompted frequent price adjustments. Moreover, availability of high-quality feed-grade ingredients remains inconsistent. Logistics constraints in grain-exporting countries delayed over 2.4 million metric tons of raw material shipments in 2023, leading to temporary feed shortages in Southeast Asia and West Africa. Currency fluctuations and inflation further complicate procurement strategies for feed manufacturers operating in emerging markets.

Aquaculture Feed Market Segmentation

The aquaculture feed market is segmented by type and application. Each feed type plays a unique role depending on the aquatic species and farming system. Applications are determined based on the targeted aquatic organism, influencing nutritional formulation and feeding strategies.

By Type

Mash feed: is a finely ground formulation typically used for early-stage aquatic species. In 2023, mash feed represented approximately 14% of the global aquafeed market, with primary use in larval and juvenile stages. It is favored in hatcheries due to its digestibility and ease of assimilation.
Pellet feed: accounted for over 46% of aquafeed usage. It is the most widely used form due to its durability, water stability, and suitability for both floating and sinking applications. Pellet sizes range from 0.8 mm to 12 mm, catering to species such as tilapia, carp, and salmon.
Expanded feed: also known as extruded feed, comprised approximately 27% of the market. This feed type offers high digestibility and is increasingly adopted in high-value aquaculture systems like trout and shrimp farms. It is processed under high temperature and pressure, enhancing its nutrient retention.
Other: forms of feed, including micro-encapsulated and liquid feeds, contributed about 13% to the total market, largely used in larval and ornamental aquaculture. These are specialized feeds requiring advanced production technology.

By Application

Fish feed: dominates the market, accounting for 62% of total aquafeed demand. Major fish species include carp, tilapia, salmon, and catfish. In 2023, over 33 million metric tons of fish feed were produced globally.
Shrimp feed: comprised 24% of the market. With high protein requirements, shrimp feed formulations emphasize digestibility and immune-boosting additives. Over 12.5 million metric tons of shrimp feed were consumed in 2023, mostly in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Crab feed: though a smaller segment, is growing steadily and represented 5% of market share. With rising demand in China and Vietnam, crab feed production reached 2.8 million metric tons in 2023.
Other: applications, including ornamental species and specialty aquaculture, formed around 9% of feed consumption. This category is expected to grow with diversification in aquaculture farming.

Aquaculture Feed Market Regional Outlook

The aquaculture feed market shows distinct regional dynamics shaped by aquaculture production volume, species farmed, and feed technology adoption. Asia-Pacific dominates feed consumption, followed by Europe, North America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America

The aquaculture feed market displays distinct regional trends shaped by species diversity, government policies, environmental regulations, and technological advancements. In North America, aquafeed consumption reached approximately 1.78 million metric tons in 2023, up slightly from 1.75 million metric tons in 2022. The United States and Canada are the primary contributors, with high-value species like salmon and trout driving demand. The region emphasizes sustainable production, with a growing number of farms adopting feed technologies that reduce waste and improve nutrient efficiency.

Europe

In Europe, the aquaculture feed industry is mature and innovation-driven. Feed production reached around 4.6 million metric tons in 2023, supported by continued demand from countries such as Norway, Scotland, and Spain. Norway, in particular, leads in salmon farming, contributing over 2.5 million metric tons of feed. European producers are recognized for implementing advanced formulations and strict sustainability certifications, including GlobalG.A.P. and ASC. Regulatory compliance has spurred the adoption of environmentally friendly ingredients and digital feed management systems.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global aquaculture feed market, accounting for more than 41 million metric tons of feed in 2023. China remains the largest consumer, producing over 24 million metric tons, followed by Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. This region’s rapid growth is fueled by population-driven protein demand, supportive government initiatives, and technological integration. Feed formulations in Asia increasingly include plant-based proteins and microbial additives to meet the rising need for efficient and cost-effective aquaculture operations.

Middle East & Africa

In the Middle East & Africa, aquaculture feed production is expanding due to regional efforts to improve food security and reduce import dependency. In 2023, Africa increased its aquafeed output by approximately 1 million metric tons, led by Egypt, which focuses heavily on tilapia and catfish farming. The Middle East, while growing at a slower pace, supports feed demand through aquaculture initiatives in countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran. Combined regional production stood at over 2.1 million metric tons, with continued investment in modern feed mills and training for aquaculture best practices.

These regional dynamics reflect the global push toward sustainability, efficiency, and technological enhancement in aquaculture feed production. Differences in regulatory frameworks, species preferences, and climatic conditions drive unique demand profiles in each region, offering tailored growth opportunities for market participants.

List Of Aquaculture Feed Companies

Nutreco
Haid Group
Tongwei Group
BioMar
Cargill
CP Group
Evergreen Feed
New Hope Group
Grobest
Yuehai Feed
Ridley
Alpha Feed
Dibaq Aquaculture
DBN
Uni-President Vietnam
Aller Aqua
GreenFeed
Proconco
Avanti Feeds
Gold Coin
Vitapro
Tianma Tech

Nutreco: Nutreco, through its aquafeed division Skretting, operates in over 18 countries and produces more than 3 million metric tons of aquafeed annually. The company focuses on sustainable innovations, using novel ingredients like algae-based omega-3s and investing in climate-resilient feed solutions.

Haid Group: Haid Group is a major Chinese aquafeed producer with 24.4 million tons of total feed sales in 2023, including 5.24 million tons of aquatic feed. It has expanded operations to Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, focusing on microbial fermentation and antibiotic-free formulations..

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the aquaculture feed sector have surged due to the need for innovation in ingredient sourcing, nutrient optimization, and sustainability. In 2023 alone, feed companies and R&D institutions received over $2.4 billion equivalent in grants and private equity support to develop next-generation feed technologies. Companies are increasingly partnering with biotechnology firms to create microbial and enzymatic additives that enhance feed digestibility. Infrastructure expansion is another major investment area. More than 47 new feed mills were commissioned globally in 2023, including large-scale facilities in India, Bangladesh, and Brazil. These facilities aim to meet local aquaculture growth while reducing dependence on imports. The global production capacity of aquafeed increased by 12.5% as a result. Digital transformation is also receiving considerable capital. AI-based feed management tools, integrated farm software, and real-time feed monitoring systems were adopted by over 2,000 farms in 2023. Such technologies are expected to improve feed utilization efficiency by up to 15%, translating into better profitability. Startups in the alternative protein space raised more than $480 million in funding last year. Companies producing insect meal, single-cell protein, and fermented yeast are scaling operations, encouraged by regulatory approvals and feed trials indicating over 85% acceptance rates in aquaculture species.

New Product Development

Product innovation remains central to the competitive landscape of the aquafeed market. In 2023, over 130 new feed formulations were launched globally, tailored for specific species and environmental conditions. These included feeds enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and immune-boosting compounds. Insect-based feeds gained strong momentum, with new products from France, Thailand, and Kenya incorporating black soldier fly meal. More than 95 farms adopted insect-inclusive diets, especially for tilapia and catfish, showing comparable or improved growth rates. Producers reported up to 22% cost reduction in protein sourcing. Customized feeds for RAS systems were developed by multiple companies in Europe and North America. These feeds, characterized by high water stability and low fecal discharge, were adopted by over 430 farms to reduce ammonia emissions and improve biofilter performance. Encapsulated nutrient technologies also made significant strides. Microencapsulation of vitamins and probiotics led to extended shelf-life and targeted delivery in fish guts. In 2023, over 38 million kilograms of encapsulated feed products were distributed globally. Finally, aquafeed fortified with plant-derived antimicrobials and adaptogens like turmeric, garlic, and ashwagandha was introduced for shrimp and crab farms. This innovation aims to reduce reliance on antibiotics and comply with new residue regulations enforced in key export markets.

Five Recent Developments

In 2024, BioMar Group reported its lowest-ever forage fish dependency ratio (FFDR), marking a significant milestone in sustainable aquafeed production. This achievement reflects BioMar's commitment to reducing reliance on wild-caught fish in feed formulations, thereby promoting more sustainable aquaculture practices
Innovafeed introduced Hilucia™, a new brand offering insect-derived protein and oil solutions tailored for aquaculture. This launch represents a step forward in utilizing alternative protein sources to enhance feed sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
Cargill expanded its sustainability initiatives by supporting new Fishery Improvement Projects off the coasts of Chile and Oman. These projects aim to enhance the sustainability of fishery resources, aligning with Cargill's commitment to responsible sourcing in aquafeed production.
In December 2024, Aller Aqua Group partnered with AquaRech to improve access to high-quality fish feeds in Africa. This collaboration focuses on strengthening aquaculture practices by ensuring the availability of nutritious and sustainable feed options for fish farmers in the region.
The Future of Fish Feed (F3) initiative launched the Krill Replacement Challenge in 2024, encouraging the development of alternative feed ingredients to replace krill. This challenge aims to reduce dependency on wild-caught marine ingredients, fostering innovation in sustainable aquafeed formulations.

Report Coverage of Aquaculture Feed Market

The report provides an extensive and data-rich analysis of the global aquaculture feed market, focusing on volume trends, ingredient usage, production methods, regional dynamics, and competitive strategies. Covering over 85 countries, it presents real-time insights into the operational and regulatory framework shaping feed demand across various aquaculture species. As of 2023, the market comprises over 530 feed manufacturers, with combined production surpassing 53 million metric tons. The report captures feed distribution patterns across freshwater, brackish, and marine systems. It further evaluates nutrient composition standards and the shift toward antibiotic-free and organic-certified formulations. Over 1,400 innovation projects were tracked in this report to monitor sustainability and performance enhancements. A dedicated section analyzes ingredient flow—fishmeal, soybean meal, wheat gluten, canola, algae, insects—across feed types and geographies. Specific metrics include fishmeal substitution rates, feed conversion ratios (FCRs), and energy retention efficiency. Feed production costs are benchmarked by region, adjusted for labor, logistics, and ingredient sourcing. The report includes a quantitative review of feed manufacturing infrastructure, encompassing 1,300+ feed mills, with details on processing capacity, technology level, and geographic dispersion. Performance indicators like pellet durability, floatability, and nutrient leaching are assessed across top products. Finally, market forecasts up to 2030 are included based on emerging trends, regulatory shifts, aquaculture intensification, and climate-resilient feed innovations. Strategic recommendations are offered for feed producers, investors, and policymakers aiming to scale operations or enter new markets. The report’s depth is further enriched by over 260 visual datasets, charts, and comparative matrices.