Aquatic Feed Market Share & Trends [2033]

Aquatic Feed Market Overview

The Aquatic Feed Market size was valued at USD 30417.49 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 41096.74 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

Global aquatic animal production reached 185.4 million tonnes in 2022, a 4.4 % increase over 2020, while algae accounted for 37.8 million tonnes, making total production 223.2 million tonnes. Aquaculture production alone hit 130.9 million tonnes, surpassing wild capture of 92.3 million tonnes. Within aquaculture feeds, production volume reached 47.2 million tonnes in 2022, with forecasted growth to 49.7 million tonnes in 2024. By species, around 30 % of formulated feed supports carp, 15 % shrimp, 13 % tilapia, 9 % catfish, 7 % salmon.

Asia-Pacific produces approximately 26 % of global feed, while Europe accounts for 4.6 million tonnes, North America 1.7 million tonnes, Africa 1.4 million tonnes, and Middle East 500 000 tonnes. Global feed production (livestock + aquatic) rose 1.2 % to 1.396 billion tonnes in 2024, supplied by 28 235 feed mills across 142 countries. Fish feed additives (fish & shrimp) size is projected at USD 52.33 billion in 2025, with Asia-Pacific being the largest regional user. These volumes illustrate a robust aquatic feed sector supplying over 47 million tonnes of feed annually, primarily driven by rapid aquaculture expansion in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising global aquaculture output of 130.9 million tonnes in 2022 overtaking capture fisheries.

Top Region: Asia‑Pacific region, contributing ~70 % of aquatic animal production and 26 % of feed output.

Top Segment: Carp feed segment remains dominant at 30 % of formulated aquafeed volume.

Aquatic Feed Market Trends

The aquatic feed market continues strong expansion, with production reaching 47.2 million tonnes in 2022 and projected to grow beyond 49.7 million tonnes by 2024. Asia‑Pacific leads in both feed and animal yield—accounting for 70 % of harvest tonnage and supplying 26 % of formulated feed globally. In Europe, aquafeed output hit 4.6 million tonnes in 2022, an increase of 1.7 %, while North America produced 1.7 million tonnes, up 1.1 %. Africa produced 1.4 million tonnes, with a small dip of 2.38 %, while Middle East output hovered near 500 000 tonnes. Feed composition trends show 30 % use for carp, 15 % for shrimp, 13 % for tilapia, 9 % for catfish, 7 % for salmon. Added-value feeds with additives (binders, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, acidifiers) are increasingly prevalent, supporting an estimated fish/shrimp feed additives market of USD 52.33 billion in 2025.

Feed conversion efficiency improves—with shrimp requiring 1–2 kg feed per 1 kg shrimp biomass. Cutting the feed conversion ratio (FCR) by just 0.1 % could save 261 000 acres of land, 141 million m³ water, 486 000 tonnes wild fish, and 3.6 million GJ energy. Use of soybean and vegetable proteins is rising, reducing dependence on fishmeal. General livestock feed rose 1.2 % in 2024 to 1.396 billion tonnes, reflecting recovering demand. Within that, aquafeed continues steady share, underpinned by increasing seafood consumption and regulatory norms. OECD‑FAO projects aquatic animal production climbing from 185 million tonnes to 206 million tonnes by 2033, meeting 60 % of demand. International trade in aquatic products is expected to hit 45 million tonnes by 2033—a 4 % increase.

Aquatic Feed Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rapid increase in aquaculture production globally.

Global aquaculture output rose to 130.9 million tonnes in 2022—representing 57 % of aquatic animal production—surpassing capture fisheries of 94.4 million tonnes. This volume shift fuels demand for formulated feeds, with consumption hitting 47.2 million tonnes in 2022. Asia‑Pacific alone contributed 70 % of production, amplifying regional feed requirements. As farms diversify into carp, shrimp, tilapia, and salmon—each representing 30 %, 15 %, 13 %, 7 % of feed usage respectively—demand intensifies. With feed mills numbering 28 235 globally, this system supports steady volume increase amid rising seafood per‑capita consumption.

RESTRAINT

Overreliance on fishmeal and fish oil inputs.

Aquafeed still depends heavily on wild‑caught fish turned into meal—historically accounting for 12–25 % of global catch. Estimates show over a quarter of wild fish caught between 1950–2010 was allocated for feed; though now ~12 %, it still amounts to millions of tonnes annually. Maintaining supply chains is sensitive to marine resource fluctuations. This reliance strains fisheries, causing price volatility. Alternatives (soy, vegetable protein) are growing, but cost and performance constraints limit full substitution. These pressures restrain feed cost-efficiency and supply consistency, potentially slowing growth in price-sensitive markets.

OPPORTUNITY

Adoption of sustainable and alternative protein ingredients.

Reduction of fishmeal inclusion via soybean, pea protein, kelp, spirulina, and vegetable oils is underway. Shrimp FCR improvements (1–2 kg feed per kg shrimp) promote efficiency. Feed firms and research institutes are investing in alternative ingredient R&D: vegetable proteins, insect meals, algae biomass—all studied for performance parity with fishmeal. A small reduction in FCR (0.1 %) could save hundreds of thousands of acres of land and millions of cubic meters of water. Additionally, additives—amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants—improve feed conversion, boosting adoption of premium formulations. This shift caters to sustainability-focused consumers and regulators while lowering environmental footprint.

CHALLENGE

Disease outbreaks and feed safety concerns.

Shrimp and prawn farms worldwide suffer periodic disease incidence, with intensive systems prone to bacterial and viral outbreaks. Feed can be a vector for antibiotics; one survey found ~5 % of shrimp samples contained antibiotic residues and ~3 % had antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA. Implementation of antibiotic withdrawal programs and residue monitoring is costly and limits some feed additives. Regulatory compliance adds complexity, and import inspection rates remain low (~2 % FDA seafood inspection), leaving supply chains vulnerable. These risks deter suppliers and farms from early adoption of novel feeds or additive packages without rigorous testing, creating adoption barriers in smaller or export-dependent markets.

Aquatic Feed Market Segmentation

The market segments by feed type—Mash Feed, Pellet Feed, Expanded Feed, Other—and by application—Fish, Shrimp, Crab, Other species. Mash (powder) is used for fingerlings and hatcheries with precise dosing; Pellet feed is widely used for grow‑out in cages, ponds, tanks; Expanded feed (extruded) targets high‑value species with enhanced digestibility; Other feeds include liquid or specialty medicated formulas. Applications follow species demand: Fish feed (tilapia, carp, salmon) uses volume formulas; Shrimp feed requires high protein diets; Crab feed demands specific lipid blends; other species like ornamental and mollusk feed use niche formulations. Each segment reflects unique nutritional and processing requirements.

By Type

Mash Feed: comprises finely powdered dry material for early‑life stages. Globally, hatcheries and nursery farms use mash for fry and fingerling production; approximately 10 % of formulated aquafeed volume is mash. In Asia‑Pacific—which accounts for 26 % of feed volume—mash is crucial during early development of carp, tilapia, and shrimp. One Philippine hatchery produces over 1 million fingerlings weekly using mash before switching to pellets. Mash allows accurate dosing of micronutrients; each kg may include 100–200 g additives like vitamins and amino acids.
Pellet Feed: floating or sinking—is the backbone of grow‑out aquaculture. In 2022, pellets accounted for roughly 60 % of the 47.2 million tonne feed volume. Floating pellets are used for surface feeders like carp and tilapia; sinking pellets feed bottom feeders like catfish. Europe and North America alone produced 6.3 million tonnes of pellet feed in 2022 (4.6 and 1.7 Mt respectively). Pellet manufacture includes up to 90 % raw constituents (fishmeal, grains, oil) and 10 % binders/chemicals. Pellet diameter ranges from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, matching species mouth size. Businesses invest in automated extruders capable of producing 10 000 tonnes/month.
Expanded Feed: (extruded, expanded) represented approximately 20 % of formulated feed in 2022. These high‑energy, low‑moisture diets—produced via extrusion—serve high‑value species like salmon and trout. European salmon farms consume 2 million tonnes annually, mostly expanded format. Expansion enhances starch gelatinization, boosting digestibility by 15–20 % and reducing FCR. Typical extrusion temperatures reach 120–150 °C, with feed moisture <10 %. High‑end expanded feed can cost 20 % more per tonne but yields 10 % improved growth. Additives (probiotics, enzymes) are incorporated at 0.5–1 % w/w. As inland recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) expand globally (~500 new facilities in past 5 years), demand for premium expanded feed continues to grow.
Other: feed types encompass liquid feeds, medicated formulations, gel diets. These account for ~10 % of total aquafeed volume. Liquid diets are used in hatcheries for marine larvae (e.g., oysters, shrimp) with protein densities of 40–60 g/L. Medicated feed, containing 0.1–0.5 % active ingredients, is used during disease outbreaks. Gel diets—moisture 30–40 %, protein 35 %—are employed in ornamental fish and broodstock. These products support niche segments but are critical: for example, in hatcheries producing ~1 million shrimp larvae/week, liquid feeds ensure early survival; medicated diets help farms reduce mortality by 20–30 % during epizootics.

By Application

Fish Feed: used by carp, tilapia, salmon, catfish farms, represents ~60 % of aquafeed volume. Species distribution shows carp feed at 30 %, tilapia at 13 %, catfish at 9 %, salmon at 7 %. EU produced ~1.1 Mt of aquatic organisms in 2021, with 14 % in rainbow trout, underpinned by aquafeed use. In the United States, salmon and trout feed demand supports a USD 4.56 billion market in 2023. Fish feed typically contains 35–45 % protein, vitamins, minerals, and costs ~USD 700–900/tonne. Efficiency improvements reduced FCR to ~1.4 in tilapia and carp systems—vital in cost-sensitive developing markets.
Shrimp Feed: accounts for 15 % of formula volume. In 2022, Philippine output reached 120 000 tonnes of shrimp feed alone. Asia‑Pacific consumed ~60 % of world shrimp feed production. Modern intensive farms use pellet and extruded feeds with 30–40 % protein and an FCR of 1–2 kg feed/kg shrimp. Global shrimp feed manufacturing capacity is rising—from 220 000 tonnes to 400 000 tonnes per plant. Supplementation with probiotics and enzymes is common (0.5–1 % inclusion). Shrimp feed helps maintain ±10 % biomass growth weekly and reduce mortality by 20–30 % compared to traditional methods.
Crab Feed: is a smaller niche, representing 3–5 % of formulated tonnage. It includes species like Chinese river crab and edible mud crab. China produced 370 000 tonnes of river crab in 2003, with feed use expanding annually. Crab feed comprises 30–35 % protein, high lipid content (8–12 %), and pellets sized 1–3 mm. Examples from Asia‑Pacific use crab feed in pond systems with FCR near 1.8. Experimental gel feeds have shown a 15 % faster growth rate vs mash feed in hatchery trials. As crab farming expands in Southeast Asia, feed production is projected to grow by 5–7 % annually, totaling ~1.5 million tonnes feed by 2028.
Other: includes feed for mollusks (oysters, mussels), ornamental fish, amphibians. Mollusk hatcheries use liquid microalgal diets—protein 40–60 g/L—for bivalve larvae, with global shellfish seed output ~200 billion annually. Ornamental feed is premium: pellets <1 mm, 50–60 % protein, sold at prices up to USD 3/kg. Demand spans Southeast Asia exports, EU ornamental markets, US aquaria. This niche supports significant margins and R&D into color-enhancing pigments and functional additives (probiotics at 0.5 %). While <2 % of global feed tonnage, it yields disproportionately high revenue per unit, encouraging specialized formulation growth.

Aquatic Feed Market Regional Outlook

Global regional performance shows marked disparities in production and feed usage. Overall feed production volume is increasing across all regions, yet growth rates and species composition differ significantly.

North America

accounted for 1.7 million tonnes of aquafeed production in 2022, a +1.1 % year-over-year increase. Within this, the United States industrial aquafeed market was valued at USD 4.56 billion in 2023. Salmon and trout dominate demand, with farmed rainbow trout making up approximately 14 % of EU production and similar species share mirrored in U.S. production. The region benefits from controlled-environment RAS and closed-containment operations—over 200 RAS facilities installed since 2019. Feed mills in North America produce high-energy extruded pellets (moisture <10 %, protein 40–50 %) and invest in precision nutrition: enzymes and probiotics constitute 0.5–1 % of feed weight. FCR for salmon/trout farms stands near 1.2–1.4, amongst the best globally. Regulatory standards mandate antibiotic limits to <0.1 % residue, yet inspection rates hover near 2–3 % per FDA data. Commodity price fluctuations (grains, fishmeal) and disease events—like infectious salmon anemia—create short-term variability.

Europe

generated 4.6 million tonnes of aquafeed in 2022—ranked third globally—with growth (+1.7 %) over prior year. In 2021, EU aquaculture produced 1.1 million tonnes of aquatic organisms valued at EUR 4.2 billion; rainbow trout was the most valuable species (14 % share). Pellets and extrusion-based feeds for salmon, trout, and carp dominate: 60–70 % pellet, 20–30 % expanded. Feed conversion ranges from 1.3–1.5 in trout farms, while salmon FCR reaches ~1.2. Regional mills use 10–20 % fishmeal reduction, substituting soy and vegetable proteins. Seaweed integration and organic additives are widely tested. Regulations limit antibiotic use to <0.1 %, and EU mandates tracing of additive use. Europe leads in premium feed pricing (~EUR 800–1000/tonne) and adoption of RSF (restricted-sensory feed) for sustainability certifications.

Asia-Pacific

is the dominant region, producing ~26 % of global feed tonnage and 70 % of aquatic biomass (e.g., carp, shrimp, tilapia). Total aquafeed output exceeded 12 million tonnes in Asia in 2022, including 120 000 t shrimp feed in the Philippines alone. Carp feed comprises 30 % of feed volume, shrimp 15 %, tilapia 13 %. Asian production infrastructure includes over 10 000 mills, from small rural pelletizers to large capacity plants producing up to 400 000 t/year shrimp feed. Feed efficiency shows FCRs of 1.5 for carp, 1.8 for tilapia, and 1–2 for shrimp. Hatcheries produce over 1 million fingerlings/week, supported by mash and liquid feeds. Sustainability programs are rising—adoption of Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications—but antibiotic residue detection remains in ~5 % of shrimp. Growth continues at 5–7 % yearly.

Middle East & Africa

produced ~500 000 tonnes of aquafeed in 2022, stable vs prior year. Africa accounted for 1.4 million tonnes, though production dropped 2.38 % in 2022. Still, farms in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Seychelles saw increases, signaling regional variance. Aquaculture here remains artisanal—tilapia, catfish, carp dominate—with small mills producing <10 000 t/year. Feed is basic pellet or mash with 25–35 % protein. Imports fill gaps, and feed cost is high (~USD 800/tonne). Fragile supply chains, lack of additives, and limited disease testing constrain development. However, local governments invest in infrastructure; six new feed mills (>20 000 t/year) opened between 2022–24. With rising urban demand and government aquaculture initiatives targeting 2 million tonnes by 2030, feed volume could double.

List of Top Aquatic 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 (through Skretting) – produces 2 million tonnes/year of fish feed across 17 plants and 2 900 employees.

Tongwei Group – China's leading agribusiness; contributes major volume as China supplies ~70 % of regional feed.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the aquatic feed market has surged in response to escalating global demand for high-protein aquaculture products and the rising adoption of sustainable fish farming practices. In 2023, over 51 million metric tons of aquatic feed were produced globally, driven by aquaculture's increasing contribution to the human food supply. Investors are focusing on production expansion, feed innovation, and strategic mergers. For instance, in India, feed production capacity is expected to grow by over 20% by 2026 due to capital inflows from both domestic and foreign investors. In Southeast Asia, governments are actively supporting private investment through subsidies and tax incentives to boost local feed manufacturing for shrimp and tilapia farming. In Latin America, Brazil and Ecuador have attracted over 12 major feed producers to invest in processing facilities and supply chain upgrades.

Notably, precision nutrition and species-specific feed formulation are key investment areas, as demand for tailored nutritional solutions rises. Companies are also investing in digital feed management technologies to enhance farm productivity. Moreover, investment in alternative protein sources, such as insect meal and algae-based ingredients, has increased by 35% between 2022 and 2024, offering long-term sustainability and lowering dependency on fishmeal and fish oil. These investment trends highlight significant opportunities for innovation, regional production expansion, and the adoption of high-efficiency feed systems across emerging and mature aquaculture markets.

New Product Development

New product development in the aquatic feed market is focused on sustainability, functional nutrition, and enhanced growth performance. Between 2023 and 2024, over 45 new aquatic feed products were launched globally, with an emphasis on eco-friendly formulations and novel protein sources. In 2024, a leading European manufacturer introduced a shrimp feed line using black soldier fly protein, reducing fishmeal usage by 80% while maintaining optimal feed conversion ratios. Similarly, in China, a high-density carp feed incorporating yeast-based prebiotics was released, improving immunity and growth rates by 15% over traditional diets. Probiotics and immunostimulants are increasingly being integrated into feed, especially for disease-prone species such as shrimp and sea bass, contributing to lower mortality rates.

Innovations in micro-extrusion technology have also allowed manufacturers to produce slow-sinking, nutrient-dense pellets that minimize waste and optimize digestion. In Vietnam, feed manufacturers introduced rice-bran-based floating feeds for pangasius, which are now used in over 60% of farms in the Mekong Delta. Additionally, functional feeds targeting gut health, color enhancement, and reproductive performance are gaining popularity in ornamental and broodstock aquaculture. Companies are also launching digitally optimized feeding solutions that adapt in real-time based on water parameters and fish behavior. These developments reflect the market’s focus on nutritional precision, sustainability, and profitability enhancement for commercial aquaculture operators worldwide.

Five Recent Developments

Shrimp feed plant expansion: capacity increased from 220 000 t to 400 000 t at major Asian mill.
Philippines feed output: shrimp feed reached 120 000 t, fish feed at 867 000 t in 2022.
Europe’s trout output: 14 % share of EU aquaculture (1.1 Mt total) for rainbow trout in 2021.
Alltech 2024 survey: global livestock feed reached 1.396 billion tonnes via 28 235 mills across 142 countries.
FAO SOFIA 2024: aquaculture feed market reached 49.7 Mt in 2024, with farming surpassing capture of 94.4 Mt.

Report Coverage of Aquatic Feed Market

This comprehensive report on the aquatic feed market offers a detailed and structured analysis of the global industry, focusing on key elements such as market dynamics, product types, species-specific applications, ingredient compositions, form factors, distribution channels, regional outlooks, and competitive landscape. It systematically evaluates the trends shaping the demand and production of aquatic feed, including technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability initiatives. The report delves into the types of aquatic feed, such as starter feed, grower feed, and finisher feed, and highlights their usage in supporting the lifecycle requirements of species like fish (carp, tilapia, salmon, catfish), crustaceans (shrimp, crabs), mollusks, and other aquatic organisms. Further, it dissects ingredient compositions such as fish meal, fish oil, soybean meal, corn gluten, wheat, and alternative proteins like insect meal and algae-based products.

It also examines feed forms, including pellets, crumbles, and powders, and assesses their relevance for specific species and farming methods. Distribution analysis includes offline and online channels, tracking the evolution of e-commerce in feed supply. The regional section compares growth patterns, production hubs, and consumption trends across Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Finally, the report features key players and strategic developments, including feed innovations, partnerships, and sustainability commitments, offering stakeholders a complete and factual overview of the aquatic feed market without revenue or CAGR estimations.