Aquafeed Market

Market Overview: 

The global aquafeed market size reached US$ 169.3 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 341.3 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during 2024-2032. The increasing farming of aquatic animals, rising demand for organic fish oil in different industry verticals, and the growing consumption of seafood are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Aquafeed is a specialized food formulated for aquatic animals, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is prepared from a mix of fish and plant based raw materials. It is designed to provide essential nutrients like proteins, fats, vitamins, oils, and minerals, which are necessary for optimal growth and health. It varies depending on the species being raised and the life stage of the animal. It aids in alleviating the effects of stress, reducing susceptibility to disease, and strengthening immunity. It can be offered in various forms, such as pellets, flakes, or granules.

The increasing farming of aquatic animals is strengthening the growth of the market around the world. Moreover, the rising demand for organic fish oil in different industry verticals, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages (F&B), and nutraceuticals, is favoring the growth of the market. In addition, the increasing consumption of seafood due to the growing awareness among individuals about its health benefits and the surging prevalence of chronic diseases is influencing the market positively. Apart from this, the rising inclination towards organic fish is compelling producers to opt for organic aquafeeds. Furthermore, the growing health consciousness among the masses is catalyzing the demand for fish oil supplements, which are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Aquafeed Market Trends/Drivers:

Increase in nutritional awareness

Rising awareness about the nutritional benefits of fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals, has led to an increase in fish consumption. The quality of aquaculture produce is directly influenced by the quality of feed used. As people are becoming more health-conscious, they are not just seeking out fish, but high-quality, sustainably-raised fish. This trend compels aquaculture farmers to opt for premium quality aquafeeds that are nutritionally balanced and optimized for different species, thereby impelling the market growth.

Rise in environmental concerns

Increasing awareness about environmental sustainability also acts as a driving force for the market. Unsustainable fishing practices for wild fish stocks have raised alarms about the future of marine ecosystems. Aquaculture offers a more controlled environment where feeding practices can be regulated for sustainability. High-quality aquafeeds are designed to be more digestible, leading to less waste and pollution. This environment friendly aspect makes it more appealing to both producers and consumers, further driving the demand for sustainable and efficient aquafeed solutions.

Growing regulatory support

Government policies and regulations are increasingly supportive of sustainable aquaculture practices, including the use of high-quality feeds. These policies often encourage or even mandate the use of feeds that are both nutritionally complete for the fish and have a low environmental impact. In some cases, subsidies or incentives are provided for adopting best practices in aquaculture, such as the utilization of premium aquafeeds. Such regulatory support not only formalizes the standards for aquafeed but also builds consumer trust in aquaculture products, thereby driving the demand for high-quality aquafeed.

Aquafeed Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global aquafeed market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on species, ingredients, additives, and product form.

Breakup by Species:

• Carps
• Marine Shrimps
• Tilapias
• Catfishes
• Marine Fishes
• Salmons
• Freshwater Crustaceans
• Trout
• Others
   

Carps dominate the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the species. This includes carps, marine shrimps, tilapias, catfishes, marine fishes, salmons, freshwater crustaceans, trout, and others. According to the report, carps represented the largest segment. Carps are omnivorous and can adapt to a variety of feed types. Their aquafeed often includes plant-based ingredients like soybean meal, along with a moderate amount of protein and fats.

Tilapia feed is generally plant-based with a balanced protein-to-fat ratio. Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soybean meal are common, and the protein content is usually moderate to match their herbivorous dietary needs.

Breakup by Ingredients:

• Soybean
• Corn
• Fish Meal
• Fish Oil
• Additives
• Others 
   

Soybean holds the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the ingredients has also been provided in the report. This includes soybean, corn, fish meal, fish oil, additives, and others. According to the report, soybean accounted for the largest market share. Soybean is a widely used plant-based protein source. It is rich in essential amino acids and is often included as an alternative or supplement to fishmeal. It is highly digestible and commonly used in feeds for herbivorous and omnivorous fish.

Fish meal is made from processed fish or fish waste and is a high-quality source of animal protein and essential amino acids. It is commonly used in feeds for carnivorous and omnivorous fish, such as salmon and trout.

Breakup by Additives:

• Vitamins and Minerals
• Antioxidants
• Feed Enzymes
• Others
   

Vitamins and minerals dominate the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the additives. This includes vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, feed enzymes, and others. According to the report, vitamins and minerals represented the largest segment. Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that are added to aquafeed to promote health, growth, and development. Vitamins like A, D, and E, and minerals like zinc and selenium, are often included. These are crucial for metabolic processes, immune function, and bone development.

Feed enzymes, such as protease, amylase, and phytase, are added to improve the digestibility of nutrients. They help break down complex molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and phytate, thereby enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing waste.

Breakup by Product Form:

• Pellets
• Extruded
• Powdered
• Liquid
   

Pellets hold the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product form has also been provided in the report. This includes pellets, extruded, powdered, and liquid. According to the report, pellets accounted for the largest market share. Pelleted feed is made by compressing a mixture of ingredients into small, cylindrical shapes. These pellets are easy to handle and can be made to float or sink, depending on the feeding habits of the species. Pellets are often used for larger fish and come in various sizes to match the size of the fish being farmed.

Liquid feeds are nutrient-rich solutions used primarily for larval stages and filter-feeding species. They can be administered directly into the water or applied to another feed substrate. Liquid feeds are easier for small aquatic species to consume.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Peru
  • Others 
• Middle East and Africa
  • Turkey
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Iran
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Others
     

Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest aquafeed market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and others), and Middle East and Africa (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and others). According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.

The increasing awareness among individuals about the health benefits of consuming seafood as compared to animal meat represents one of the primary factors driving the demand for aquafeed in the Asia Pacific region. Moreover, the rising number of pescatarians is favoring the growth of the market in the region. Besides this, the growing awareness about the environmental impacts of aquaculture is influencing the market positively in the region.

Competitive Landscape:

The leading companies are incorporating automated feeding systems and the internet of things (IoT) that help in monitoring feed consumption in real-time, thus reducing waste and ensuring that the aquatic species receive optimal nutrition. They are integrating advanced sensors that can now monitor water quality parameters like pH, oxygen levels, and temperature, which help farmers adjust feeding schedules and feed types according to environmental conditions. Moreover, key players are using precision nutrition that allows for the precise formulation of feeds to meet the specific needs of different life stages and species, which improves feed efficiency and animal health.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided.

Aquafeed Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the aquafeed market from 2018-2032.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global aquafeed market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the aquafeed industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.