Aquafeed Market Trends and Forecast
The future of the global aquafeed market looks promising with opportunities in the carp, rainbow trout, salmon, crustacean, tilapia, catfish, sea bass, and grouper markets. The global aquafeed market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the increasing demand for seafood, the rising adoption of sustainable aquaculture, and the growing need for high-quality feed.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the form category, dry is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, carp is expected to witness the highest growth.
• In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Gain valuable insights for your business decisions with our comprehensive 150+ page report. Sample figures with some insights are shown below.
Emerging Trends in the Aquafeed Market
The aquafeed industry is undergoing explosive growth, transcending mere nutritional inputs to more advanced and sustainable alternatives. These new trends are transforming the aquaculture sector by solving some of its fundamental challenges and developing new opportunities for expansion. The industry is evolving from merely delivering food to aquatic animals to providing holistic, data-driven alternatives that enhance the entire production pipeline, from fish health through environmental sustainability. This change is important to fulfill the growing world demand for seafood in a more sustainable and effective way.
• Change to Sustainable and Alternative Ingredients: This trend is the change from the conventional use of fishmeal and fish oil as main ingredients towards more sustainable and alternative ones. These are plant-based protein sources such as soy and algae, single-cell proteins, and insect meal. The effect is a more sustainable and eco-friendly supply chain for the sector. The trend decreases pressure on wild fish stocks and mitigates issues of overfishing, a big environmental and moral concern.
• Expansion of Functional and Medicated Feeds: One of the major trends is growth and use of functional and medicated feeds. These are developed with additives like probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and specialty vitamins to enhance fish health, stimulate immunity, and inhibit disease. The effect is a healthier aquatic population and minimized use of antibiotics. This not only enhances animal welfare but also assists producers in complying with tighter food safety regulations and consumer requirements for antibiotic-free seafood.
• Extruded and Floating Feeds Adoption: There is a growing trend towards the adoption of extruded and floating feeds in place of conventional pellet feeds. The use of extrusion technology produces feed pellets that are stronger and less dense, which makes them float on the surface of water. The effect is enhanced feed efficiency and less waste. Floating feeds enable farmers to visually observe feed intake, making sure that the fish are being fed sufficiently and that there isn’t a buildup of extra feed into the water.
• Convergence of Digital Technology and Automation: The industry is experiencing a significant shift toward the convergence of digital technology and automation into feed management. This entails sensors, automated feeders, and data analysis to streamline feeding schedules and track feed intake in real-time. The result is a more accurate and efficient feeding process. This technology assists farmers in making informed decisions to decrease costs, increase growth rates, and reduce their environmental impact by minimizing feed loss.
• Growing Demand for Species-Specific Feeds: One of the strong trends is the growing demand for feeds that are designed specifically for various aquatic species. Specialized feeds for shrimp, salmon, carp, and tilapia, each with special nutritional requirements, fall into this category. The effect is enhanced growth and health performance for aquaculture-raised aquatic animals. Species-specific feeds guarantee that every animal receives exactly what it requires to perform its best, leading to better overall productivity and better-quality final products.
These trends are remodeling the aquafeed industry by steering it towards a more complex, dynamic, and technologically advanced future. The sector is no longer about supplying a simple commodity but is now dedicated to supplying a variety of high-quality, sustainable, and ethically sourced alternatives. The intersection of technology and evolving consumer values is building a more robust and adaptive market that will better be able to address the future needs of an expanding global population for safe and sustainable seafood.
Recent Development in the Aquafeed Market
Current innovations in the aquafeed industry are revolutionizing the aquaculture sector. Spurred by technological innovation and the necessity to enhance efficiency and sustainability, these innovations are ushering in a new generation of intelligent, functional, and sustainable feed solutions. The market is moving away from conventional, capital-intensive formulations towards systems that provide more precision and control. These innovations are allowing farmers to maximize their operations, minimize waste, and keep their aquatic species healthy in a more sustainable manner.
• Growth of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems: One of the major developments is the increasing adoption of RAS, closed-loop systems which recycle water and manage the farming environment. This has generated a need for very specialist feeds optimized for these systems. The effect is enhanced water quality and decreased environmental impact of fish farming. RAS-specific diets are formulated to reduce waste and maximize nutrient uptake, important for fish health and system efficiency.
• Commercialization of Insect-based Protein: One of the great advances is the commercialization and utilization of insect-based protein as a sustainable replacement for fishmeal. Companies are already manufacturing insect meal from breeds such as black soldier fly larvae on a large commercial scale. The effect is a dramatic decrease in dependence on wild fish stocks for feed. Insect meal is a high-quality protein source that can be manufactured locally and sustainably, creating a more secure and environmentally friendly supply chain for aquafeed.
• Algae and Microalgae Ingredients Development: The market has observed a development with algae and microalgae as major ingredients in aquafeed. They are densely packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which fish use and have usually been obtained from fish oil. The effect is a more sustainable source of these essential nutrients. The employment of algae reduces further the dependence on the sea and offers a quality ingredient that enhances the nutritional aspect of farmed fish.
• Emphasis on Disease Management through Feed: There has been a recent innovation in the utilization of aquafeed as a key method for disease management. Feeds are currently being designed with particular additives and compounds that have the ability to enhance the immune systems of fish and crustaceans, making them less susceptible to certain diseases. The effect is minimized outbreaks of disease and less use of antibiotics. This innovation is essential in enhancing animal welfare and providing consumers with the demand for antibiotic-free food.
• Introduction of Smart Feeders and Automation: One significant development is the extensive introduction of smart, automated feeders based on sensors and software to dispense feed. Such systems may be programmed to release amounts of feed at specific intervals. The effect is an improved level of feed efficiency and a decrease in waste. Automation further minimizes the cost of labor and keeps fish receiving the right amount of nutrients for maximum growth.
These innovations are affecting the aquafeed industry by establishing a smarter and more connected environment. The emphasis on sustainability, high-performance nutrition, and technology is transforming the entire business model for producers. They are transitioning from selling a commodity to offering end-to-end solutions that involve software, sensors, and support services. This change is making the business more innovative, efficient, and responsive to the multifaceted needs of contemporary aquaculture.
Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Aquafeed Market
Strategic opportunities for expansion in the aquafeed industry are centered on the supply of specialized, value-added products that respond to the changing demands of various aquaculture uses. The drivers of these opportunities are improving feed efficiency, better fish health, and sustainability. Through targeting particular market segments, firms can capitalize on their knowledge and deliver customized solutions that respond to the particular needs of various aquatic animals. These strategic priorities are essential for an increasingly competitive and technology-oriented market.
• Application of Shrimp and Prawn Feed: The shrimp and prawn aquaculture sector is a significant growth potential because it has high global demand and value. The potential is to formulate and sell specialized feeds that are extremely efficient, induce rapid growth, and enhance the health and survival rates of these crustaceans. The effect is enhanced profitability for trout and salmon farmers and a less fluctuating supply of quality products. This use also provides avenues for functional feeds that inhibit frequent diseases in trout and salmon.
• Feed Application for Shrimp: The shrimp farming industry is one of the greatest growth prospects, especially as consumers require premium, high-quality shrimp. The solution is to offer specialty feeds high in omega-3 fatty acids derived from sustainable sources such as algae and that improve the taste and appearance of the fish. The effect is a more powerful market position for the producer and product that can be sold at a premium price. This use is motivated by an emphasis on quality and sustainable supply.
• Carp and Tilapia Feed Application: The industry of carp and tilapia farming represents a major growth potential, particularly in Africa and Asia, where carp and tilapia are a primary source of food. The potential is to sell at an affordable price, yet highly nutritious, floating and extruded feeds that enhance the feed conversion ratio. The effect is a better and more profitable farming model for small and medium-scale farmers. It is also motivated by the desire to generate a huge quantity of low-cost protein to keep up with the demands of an expanding population.
• Marine Fish Feed Application: Culturing marine fish, like sea bass and sea bream, is a prime opportunity for growth. The opportunity lies in creating and selling specialized feeds that are capable of satisfying the sophisticated nutrient needs of these carnivorous fish. The effect is to grow the aquaculture business into a new segment of high-value species. This application calls for innovation in feed formulation and extensive knowledge of marine biology.
• Ornamental Fish Feed Application: The ornamental fish market, while a niche industry, is an interesting and high-value growth opportunity. The opportunity lies in supplying specialty feeds that bring out the color, growth, and well-being of a very diverse range of aquarium fish. The effect is access to a high-end market with committed and enthusiast consumers. This application is fueled by a demand for specialty, high-end products beyond plain nutritional needs.
These opportunities for growth are affecting the aquafeed industry by fueling specialization and innovation. The industry is increasingly segmented, with businesses specializing in delivering customized solutions for individual aquatic species and farming systems. This strategic orientation is taking the industry away from the old one-size-fits-all model and toward a value-focused model. The outcome is an industry that is more resilient, profitable, and dynamic and better able to address the complex and diverse needs of the global aquaculture industry.
Aquafeed Market Driver and Challenges
Aquafeed market is driven by a mix of key drivers and challenges that encompass several technological, economic, and regulatory aspects. Growth of the market is mainly driven by an increasing world population and the growing requirement for seafood, which is compelling the aquaculture sector towards more effective and sustainable production techniques. But the market is confronted with major challenges, including the hefty price tag of raw materials and environmental issues related to conventional feed ingredients. Appreciating these factors is essential for all stakeholders in order to tread this changing industry.
The factors responsible for driving the aquafeed market include:
1. Expanding Global Seafood Demand: The main impulse for the aquafeed industry is the expanding global demand for seafood. With consumers increasingly being health-conscious and looking for protein-intense diets, fish and crustacean demand is on the rise. This demographic transformation instills an intrinsic and long-term requirement for good-quality aquafeed to fuel the growth of the aquaculture sector and satisfy this increasing demand.
2. Dwindling Wild Fish Stocks: The reduction of wild fish stocks through overfishing is a strong impetus for the aquafeed industry. With the supply of wild-caught fish diminishing, aquaculture has emerged as a crucial alternative for fulfilling worldwide demand for seafood. This has provided a strong incentive for producing aquafeed that can support the aquaculture business and alleviate pressure on marine ecosystems, which is propelling innovation in feed compositions.
3. Aquaculture Technology Advancements: The use of new technologies in aquaculture, including recirculating aquaculture systems, automated fish feeders, and enhanced genetic programs, is a major driver. These technologies need highly specialized and efficient feeds that will realize their full potential. This is compelling the aquafeed industry to move towards more advanced, data-driven, and functional feed solutions. This trend is critical to enhancing overall productivity and sustainability.
4. Emphasis on Disease Prevention and Fish Health: Increased emphasis on disease prevention and fish health is a key driver for the aquafeed industry. Farmers are adopting functional and medicated feeds as a preventative measure to enhance the immunity and durability of their aquatic animals. This reduces the incidence of disease outbreaks, decreases the usage of antibiotics, and achieves a healthier and more profitable yield. This trend further coincides with consumer demands for safer, antibiotic-free food products.
5. Government Support and Initiatives: Governments in most countries are offering financial assistance, subsidies, and supportive policies to boost the development of the aquaculture industry. These efforts are a driving force for the aquafeed market because they motivate farmers to invest in quality feed solutions. Such support is essential in making modern aquaculture an option and food security at the national level.
Challenges in the aquafeed market are:
1. Volatile Raw Material Cost: The volatility and high cost of major raw materials, most notably fishmeal and fish oil, are one of the major challenges facing the aquafeed industry. The vulnerability of the industry to price shocks and supply chain disruptions due to its dependence on these ingredients is a cause for concern. The financial constraint has the potential to drive up production costs and hinder feed producers from offering stable prices, which is a huge challenge for the industry.
2. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Issues: There is a huge challenge from environmental issues for the aquafeed industry. The production of aquafeed with some ingredients will lead to water pollution and affect aquatic ecosystems. Increasingly, there is pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of the production and transport processes. These sustainability challenges are a dominant challenge and are compelling the industry to invest in newer, more sustainable ingredients and methods of production.
3. Limited Technical Knowledge and Awareness: There is limited technical knowledge and awareness regarding the advantages of modern, high-quality aquafeeds among farmers in most developing countries. Most farmers still use traditional and less efficient methods of feeding. Technical ignorance and lack of training are significant issues that prevent the uptake of modern feed solutions and constrain the market’s growth potential in these important regions.
The overall impact of these drivers and challenges on the aquafeed market is a dynamic and complex landscape. While strong drivers are pushing the market toward growth, the significant challenges are forcing the industry to adapt and innovate. The future of the market will be determined by how well producers can respond to increasing demand for seafood while, at the same time, answering serious questions regarding sustainability, the cost of raw materials, and the provision of improved education and training. The market is transforming into a more resilient, responsible industry that will be better equipped to respond to a changing world.
List of Aquafeed Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies aquafeed companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the aquafeed companies profiled in this report include-
• Cargill
• BioMar Group
• Ridley
• Aller Aqua
• BENEO
• Alltech
• Aker Biomarine
• Charoen Pokphand Foods
• Skretting
• Purina Animal Nutrition
Aquafeed Market by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global aquafeed market by form, additives, feed, application, and region.
Aquafeed Market by Form [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Dry
• Moist
• Wet
Aquafeed Market by Additives [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Amino Acids
• Antibiotics
• Vitamins & Minerals
• Feed Acidifiers
• Antioxidants
• Enzymes
• Anti-parasitic
• Probiotics & Prebiotics
• Others
Aquafeed Market by Feed [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Starter Feed
• Grower Feed
• Finisher Feed
• Brooder Feed
Aquafeed Market by Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Carp
• Rainbow Trout
• Salmon
• Crustaceans
• Tilapia
• Catfish
• Sea Bass
• Grouper
• Others
Aquafeed Market by Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the Aquafeed Market
Current trends in the aquafeed industry are being influenced by the urge among the world’s aquaculture industry to be more efficient, sustainable, and of higher quality. With seafood demand increasing steadily, producers are spending capital on high-tech feed options to maximize crustacean and fish growth with less environmental degradation. This has resulted in a major shift from conventional feed formulation to novel, functional, and specialty feeds. These innovations not only benefit the health and productivity of aquatic animals but also counter important challenges such as the reliance on marine resources and biosecurity needs.
• United States: The United States aquafeed industry is a technologically leading and sustainable market. New advancements include a major emphasis on creating alternative protein sources, including insect meal and algae, to decrease fishmeal dependency. The industry is also witnessing growing use of functional feeds that enhance fish immunity and health, especially among high-value species such as salmon and trout. This is precipitated by customer demand for sustainably sourced seafood and minimizing the aquaculture industry’s environmental impact
• China: China dominates the world aquafeed market, with recent action being focused on a massive modernization of its aquaculture industry. The nation is a significant consumer and producer of aquafeed, and the trend in recent years has been toward high-quality, extruded feed pellets for enhanced feed conversion efficiency. China is also heavily investing in high-tech offshore aquaculture and integrated farming systems that demand specialized feed formulating. This is part of an overall strategy to ensure food availability and enhance biosecurity.
• Germany: The aquafeed market of Germany is mature, precise, and sustainable. Some of the recent advancements involve a strong push towards formulating very specialized feeds for certain fish species, especially in recirculating aquaculture systems. German producers are pioneers in the formulation of low-phosphorus and low-nitrogen feeds to reduce water pollution. The market also witnesses increasing demand for organic aquafeed that complies with stringent European Union standards for animal welfare and environmental care.
• India: India’s aquafeed industry is growing fast, supported by an increasing aquaculture industry as well as government initiative. Some of the recent trends are the introduction of new, low-cost aquafeed products for small and medium-scale farmers. A trend towards the utilization of local raw materials, including soybean meal and other vegetable protein sources, is also picking up to lower the cost of production. This is making commercial aquaculture accessible and lucrative for more farmers.
• Japan: Japan’s aquafeed industry is dominated by a great emphasis on quality, safety, and traceability. New trends are a growing demand for premium feeds that improve the flavor, texture, and color of fish, especially for tuna and yellowtail. The market is also undergoing a shift toward functional feeding with additives such as probiotics and prebiotics to promote gut health and disease resistance, driven by consumers’ choice for high-quality, premium seafood.
Features of the Global Aquafeed Market
Market Size Estimates: Aquafeed market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: Aquafeed market size by various segments, such as by form, additives, feed, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: Aquafeed market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different forms, additives, feed, applications, and regions for the aquafeed market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the aquafeed market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for aquafeed market?
Answer: The global aquafeed market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2031.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the aquafeed market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the increasing demand for seafood, the rising adoption of sustainable aquaculture, and the growing need for high-quality feed.
Q3. What are the major segments for aquafeed market?
Answer: The future of the aquafeed market looks promising with opportunities in the carp, rainbow trout, salmon, crustacean, tilapia, catfish, sea bass, and grouper markets.
Q4. Who are the key aquafeed market companies?
Answer: Some of the key aquafeed companies are as follows:
• Cargill
• BioMar Group
• Ridley
• Aller Aqua
• BENEO
• Alltech
• Aker Biomarine
• Charoen Pokphand Foods
• Skretting
• Purina Animal Nutrition
Q5. Which aquafeed market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that, within the form category, dry is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q6. In aquafeed market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q7. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the aquafeed market by form (dry, moist, and wet), additives (amino acids, antibiotics, vitamins & minerals, feed acidifiers, antioxidants, enzymes, anti-parasitic, probiotics & prebiotics, and others), feed (starter feed, grower feed, finisher feed, and brooder feed), application (carp, rainbow trout, salmon, crustaceans, tilapia, catfish, sea bass, grouper, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
For any questions related to Aquafeed Market, Aquafeed Market Size, Aquafeed Market Growth, Aquafeed Market Analysis, Aquafeed Market Report, Aquafeed Market Share, Aquafeed Market Trends, Aquafeed Market Forecast, Aquafeed Companies, write Lucintel analyst at email: helpdesk@lucintel.com. We will be glad to get back to you soon.