Global Aquafeed Market Outlook, 2030

The global aquafeed market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the expanding aquaculture industry, rising seafood consumption, and increasing awareness of sustainable aquaculture practices. Aquafeed, specialized feed formulated for aquatic animals like fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of aquaculture operations. It provides essential nutrients for growth, health, and reproduction, directly impacting the productivity and profitability of fish farms. The market's expansion is closely linked to the growing global demand for seafood, fueled by population growth, rising disposable incomes, and increasing recognition of the health benefits of seafood consumption. As wild fish stocks decline and capture fisheries face increasing pressure, aquaculture has emerged as a critical source of protein, making the availability of high-quality and sustainable aquafeed paramount. The aquafeed market is characterized by a diverse range of products, including starter feeds, grower feeds, finisher feeds, and broodstock feeds, each tailored to the specific nutritional requirements of different aquatic species and life stages. These feeds are formulated using various ingredients, including fishmeal, fish oil, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and other plant-based proteins and carbohydrates. The market is witnessing a growing trend towards the use of alternative protein sources, such as insect meal, algae, and single-cell protein, to reduce reliance on traditional fishmeal and fish oil, which are finite resources and can have environmental impacts. Sustainability is a major concern in the aquafeed market, with increasing emphasis on responsible sourcing of ingredients, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting fish health and welfare. Manufacturers are focusing on developing aquafeeds that are not only nutritionally complete but also environmentally friendly, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices. The market is also witnessing a growing demand for organic and non-GMO aquafeeds, driven by consumer preferences for healthier and more natural food products. Technological advancements in aquafeed formulation and processing are contributing to the market's growth. Innovations in feed manufacturing techniques, such as extrusion and microencapsulation, are improving feed quality, digestibility, and nutrient utilization. Research and development efforts are focused on optimizing feed formulations to enhance growth performance, disease resistance, and feed conversion ratios, leading to more efficient and profitable aquaculture operations.


Global aquafeed market will reach $71.14 billion by 2030, growing by 5.9% annually over 2020-2030 considering the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The market is driven by population growth and urbanization, rising incomes in developing nations, growing aquaculture industry and increasing seafood trade, and the rising awareness about the health benefits of consuming fish and other aquaculture species. In terms of demand volume, the market will grow at a 2020-2030 CAGR of 4.2%. The global aquafeed market is experiencing aqua-synergy, a convergence of trends, drivers, and programs propelling its growth. A prominent trend is the increasing focus on sustainable aquafeed practices. This involves shifting away from reliance on wild-caught fishmeal and fish oil, finite resources with environmental implications, towards alternative protein and lipid sources. Insect meal, algae, single-cell protein, and plant-based proteins are gaining traction, driven by environmental concerns and the need for resource efficiency. Another significant trend is the growing demand for functional aquafeeds. These specialized feeds incorporate additives like prebiotics, probiotics, and immunostimulants to enhance fish health, disease resistance, and overall well-being, reducing the reliance on antibiotics and promoting sustainable aquaculture. Furthermore, precision nutrition is becoming increasingly important. Aquafeed formulations are being tailored to the specific nutritional requirements of different species and life stages, optimizing growth performance, feed conversion ratios, and overall farm productivity. Technological advancements in aquafeed processing, such as extrusion and microencapsulation, are also shaping the market. These technologies improve feed quality, digestibility, and nutrient utilization, leading to better growth performance and reduced waste. Several key drivers are fueling this aqua-synergy. The expanding aquaculture industry is a primary driver. As wild fish stocks decline and seafood demand rises, aquaculture is becoming increasingly crucial for meeting global protein needs. This expansion directly drives the demand for aquafeed. Rising seafood consumption, driven by population growth, increasing disposable incomes, and awareness of the health benefits of seafood, is further fueling the growth of aquaculture and, consequently, the aquafeed market. The growing awareness of sustainable aquaculture practices is another key driver. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainably sourced seafood, putting pressure on aquaculture farmers to adopt responsible practices, including the use of sustainable aquafeed. Technological advancements in aquafeed formulation and processing are also driving market growth. Innovations in feed manufacturing techniques are improving feed quality, digestibility, and nutrient utilization, leading to more efficient and profitable aquaculture operations.

The global aquafeed market is segmented by source, primarily based on the origin of the key ingredients used in aquafeed formulations. The major sources include marine-based, plant-based, and other sources. Marine-based sources traditionally include fishmeal and fish oil, crucial components of aquafeed that provide essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other nutrients for aquatic animals. Fishmeal, made from small pelagic fish, is a highly digestible protein source, while fish oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids. However, the reliance on these marine-based sources raises sustainability concerns due to overfishing and depletion of wild fish stocks. This has led to increasing efforts to find alternative, sustainable sources of protein and lipids. Plant-based sources are gaining prominence as a sustainable alternative to marine-based ingredients. Soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and other plant-based proteins are increasingly used in aquafeed formulations to replace or supplement fishmeal. These plant-based sources are more readily available and often more cost-effective than fishmeal. However, they may lack certain essential amino acids and fatty acids found in fishmeal and fish oil, requiring careful formulation and supplementation. Other sources include insect meal, algae, single-cell protein, and other novel protein and lipid sources. Insect meal, derived from farmed insects, is a promising alternative protein source that is both nutritious and sustainable. Algae, both microalgae and macroalgae, are rich in protein, lipids, and other nutrients, making them a potential source for aquafeed. Single-cell protein, produced from microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi, is another alternative protein source that can be produced sustainably. The choice of source for aquafeed ingredients depends on several factors, including the nutritional requirements of the target species, the availability and cost of ingredients, and sustainability considerations.


The global aquafeed market is segmented by ingredient, based on the specific components used in aquafeed formulations. The major ingredient segments include protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and additives. Protein is a crucial ingredient in aquafeed, providing essential amino acids for growth and development. Fishmeal has traditionally been the primary protein source, but plant-based proteins, such as soybean meal and corn gluten meal, are increasingly used as alternatives. Insect meal, algae, and single-cell protein are also emerging as promising alternative protein sources. Carbohydrates provide energy for aquatic animals. Grains, such as corn and wheat, are common carbohydrate sources in aquafeed. Lipids are essential for growth, reproduction, and overall health. Fish oil has been the traditional source of lipids, but plant-based oils, such as soybean oil and canola oil, are increasingly used as alternatives. Vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients that play a vital role in various physiological processes. Aquafeeds are typically supplemented with a range of vitamins and minerals to ensure that aquatic animals receive adequate nutrition. Additives are used in aquafeed to enhance palatability, digestibility, nutrient utilization, and overall feed quality. Common additives include binders, antioxidants, enzymes, and probiotics. The specific blend of ingredients in aquafeed formulations varies depending on the species, life stage, and nutritional requirements of the target aquatic animal. Aquafeed manufacturers carefully balance the ingredients to ensure that the feed is nutritionally complete and supports optimal growth and health. Research and development efforts are focused on optimizing ingredient combinations to improve feed conversion ratios, disease resistance, and overall farm productivity. The trend in the aquafeed market is towards greater use of sustainable and alternative ingredients, such as plant-based proteins, insect meal, algae, and single-cell protein, to reduce reliance on traditional fishmeal and fish oil. The use of functional additives, such as prebiotics and probiotics, is also increasing as farmers seek to improve fish health and reduce the use of antibiotics. The quality and safety of aquafeed ingredients are also a major concern, and manufacturers are implementing strict quality control measures to ensure that their products meet the required standards. The sourcing of ingredients is also becoming increasingly important, with a growing focus on responsible sourcing and sustainability.

The global aquafeed market is segmented by product form, which refers to the physical form in which the aquafeed is produced and delivered to the aquaculture farms. The major product forms include extruded pellets, sinking pellets, floating pellets, microencapsulated feed, and flakes. Extruded pellets are produced by forcing the feed mixture through a die under high pressure and temperature. This process creates highly digestible and palatable pellets that are suitable for a wide range of aquatic species. Extruded pellets are the most common form of aquafeed used in commercial aquaculture. Sinking pellets are designed to sink to the bottom of the water column, making them suitable for bottom-feeding species such as shrimp and catfish. Sinking pellets can be produced through extrusion or other methods. Floating pellets are designed to float on the surface of the water, making them suitable for surface-feeding species such as tilapia and salmon. Floating pellets are typically produced through extrusion. Microencapsulated feed consists of tiny particles of feed encapsulated in a protective coating. This form of feed is particularly suitable for larval and juvenile stages of aquatic animals, which require small and easily digestible feed particles. Microencapsulated feed can be used for a variety of species, including fish, shrimp, and crustaceans. Flakes are thin, flat pieces of feed that are typically used for ornamental fish and other small aquatic animals. Flakes are easy to consume and digest, making them suitable for species with small mouths. The choice of product form depends on several factors, including the species being farmed, the life stage of the animal, and the feeding habits of the species. For example, bottom-feeding species require sinking pellets, while surface-feeding species require floating pellets. Larval and juvenile stages often require microencapsulated feed due




The global aquafeed market is segmented by species, reflecting the diverse range of aquatic animals cultivated in aquaculture. This segmentation allows for the development of specialized aquafeeds tailored to the specific nutritional requirements of different species, optimizing growth, health, and productivity. Key species segments include finfish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Finfish, a major segment, encompasses a wide variety of species, including salmon, tilapia, carp, catfish, sea bass, and trout. Salmon, a high-value species, requires specialized aquafeeds with high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids to support rapid growth and maintain flesh quality. Tilapia, a widely farmed species, has more flexible dietary requirements and can be fed with aquafeeds containing a higher proportion of plant-based proteins. Carp, a staple food fish in many parts of the world, requires aquafeeds that are cost-effective and support rapid growth in diverse farming environments. Catfish, another important farmed species, benefits from aquafeeds formulated with sinking pellets to accommodate their bottom-feeding habits. Sea bass and trout, both commercially valuable species, require aquafeeds with specific nutrient profiles to optimize growth and flesh quality in intensive farming systems. The finfish segment is further segmented based on the specific nutritional needs of different species and their varying life stages, from fry and fingerlings to grow-out and broodstock. Crustaceans, another significant segment, include shrimp, prawns, and crabs. Shrimp, a globally traded commodity, requires specialized aquafeeds with high protein content and specific amino acid profiles to support rapid growth and shell development. Prawns, similar to shrimp, need aquafeeds tailored to their specific nutritional requirements, considering their different life stages and farming conditions. Crabs, although farmed on a smaller scale compared to shrimp and prawns, also require specialized aquafeeds to optimize growth and survival rates. The crustacean segment is also segmented based on the specific needs of different species and their distinct larval, juvenile, and adult stages. Mollusks, a diverse segment, include species like oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops. Mollusks are filter feeders and generally do not rely on formulated aquafeeds in the same way as finfish and crustaceans. However, research is ongoing to develop specialized feeds for larval and juvenile stages of mollusks to enhance their growth and survival in hatchery settings.

The global aquafeed market is segmented by lifecycle stage, recognizing that the nutritional requirements of aquatic animals vary significantly throughout their lives. This segmentation allows for the development of specialized aquafeeds tailored to the specific needs of each life stage, optimizing growth, development, and survival. Key lifecycle segments include larval, juvenile, grow-out, and broodstock. Larval stage, the earliest stage of development, requires highly specialized aquafeeds that are small, easily digestible, and provide essential nutrients for rapid growth and development. Larval feeds are often microencapsulated to protect nutrients and enhance digestibility. This stage is crucial for the survival and growth of aquatic animals, and specialized larval feeds play a critical role in successful aquaculture operations. Juvenile stage, following the larval stage, requires aquafeeds that support continued growth and development. Juvenile feeds are typically larger than larval feeds and contain a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, lipids, and micronutrients. This stage is characterized by rapid growth, and proper nutrition is essential for achieving optimal growth rates and overall health. Grow-out stage, the stage where aquatic animals are raised to market size, requires aquafeeds that promote rapid growth and efficient feed conversion. Grow-out feeds are formulated to maximize growth performance and minimize feed costs. This stage is crucial for the economic viability of aquaculture operations, and optimized grow-out feeds are essential for maximizing profitability. Broodstock stage, the stage where aquatic animals are sexually mature and used for breeding, requires specialized aquafeeds that support reproductive performance and egg quality. Broodstock feeds are enriched with specific nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, to enhance fertility, egg production, and larval quality. This stage is critical for the long-term sustainability of aquaculture operations, as healthy broodstock are essential for producing high-quality offspring. The lifecycle segment is crucial for optimizing aquafeed formulations and ensuring that aquatic animals receive the necessary nutrients at each stage of their development. Proper nutrition throughout the lifecycle is essential for maximizing growth rates, improving disease resistance, and enhancing overall health and well-being. Research and development efforts are focused on understanding the specific nutritional requirements of different species at each lifecycle stage and developing specialized aquafeeds that meet these needs. The trend towards sustainable aquafeed practices is also influencing the lifecycle segment, with increasing emphasis on using alternative protein and lipid sources in aquafeeds for various life stages.

The global aquafeed market is segmented by region, reflecting the geographical distribution of aquaculture activities and the varying demand for aquafeed in different parts of the world. Key regional segments include Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific, the largest and fastest-growing market for aquafeed, is characterized by a high concentration of aquaculture activities, driven by a large population, rising seafood consumption, and favorable climatic conditions. China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand are major aquafeed markets in the region. The rapid expansion of aquaculture in Asia Pacific is fueling the demand for aquafeed, and the region is expected to continue to dominate the global market in the coming years. North America, a mature market for aquafeed, is characterized by a strong focus on sustainable aquaculture practices and high-quality aquafeeds. The United States and Canada are major aquafeed markets in the region, with a growing demand for organic and non-GMO aquafeeds. Europe, another mature market, is witnessing increasing demand for sustainable and certified aquafeeds, driven by consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. The European Union is implementing strict regulations on aquafeed ingredients and environmental impact, pushing manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices. Latin America, a rapidly growing market, is characterized by increasing aquaculture production and rising seafood consumption. Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador are major aquafeed markets in the region, with a growing focus on shrimp and salmon farming. The Middle East & Africa, a relatively smaller market, is witnessing increasing investment in aquaculture development, driven by food security concerns and economic diversification efforts.