Report cover image

Aquafeed Market

Published Apr 01, 2026
Length 140 Pages
SKU # IMRC21132768

Description

The global aquafeed market size reached USD 196.7 Billion in 2025. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 380.7 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.39% during 2026-2034. Asia-Pacific dominates the market, driven by innovations in feed formulations and increasing government support for aquaculture development. The rising global seafood demand, significant advancements in sustainable aquaculture practices, and high investments in research for production efficiency are some of the major factors fueling the growth of the market.

The aquafeed market is driven by the increasing implementation of commercial and intensive aquaculture techniques, necessitating nutritionally balanced and species-specific feeds to achieve optimal growth and production. Innovations in feed formulation, including extrusion methods, incorporation of probiotics, enzymes, and amino acids, are improving digestibility, water stability, and feed conversion efficiency, thus driving the demand. Heightened focus on sustainable and eco-friendly feed components, such as algae, insects, and plant-derived proteins, is transforming the industry, as manufacturers are aiming to lessen the dependence on fishmeal and fish oil. Government initiatives and supportive policies promoting aquaculture as a food security solution are further encouraging the utilization of formulated feeds. Additionally, climate change impacts on wild fisheries are accelerating the shift towards aquaculture, thereby bolstering the market growth.

AQUAFEED MARKET TRENDS:

Rising demand for seafood consumption

The growing demand for seafood is a major driver of the market, as aquaculture is becoming vital to meeting user needs for protein-rich and healthy diets. As per the Food Outlook report for the 2024/2025 period, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the seafood production was projected to increase by 4.2 Million Tons, or 2.2%, reaching an overall total of 191 Million Tons in 2024, with 16.7 Million Tons expected to be used for feed purposes, indicating a 3.3% rise from 2023. With wild fish stocks declining due to overfishing and environmental pressures, aquaculture is emerging as the most reliable and sustainable source of seafood. This growth is driving the demand for nutritionally balanced aquafeed to ensure higher yields, better fish health, and consistent quality. People are also showing greater preferences for premium seafood products, which is leading farmers to use specialized feeds that enhance taste, texture, and nutritional content.

Rising investments in research and development (R&D) activities

High spending on R&D activities is enabling the creation of innovative, nutritionally balanced, and sustainable feed formulations that improve aquatic animal health and growth performance. In June 2024, ADM established a new R&D facility in Switzerland aimed at enhancing studies on animal microbiomes and creating customized products in the health and wellness sector for pets, livestock, and aquaculture. The center was set to utilize advanced scientific and technological instruments to enhance the firm’s comprehension of the gut microbiome's influence on overall animal health. R&D initiatives are focusing on optimizing feed conversion ratios, enhancing digestibility, and incorporating functional ingredients, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes, to strengthen immunity and reduce disease outbreaks. Additionally, research efforts are exploring alternative protein sources like algae, insect meal, and plant-based proteins to reduce reliance on traditional fishmeal and fish oil.

Expansion of retail channels

The broadening of retail outlets is positively influencing the market by creating new channels for distribution and increasing product accessibility for farmers. As per the IMARC Group, the global retail market size reached USD 30,092.3 Billion in 2024. The growth of organized retail, agro-stores, and online platforms is making a wide variety of aquafeed products available across both urban and rural regions. This broader availability is enabling fish and shrimp farmers to choose from different feed types, including floating, sinking, medicated, and specialty feeds tailored to specific species. Retailers also provide value-added services, such as bulk discounts, technical advice, and product demonstrations, which build trust and encourage adoption. In addition, branding and promotional activities in retail outlets are creating awareness about the benefits of high-quality feed over traditional or homemade alternatives.

KEY GROWTH DRIVERS OF AQUAFEED MARKET:

Technological advancements

Technological advancements in feed formulations are offering a favorable market outlook. They aid in improving nutritional value, digestibility, and efficiency of feeds used in aquaculture. Modern techniques allow the development of species-specific diets tailored to meet the exact protein, fat, and micronutrient requirements of different fish and shrimp varieties. Innovations, such as extrusion technology, enhance pellet quality, water stability, and nutrient retention, leading to reduced wastage and better feed conversion ratios. Additionally, the incorporation of functional additives like enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics strengthens immunity and growth performance. Digital tools and precision nutrition approaches also support customized feeding practices that optimize health and yield. These advancements are not only improving the profitability of aquaculture but also lowering the environmental footprint, making high-tech feed solutions a cornerstone of the industry’s long-term growth.

Rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly feed ingredients

Increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly feed ingredients is bolstering the market growth, as environmental concerns and resource constraints are motivating the industry to innovate. Traditional reliance on fishmeal and fish oil is being supplemented or replaced by alternative protein sources, such as algae, insects, soy, and plant-based proteins, which are more sustainable and cost-effective. Farmers and feed manufacturers are prioritizing eco-friendly formulations that reduce pressure on marine ecosystems while maintaining nutritional balance. Regulatory pressures and user awareness about responsible seafood sourcing are also accelerating this shift towards greener solutions. In addition, sustainability certifications and eco-labeling are encouraging aquaculture producers to adopt environmentally responsible feeds to remain competitive in the global market. This growing focus on environmentally conscious practices ensures that sustainable feed ingredients play a central role in shaping the future of the industry.

Growing adoption of intensive aquaculture practices

Rising adoption of intensive aquaculture practices is strengthening the market, as higher stocking densities and commercial-scale fish farming require more sophisticated and nutritionally complete feed solutions. Intensive systems demand consistent growth, efficient feed conversion, and strong disease resistance, which cannot be achieved with traditional or low-quality feeds. As farmers are shifting towards high-output models to meet the rising demand for seafood, the use of scientifically formulated aquafeeds enriched with proteins, amino acids, and functional additives is becoming essential. These feeds ensure faster growth, improved survival rates, and enhanced productivity, thereby maximizing profitability. Intensive aquaculture also places pressure on water quality, making feeds with high digestibility and minimal waste more important. With aquaculture evolving into a technology-oriented industry, the reliance on specialized aquafeed is growing steadily, positioning it as the backbone of intensive fish and shrimp farming operations worldwide.

AQUAFEED MARKET SEGMENTATION:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2026-2034. 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 accounts for the majority of the market share

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. For instance, in February 2024, Aquasoja unveiled a new feed for tilapia and carp. The new aquafeed fulfills the nutritional requirements of both species, maintaining a focus on high-quality protein ingredients and fish health conditions.

Breakup by Ingredients:
  • Soybean
  • Corn
  • Fish Meal
  • Fish Oil
  • Additives
  • Others
Soybean holds the largest share of the industry

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 that is driving the market segment. 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 represents the leading market segment

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 exhibits a clear dominance 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 leads the market, 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 represents the largest regional market for aquafeed.

The increasing seafood consumption is driving the market growth across the Asia Pacific region. This is primarily due to population growth and rising health awareness, which is boosting the growth of the market. The rapid expansion of aquaculture industries in countries like China, India, and Vietnam boosts the demand for high-quality feed. Favorable government initiatives supporting sustainable aquaculture practices and substantial investments in research and development (R&D) further fuel market growth. Advancements in feed technology and the adoption of alternative protein sources like insect meal and algae enhance production efficiency and sustainability.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE:
  • The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
  • The competitive landscape of the aquafeed market is highly competitive with major players such as Nutreco, Cargill, and Alltech dominating. These players focus on innovative feed formulation and sustainable practices to maintain their market position. Emerging players like Biomar and Skretting are gaining traction through advanced research and development (R&D) and regional expansion. For instance, in February 2023, Norway-based global leader in aquafeed and nutrition, Skretting inaugurated its state-of-the-art aquafeed factory in Mangrol, Surat, Gujarat on India’s west coast. The new facility will further enhance its support for customers and the Indian aquaculture sector. Skretting is the global aquafeed division of Nutreco.
KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS REPORT

1. What was the size of the global aquafeed market in 2025?

2. What is the expected growth rate of the global aquafeed market during 2026-2034?

3. What are the key factors driving the global aquafeed market?

4. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global aquafeed market?

5. What is the breakup of the global aquafeed market based on the species?

6. What is the breakup of the global aquafeed market based on the ingredients?

7. What is the breakup of the global aquafeed market based on the additives?

8. What is the breakup of the global aquafeed market based on the product form?

9. What are the key regions in the global aquafeed market?

Table of Contents

140 Pages
1 Preface
2 Scope and Methodology
2.1 Objectives of the Study
2.2 Stakeholders
2.3 Data Sources
2.3.1 Primary Sources
2.3.2 Secondary Sources
2.4 Market Estimation
2.4.1 Bottom-Up Approach
2.4.2 Top-Down Approach
2.5 Forecasting Methodology
3 Executive Summary
4 Introduction
4.1 Overview
4.2 Key Industry Trends
5 Global Aquafeed Industry
5.1 Market Overview
5.2 Market Performance
5.2.1 Volume Trends
5.2.2 Value Trends
5.3 Impact of COVID-19
5.4 Market Breakup by Region
5.5 Market Breakup by Species
5.6 Market Breakup by Ingredients
5.7 Market Breakup by Additives
5.8 Market Breakup by Product Form
5.9 Market Forecast
5.10 SWOT Analysis
5.10.1 Overview
5.10.2 Strengths
5.10.3 Weaknesses
5.10.4 Opportunities
5.10.5 Threats
5.11 Value Chain Analysis
5.11.1 Overview
5.11.2 Research and Development
5.11.3 Raw Material Procurement
5.11.4 Manufacturing
5.11.5 Distribution
5.11.6 Export
5.11.7 End-Use
5.12 Porters Five Forces Analysis
5.12.1 Overview
5.12.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
5.12.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
5.12.4 Degree of Rivalry
5.12.5 Threat of New Entrants
5.12.6 Threat of Substitutes
5.13 Price Analysis
5.13.1 Key Price Indicators
5.13.2 Price Structure
5.13.3 Price Trends
6 Market Breakup by Region
6.1 North America
6.1.1 United States
6.1.1.1 Market Trends
6.1.1.2 Market Forecast
6.1.2 Canada
6.1.2.1 Market Trends
6.1.2.2 Market Forecast
6.2 Asia Pacific
6.2.1 China
6.2.1.1 Market Trends
6.2.1.2 Market Forecast
6.2.2 Japan
6.2.2.1 Market Trends
6.2.2.2 Market Forecast
6.2.3 India
6.2.3.1 Market Trends
6.2.3.2 Market Forecast
6.2.4 South Korea
6.2.4.1 Market Trends
6.2.4.2 Market Forecast
6.2.5 Australia
6.2.5.1 Market Trends
6.2.5.2 Market Forecast
6.2.6 Indonesia
6.2.6.1 Market Trends
6.2.6.2 Market Forecast
6.2.7 Others
6.2.7.1 Market Trends
6.2.7.2 Market Forecast
6.3 Europe
6.3.1 Germany
6.3.1.1 Market Trends
6.3.1.2 Market Forecast
6.3.2 France
6.3.2.1 Market Trends
6.3.2.2 Market Forecast
6.3.3 United Kingdom
6.3.3.1 Market Trends
6.3.3.2 Market Forecast
6.3.4 Italy
6.3.4.1 Market Trends
6.3.4.2 Market Forecast
6.3.5 Spain
6.3.5.1 Market Trends
6.3.5.2 Market Forecast
6.3.6 Russia
6.3.6.1 Market Trends
6.3.6.2 Market Forecast
6.3.7 Others
6.3.7.1 Market Trends
6.3.7.2 Market Forecast
6.4 Latin America
6.4.1 Brazil
6.4.1.1 Market Trends
6.4.1.2 Market Forecast
6.4.2 Mexico
6.4.2.1 Market Trends
6.4.2.2 Market Forecast
6.4.3 Argentina
6.4.3.1 Market Trends
6.4.3.2 Market Forecast
6.4.4 Colombia
6.4.4.1 Market Trends
6.4.4.2 Market Forecast
6.4.5 Chile
6.4.5.1 Market Trends
6.4.5.2 Market Forecast
6.4.6 Peru
6.4.6.1 Market Trends
6.4.6.2 Market Forecast
6.4.7 Others
6.4.7.1 Market Trends
6.4.7.2 Market Forecast
6.5 Middle East and Africa
6.5.1 Turkey
6.5.1.1 Market Trends
6.5.1.2 Market Forecast
6.5.2 Saudi Arabia
6.5.2.1 Market Trends
6.5.2.2 Market Forecast
6.5.3 Iran
6.5.3.1 Market Trends
6.5.3.2 Market Forecast
6.5.4 United Arab Emirates
6.5.4.1 Market Trends
6.5.4.2 Market Forecast
6.5.5 Others
6.5.5.1 Market Trends
6.5.5.2 Market Forecast
7 Market Breakup by Species
7.1 Carps
7.1.1 Market Trends
7.1.2 Market Forecast
7.2 Marine Shrimps
7.2.1 Market Trends
7.2.2 Market Forecast
7.3 Tilapias
7.3.1 Market Trends
7.3.2 Market Forecast
7.4 Catfishes
7.4.1 Market Trends
7.4.2 Market Forecast
7.5 Marine Fishes
7.5.1 Market Trends
7.5.2 Market Forecast
7.6 Salmons
7.6.1 Market Trends
7.6.2 Market Forecast
7.7 Freshwater Crustaceans
7.7.1 Market Trends
7.7.2 Market Forecast
7.8 Trout
7.8.1 Market Trends
7.8.2 Market Forecast
7.9 Others
7.9.1 Market Trends
7.9.2 Market Forecast
8 Market Breakup by Ingredients
8.1 Soybean
8.1.1 Market Trends
8.1.2 Market Forecast
8.2 Corn
8.2.1 Market Trends
8.2.2 Market Forecast
8.3 Fish Meal
8.3.1 Market Trends
8.3.2 Market Forecast
8.4 Fish Oil
8.4.1 Market Trends
8.4.2 Market Forecast
8.5 Additives
8.5.1 Market Trends
8.5.2 Market Forecast
8.6 Others
8.6.1 Market Trends
8.6.2 Market Forecast
9 Market Breakup by Additives
9.1 Vitamins and Minerals
9.1.1 Market Trends
9.1.2 Market Forecast
9.2 Antioxidants
9.2.1 Market Trends
9.2.2 Market Forecast
9.3 Feed Enzymes
9.3.1 Market Trends
9.3.2 Market Forecast
9.4 Others
9.4.1 Market Trends
9.4.2 Market Forecast
10 Market Breakup by Product Form
10.1 Pellets
10.1.1 Market Trends
10.1.2 Market Forecast
10.2 Extruded
10.2.1 Market Trends
10.2.2 Market Forecast
10.3 Powdered
10.3.1 Market Trends
10.3.2 Market Forecast
10.4 Liquid
10.4.1 Market Trends
10.4.2 Market Forecast
11 Competitive Landscape
11.1 Market Structure
11.2 Key Players
11.3 Key Player Profiles
How Do Licenses Work?
Request A Sample
Head shot

Questions or Comments?

Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.