The aquafeed market size is projected to reach USD 71.6 billion by 2025, recording a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. The global aquafeed market is primarily driven by the increasing seafood trade, growth in aquaculture production, and rising seafood consumption among consumers due to the increasing need for protein-rich diets. Aquafeed comprises one or more artificial and/or natural feedstuffs in the form of pellets or extruded bits for commercial fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The growth in the global consumption of aquafeed has continued to be significant due to the growing aquaculture industry. Global aquaculture production has grown rapidly during the past decades, contributing significant quantities to the world’s fish and seaweed supply for human and animal consumption. Aquaculture is an important part of the economic development of many countries and has been received positively by several governments seeking to boost their countries’ economic performance; many policies have been the introduction of policies in support of the sector.
The free-flowing structure and consistency of the dry aquafeed makes it a preferred form.
The feed for fish is most commonly available in the form of pellets or granules, and usually contains moisture of approximately 7%–13%. Most aquafeed manufacturers adopt the use of the dry form of feed due to its free-flowing structure and ability to provide consistency. This form of feed is also preferred due to other factors, such as ease of transportation, storage, and convenience associated with it, as opposed to the liquid form, which requires specialized facilities for storage and transportation. It can be purchased in bulk and is available with multiple ingredient options. Cost-effectiveness is another aspect that drives the growth of this market.
Protein levels in finisher feed vary by different shrimp species.
Finisher feed is usually administered to fully-grown fish species. Finisher feed ensures a balanced diet and supports muscle growth alongside higher nutrient absorption. Alltechs survey on Global Aquaculture Feed Production Survey analyzed the average cost of finisher diets and concluded that finisher feeds had remarkably high costs in countries, such as South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Fishmeal and fish oil are some of the key ingredients used in finisher feeds. The finisher feed prepared for various species differs in terms of protein levels. The finisher feed fed to monodon species (tiger prawns) contains 38% of crude protein as opposed to the finisher feed for L.vannamei, which contains 32%–34% of crude protein.
What is the leading additive in the aquafeed market?
Asia Pacific is projected to witness the highest growth in the aquafeed market during the forecast period.
The global market was dominated by Asia Pacific in 2020, in terms of value and volume; this market is majorly driven by China, which is a major producer of aquafeed. China is the leading producer, consumer, and processor of aquaculture products, contributing to about one-third to the global supply. Moreover, the processed seafood market in the region is also currently undergoing a significant transformation in response to the rapid urbanization and diet diversification.
Key Market Players:
Many domestic and global players provide aquafeed products to improve fish health. Major manufacturers have their presence in the North American and European countries. The report scope has been restricted to the market for commercial aquafeed products marketed across the globe. The key companies in the market are Cargill (US), Archer Daniels Midland Company (US), Alltech (US), Purina Animal Nutrition (US), Nutreco N.V. (Netherlands), and Ridley Corporation Ltd. (Australia). Various strategies, such as expansions & investments, partnerships, collaborations, and agreements, were adopted by the key companies to remain competitive in the aquafeed market.
