Code: MTA3569 | Publication Date: May 2025 |
The global aquafeed market is a fast-growing area in the animal nutrition industry and is closely related to the growth of aquaculture. It is experiencing growth because of the increased seafood consumption globally, the demand for protein through balanced diets, and the growth in commercial fish and shrimp farming/mariculture. The primary markets are in the Asia-Pacific region (China, India, and Vietnam) and other parts of the world, including some markets in Latin America and Europe. The demand for aquafeed is continuously increasing and is attributable to several areas of innovation in the advancement of feed formulation,n including alternative sources of proteins, functional ingredients, functional additives, alternative nutrients, and precision nutrition. Consumption of aquaculture products and the production of seafood for consumer consumption are increasing, and aquaculture is producing over 50% of global seafood consumption. As the demand for quality feed continues to grow at unprecedented rates due to the growth of aquaculture and demand for seafood feed, aquafeed will be one of the most important and valuable areas of the global food supply chain.
Aquafeed is not just a component of aquaculture, it is the catalyst that allows aquaculture to be more scalable and profitable. As fish and shrimp farming shifts from small-scale operations to producers with the capacity to fulfill the world's food gap, the unique nutritional requirements for growth, feed conversion ratios, and survival rates become dependent upon the availability of specialized, nutrient-rich feeds that have been developed for different aquaculture species. The market demands efficiency, and advanced aquafeeds foster consumer requirements for safe food, while acting to limit profitability losses due to disease or environmental impacts to the producer. In parts of Southeast Asia and South America, transforming fish- and shrimp-farming sectors into commercially viable aquaculture sectors has been accomplished, in large part, because of the use of commercial feeds as distinguished from traditional fish meal, for example. Furthermore, feed innovation has begun allowing producers to farm more species because aquafeeds allow for more control in production. This innovation represents another transformation that has significant potential for commercial growth across our markets.
In the era of sustainable food production and smart farming, the aquafeed industry is evolving into a high-tech powerhouse. Today’s aquafeeds are no longer just blends of fishmeal and grains—they’re carefully engineered formulas enhanced with enzymes, probiotics, amino acids, and functional additives that improve digestion, boost immunity, and support faster growth. What makes aquafeed a true game-changer is its role in reducing environmental impact through better feed conversion ratios (FCR), lower waste discharge, and the growing use of alternative proteins like algae, insect meal, and fermented plant proteins. In parallel, digital technologies such as IoT-based feeding systems and data-driven feed optimization are helping farmers monitor performance in real time, reducing overfeeding and resource waste. As sustainability, profitability, and traceability become top priorities in global aquaculture, smart feed solutions are redefining what success looks like for producers and the planet.