Global Aqua Feed Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In November 2022, Hima Seafood, a Norwegian RAS trout farmer, solidified a five-year agreement with Skretting Norway, designating Skretting as the primary supplier of feed for their forthcoming trout production venture set to commence in Rjukan, Telemark, in 2023.

• In November 2022, Skretting marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its latest fish feed manufacturing facility, Lotus II, situated in Vietnam. This state-of-the-art factory boasts two separate production lines, each capable of producing up to 100,000 tons of fish feed annually, thereby significantly bolstering Skretting's capacity to meet the escalating demand for high-quality aqua feed products in the region.

In this report, the Aqua Feed Market has been segmented by Type Additives Form, Ingredient, Application, and Geography.

Aqua Feed Market, Segmentation by Type

The Aqua Feed Market has been segmented by Type into Fish Feed, Mollusk Feed, Crustacean Feed and Other Aqua Feed.

Fish Feed
Fish feed is the largest segment in the aqua feed market, contributing close to 45% of the overall share. This type of feed is widely used in commercial aquaculture for species such as salmon and tilapia. Enriched with high-protein ingredients like fish meal and soybean meal, fish feed promotes robust growth and enhances disease resistance in aquatic animals.

Mollusk Feed
Representing around 18% of the market, mollusk feed is crafted to meet the dietary requirements of bivalve mollusks like mussels and oysters. Typically composed of microalgae and phytoplankton, it supports healthy shell formation and water quality improvement through filter feeding.

Crustacean Feed
With an approximate 25% market share, crustacean feed is formulated for aquatic species such as shrimp and crabs. These feeds are rich in proteins and essential fatty acids, supporting shell formation, energy metabolism, and optimal survival during molting phases.

Other Aqua Feed
Occupying about 12% of the aqua feed market, other feed types address the needs of lesser-known or niche aquatic species such as ornamental fish and amphibians. These feeds are enriched with specialty nutrients, including color enhancers and prebiotics, for species-specific health and appearance.

Aqua Feed Market, Segmentation by Additives

The Aqua Feed Market has been segmented by Additives into Antibiotics, Vitamins & Minerals, Antioxidants, Amino Acids, Enzymes, Probiotics, Prebiotics and Others

Antibiotics
Antibiotics comprise nearly 10% of the aqua feed additives segment, widely used to combat bacterial infections in aquaculture. They help maintain fish health and survival, especially in high-density production systems. However, stricter regulations are prompting the industry to adopt more sustainable alternatives.

Vitamins & Minerals
Accounting for about 20% of the market, vitamins and minerals are critical for supporting growth, metabolism, and immunity in aquatic animals. These micronutrients are standard in aqua feed formulations to ensure optimal development and disease resistance.

Antioxidants
With an estimated 8% share, antioxidants are added to preserve feed quality by preventing oxidative damage. They also offer health benefits by enhancing cellular function and stress tolerance in fish and shellfish under challenging farming conditions.

Amino Acids
Amino acids hold a strong 15% position within the additive market, enabling efficient protein synthesis and improved feed utilization. Their supplementation is crucial in diets replacing fishmeal with plant proteins to maintain growth performance.

Enzymes
Enzymes account for around 10% and are instrumental in breaking down complex nutrients, thus boosting digestibility and nutrient absorption. Their use leads to better feed efficiency and lower environmental impact from aquaculture waste.

Probiotics
Probiotics make up nearly 12% of the additive segment and are gaining traction for their role in gut health and immunity enhancement. These beneficial bacteria offer a natural solution to reducing disease outbreaks without antibiotics.

Prebiotics
Representing close to 7%, prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial gut microbes, improving digestion and disease resistance. Their inclusion aligns with the industry's focus on sustainable and health-oriented feed practices.

Others
The remaining 18% of the market includes a diverse range of additives such as color enhancers, binders, and palatability agents. These are tailored to improve feed handling, appearance, and market value of aquaculture products.

Aqua Feed Market, Segmentation by Form

The Aqua Feed Market has been segmented by Form into Dry, Wet, and Moist

Dry
Dry aqua feed dominates the market with a share of nearly 60%, favored for its extended shelf life and ease of transportation. It is widely adopted in commercial aquaculture due to its cost efficiency, storage convenience, and compatibility with automatic feeders. Dry feed is particularly effective for mass production environments.

Wet
Comprising roughly 25% of the aqua feed market, wet feed is highly digestible and appealing to aquatic species. It is formulated with high moisture content, typically between 45% to 70%, and is preferred in hatcheries or farms focused on high-value or carnivorous species.

Moist
With a market presence of approximately 15%, moist feed offers a balanced alternative between dry and wet forms. It retains moderate moisture levels, enhancing freshness and digestibility while remaining easier to handle than wet feed. Moist feed supports better nutrient absorption, especially in younger aquatic species.

Aqua Feed Market, Segmentation by Ingredient

The Aqua Feed Market has been segmented by Ingredient into Soybean, Corn, Fishmeal, Fish Oil, Additives, and Others

Soybean
Soybean holds the largest share in the aqua feed ingredient market, contributing nearly 35% due to its high protein content and affordability. It is extensively used as a sustainable alternative to fishmeal, offering good amino acid balance and digestibility, especially in feeds for herbivorous and omnivorous aquatic species.

Corn
With about 20% market share, corn serves as a major energy source in aqua feed. Its carbohydrate-rich profile improves feed palatability and energy density, making it a cost-effective filler ingredient widely adopted in commercial aquaculture.

Fishmeal
Accounting for roughly 18%, fishmeal remains a preferred protein source due to its high biological value and nutrient density. However, sustainability challenges and price volatility are driving the industry toward reducing its inclusion in favor of plant-based and novel protein alternatives.

Fish Oil
Fish oil contributes around 10% and is valued for its essential omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are crucial for supporting growth, reproductive function, and immune response, especially in marine species and carnivorous fish.

Additives
Making up approximately 12%, additives enhance feed quality and functionality. This includes a wide range of micronutrients, enzymes, probiotics, and antioxidants that improve digestion, immunity, and shelf stability of the feed.

Others
The remaining 5% comprises alternative ingredients like algae, wheat, and insect meal, which are gaining traction as eco-friendly and nutritionally viable options. These components help diversify feed formulations and support sustainable aquaculture practices.

Aqua Feed Market, Segmentation by Application

The Aqua Feed Market has been segmented by Application into Carp, Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Crustaceans, Tilapia, Catfish, Sea Bass, Grouper and Others

Carp
Carp represents the largest segment in aqua feed application, contributing around 22% due to its dominance in aquaculture, especially in Asia. The feed is optimized for growth and cost-efficiency, using a mix of plant proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates to support large-scale farming.

Rainbow Trout
Holding approximately 10% share, rainbow trout feed is tailored to support this cold-water carnivorous species. Rich in high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, the feed enhances feed utilization, growth, and overall health in clean, temperate waters.

Salmon
Salmon feed makes up about 14% of the application segment. Known for its high nutritional requirements, salmon feed typically contains fishmeal, fish oil, and essential vitamins, although the industry is moving toward more sustainable formulations with plant-based alternatives.

Crustaceans
At nearly 13%, crustacean feed is formulated for shrimp and crab farming. It includes ingredients like amino acids, calcium, and minerals to promote healthy molting, shell development, and immune system performance in intensive aquaculture systems.

Tilapia
Contributing roughly 12%, tilapia feed is primarily plant-based, leveraging affordable ingredients such as soybean meal and corn. The species' omnivorous diet allows for cost-effective feeding strategies without compromising growth rates or feed efficiency.

Catfish
Catfish feed, with about 9% share, is customized for bottom-dwelling fish and often consists of grain-based and plant-derived proteins. It’s designed for pond culture systems, offering high digestibility and better feed conversion ratios.

Sea Bass
Sea bass feed accounts for close to 7% of the market and is rich in lipids and proteins. Formulated for marine environments, it ensures healthy growth, muscular development, and robust immune support in carnivorous sea bass species.

Grouper
Grouper feed holds an estimated 6% and targets this high-value but slow-growing species. The feed contains high lipid and protein levels, ensuring proper nutrition and market-ready coloration, especially for groupers raised in cages and tanks.

Others
The remaining 7% of aqua feed applications includes specialty feeds for ornamental fish, eels, and pangasius. These feeds are tailored with specific nutrients, growth boosters, or aesthetic additives like color enhancers to meet diverse market needs.

Aqua Feed Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Aqua Feed Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Aqua Feed Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America
North America contributes around 18% to the global aqua feed market, supported by modern aquaculture operations and increasing consumer demand for healthy fish protein. The U.S. leads regional growth with established trout, catfish, and salmon farming sectors.

Europe
Europe holds approximately 22% of the market, with key contributions from Norway, Spain, and the UK. Known for its emphasis on sustainable aquaculture and premium fish feed, Europe remains a vital region in the global aqua feed value chain.

Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific dominates the aqua feed market, capturing nearly 42% of the global share. Countries like China and India drive demand through large-scale farming operations and the adoption of cost-efficient feed formulations, particularly for carp and tilapia.

Middle East and Africa
Representing about 8% of the market, the Middle East and Africa are witnessing gradual expansion in aquaculture. Nations like Egypt and Saudi Arabia are investing in aquaculture development, boosting demand for reliable feed supply.

Latin America
Latin America, with an estimated 10% market share, plays a crucial role in global aquaculture, especially in shrimp and tilapia production. Countries such as Brazil and Chile are adopting advanced feed practices to enhance aquaculture yields and sustainability.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Aqua Feed Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers

• Rising Demand for Seafood
• Decline in Wild Fish Stocks
• Expansion of Aquaculture Industry

• Growing Awareness of Health Benefits: The growing awareness of health benefits associated with consuming seafood products is a significant driver of the Global Aqua Feed Market. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious and seek out nutritious food options, seafood is gaining popularity due to its high protein content, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Fish and seafood are recognized for their role in promoting heart health, cognitive function, and overall well-being, making them an attractive dietary choice for health-conscious consumers. This rising demand for seafood products is driving increased production in the aquaculture industry, consequently fueling the demand for high-quality aqua feed formulations that can support the growth and nutritional requirements of farmed fish and aquatic organisms.

  The growing awareness of health benefits associated with seafood consumption is driving innovation and investment in aqua feed formulations aimed at enhancing the nutritional value and health-promoting properties of farmed fish and seafood products. Aqua feed manufacturers are developing feed formulations enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and functional ingredients to improve the health profile and nutritional content of farmed fish. Additionally, the emphasis on sustainable sourcing of feed ingredients, responsible aquaculture practices, and food safety standards further reinforces the perception of aqua feed products as healthy and environmentally friendly choices. As consumers continue to prioritize health and sustainability in their food choices, the Global Aqua Feed Market is poised to capitalize on this trend by offering nutritious and responsibly produced feed solutions that support the production of high-quality seafood products for the global market.

Restraints

• Environmental Concerns

• Fluctuating Raw Material Prices
• Disease Outbreaks

• Competition from Alternative Protein Sources: One significant restraint facing the Global Aqua Feed Market is the increasing competition from alternative protein sources. As the aquaculture industry continues to expand to meet the rising demand for seafood, there is growing pressure to reduce reliance on traditional marine-based ingredients such as fishmeal and fish oil in aqua feed formulations. This shift is driven by sustainability concerns, as overfishing and depletion of wild fish stocks have raised environmental alarms and regulatory scrutiny. Consequently, feed manufacturers are exploring alternative protein sources, including plant-based proteins, insect meal, single-cell proteins, and algae, as substitutes for fishmeal and fish oil in aqua feed formulations. While these alternative protein sources offer potential benefits such as reduced environmental impact, improved feed efficiency, and cost savings, they also present challenges in terms of nutrient availability, palatability, and digestibility for aquatic species. Achieving the right balance of essential nutrients and amino acids in aqua feed formulations using alternative protein sources requires extensive research, formulation expertise, and quality control measures to ensure optimal growth performance and health outcomes for farmed fish and aquatic organisms.

  Competition from alternative protein sources in the aqua feed market intensifies as other industries, such as animal feed, pet food, and human nutrition, also vie for limited supplies of plant-based proteins and novel protein ingredients. This competition drives up prices and creates supply chain complexities, impacting the affordability and availability of alternative protein sources for aqua feed manufacturers. Additionally, variability in the quality and composition of alternative protein sources, along with regulatory constraints and consumer preferences, further complicate their integration into aqua feed formulations. Despite the potential benefits of diversifying protein sources in aqua feed, the transition away from traditional marine-based ingredients requires careful consideration of nutritional requirements, feed performance, and environmental sustainability to ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of the Global Aqua Feed Market.

Opportunities

• Innovations in Feed Formulation
• Sustainable Sourcing of Feed Ingredients
• Customized Feed Solutions

• Biosecurity and Disease Management: One significant opportunity within the Global Aqua Feed Market lies in the realm of biosecurity and disease management. With the aquaculture industry facing increasing challenges from diseases and pathogens that can devastate fish stocks and threaten production yields, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions to enhance biosecurity measures and disease management practices. Aqua feed manufacturers can play a crucial role in this endeavor by developing feed additives and nutritional strategies that bolster the immune systems of farmed fish and aquatic organisms, making them more resilient to disease outbreaks. By incorporating ingredients with immunostimulant properties, probiotics, prebiotics, and essential vitamins and minerals into feed formulations, aqua feed manufacturers can contribute to improving the overall health and disease resistance of farmed fish, reducing reliance on antibiotics, and mitigating the risk of disease transmission within aquaculture facilities.

  Advancements in feed technology and nutrition research present opportunities for aqua feed manufacturers to develop feed additives and health management solutions that target specific pathogens and diseases prevalent in aquaculture operations. By investing in research and development initiatives focused on identifying bioactive compounds, antimicrobial peptides, and natural extracts with antimicrobial properties, aqua feed manufacturers can develop feed formulations that provide targeted protection against common pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Additionally, the integration of digital technologies, data analytics, and real-time monitoring systems into aqua feed production and management processes can enable early detection of disease outbreaks, prompt response mechanisms, and proactive measures to mitigate disease risks and minimize production losses. As the aquaculture industry continues to prioritize biosecurity and disease management, the Global Aqua Feed Market stands poised to capitalize on this opportunity by providing innovative feed solutions that contribute to the long-term sustainability and profitability of aquaculture operations worldwide.

Key players in Global Aqua Feed Market include:

• Aller Aqua AS
• Alltech Inc.
• Archer Daniels Midland Co.
• BioMar AS
• Cargill Incorporated
• Charoen Pokphand Group
• Coppens International BV
• Hanpel Tech Co. Ltd
• Kemin Industries Inc
• Inve Aquaculture Inc
• Nutreco NV
• Nutriad International NV
• Ridley Corporation Ltd

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis