The Plant-based Fish Feed Market size was estimated at USD 650 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.4 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.80% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Plant-based Fish Feed Market

Market Summary

The plant-based fish feed market represents a transformative segment within the global aquaculture and food and beverages industry, driven by a strategic shift toward sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. This market focuses on developing and supplying alternative nutritional solutions derived from plant proteins, oils, and other organic compounds to replace traditional fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds. Key ingredients include soybean meal, corn gluten, wheat, rice bran, and canola oil, which are processed to meet the specific dietary requirements of various farmed fish species such as salmon, trout, carp, and tilapia. The adoption of these feeds is largely motivated by the need to reduce dependency on wild-caught fish for feed production, thereby alleviating pressure on marine ecosystems and promoting a more circular economy. Major aquaculture-producing regions across Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America are increasingly integrating plant-based formulations into their feeding regimes, supported by ongoing research into nutritional efficacy and digestibility. Companies operating in this space are engaged in product innovation, strategic partnerships, and capacity expansions to cater to the growing demand from fish farmers seeking cost-effective, scalable, and eco-friendly feed options that do not compromise on animal health or growth performance.

Key Highlights

The plant-based fish feed market is characterized by several pivotal developments that underscore its growing significance. A primary highlight is the accelerated research and development activities aimed at optimizing feed formulations to ensure they provide complete nutrition, including essential amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals, which are critical for fish health and development. Innovations in processing technologies, such as fermentation and enzymatic treatment, are enhancing the bioavailability and palatability of plant-based ingredients, addressing historical challenges related to antinutritional factors. Another key trend is the increasing involvement of major feed manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, including Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland Company, and Aller Aqua, who are investing in sustainable ingredient sourcing and proprietary technologies to produce high-performance feeds. The market is also witnessing a surge in strategic collaborations between feed companies, research institutions, and aquaculture producers to validate the long-term benefits of plant-based diets on fish growth rates, disease resistance, and fillet quality. Furthermore, regulatory support and certifications for sustainable aquaculture practices are encouraging wider adoption, while consumer awareness about the ecological impact of seafood production is driving demand for fish raised on responsible feed inputs.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The expansion of the plant-based fish feed market is propelled by a combination of driving forces, promising opportunities, and notable restraints. A central driver is the escalating global demand for seafood, coupled with stagnant wild catch yields, which compels the aquaculture industry to intensify production sustainably. Environmental concerns over the depletion of forage fish stocks used in conventional feed manufacturing are pushing producers toward plant-derived alternatives to minimize ecological footprints. Additionally, advancements in agricultural biotechnology are improving the yield and nutritional profile of crop-based ingredients, making them more viable and cost-competitive. Significant opportunities exist in the development of novel protein sources, such as algae, duckweed, and single-cell proteins, which could further enhance sustainability and reduce land use impacts. The integration of digital technologies and precision feeding systems also presents avenues for optimizing feed utilization and waste reduction. However, the market faces restraints including the high cost of some plant-based raw materials relative to traditional options, potential issues with palatability and nutrient absorption in certain fish species, and the need for extensive farming infrastructure adjustments. Regulatory hurdles and varying standards across regions may also slow market penetration, while economic volatility in agricultural commodity prices can impact supply chain stability.

Concentration Insights

The competitive landscape of the plant-based fish feed market is moderately concentrated, with a mix of global agribusiness giants, specialized aquafeed companies, and emerging innovators striving for market share. Established players like Cargill, Nutreco N.V. through its Skretting subsidiary, and Aller Aqua Group possess significant resources, extensive distribution networks, and robust research capabilities, allowing them to lead in product development and geographic expansion. These companies often engage in vertical integration, controlling aspects from raw material sourcing to feed production, which enhances their cost efficiency and supply chain reliability. Regional players, particularly in high-growth areas like Asia Pacific, also hold substantial influence by catering to local species and farming practices. The market concentration is further shaped by strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships aimed at broadening product portfolios and accessing new technologies. For instance, collaborations between feed manufacturers and academic institutions are common to advance nutritional science. While barriers to entry exist due to the capital-intensive nature of feed manufacturing and the need for technical expertise, the growing demand for sustainable solutions is encouraging new entrants and investments, gradually diversifying the competitive field and fostering innovation across value chains.

Type Insights

Plant-based fish feeds are categorized based on their primary ingredient composition and formulation, which are tailored to meet the nutritional needs of different aquatic species. Soybean-based feeds dominate the market due to the high protein content, favorable amino acid profile, and widespread availability of soybeans. These feeds are commonly used for omnivorous and herbivorous fish such as tilapia and carp. Corn gluten meal is another significant ingredient, valued for its protein concentration and energy content, often utilized in blends to enhance feed efficiency. Wheat-based ingredients provide carbohydrates and act as binders in pellet formation, ensuring feed stability in water. Canola and rapeseed meals are incorporated for their protein and lipid content, though they may require processing to reduce antinutritional factors. Rice bran is popular in Asian aquaculture for its affordability and fiber content. Additionally, specialized formulations include protein concentrates from peas, lupins, and other legumes, which are gaining traction for their sustainability credentials. The choice of plant type depends on factors such as cost, nutritional adequacy, digestibility, and the specific physiological requirements of the target fish species, driving continuous innovation in ingredient selection and processing techniques to optimize feed performance.

Application Insights

Plant-based fish feeds are applied across various segments of aquaculture, catering to diverse fish species and production systems. The largest application is in the farming of freshwater species, including carp, tilapia, and catfish, which naturally adapt well to plant-rich diets due to their omnivorous or herbivorous feeding habits. These species account for a substantial portion of global aquaculture output, particularly in Asia Pacific regions, driving significant demand for cost-effective plant-based formulations. For marine species such as salmon, trout, and sea bass, which are carnivorous, plant-based feeds are used in partial substitution regimes, often blended with fishmeal and oil to meet their high protein and omega-3 fatty acid requirements. Research is focused on increasing the inclusion levels of plant ingredients in marine diets without compromising growth or health. Additionally, plant-based feeds are employed in hatcheries and nursery operations for juvenile fish, where precise nutrition is critical for development. The application scope is expanding to include crustaceans like shrimp, where soybean and pea proteins are increasingly utilized. The versatility of plant-based feeds supports their use in various aquaculture environments, including pond culture, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and offshore cages, highlighting their integral role in sustainable production scalability.

Regional Insights

The adoption and production of plant-based fish feed vary significantly across geographic regions, influenced by local aquaculture practices, regulatory frameworks, and resource availability. Asia Pacific stands as the largest and fastest-growing market, led by countries such as China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where aquaculture is a vital economic activity. The region's dominance is attributed to high seafood consumption, government initiatives promoting sustainable aquaculture, and the widespread farming of species that readily accept plant-based diets. Europe follows, with strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and stringent regulations regarding feed ingredients, driving innovation and adoption among salmon and trout farmers in Norway, Scotland, and Denmark. North America exhibits steady growth, supported by advanced research capabilities and increasing consumer demand for responsibly sourced seafood, with significant activities in Canada and the United States. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are emerging regions, where aquaculture development is accelerating, and plant-based feeds are gaining traction as cost-effective solutions. Regional differences in raw material availability also shape market dynamics; for example, soybean-rich regions like South America have advantages in ingredient sourcing, while areas with limited arable land may rely more on imports or alternative proteins.

Company Insights

The plant-based fish feed market features active participation from leading companies and specialized manufacturers dedicated to advancing sustainable aquaculture nutrition. Cargill Incorporated is a prominent player, leveraging its global agribusiness footprint to produce innovative plant-based aquafeeds under brands like EWOS, focusing on salmonids and other species. Nutreco N.V., through its Skretting and Trouw Nutrition divisions, invests heavily in research to develop high-performance feeds incorporating plant proteins, oils, and functional additives. Aller Aqua Group offers a range of plant-based solutions tailored for various fish species, emphasizing sustainability and nutritional excellence. Archer Daniels Midland Company provides key ingredients such as soybean meal and protein concentrates to feed manufacturers, supporting the supply chain. BioMar Group is recognized for its sustainability commitments and customized feed formulations that integrate plant materials. Regional players like Guangdong Evergreen Feed Industry Co. Ltd. in China and Avanti Feeds Ltd. in India cater to local markets with cost-effective products. These companies engage in strategies such as product launches, capacity expansions, and partnerships with aquaculture producers to enhance their market presence and address the evolving needs for eco-friendly and efficient feed solutions.

Recent Developments

The plant-based fish feed market has witnessed notable recent developments reflecting its dynamic growth and innovation trajectory. Companies are increasingly launching new product lines with higher inclusions of plant proteins, aimed at reducing reliance on marine resources while maintaining nutritional integrity. For instance, several manufacturers have introduced feeds for salmon that incorporate advanced plant protein blends, achieving significant substitution rates without affecting growth performance. Strategic partnerships and collaborations have intensified, with feed companies joining forces with biotechnology firms to explore novel ingredients like microalgae and insect meal, which can complement plant-based formulations. Investments in production capacity expansions are evident across regions, particularly in Asia and Europe, to meet rising demand. Additionally, research institutions and companies are publishing findings from trials that demonstrate the long-term viability and benefits of plant-based diets in various aquaculture species, enhancing industry confidence. Sustainability certifications and eco-labeling initiatives are becoming more prevalent, influencing procurement decisions and brand positioning. These developments collectively underscore a market that is rapidly evolving through technological advancement, strategic alignment, and a strengthened commitment to environmental stewardship in global aquaculture practices.

Report Segmentation

This comprehensive report on the plant-based fish feed market provides detailed segmentation to deliver actionable insights for stakeholders. The analysis is structured based on type, categorizing feeds according to their primary plant ingredients such as soybean, corn, wheat, rice bran, canola, and other emerging sources like pea and lupin proteins. Each segment is evaluated for its market presence, nutritional characteristics, and application suitability. The report further segments the market by application, focusing on key aquaculture species including carp, tilapia, catfish, salmon, trout, shrimp, and other marine and freshwater fish, highlighting species-specific adoption trends and feed requirements. Geographic segmentation covers major regions and key countries within North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa, providing regional production, consumption, and growth analysis. Additionally, the report includes segmentation by form, such as pellets, extruded feeds, and powders, addressing their usage in different farming systems. This multi-dimensional segmentation enables a thorough understanding of market dynamics, opportunities, and competitive landscapes across various dimensions, supporting strategic decision-making for businesses operating in or entering this sector.

FAQs

What is plant-based fish feed? Plant-based fish feed refers to aquaculture feed formulated primarily with ingredients derived from plants, such as soybeans, corn, wheat, and legumes, instead of traditional fishmeal and fish oil. These feeds are designed to provide essential nutrients for farmed fish while promoting environmental sustainability.

Why is plant-based fish feed important? Plant-based fish feed is important because it reduces the aquaculture industry's dependence on wild-caught fish for feed production, helping to conserve marine ecosystems. It supports sustainable farming practices, lowers the environmental footprint, and contributes to the long-term viability of global seafood supply.

Which fish can eat plant-based feed? Many fish species can consume plant-based feeds, including omnivorous and herbivorous species like carp, tilapia, and catfish. For carnivorous species such as salmon and trout, plant-based ingredients are often used in partial replacements, with ongoing research to increase inclusion levels without compromising health.

What are the main ingredients in plant-based fish feed? The main ingredients in plant-based fish feed include soybean meal, corn gluten meal, wheat middlings, rice bran, canola meal, and protein concentrates from peas or other legumes. These are selected for their nutritional value, digestibility, and cost-effectiveness.

How does plant-based fish feed affect fish growth? When properly formulated, plant-based fish feed supports healthy fish growth by providing balanced nutrition, including proteins, lipids, and essential amino acids. Advances in feed technology have improved palatability and nutrient bioavailability, ensuring that growth rates and fish health are maintained comparable to traditional feeds.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Plant-based Fish Feed Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Plant-based Fish Feed Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Plant-based Fish Feed Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Plant-based Fish Feed Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Plant-based Fish Feed Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Plant-based Fish Feed Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Plant-based Fish Feed Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Plant-based Fish Feed Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Plant-based Fish Feed Market
• Plant-based Fish Feed Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Plant-based Fish Feed Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Plant-based Fish Feed Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Plant-based Fish Feed Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Plant-based Fish Feed Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Plant-based Fish Feed Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Plant-based Fish Feed Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Plant-based Fish Feed Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

Report Customization

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