PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 2070565
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 2070565
The global fishmeal market was valued at USD 12.18 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 12.88 billion in 2026 to USD 21.23 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.45% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the market with a 44.82% share in 2025, driven by its extensive aquaculture industry, rising seafood consumption, and increasing demand for high-quality animal feed ingredients.
Fishmeal is a protein-rich feed ingredient produced primarily from small pelagic fish such as anchovies, sardines, and menhaden, as well as fish-processing by-products. Owing to its superior digestibility, balanced amino acid composition, and high nutritional value, fishmeal remains an essential component in aquaculture, poultry, livestock, and pet feed formulations. The market continues to benefit from the global expansion of aquaculture production and increasing demand for efficient feed solutions.
Market Trends
Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing Becoming Key Industry Priorities
Sustainability has emerged as one of the most important trends in the fishmeal industry. Feed manufacturers, aquaculture companies, and livestock producers are increasingly seeking responsibly sourced marine ingredients that offer traceability and environmental assurance.
Manufacturers are strengthening certification programs, adopting responsible fishing practices, and increasing the use of fish-processing by-products to reduce dependence on wild fish catches. The industry is also witnessing growing adoption of certified sourcing programs such as MarinTrust, which enhance transparency and support sustainable marine resource management.
The increasing use of fish waste and processing residues for fishmeal production is further supporting circular economy initiatives while improving resource utilization efficiency.
Market Drivers
Rising Aquaculture Production Driving Demand
The rapid expansion of global aquaculture production remains the primary driver of fishmeal market growth. Fishmeal is widely recognized as a premium protein source that enhances feed efficiency, growth performance, and survival rates in farmed fish and shrimp.
As commercial aquaculture operations expand across Asia Pacific, Latin America, and other emerging markets, demand for scientifically formulated compound feeds continues to increase. Fishmeal remains a critical ingredient due to its balanced amino acid profile and superior digestibility.
The increasing shift from traditional feeding practices to advanced commercial feed formulations is expected to sustain strong fishmeal demand throughout the forecast period.
Market Restraints
Raw Material Shortages and Price Volatility
One of the key challenges facing the fishmeal industry is the limited availability of raw materials. Production largely depends on marine fish species such as anchovies, sardines, and menhaden, making supply vulnerable to fishing quotas, seasonal restrictions, and environmental events such as El Nino.
Stricter fishery regulations aimed at protecting marine ecosystems often reduce catch volumes and increase raw material costs. Supply disruptions can create significant price volatility, affecting both fishmeal producers and feed manufacturers worldwide.
Fluctuations in fish stocks and declining catches in major producing countries such as Peru continue to create uncertainty across the global supply chain.
Market Opportunities
Growing Demand from Poultry and Livestock Feed Applications
While aquaculture remains the largest consumer of fishmeal, rising demand from poultry and livestock industries presents substantial growth opportunities. Fishmeal is increasingly utilized in starter feeds, specialty livestock diets, and premium animal nutrition products due to its high protein content and digestibility.
Growing global meat consumption, particularly poultry production, is expected to increase demand for nutrient-dense feed ingredients. Fishmeal's ability to improve feed conversion efficiency and support animal growth makes it an attractive ingredient in commercial feed formulations.
By Source
The marine fish segment dominated the market and reached USD 3.01 billion in 2025. Marine fish such as anchovies, sardines, and menhaden remain the preferred raw materials due to their high protein content and favorable nutritional composition.
The crustaceans segment is expected to record the fastest growth with a CAGR of 7.84% during the forecast period, supported by increasing utilization of shrimp-processing by-products and sustainable feed production practices.
By Form
The powder segment dominated the market and was valued at USD 11.76 billion in 2025. Powdered fishmeal remains the preferred form due to its ease of mixing, formulation flexibility, and compatibility with commercial feed manufacturing processes.
The granules segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth owing to advantages such as reduced dust generation, improved flowability, and easier handling.
By End-Use
The aquatic animals segment accounted for the largest market share and reached USD 6.36 billion in 2025. Fishmeal continues to be a vital ingredient in fish and shrimp feeds due to its superior nutritional profile and contribution to growth performance.
The pets segment is expected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period as demand for premium pet nutrition products continues to rise globally.
By Industrial Application
The animal feed segment dominated the market with a valuation of USD 9.32 billion in 2025. Fishmeal's extensive use in aquaculture, poultry, and livestock feed formulations supports the segment's leading position.
The pet food segment is projected to witness the fastest growth due to increasing consumer preference for high-protein, premium pet nutrition products.
Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific led the global fishmeal market with a valuation of USD 5.46 billion in 2025 and is expected to remain the fastest-growing region throughout the forecast period.
China
China accounted for USD 2.63 billion in 2025, making it the world's largest fishmeal-consuming country. Strong aquaculture production and growing feed demand continue to support market expansion.
Japan
Japan reached USD 0.47 billion in 2025, supported by a mature aquaculture industry and increasing demand for premium feed ingredients.
North America
North America generated USD 1.68 billion in 2025, driven by strong demand from aquaculture, pet food, and specialty livestock feed industries.
United States
The U.S. market was valued at USD 1.42 billion in 2025, supported by domestic production capabilities and growing demand for premium animal nutrition products.
Europe
Europe accounted for USD 2.54 billion in 2025, benefiting from strong sustainability regulations and growing demand for certified marine ingredients.
Spain
Spain generated USD 0.54 billion in 2025, supported by a large aquaculture sector and extensive seafood processing activities.
South America
South America reached USD 2.03 billion in 2025, driven by large-scale fishmeal production in Peru and Chile.
The region remains a major global supplier of fishmeal exports to Asia and Europe.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa market was valued at USD 0.47 billion in 2025, supported by growing aquaculture investments and increasing demand for protein-rich feed ingredients.
South Africa
South Africa generated approximately USD 0.17 billion in 2025, benefiting from established fishing operations and expanding aquaculture activities.
Competitive Landscape
The fishmeal market is moderately consolidated, with major producers focusing on production expansion, sustainability initiatives, and product innovation.
Leading companies include:
Recent Industry Developments
Conclusion
The global fishmeal market is expected to witness steady growth through 2034, supported by expanding aquaculture production, rising demand for high-performance animal feed, and increasing adoption of premium nutrition solutions across livestock and pet food industries. Sustainability initiatives, responsible sourcing practices, and greater utilization of fish-processing by-products are transforming the competitive landscape and creating new opportunities for manufacturers. While challenges related to raw material availability, environmental regulations, and price volatility remain significant, the long-term outlook remains positive. As global demand for seafood, poultry, meat, and premium pet nutrition continues to increase, fishmeal will remain a critical ingredient in modern feed formulations, ensuring its strategic importance across the global animal nutrition industry.
Segmentation By Source
By Form
By End-Use
By Industrial Application
By Region