The Global Fish Meal market is poised to reach a value of USD 46,623.5 million in 2025, and further expand at a CAGR of 4.4% to reach USD 71,714.9 million by the year 2035.
The global fish meal market is set for substantial expansion within the next ten years, mainly driven by the soaring demand for high-protein animal feed, particularly from aquaculture, livestock, and pet nutrition sectors.
With the worldwide shift toward aquaculture, fish meal is considered as the typical reliable protein source, with its advantages of better feed conversion efficiency (FCR), faster growth, and improved survival rate of the species. Besides, the seafood diet change, more aqua feed production, and the innovations in fish meal processing are the reasons of the market shaping.
Fishing is the sector that consumes the most fish and it is also the one responsible for over half the total global demand. Developing nations like China, Norway, and Japan are filing in precision feed formulations and their dependence on high-quality, enzyme-treated fish meal is rising for salmon, shrimp, and tuna species. A good example would be the rapid growth of commercial fish farming, mainly in emerging markets like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, and the fishing of the same species which is creating a demand shortage.
The problems that manufacturers encounter with feed sustainability have resulted in moving towards empowered fish meal blends that on the one hand benefit the overall nutrient intakes and on the other hand waste algae in fish farming systems.
Along with aquaculture, livestock producers are also going to the reintroduction of fish meal in high-growth poultry and piglet diets, which is advantageous compared to non-fish meal plant-based protein sources with their lesser amino acids. Additionally, the global pet food area is having an uplift due to marine protein-based diets, mainly in proceeding and functional pet food formulations, which are being made with the help of fish meal.
The manufacturers are focusing on fish meal as a source of omega-3 molecules, which are not available elsewhere, and pointing out fish meal issues in different areas, like cognitive health, joint support, or coat conditioning. the pet products that contain these elements.
Despite being a promising market, it still faces challenges such as raw material sourcing and supply chain volatility. Environmental changes like El Niño along with anchovy catch fluctuations continue to disrupt fish meal producing hubs such as Peru and Chile.
To address the fragile state of sustainability, companies are seeking solutions such as using fish by-product, alternative marine sources, and utilizing precision fermentation technologies to create low-impact fish meal formulations. Regulatory attention on contaminants levels such as heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxins has fuelled the demand for super-purified fish meal variants.
Some of the actors that are ahead of the game include Austral Group, Copeinca, Omega Protein, and Skretting, who manage regional expansions, product diversification, and technological innovations in order to enhance their market positioning.
Besides, the emphasis is also on green certificates (MSC, IFFO RS), and low carbon feed production, which are in alignment with the overall sustainability goals globally. As the market advances, towards the supply increasingly variable and highly efficient feed formulas, fish meal will still be a strategic and irreplaceable item in the world animal nutrition industry.
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The below table presents a comparative assessment of the variation in CAGR over six months for the base year (2024) and current year (2025) for the global industry. This analysis reveals crucial shifts in market performance and indicates revenue realization patterns, thus providing stakeholders with a better vision of the growth trajectory over the year. The first half of the year, or H1, spans from January to June. The second half, H2, includes the months from July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 2024 | 3.9% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 2024 | 4.7% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 2025 | 4.2% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 2025 | 4.8% (2025 to 2035) |
The global industry's predicted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over a semi-annual period from 2025 to 2035 is shown in the above table. The business is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% in the first half (H1) of 2024 and then slightly faster at 4.7% in the second half (H2) of the same year.
The CAGR is anticipated to decrease somewhat to 4.2% in the first half of 2025 and continues to grow at 4.8% in the second half. The industry saw a decline of 35 basis points in the first half (H1 2025) and an increase of 46 basis points in the second half (H2 2025).
Shift Towards Alternative Fishmeal Sources
With the decline in freshwater fish and aquatic life, seafood companies have been searching for other raw materials to produce fishmeal. One of the most important changes that have happened is the increased use of fish parts that have been considered waste, like parts of fish that are not used in production.
These fish by-products, such as trimmings, heads, and viscera from seafood processing plants, are being utilized more demanding. This not only leads to less waste but also creates a more sustainable source of supply. What is more, previously less desired marine species like krill and mesopelagic fish are finding their place as the new sources of fish meal.
A few of the new companies that have entered into the market are focusing on through single-cell proteins and insects as partial replacements instead of depending on the use of traditional marine sources. The emphasis lies on the products being cost-effective and at the same time containing the right amount of protein and offering good digestibility.
Increasing Use of Enzyme-Treated Fish Meal for Enhanced Digestibility
As demand grows, enterprises are also looking into sourcing not just globally but within certain regions which is critical to mitigate risks that are related to climate-induced fish stock fluctuations and geopolitical disruptions which are very common in the main regions of production such as Peru and Chile.
Aqua feed and livestock feed manufacturers are shifting towards enzyme-treated fish meal to improve nutrient absorption and feed efficiency. The use of enzyme therapy has been widely popularized in fish meal production as it effectively breaks down the proteins which are otherwise not accessible to the fish.
The result is better growth and health the latter being a key factor in survival during the marine environment. Fish meal rich in methionine and lysine, are amino acids applicable to various physiological functions. One company will focus only on production efficiencies whereas another will focus on investing in technology that will convert fish meal for different fishes.
Rising Integration of Fish Meal in High-Performance Livestock Diets
Along with the innovation in high-performance fish meal for shrimp, salmon, and piglet diets, the company also invests in advanced enzymatic processing technologies, which liberate the fish meal contents for the different species’ digestive ability. In the meanwhile, the use of enzyme-treated fish meal helps in reducing the nitrogen and phosphorus waste in aquaculture which is consistent with the environmental management regulations in their countries.
On the other hand, as consumers of precision nutrition are becoming more aware of the differences in fish meal of different species and their impact on digestibility, some companies are incorporating these changes into their privileged fish meal ecology and targeting high performance feed sectors.
Regulatory Scrutiny on Heavy Metal and Contaminant Levels
Although traditionally dominated by aquaculture, fish meal is now coming back in the premium livestock feed, especially in early-stage poultry and swine nutrition. It comes with an ideal amino acid profile and also the richness in methionine and lysine which is why it is the one and not the other type of science. Good gut health and fast growth were the pluses that fish meal gave to piglets and broiler chickens. It is being included in poultry and swine diets as it can be through it used as a natural growth promoter.
The industry is also coming up with the invention of the species-specific formulations with the idea of maximizing the protein content and controlling the costs with the fluctuations in the fish meal prices. The additional focus is on the intake of the feed additives, which is then turned into fish meal that is palatable and as a result, a better fish meal in general.
During the period from 2020 to 2024, the global fish meal market went through a constant rise which was powered by the aquaculture expansion, the increase of the livestock feed applications, and premium pet food adoption. The price fluctuations caused by the supply shortages as a result of El Niño, regulatory pressures, and wild fish stocks also led to the irregular prices.
Nevertheless, the players in the market coped with this by increasing the processing efficiencies, repairing fishmeal blends, and the realization of the sustainable sourcing practices. The period 2025 to 2035 seems to be stronger than the previous one; wit demand expected to rise due to aquaculture expansion and more functional feed formulations. Fishermen are also able to launch their new high-performing fish meal products.
Suppliers are likely to use varied raw materials, biomass processing, and marine peptides combined under the umbrella of sustainability and regulatory compliance. As fish meal becomes an essential macro-nutrient, the market will be more competitive with the driving force of technology progress and the market will be clustered.
The fishmeal market across the world is a stage where both large multinationals and regional actors perform. Market competition is moderate, and its top players, who control a considerable part of the corporate market, are to be found. Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), and Bunge are the leading companies in the global fishmeal market. They operate in different fields and have a strong presence worldwide as well as effective management of their logistics thus they have preserved their power over the market.
The second tier showcases businesses like TASA (Tecnológica de Alimentos S.A.), Omega Protein Corporation, Austevoll Seafood ASA, and Corpesca S.A. They are regional or specialized fishmeal producers and mostly have a good hold in some geographic places or fishing regions.
The third tier of the market includes companies like Pesquera Diamante S.A., Copenca B.V., Nissui (Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.), Biomar Group, Skretting (Nutreco N.V.), Aker BioMarine, Oceana Group, and Copeinca ASA. These players operate in more niche or specialized segments of the fishmeal market, such as organic or sustainable fishmeal production, or they have a stronger focus on specific end-use industries like aquaculture.
This global fishmeal market has an average level of concentration, with top-tier MNCs wielding a strong power in the market. Meanwhile, the second and third sections of the market environment are more vivid and competitive as they include trading companies that are strong in regions, those providing specialized products, or certain solutions to challenges posed by the animal feed, aquaculture, and other industries that cope with the highest demand for fish meal as an ingredient.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top three countries. Norway, China and Japan are set to exhibit high consumption, and CAGRs of 3.8%, 6.3% and 2.5% respectively, through 2035.
| Countries | CAGR 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Norway | 3.8% |
| China | 6.3% |
| Japan | 2.5% |
The fish meal market is mainly determined by China, which in turn influences the trend toward aqua feed formulations that are customized for high-value species, such as shrimp, grouper, and hybrid bass. Innovations are being driven by leading fish meal producers like COFCO Biotech and Fuzhou Haijing, while manufacturers are working on optimizing protein content, lipid composition, and digestibility enhancers to meet the specific nutritional requirements of certain species.
With regulatory scrutiny over antibiotic-free aquaculture increasing in China, companies are on top of it by adding functional additives like probiotics and marine peptides to fish meal, which contributes both to the increase of farmed fish immune response and disease resistance.
Also, the suppliers have incorporated the use of modern extrusion machinery to provide the same fish meal texture in all the feeds used. As China switches to precise nutrition in aquaculture, fish meal manufacturers are adopting the approach of not just bulk trading but producing customized products based on a performance plan.
Norway, home to Mowi ASA, BioMar Group, and Skretting, is a pioneer in a new hybrid fish meal that adds precision-fermented proteins to traditional fish meal. As the Norwegian salmon industry continues to drive efficiency on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and aim to reduce their reliance on fish from the sea, manufacturers are pursuing the technology of using methane-eating bacteria and algae for protein fermentation processes. The result of this effort is a fish meal that is more nutritionally efficient in salmon farming through better use of amino acids and higher omega-3 content.
Furthermore, main companies are channelling resources into bioreactor technologies which enable the mass-production of microbial proteins as a coproduct together with the fish meal. Aligning with the objective of the Norwegian regulatory body, which also values low-carbon aquaculture, fish meal producers are largely adding precision fermentation proteins to their mix, thus making Norway the forefront of the innovation in the new age of salmon feed.
The tuna farming sector of Japan, with Maruha Nichiro and Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Nissui) at the helm, is the one that causes the highest wave of demand for ultra-purified fish meal with low ash and controlled fatty acid profiles.
The growing production of bluefin tuna has taken the focus away from protein optimization as the primary target towards the elimination of oxidized fats, heavy metals, and biogenic amines which affect growth rates or can lead to bad quality fillets. The advanced molecular fractionation and low-temperature refining techniques are being used by Japanese manufacturers not only to prevent oxidation but also to stay true to the production of high-value marine peptides.
The propensity for super-premium sushi-grade tuna has furthered the decision of fish meal manufacturers to upgrade their processing technology that contributes to feed digestibility and omega-3 retention. Japan has not only become known for high-performance fish feeds but also adds ultra-purified fish meal as an important factor that distinguishes its aquaculture sector.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Wild-Caught Fish (Species) | 40% |
With more than 65% of the total fish meal coming from wild fish, it is still the number one raw material for the production of fish meal globally. The leading species, which is mainly focused on the harvesting in areas such as Peru, Chile, and the north Atlantic, include anchovies, menhaden, capelin, and sardines. This segment has been and will continue to be the main aquafeed supplier globally due to its high protein yield, superior amino acid profile, and omega-3 content.
Although people are showing a rising interest in fish by-products and alternative proteins, wild fish meal still excels in digestibility and feed conversion efficiency (FCR), thus, contributing to a faster rate of growth and better health of farmed species such as salmon and shrimp.
The fish and seafood sector has a commitment to sustainability which is why they are now even acting responsibly and certified by MSC to guarantee proper sourcing practices that will in turn help them keep the market stable. Even though there are alternatives, wild-caught fish remains the top choice for fish meal production, which is due to the high demand for premium quality feeds.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Aquaculture (Application) | 50% |
Aquaculture is the industry with the majority ownership in the global fish meal market as it consumes about 70% of the total fish meal produced. The fast growth of the intensive fish and shrimp farming sector has resulted in the demand for the diet which is rich in protein and high in omega-3, which is why fish meal is the main item on the menu for fish like salmon, shrimp, tilapia, and other marine finfish.
Unlike plant-based proteins, fish meal provides an optimal amino acid profile and therefore ensures superior growth rates, feed conversion efficiency (FCR), and disease resistance in farmed seafood. With the increase in global seafood consumption, the aquaculture sector's dependability on fish meal is becoming more significant, especially in China, Norway, and Southeast Asia.
To ensure a constant supply of raw materials, manufacturers are making use of fish meal formulations that have been enhanced with marine peptides and enzyme treatments. Despite the fact that there are other alternatives, all the same, fish meal has been and remains a cornerstone of premium aquatic nutrition and has a long-term market leader's role
The global market for fishmeal is marked by high competitiveness owing to certain firms, such as Austral Group (Peru), Copeinca (China Fishery Group), Omega Protein (USA), and Skretting (Norway), being the primary sources of supply. As a measure to boost market share, the manufacturers have planted the seeds mainly in sustainability-certified sourcing, using enzyme treatments to improve fish meal digestibility, and by the addition of fish by-products in the raw materials through diversification.
The production units of many companies are either being enlarged, as in the case of BioMar Group's new feeder plant in Ecuador that will serve the local aquaculture sector,during the expansion of Latin America, or are being newly established.
On top of that, concerns are being launched by high-performance fish meal formulations such as IFFO RS-certified premium-grade fish meal. This is mainly driven by the demand for low-contaminant feed which is high in protein content.
Strategic mergers like Cooke Inc acquiring Omega Protein also play an essential role in the stability of supply chains. In the course of the flourishing aquaculture sector, the manufacturers are depending on precision nutrition, advanced processing technology, and the expansion of regional units in order to uphold their market leader status.
By 2035, the sales value of the industry is expected to reach USD 71,714.9 million.
Fish Meal Powder, Fish Meal Pellets, Fish Oil, and Fish Protein Hydrolysate.
Aquaculture, Animal Feed, Pet Food, Fertilizers, Nutraceuticals
Wild-Caught Fish, Farmed Fish, Bycatch, and Processing by products.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania
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Fish Meal Market
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