The Korea insect feed market is estimated to be worth USD 27.1 million in 2025 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 173.6 million by 2035. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 20.4% over the forecast period between 2025 and 2035. The demand for insect feed in Korea is likely to increase rapidly.
This can be attributed to the increase in aquaculture, poultry, and pet food industries' demand. Insect feed is the most environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative as more and more people look for sustainable sources of protein.
It is high in protein content, shows an efficient feed conversion rate, and boasts a low environmental footprint, rendering it an attractive solution for the decrease of dependence on traditional feed ingredients by the producers.
The majority of the country's urban centers are moving toward sustainability and environmental conservation; therefore, such places will be strategic markets to implement insect feed as they also reflect an integrated awareness regarding environment-friendly agricultural practices.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Insect Feed Market Size in Korea (2025E) | USD 27.1 million |
| Projected Insect Feed Market Value in Korea (2035F) | USD 173.6 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 20.4% |
Explore FMI!
Book a free demo
| 2020 to 2024 | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Emerging Market Development: Insect feed production in Korea is still at its nascent stage, having only limited commercial production and focusing more on research and pilot projects. | Widening Market Expansion: Strong support from the government and successful pilot programs will encourage the broad application of the technology in aquaculture, livestock, and pet food industries. |
| Technological Experimentation: Its focus is on small-scale operations, automation, and controlled environment research for improvement in efficiency. | Advanced Technological Integration: It will be introduced through AI-led machines, smart farms, and automated production lines to build a better or cost-effective output. |
| Regulatory Barriers: Unclear regulatory guidelines and slow approval processes limited rapid growth, creating uncertainties for investors. | Proactive Regulatory Framework: Streamlined regulations and government incentives will encourage investments and accelerate industry growth. |
| High Production Costs: Due to immature supply chains and dependence on imported technology, production costs were high, affecting competitiveness. | Economies of scale, technological improvements, and local production will lead to cost-efficiency. |
| Limited Cultural Acceptance: There was very low public awareness of the benefits of insect-based feed and a preponderance of traditional feed preferences. | It is with increasing cultural acceptance, education, awareness about sustainability, and success in animal nutrition that the use of insect feed will be normal. |
| Volatile demand and disruption in supply chains caused uneven growth. | A strong supply chain, diversified applications, and consumer trust will support stable market dynamics, maintaining constant demand and sustainable growth. |
Growing Sustainability Concerns
The insect feed industry in Korea is undergoing dynamic growth because of sustainability concerns. The growing number of environmentally aware Korean consumers further pushes for the adoption of greener feed options. Low carbon usage and resource-intensive feed production from insects will also further help in promoting the green growth of Korea.
Nutritional benefits play a key role in the adoption of insect feed. It has high protein content, essential amino acids, and healthy fats, which makes it suitable for the aquaculture, poultry, and pet food industries. This attracts health-conscious consumers who pay more attention to the welfare and nutritional value of animal products.
Technological changes are fast-tracking the insect feed industry in Korea. Automated farming, precision feeding systems, and biotechnology have improved production efficiency and feed quality. They also reduce operation costs and maintain high standards set by Korea on food safety and product consistency.
Such cultural acceptance of products based on insects is slowly but surely happening. Insects form part of many traditional Korean diets, but a more recent inclusion of insects is in animal feeds. Educational efforts and government policies help rebuild a consumer's positive perception of insects as safe, sustainable feedstocks.
Fluctuation in feed prices and the disruption of the supply chain prompts interest in using insects as feed since insects have a stable alternative source, being locally sourced that reduces reliance on imported feed, thereby strengthening food security in Korea.
Regulatory frameworks significantly influence industry growth. The government of Korea has actively encouraged sustainable agriculture through policies that simplify the approval process for insect-based feed products. Clear regulatory provisions make the investments possible and spur expansion in the industry.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Product Type | Meal (Powder) |
| Market Share in 2025 | 61.5% |
In Korea, insect meal in powdered form is emerging as the leading product type in the insect feed market due to its versatility and wide range of applications. In 2025, meal (powder) is projected to account for 61.5% of the total insect feed market share by product type.
A rising demand for convenient, nutritious, and sustainable food products is expected to drive the growth of powdered insect meals in Korea. Additionally, the growing trend of health-conscious consumer preferences and the shift toward eco-friendly food production practices are further fueling the demand for insect meal powders.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Insect Type | Black Soldier Flies |
| Market Share in 2025 | 44.7% |
Black soldier flies (BSF) are gaining significant traction in Korea's insect feed market, primarily due to their ecological benefits and high nutritional value. In 2025, black soldier flies are expected to hold 44.7% of the market share by insect type.
BSF larvae and their byproducts, such as larval meal, are utilized in a wide range of applications, including livestock feed, aquaculture, and pet food. Black soldier flies can easily convert organic waste into high-quality protein, which makes them a sustainable alternative to feed ingredients.
Environmental issues and sustainability factors are increasingly guiding consumer and industry choices. In this regard, it is expected that demand for black soldier fly-derived products will rise. This will coincide with the measures taken by the Government of Korea to reduce food production's negative environmental impact and encourage green farming practices.
Insect feed is being adopted by the aquaculture industry because of its more sustainable and efficient nature compared to traditional protein sources like fishmeal. There is an increasing demand for alternative feeds caused by overfishing and the increasing price of fishmeal. Insects, which specifically black soldier fly larvae, are a nutrient-dense, environmentally responsible substitute for wild-caught fish products.
In South Korea, the insect-based feed industry is showing a rise in concentration by the few giant firms with highly advanced production technologies. These firms specialize in black soldier fly larvae, utilizing efficient bioconversion systems. Their expertise in scaling operations and securing regulatory approvals positions them as key influencers in the industry’s growth.
Strategic partnerships between domestic leaders and global sustainable feed companies enhance technological capabilities. These collaborations promote innovation in feed formulations and processing techniques. Leading firms benefit from shared research and development, allowing them to introduce high-quality, nutrient-dense products tailored to Korea’s aquaculture, livestock, and pet food industries.
Government support plays a critical role in industry concentration, with policies favoring sustainable agriculture and waste reduction. Top-class companies have subsidy and regulatory framework support in expanding their capacity. Their stringent safety standards mean they are a class apart and are likely to maintain their stronghold while offering minimal scope for entry of smaller companies.
Increasing demand for sustainable protein sources in aquaculture and livestock farming strengthens the positions of leading companies. Their well-established supply chains and strong brand recognition facilitate the mass adoption of their products. These firms further solidify their hold on various agricultural sectors by addressing sustainability concerns and improving animal health.
Concentration is further intensified by technological advances in insect rearing, processing automation, and feed optimization. The market leaders are heavily investing in R&D to increase efficiency and decrease costs. This creates high entry barriers that discourage new competitors and maintain the competitive advantage of existing participants in the industry.
Environmental pressures, such as resource scarcity and waste management, increase the demand for dominant firms. Sustainable practices combined with robust logistics networks and international partnerships ensure continued leadership. As demand for alternative proteins grows, these key players will shape industry standards, driving both expansion and consolidation.
Demand in the insect feed market of South Korea is expanding rapidly because consumers are focusing more on the requirement for sustainability and alternative sources of protein.
Therefore, such an increase marks the beginning of changes in the livestock feed sector with companies, among other customers, looking toward environmentally friendly options to reduce reliance on traditional feeds coming from animal resources.
Major market players include Cricket One, Ÿnsect, and others. Key players have concentrated their efforts on developing insect-based proteins, mainly by using the Black Soldier Fly to produce high-quality, hypoallergenic pet foods and animal feeds that meet the various nutritional requirements of pet animals.
The recent expansion is also supported by the growing public conscience about the environmental benefits of insect farming, which include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and resource utilization. Technological developments in farming techniques have also enabled efficient mass production of insect protein at affordable costs.
As per FMI analysis, the barriers remain with respect to regulation and consumer acceptance, but with the support of continuous research and development as well as favorable government initiatives, such barriers can be mitigated in favor of broader adoption of insect-based feed products.
The South Korea insect feed market is trending upward because of sustainability trends and innovation. As leading companies keep developing new products and expanding their activities, the sector is poised for sustainable growth.
The market is slated to reach USD 27.1 million in 2025.
The market is predicted to reach a size of USD 173.6 million by 2035.
Meal (powders) are being widely purchased as insect feed.
Some of the key companies supplying insect feed in Korea include Protix, Hexafly, and others.
The insect feed market in Korea is segmented by product type, insect type, and nutrition.
By product type, the market is segmented into meal (powder), live insect meal, and whole (dried insects).
By Insect Type, the market is segmented into black soldier flies, fly larvae, silkworms, cicadas, and other insects.
In terms of nutrition, the market is divided into aquaculture, pig nutrition, poultry nutrition, dairy nutrition, and others.
Annatto Food Colours Market Trends - Natural Pigments & Industry Growth 2025 to 2035
Algae Fats Market Trends - Sustainable Fat Innovations 2025 to 2035
Cocoa Market Analysis by Type, Process, Nature, Application, and Region through 2035
Crude Sulfate Turpentine Market Analysis by Product Type, Source, Processing Method, Application, and Region through 2035
Confectionery Ingredients Market Analysis by Types, Form, Source, and Region through 2035
Corn Wet Milling Services Market Analysis by Equipment, Type, Application, End Products, and Region through 2035
Insect Feed Market Analysis in Korea
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
