Defatted Fish Meal Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Semi-Defatted Fish Meal, Full-Defatted Fish Meal), By Applications Covered (Aquaculture Feed, Poultry Feed, Pig Feed, Ruminant Feed, Pet Food, Other), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Defatted Fish Meal Market Size

The Defatted Fish Meal market was valued at USD 6,970.7 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7,263.4 million in 2025, with expectations to grow to USD 10,094.4 million by 2033. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

The U.S. Defatted Fish Meal market is expected to grow, driven by increasing demand in animal feed, aquaculture, and pet food industries, alongside rising awareness of its nutritional benefits and sustainability.

The defatted fish meal market is witnessing steady growth, driven by its key role in animal nutrition, particularly in aquaculture. As a high-protein, low-fat ingredient, defatted fish meal is a preferred choice in the production of animal feeds, including aquaculture, poultry, pig, ruminant, and pet food. The market is divided into semi-defatted and full-defatted fish meal types, with semi-defatted fish meal being more widely used due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility. As global aquaculture production continues to expand and the demand for sustainable feed ingredients grows, the defatted fish meal market is expected to experience significant growth. This trend is also supported by technological advancements in fish meal processing, as well as the increasing shift toward sustainable and renewable feed ingredients.

Defatted Fish Meal Market Trends

The defatted fish meal market is seeing key trends driven by growing demand for sustainable and nutritious feed ingredients. One of the most prominent trends is the increasing use of defatted fish meal in aquaculture. Aquaculture feed accounts for around 50% of the market share, as the demand for seafood continues to rise globally. The high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids in fish meal are essential for the healthy growth of farmed fish, making it a vital ingredient in aquaculture diets. As the global population grows and demand for fish products increases, the need for effective aquaculture feed solutions will continue to drive the market.

In addition, the poultry feed sector is also seeing significant adoption of defatted fish meal. Approximately 20% of the market share is attributed to poultry feed, as manufacturers look for cost-effective and highly digestible protein sources. Defatted fish meal is particularly beneficial in poultry diets due to its rich amino acid profile, which helps improve growth rates and overall health.

Another notable trend is the increasing adoption of defatted fish meal in pet food, which accounts for about 10% of the market. Pet owners’ growing focus on providing high-protein, nutrient-dense foods for their pets is boosting the demand for fish-based ingredients in pet food formulations.

Defatted Fish Meal Market Dynamics

The defatted fish meal market is influenced by a variety of factors that shape its growth and evolution. Key drivers include the increasing demand for high-quality feed in aquaculture and other livestock sectors, while market restraints are centered around sustainability concerns and fluctuating raw material costs. Opportunities exist in the form of alternative sourcing solutions and emerging markets, particularly in developing regions. However, challenges such as regulatory complexities and the environmental impact of fishmeal production present ongoing hurdles. The dynamics of the market continue to evolve as demand for sustainable and efficient feed ingredients rises, driven by global growth in the aquaculture, poultry, and pet food industries.

Drivers of Market Growth

"Growing Demand for Aquaculture Feed"

The growing global demand for seafood has led to an increase in aquaculture production, which is a key driver for the defatted fish meal market. Approximately 50% of the market share is attributed to aquaculture feed, as fishmeal is essential in providing the necessary nutrients for farmed fish. As more countries turn to aquaculture to meet the demand for seafood, the need for fish-based ingredients like defatted fish meal will continue to rise, fostering market growth. Regions with high aquaculture activity, such as Asia-Pacific, are driving this trend, and governments are investing in sustainable aquaculture practices, further boosting demand.

Market Restraints

"Environmental Concerns and Overfishing"

One of the main restraints for the defatted fish meal market is the environmental concerns related to fish sourcing. Overfishing and the depletion of fish stocks used to produce fishmeal can limit the availability of raw materials. Around 30% of the market challenges are attributed to these sustainability concerns, with regulatory pressures pushing for more sustainable practices. The potential depletion of fish populations and the environmental impact of large-scale fishmeal production can negatively affect the market, encouraging a shift toward alternative protein sources in animal feed.

Market Opportunities

"Use of Alternative Raw Materials"

An opportunity emerging in the defatted fish meal market is the exploration of alternative raw materials for fishmeal production. The growing concern over overfishing has prompted interest in using plant-based proteins and other sustainable sources. Companies are experimenting with algae, insects, and other marine by-products to supplement or replace traditional fishmeal in aquaculture and livestock feed. This shift could help reduce the dependency on wild-caught fish, enhancing the sustainability of the feed industry. As environmental concerns and regulatory pressures increase, the development of alternative protein sources is becoming a vital opportunity for growth.

Market Challenges

"Volatility in Fish Meal Prices"

The defatted fish meal market faces challenges related to the volatility of fishmeal prices. Prices can fluctuate significantly due to variations in fish availability, processing costs, and environmental factors. These price changes make it difficult for manufacturers to predict costs, leading to instability in the supply chain. Approximately 25% of market challenges stem from these price fluctuations, which can affect the profitability of businesses involved in fishmeal production and feed manufacturing. Additionally, the rising demand for fishmeal in aquaculture, coupled with supply constraints, could further exacerbate this issue.

Segmentation Analysis

The fish meal market is segmented based on type and application, allowing for a detailed understanding of how different fish meal types are utilized across various industries. Types of fish meal, including semi-defatted and full-defatted, are distinguished by their fat content and nutritional properties, influencing their use in animal feed. The application segments cover a wide range of industries, from aquaculture feed to pet food, each of which requires specific types of fish meal for optimal nutritional value and performance. Understanding these segments helps identify key trends and growth areas within the market, catering to different consumer demands.

By Type

• Semi-Defatted Fish Meal: Semi-defatted fish meal holds a market share of approximately 60%. This type is produced by removing a portion of the fat content from the fish, which enhances its protein concentration while maintaining sufficient lipid content. Semi-defatted fish meal is primarily used in aquaculture feed, poultry feed, and other livestock feeds, where a balance of protein and fat is required. Its high digestibility and nutrient profile make it an attractive choice for promoting healthy growth in fish and poultry. The demand for semi-defatted fish meal is increasing as the aquaculture industry expands, driven by rising seafood consumption globally.

• Full-Defatted Fish Meal: Full-defatted fish meal makes up around 40% of the market. This type undergoes a more extensive process to remove most of the fat, leaving behind a higher concentration of protein. Full-defatted fish meal is primarily used in poultry and pig feed, where protein is the main nutritional requirement. This type of fish meal is highly valued for its high protein-to-fat ratio and is often used in animal diets that require leaner sources of protein. The increased demand for lean meat production is driving the growth of full-defatted fish meal, particularly in regions with large-scale poultry and pig farming industries.

By Application

• Aquaculture Feed: Aquaculture feed represents the largest application segment, accounting for approximately 50% of the fish meal market. Fish meal is a key ingredient in the formulation of feed for farmed fish such as salmon, trout, and tilapia, as it provides high-quality protein and essential fatty acids. The growing demand for seafood and the expansion of the global aquaculture industry are driving the increase in fish meal consumption. As fish farming continues to grow in regions like Asia-Pacific and North America, the need for efficient and nutritious fish feed is expected to drive continued demand for fish meal in aquaculture applications.

• Poultry Feed: Poultry feed is the second-largest application segment, accounting for around 25% of the market. Fish meal is used in poultry diets to improve growth rates, egg production, and overall health due to its high protein and amino acid content. The increasing global demand for poultry products, particularly in developing economies, is fueling the demand for fish meal in this sector. Poultry feed formulations benefit from the inclusion of fish meal as it enhances feed palatability, supports bone health, and promotes optimal growth in broilers and layers.

• Pig Feed: Pig feed makes up about 15% of the fish meal market. Fish meal is used in swine diets primarily to improve protein intake, enhance growth, and promote efficient feed conversion. The increasing global demand for pork products is driving the growth of the pig feed market, especially in countries with large-scale pig farming industries. The use of fish meal in pig feed is gaining traction due to its nutritional benefits, which contribute to improved meat quality and higher productivity in pigs.

• Ruminant Feed: Ruminant feed accounts for around 5% of the market. Fish meal is used in ruminant diets, including cattle and sheep, to provide a high-quality source of protein. However, its use is limited compared to other animal feed types, as ruminants can synthesize certain amino acids and proteins from other feed ingredients. Nonetheless, fish meal is utilized in high-performance ruminant diets, particularly in dairy farming, where high-quality protein sources are crucial for milk production.

• Pet Food: Pet food represents about 5% of the market for fish meal. Fish meal is used in pet food formulations due to its rich protein content and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, coat, and joints in dogs, cats, and other pets. The growing pet care industry, particularly in North America and Europe, is driving the demand for high-quality pet food ingredients like fish meal. As pet owners become more conscious of providing nutritious and sustainable food for their pets, the use of fish meal in pet food formulations continues to rise.

• Other: The "Other" application category, which includes uses in fertilizers, bioplastics, and industrial applications, accounts for around 5% of the market. Fish meal is used in these applications primarily due to its rich nutrient content. It is sometimes incorporated into fertilizers as an organic source of nitrogen and phosphorus or used in the production of bioplastics as a natural protein source. Although this segment is smaller compared to others, it provides additional avenues for the use of fish meal in non-food industries.

Regional Outlook

The Defatted Fish Meal market is experiencing growth across several regions, driven by increasing demand for high-protein feed in the aquaculture, poultry, and livestock industries. North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are the primary markets for defatted fish meal, with a growing shift toward sustainable and efficient animal feed solutions. The increasing adoption of fish meal in pet food and other applications further fuels the market expansion. As regions like Asia-Pacific focus on expanding their aquaculture industries and North America and Europe emphasize sustainable feed sources, the demand for defatted fish meal is expected to continue rising. Regional market trends and the demand for alternative, nutrient-dense feed ingredients contribute to the overall market growth.

North America

North America holds a significant share of the defatted fish meal market, accounting for approximately 30%. The U.S. is the largest consumer, with the demand driven primarily by the poultry and aquaculture industries. The increasing adoption of sustainable and high-protein feed for farmed fish and poultry is fueling this demand. In the U.S., fish meal is considered a crucial component in both commercial and private aquaculture feed, particularly for species like salmon. As North America continues to invest in aquaculture and livestock industries, the defatted fish meal market is expected to grow, driven by the shift toward protein-rich, sustainable feed sources.

Europe

Europe represents around 35% of the global defatted fish meal market, with significant demand coming from the aquaculture, poultry, and pet food industries. Countries such as Norway, the UK, and Denmark are at the forefront, where fish farming is a key industry. The European Union’s focus on sustainability and environmental regulations, such as the Green Deal, has resulted in increased demand for sustainable feed options like defatted fish meal. As the demand for seafood and sustainable agriculture grows, the use of defatted fish meal in animal feed formulations is expected to rise, contributing to market expansion in Europe.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific accounts for around 25% of the global defatted fish meal market, with countries like China, India, and Vietnam being the largest consumers. The region’s strong growth in the aquaculture industry, particularly in China, is a key driver of the market. The rising demand for high-protein feed for farmed fish such as tilapia, shrimp, and salmon is boosting the market for defatted fish meal. Additionally, the growth in poultry and pig farming in countries like India and Vietnam is contributing to the increased use of defatted fish meal in animal feed. The market in Asia-Pacific is set to expand further as the region focuses on enhancing food security through more sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region holds a smaller share of the defatted fish meal market, accounting for around 10%. The demand in this region is driven primarily by the growing interest in aquaculture and livestock farming, particularly in countries like South Africa and Egypt. In these regions, the need for high-quality, protein-rich feed is increasing as the aquaculture industry expands. Additionally, the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly feed sources is rising, leading to an increase in the adoption of defatted fish meal in animal feed formulations. As the aquaculture sector continues to grow, the market for defatted fish meal in the Middle East & Africa is expected to show steady growth.

Key Players in the Defatted Fish Meal Market

• TASA

• FF Skagen

• Diamante

• SÜRSAN

• Austevoll

• Exalmar

• Oceana Group

• Copeinca

• Corpesca

• Omega Protein

• Rongcheng Blue Ocean Marine Bio

• Kodiak Fishmeal Company

• HAYDUK

• Mukka Sea Food Industries

• Animalfeeds International Corporation

• Orizon

• TripleNine Group

• KT Group

• African Pioneer Group

• Coomarpes

Top Two Companies With the Highest Market Share

• TASA: TASA holds the largest market share, accounting for approximately 25%. The company is a leading producer of fish meal, with a strong presence in both aquaculture and livestock feed markets.

• Omega Protein: Omega Protein accounts for around 18% of the market share. The company is known for its high-quality defatted fish meal used in a variety of feed applications, including aquaculture and poultry feed.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The defatted fish meal market is attracting considerable investments driven by the growing demand for sustainable, high-quality feed for aquaculture, livestock, and pet food industries. Approximately 40% of investments in this market are directed toward the development and improvement of fish meal processing technologies to ensure higher protein content and sustainability. North America and Europe represent the largest regions for investment, accounting for 60% of the global market share, driven by government policies and a strong emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices.

In North America, particularly the U.S., investments are focused on advancing aquaculture and poultry farming industries, with significant funding allocated toward the development of sustainable feed ingredients like defatted fish meal. The demand for protein-rich, eco-friendly feed solutions is increasing, as poultry and aquaculture industries are scaling up production to meet rising global protein consumption.

In Europe, investments are largely geared toward reducing environmental impact and meeting the European Union's sustainability goals. The market here is seeing increased support for sustainable farming practices, including the integration of defatted fish meal into animal feed formulations. Asia-Pacific is also witnessing significant growth, particularly in China and Southeast Asia, where investments are being made to develop advanced aquaculture systems that require high-protein, efficient feed solutions like defatted fish meal.

New Products Development

The development of new products in the defatted fish meal market is focused on improving the nutritional value and sustainability of fish meal. Around 50% of new product development efforts are dedicated to enhancing the protein concentration of defatted fish meal by improving the fish processing techniques. These innovations aim to remove more fat content while retaining high-quality protein, which is crucial for its application in aquaculture feed, poultry feed, and other livestock diets.

In addition, 30% of new product development is focused on improving the digestibility and bioavailability of fish meal for farmed fish and animals. Companies are developing new formulations that incorporate additional enzymes or prebiotics to improve nutrient absorption and overall feed efficiency. This innovation is particularly important for the aquaculture industry, where optimizing feed conversion ratios can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective production.

Moreover, about 20% of development efforts are aimed at making defatted fish meal more sustainable and eco-friendly. Research is focused on sourcing fish meal from sustainable fisheries and improving processing methods to reduce the environmental impact of production. This includes using by-products from fish processing as raw materials and adopting cleaner production technologies to reduce energy consumption and waste. These innovations are in response to growing consumer demand for sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly products, aligning with global trends toward more sustainable agricultural and food production practices.Recent

Developments by Manufacturers in the Defatted Fish Meal Market

• Market Growth and Projections: In 2023, the global defatted fish meal market was valued at approximately USD 6.06 billion. Projections indicate that it will reach around USD 8.25 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% during the forecast period.

• Pelagia's Introduction of ProAllo (August 2023): Pelagia launched ProAllo, an innovative fishmeal product designed to optimize fish health by supporting allostasis. Trials demonstrated a reduction in vulnerability by up to 86% compared to traditional fishmeal, along with improvements in growth rates and feed efficiency by 19% and 30%, respectively.

• Scoular's Acquisition of Processing Facility (May 2023): Scoular expanded its operations by acquiring Northwest Farm Food Cooperative’s frozen fish processing facility in Burlington. This facility processes fish trimmings into frozen fish ingredients for pet food manufacturers, enhancing Scoular's capacity to supply sustainable, high-quality fish ingredients throughout the year.

• Expansion in Aquaculture Feed Applications: The defatted fish meal market has seen increased utilization in aquaculture feed, driven by its high protein content and balanced amino acid profile. This trend supports the growing demand for efficient and sustainable protein sources in aquaculture.

• Regional Market Dynamics: Asia Pacific continues to dominate the defatted fish meal market, accounting for approximately 41.8% of the global revenue share in 2023. This dominance is attributed to the rapid expansion of aquaculture industries in countries such as China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Report Coverage

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the defatted fish meal market, focusing on key types such as semi-defatted fish meal and full-defatted fish meal. Semi-defatted fish meal accounts for around 60% of the market share, driven by its balance of protein content and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for a wide range of animal feed applications. Full-defatted fish meal, which is more concentrated and nutrient-dense, represents approximately 40% of the market and is used in higher-end formulations, particularly in aquaculture and pet food.

The report also covers key applications of defatted fish meal, including aquaculture feed, poultry feed, pig feed, ruminant feed, and pet food. Aquaculture feed is the dominant application, accounting for approximately 50% of the market share, as fishmeal is essential for the growth and health of farmed fish. Poultry feed follows closely, representing around 20%, due to the increasing use of fishmeal in poultry diets to boost protein content and improve growth rates. Pig feed and ruminant feed contribute about 10% each, with the remaining market share allocated to pet food and other niche applications.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific leads the market, making up more than 40% of the total share, driven by the growth of aquaculture industries in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia. Europe and North America follow with substantial shares, supported by strong demand for sustainable, high-quality feed ingredients. The report also provides insights into market trends, growth drivers, challenges, and key opportunities that are shaping the future of the defatted fish meal market.