| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 7.13 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 9.36 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 5.60% |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Europe Aqua Feed Market Analysis
The Europe Aqua Feed Market size is estimated at USD 7.13 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 9.36 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Although the European aquafeed market trails behind its Asia-Pacific and North American counterparts, it is on the brink of steady growth. This growth is largely attributed to stringent regulations and rising raw material costs. Key drivers of this expansion include a surge in fish farming, the European Commission's initiatives to enhance aquaculture, and a rise in seafood consumption, spurred by heightened awareness of its health benefits.
In 2022, Europe's aquaculture production reached 17.4 million metric tons, marking a 1.4% increase since 2019. This production boost has intensified the demand for feed, propelling the market forward. The Union Kingdom's aquaculture, predominantly rooted in Scotland, is now expanding into England and Wales. Salmon is the country's leading fish. Despite a recent decline in shellfish production, forecasts indicate a recovery, which would elevate aquafeed demand. Furthermore, the Union Kingdom sees smaller-scale cultivation of carp, brown trout, arctic char, sea bass, cod, turbot, halibut, and tilapia. With Scotland's dominance in salmon production, it stands as the Union Kingdom's aquafeed epicenter. In 2020, Scotland's fishing and aquaculture sectors represented nearly 70% of the Union Kingdom's total, outpacing the South-West and Northern Ireland, which accounted for 8% and 5%, respectively.
Aquaculture species, reliant on high-protein feed materials like fishmeal, underscore the industry's dedication to quality. Sustainable practices, incorporating plant-based proteins from species like Pangasius djambal and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, alongside soybean meal, are set to amplify feed demand. As per the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022, the European Union's fisheries and aquaculture production is anticipated to grow from 3,263 thousand metric tons in 2020 to 3,704 thousand metric tons by 2030. Thus, with major global players ramping up investments in R&D and embracing fish farming, the market is primed for growth in the coming years.
Europe Aqua Feed Market Trends
Rise in Export-Oriented Aquaculture
Seafood consumption is steadily increasing across the region, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, demographic changes, rising incomes, price fluctuations, and heightened environmental and health concerns. These influences not only shape the types of seafood being consumed but also bolster demand in the aqua feed market.
Seafood is lauded for its nutritional benefits, providing essential nutrients vital for health and wellness at every age. Rich in vitamins, proteins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, seafood's nutrients, especially omega-3s from fish and shellfish, are crucial for strong bones, brain development, and a healthy heart and immune system. As awareness of these benefits grows, so does regional seafood consumption, driving up production. Data from the Russian aquaculture association (Rosrybkhoz) highlights a notable 8.3% surge in aquaculture production in 2021, reaching 253,200 metric tons. Trout led the market with a 45% share, followed by carp at 18%, sturgeon at 7%, and a variety of other species, including oysters, mussels, and catfish, rounding out the remainder.
Europe emerges as a dominant player in both the production and consumption of aquaculture fish, with tuna, salmon, and cod topping the demand list. Recent statistics highlight Europe's robust potential, not just to maintain its current pace but to further expand. As per capita consumption of aquaculture products rises and the benefits of seafood become more recognized, commercial aqua production in Europe is set to grow, subsequently boosting the aquafeed market. Data from Germany's Federal Statistics Office indicates that in 2021, about 18,300 metric tons of fish were produced by roughly 2,200 aquaculture businesses. These businesses, cultivating fish and crustaceans in ponds, artificial basins, and raceways, are increasingly investing in closed recirculating systems technology, marking them as significant players in the aquafeed market. With a growing aquaculture population and ongoing research in aquafeed, the European aquafeed market is poised for expansion.
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United Kingdom Dominates the Market
Fish lead aquaculture production in Europe. In 2022, fish production hit 15.6 million metric tons, up 1.8% from 2019. This rise in fish production positively influences the regional fish feed market. Fish accounted for a dominant 89.9% of the region's total aquaculture output. Moreover, fisheries play a crucial role in the region, serving as a primary protein source, a means for foreign exchange, and a foundation for livelihoods and overall well-being.
The UK's aquaculture industry is varied, producing finfish and shellfish for consumption, ornamental trade, and fisheries restocking. In 2021, salmon led the UK aquaculture in both volume and value. Data from Defra and the Office for National Statistics UK reveal that fish consumption rose from 148 grams per week in 2020 to 153 grams in 2021. This uptick in fish consumption is driving a heightened demand for aquatic feed.
There's an increasing demand for functional aquafeeds tailored to the nutritional needs of aquatic species. The UK has prohibited certain feed additives, including formaldehyde, ethoxyquin, and cassia gum, after they were re-evaluated and deemed non-compliant with modern data standards. These bans are in effect in both the UK and the European Union. Yet, companies like Ensus UK are undeterred, announcing a EUR 100 million (USD 10.9 million) investment in 2023, targeting high-protein ingredient products for the UK and European aquatic feed markets. This move is poised to spur market growth in the coming years.
Companies like Benchmark Holdings in the UK are pioneering sustainable fish feed ingredients, such as insect proteins, which are now substituting fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeed formulations. This shift not only curtails dependence on wild-caught fish but also champions sustainable agricultural practices. Given the rising fish consumption, bolstered investments, and ongoing innovations, the UK aqua feed market is set for growth in the coming years.
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Europe Aqua Feed Industry Overview
The Europe aquafeed market is relatively consolidated, with major players holding a significant market share. Alltech Inc., Nutreco N.V, Cargill Inc., Biomar Group, and Benchmark Holdings plc are some major players in this region. New product launches, partnerships, and acquisitions are the major strategies adopted by the leading companies in the market in the country. Along with innovations and expansions, investments in R&D and developing novel product portfolios will likely be crucial strategies in the coming years.
Europe Aqua Feed Market Leaders
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BioMar Group
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Cargill, Inc.
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Nutreco N.V.
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Alltech Inc.
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Benchmark Holdings plc
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Europe Aqua Feed Market News
- April 2024: BioMar unveiled "Calm," its newest addition to the SmartCare product line for salmon feeds composed of natural ingredients. Calm is designed for incorporation into grower diets and can be used alongside other established SmartCare offerings in the United Kingdom.
- October 2023: Cargill has expanded its research facility in Norway. This expansion enhances the facility's capacity to conduct trials and provides greater flexibility in adapting aquafeeds. These adaptations can respond to various factors, including fluctuations in raw material prices and evolving customer requests.
Europe Aqua Feed Industry Segmentation
Aquafeed is a mixture of raw materials, additives, and other supplements, sourced from natural or synthetic sources and fed to farmed fish in the form of pellets, granules, and powders. Aquafeed is primarily sourced from cereals, fishmeal, supplements, and other ingredients. The Europe aquafeed market is segmented by type into fish feed, crustaceans feed, mollusks feed, and other aquafeed, ingredient into cereals, fishmeal, supplements, and other ingredients, and geography into Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Norway, and Rest of Europe. The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of value in USD for all the above segments.
| Type | Fish Feed | Carp | |
| Salmon | |||
| Tilapia | |||
| Catfish | |||
| Other Fish Species | |||
| Crustaceans Feed | Shrimp | ||
| Other Crustacean | |||
| Mollusks Feed | |||
| Other Aquafeed | |||
| Ingredient | Cereals | ||
| Fishmeal | |||
| Supplements | |||
| Other Ingredients | |||
| Geography | Germany | ||
| France | |||
| Italy | |||
| Spain | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Norway | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
Type
| Fish Feed | Carp |
| Salmon | |
| Tilapia | |
| Catfish | |
| Other Fish Species | |
| Crustaceans Feed | Shrimp |
| Other Crustacean | |
| Mollusks Feed | |
| Other Aquafeed |
Ingredient
| Cereals |
| Fishmeal |
| Supplements |
| Other Ingredients |
Geography
| Germany |
| France |
| Italy |
| Spain |
| United Kingdom |
| Norway |
| Rest of Europe |
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Europe Aqua Feed Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Aqua Feed Market?
The Europe Aqua Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 7.13 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.60% to reach USD 9.36 billion by 2030.
What is the current Europe Aqua Feed Market size?
In 2025, the Europe Aqua Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 7.13 billion.
Who are the key players in Europe Aqua Feed Market?
BioMar Group, Cargill, Inc., Nutreco N.V., Alltech Inc. and Benchmark Holdings plc are the major companies operating in the Europe Aqua Feed Market.
What years does this Europe Aqua Feed Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Europe Aqua Feed Market size was estimated at USD 6.73 billion. The report covers the Europe Aqua Feed Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Europe Aqua Feed Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Page last updated on: November 18, 2024
Europe Aqua Feed Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Europe Aqua Feed market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceâ„¢ Industry Reports. Europe Aqua Feed analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
