Fish Powder Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source (Whole Fish, By-product), By Application (Swine, Aquaculture, Poultry, Others), By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Fish Powder Market Size & Trends

The global fish powder market size was valued at USD 9.10 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2030. Factors such as evolving health trends and the increasing need for sustainable food sources in animal nutrition have acted as major market drivers. Fish powder, often made from fish meal, fish protein concentrate, or hydrolyzed fish proteins, is used in a range of applications, including food, pet food, animal feed, and aquaculture. The continued expansion of the worldwide aquaculture sector and the growing demand for protein in livestock farming is another significant contributor to the steady development of the fish powder industry.

The increasing global demand for seafood, driven by both population growth and higher per capita seafood consumption, has significantly boosted the demand for fish powder. Fish powder is commonly used as a high-protein ingredient in fish feed, helping to enhance growth rates and improve feed efficiency in farmed fish. The expansion of fish farming, particularly in China and Southeast Asia, as well as Latin American economies such as Chile, Ecuador, and Europe, has driven a higher demand for aquafeed, which increases the demand for fish powder. Fish powder, particularly from oily fish such as anchovies and menhaden, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital to ensure optimal health of both the fish and the end consumer. Omega-3s contribute to improved fish health, growth, and immunity. There is also growing demand for omega-3-enriched fish products, such as omega-3-rich farmed salmon, which drives the need for fish powder in fish food. There is a growing emphasis on sourcing this product from sustainably managed fisheries, as well as using fish processing by-products to reduce waste and improve resource utilization. This factor further helps positively shape the fish powder industry.

Advancements in aquaculture nutrition and feed technology have boosted the effectiveness and efficiency of fish powder in fish food. Through better processing techniques, fish powder can be customized for specific farmed fish species, improving growth rates and feed conversion efficiency. This has further increased the demand for the formulation of specialized feeds. There has been an increase in research activities that look into reducing the reliance on fishmeal and fish powder for sustainability purposes, resulting in various innovations in feed formulations, including the use of plant-based proteins, insect meals, and algae. However, fish powder still plays an essential role in many high-value aquaculture species, such as salmon, trout, and shrimp, due to its superior nutritional profile. Asia-Pacific is the largest market for aquaculture and fish food, with economies such as China, India, and Japan emerging as major producers of farmed fish and shrimp, creating a substantial demand for fish powder.

Source Insights

The whole fish segment accounted for a leading revenue share of 64.1% in the global market in 2024. Whole fish is considered an important source of fish powder, which is used in various industries, including animal feed, aquaculture, and pet food. The process of converting whole fish into fish powder involves several stages of processing, where different parts of the fish are utilized, generally including the fish's meat, bones, skin, and organs. Whole fish are a rich source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D & B, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. These nutrients are retained in the fishmeal or protein concentrate made from whole fish, making it valuable in various sectors, including aquaculture and animal feed. Fish powder made from whole fish is an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feeds. Additionally, it serves as a highly digestible and nutrient-dense feed ingredient for farmed fish, promoting better growth and health in the aquaculture process.

The by-product segment is expected to grow at a steady CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The growing need to reduce wastage in the fishing industry and adhere to sustainability regulations has compelled processing companies to use by-products as ingredients for fish powder. This source offers a similar nutritional profile to whole fish sources, leading to its healthy demand in the aquaculture and animal feed sectors. By-products such as viscera and bones provide valuable minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, and iodine, which are critical for bone health and overall development in animals. Furthermore, fish skin, scales, and bones are rich in collagen and gelatin, which contributes to improved pet food quality and forms an important part of certain premium livestock feeds. Oily fish species such as sardines and anchovies offer by-products that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, which are highly beneficial for the health of farmed fish, poultry, and livestock.

Application Insights

The swine segment accounted for a leading revenue share in the global market in 2024. The growing global demand for pork, particularly in countries with an expanding middle-income demographic, has resulted in a noticeable increase in pig farming. The high product demand in this application area is being influenced by the nutritional requirements of pigs, as fish powder is a notable source of protein and essential amino acids such as methionine and lysine, all of which are crucial for swine growth. These nutrients are vital during the early stages of a swine’s development process when protein needs are higher to ensure muscle growth. Nutrients present in fish powder further enhance the marbling of pork, which improves its flavor and texture. This has boosted its significance in the market as sales of premium pork products continue to grow worldwide.

The poultry segment is anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Fish powder is a noted source of proteins and performs an important role in improving growth, health, and feed efficiency in poultry farming. Growing global population and urbanization, particularly in emerging economies, have created a significant demand for poultry meat, driving the need for efficient poultry farming. Fish powder provides major nutrients that contribute to the immune health of poultry. The omega-3 fatty acids present in this product contain anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the occurrence of diseases, improve disease resistance in poultry, and support their overall health.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific accounted for a leading revenue share of 45.1% in the global fish powder industry in 2024. The increasing production of aquafeed in the region and the well-established fishery industry in economies such as India, Japan, and China have helped boost market growth. According to the 2024 edition of ‘The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA),’ Asia accounted for around 75% of the global fisheries and aquaculture production, indicating promising expansion opportunities for this business. Additionally, the product is being extensively utilized across a range of industries, including animal feed, aquaculture, and food production. As the demand for poultry and livestock products grows in the region, fishmeal is used as a supplement in animal feed due to its high-quality protein content. Increasing meat consumption among regional consumers has fueled this trend, aiding market expansion.

China Fish Powder Market Trends

China accounted for a dominant revenue share in the Asia Pacific market in 2024 and is expected to maintain its leading position during the forecast period. The economy is the largest consumer and producer of farmed fish globally, including notable species such as carp, tilapia, and shrimp. The fast-growing aquaculture sector has enabled significant market growth, as it requires high-quality protein sources for fish feed, with fish powder being a primary ingredient due to its rich nutritional profile. Moreover, the country is steadily moving towards higher meat and protein consumption, particularly beef, poultry, and pork, due to the expansion of the middle-income demographic. This has resulted in the increased use of fish powder in animal feed, particularly for pigs and poultry, to improve feed quality and livestock growth. The Chinese government has shown growing support for the country’s aquaculture industry, which has led to investments in sustainable practices and improvements in feed formulations, including the use of fish powder.

North America Fish Powder Market Trends

The North American fish powder industry accounted for a significant revenue share in 2024 due to promising developments in the aquaculture and livestock sectors, evolving dietary trends, and rising focus on sustainability. There has been a growing demand for seafood among regional consumers as they have become more health-conscious, boosting the need for fish powder to support the aquaculture industry. Moreover, there is a rapidly growing market for premium meat and seafood products among consumers in the U.S. and Canada, creating a strong growth potential for fishmeal, as it is a major protein source. In North America, animal feed must meet certain nutritional standards set by regulatory bodies such as the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency). Fish powder, particularly fish meal, is recognized as a highly nutritious ingredient that contributes to meeting these standards for animal and pet feed.

The U.S. accounted for a dominant revenue share in the North American market in 2024. The accelerated expansion of the animal feed and aquaculture industries has boosted the demand for fish powder in the economy. In recent years, there has been a rising consumer preference for sustainably farmed seafood, which relies on high-quality fishmeal to ensure fast-growing and healthy fish. This trend has driven the demand for fish powder as an important part of sustainable feed formulations. The expanding health-conscious population has created a noticeable interest in omega-3 fatty acids, which offer various nutritional benefits and are found naturally in fish. Consequently, the role of fish powder in feeding farmed fish such as salmon, which is known for its rich omega-3 content, is anticipated to strengthen the demand for fish powder in aquaculture. The country is also one of the largest consumers of seafood globally, with its role as a notable seafood producer and importer supporting the fish powder market for the aquaculture business.

Latin America Fish Powder Market Trends

The Latin America region is anticipated to advance at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The region is known for its vast coastline, particularly across major economies such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru, which has led to substantial expansion of its marine and fisheries business. The presence of various well-established companies, such as Austral Group, Copeinca, and TASA, has increased market competition, encouraging the launch of advanced products in this sector. Fish powder is extensively used in aquaculture feed as a rich source of protein to promote fish growth and improve feed quality. Economies such as Chile and Peru are major exporters of fish products, including fishmeal and fish powder, with a strong demand for these products globally. The product has also become a critical component of the region’s rapidly growing animal feed sector, as it is a protein-rich ingredient for livestock such as pigs and poultry and pet food.

Brazil accounted for a notable revenue share in the Latin American market in 2024. The country is one of the largest aquaculture producers in the region, particularly in farming species such as shrimp, trout, and tilapia. The continued expansion of this sector to address domestic needs, as well as the rising global demand, has boosted the utilization of fish powder in feed formulation processes. Additionally, Brazil is recognized as a major producer and exporter of meat products, including chicken, beef, and pork, which has increased the significance of fish powder as a major protein source within the country’s meat business. The national government has supported the aquaculture industry’s growth by introducing policies that encourage investments in aquaculture infrastructure and technology, encouraging advancements in the fish farming sector.

Key Fish Powder Company Insights

Some major companies involved in the global fish powder industry include Oceana Group, Pelagia AS, and Omega Protein Corporation, among others.

• Oceana Group is a multinational fishing and food processing company based in South Africa. The company operates across the entire value chain of the fishing industry, which includes procuring/catching, processing, distribution, and sales. It has employees based in South Africa, Namibia, and the U.S. and operates 54 vessels and eight production facilities in these countries while catering to customers in 41 economies. Major brands include Lucky Star, which specializes in frozen and canned pilchards; the Daybrook fishmeal and fish oil business; and Blue Continent Products (wild-caught seafood such as lobster, squid, and hake).

• Pelagia AS is a Norwegian organization that produces pelagic fish products for human consumption and supplies fish and animal feed ingredients. Through its company, Epax, Pelagia is also a major producer of concentrated marine-based omega-3 fatty acids for pharmaceutical preparations and dietary supplements. The company has departments in Norway, Denmark, Ireland, the UK, and Ukraine and operates through 3 divisions - Food, Feed, and Health. The feed division’s core business is the production of protein concentrates, fishmeal, and fish oil in Norway, Ireland, and the UK. Pelagia Feed has eight production units for fish oil and fishmeal, along with three other facilities that specialize in protein concentrates and oil production.

Recent Developments

• In August 2023, Pelagia announced the launch of the Pro-Allo fishmeal, which provides advantages in the form of substantially healthier and bigger fish. The product has been formulated and manufactured to ensure ideal conditions in fish that can support allostasis, which is the biological process of combating stress due to factors such as handling and environmental changes. The company commissioned trials in seabass and found that this fishmeal’s inclusion in feed lowered the number of vulnerable fish by almost 86% in comparison to feed made using Group 1 fishmeal. Pro-Allo also was responsible for improving feed efficiency by around 30% and the specific growth rate by up to 19%.

• In March 2022, Scoular announced the opening of a fishmeal facility in Myanmar. The facility has been developed to provide consistent and high-quality products and just-in-time (JIT) shipments to feed markets in Asia. This strategy followed the company’s launch of the Encompass brand for its global fishmeal business in September 2021. This also formed a part of the company’s plans to expand its presence in Asia, which included the establishment of a regional headquarters in Singapore, soybean cleaning & distribution services in Indonesia, and feedstuffs & grain distribution services in Myanmar and Indonesia.

Fish Powder Market Report Scope

Global Fish Powder Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the fish powder market report based on source, application, and region:

• Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Whole Fish

  • By-product

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Swine

  • Aquaculture

  • Poultry

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Spain

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia & New Zealand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • MEA

    • South Africa