Global Insect-based Animal Feed Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Insect-based Animal Feed Market Analysis and Size

The insect-based animal feed market has been expanding rapidly. This growth is attributed to factors such as the increasing global demand for protein and concerns about the environmental impact of traditional protein sources such as soy and fishmeal, which has led to growing interest in alternative protein sources such as insects. Insects are highly efficient at converting organic matter into protein, requiring less land, water, and feed than conventional livestock. Many countries and regions increasingly recognize insect-based protein's potential as a sustainable feed ingredient. Regulatory authorities are revising regulations to permit the use of insect protein in animal feed, providing a regulatory framework for market growth.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global insect-based animal feed market which was USD 1,705.40 million in 2023, is expected to reach USD 2,464.40 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation

Market Definition

Insect-based animal feed refers to feed formulations that incorporate insects as a primary source of protein and other essential nutrients for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and pet food.  Insects are rich in protein, containing all essential amino acids required for animal growth and development. Insect protein is highly digestible and comparable in quality to traditional protein sources such as soybean meal and fishmeal. This makes insects an attractive alternative for meeting the protein requirements of animals in feed formulations.

Insect-based Animal Feed Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing Sustainable Protein Source

Insect farming is significantly more sustainable than traditional protein sources such as soy and fishmeal. Insects require far fewer resources such as land, water, and feed to produce the same amount of protein. For instance, insects can be raised on organic waste streams, reducing the environmental burden associated with conventional farming practices. Insect farming generates lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to livestock farming. This is because insects have a high feed conversion efficiency, requiring less feed to produce the same amount of protein as traditional livestock. In addition, insect farming produces fewer methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas associated with ruminant livestock. Using insects as a protein source for animal feed reduces pressure on natural resources such as arable land and freshwater. This is particularly important as agricultural expansion contributes to deforestation, habitat loss, and water scarcity. Insect farming offers a more sustainable alternative that minimizes environmental degradation.

• Rising Demand for Animal Protein

The global population is growing, and the demand for animal protein is increasing. Meat, dairy, and seafood products are staples in many diets worldwide, driving the need for sustainable protein sources to feed livestock, poultry, and aquaculture species. However, conventional livestock farming practices are associated with environmental degradation, including deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. As consumers become more aware of these sustainability concerns, there is a growing demand for alternatives that minimize the environmental impact of animal protein production. Insect-based feed offers a nutritious and cost-effective alternative to conventional feed ingredients. Insects are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them an ideal animal feed ingredient. In addition, insect farming can be more efficient and less resource-intensive than traditional agriculture, leading to lower production costs and potentially lower consumer prices.

Opportunities

• Expansion of Production Capacity

The rising demand for insect-based animal feed provides an opportunity for companies to expand their production capacity. As more livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and pet food producers seek sustainable protein sources, there's a growing need for larger quantities of insect-based feed to meet this demand. Companies can scale up their insect farming operations by investing in larger facilities, infrastructure, and technology. This could involve expanding existing insect farms or building new ones to increase production capacity.

Scaling up allows companies to produce more insect-based feed efficiently and cost-effectively. Investing in efficient production technologies is essential for scaling up insect farming operations. This may include automation, mechanization, and optimization of processes to improve productivity, reduce labor costs, and streamline operations. Companies can enhance competitiveness and meet the growing demand for insect-based feed by adopting advanced technologies.

The expansion of production capacity in the insect-based animal feed market represents a promising opportunity driven by the growing demand for sustainable protein sources, advancements in technology, and increasing market acceptance. By scaling up operations, producers can meet the rising demand for insect-based protein from livestock and aquaculture industries while addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional feed sources. Furthermore, leveraging technological innovations and focusing on consumer education can enhance market penetration and drive long-term growth in the insect-based animal feed sector. Overall, investing in the expansion of production capacity enables companies to position themselves as leaders in the emerging market for sustainable and nutritionally rich animal feed solutions

• Diversification of Product Offerings

Manufacturers can diversify their insect-based feed products to cater to the nutritional requirements of various animal species. Different animals have distinct dietary needs, and developing specialized formulations tailored to poultry, livestock, aquaculture species, and pets can address specific nutritional deficiencies and optimize performance. Developing specialized formulations allows companies to capture niche markets and differentiate their products. For instance, specialized insect-based feeds for poultry may focus on enhancing egg production or meat quality, while feeds for aquaculture species could target growth and feed conversion efficiency. Companies can meet the specific needs of different customer segments and increase market penetration by offering tailored solutions.

Diversification of product offerings in the insect-based animal feed market is driven by market demand, nutritional customization, value-added opportunities, innovation, market expansion, and risk mitigation. By offering a diverse range of high-quality insect-based feed products tailored to the needs of different animal species and market segments, companies can capitalize on emerging opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth in the dynamic animal nutrition industry

Restraint/Challenge

• Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory frameworks governing insect-based animal feed production and use can vary significantly from one region or country to another. Each jurisdiction may have its regulations, standards, and guidelines dictating the production, processing, labeling, and marketing of insect-based feed products. These regulatory variations can pose challenges for companies operating in multiple markets, as they need to navigate and comply with diverse legal requirements. Obtaining regulatory approval and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards for insect-based animal feed can be a complex and time-consuming process. Companies must adhere to stringent regulations related to feed safety, hygiene, traceability, and labeling to ensure that their products meet regulatory requirements. This often involves conducting comprehensive risk assessments, establishing quality control measures, and implementing robust food safety management systems.

• Supply chain constraints in the insect-based animal feed industry

The first link in the supply chain is insect production facilities where insects such as black soldier flies, mealworms, or crickets are reared. Scaling up insect production to meet growing demand requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and expertise. However, insect farming is still relatively new and may lack standardized production practices and optimized breeding techniques. Ensuring consistent insect quality, quantity, and availability while minimizing production costs poses a challenge for insect producers. Insect larvae are typically fed organic waste or agricultural by-products, which serve as feedstock for their growth and development. However, sourcing sufficient quantities of high-quality feedstock at a reasonable cost can be challenging. Competition for feedstock from other industries, variability in feedstock availability and quality, and logistical constraints in sourcing and transportation may affect the reliability and cost-efficiency of insect production. Addressing these supply chain constraints requires collaboration and innovation across the insect-based animal feed industry. Investments in research and development, infrastructure development, and supply chain optimization can enhance production efficiency, improve product quality, and mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions. Moreover, fostering partnerships and alliances among industry stakeholders, governments, and research institutions can facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building to overcome supply chain challenges and unlock the full potential of the insect-based animal feed market

This insect-based animal feed market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the Insect-based Animal Feed market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions. Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Development

• In May 2022, Hipromine announced a partnership with WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp GmbH, a supplier of feeding technology solutions. As part of this venture, Weda supplies HiProMine with insects, including Black Soldier Fly (BSFL), aiding the company's development of its pet and animal nutrition products.
• In Feb 2022, Insect farmer Protix, which produces proteins for the feed for fish, farm animals, and pets, raised EUR 50 million (USD 51.4 million) for further international expansion and ground-breaking research and development.
• In February 2021, Innovafeed and Auchan launched their third insect-fed animal feed line by introducing insect-fed pork, which has been fed with a diet incorporating insect oil for a reduced carbon footprint, focusing on sustainability.

Insect-based Animal Feed Market Scope

The insect-based animal feed market is segmented into two notable segments which is based on source and application. The growth among segments helps you analyse niche pockets of growth and strategies to approach the market and determine your core application areas and the difference in your target markets.

Source

• Metal Worms
• Fly Larvae
• Others

Application

• Aquaculture
• Pig, Poultry
• Others

Insect-based Animal Feed Market Regional Analysis/Insights

Insect-based animal feed market is analysed and market size information is provided by sourceand application as referenced above.

The countries covered in insect-based animal feed market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Spain, Turkey, U.K., Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, South Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and Rest of Middle East and Africa.

Europe is expected to dominate the market. This is attributed to the European Union (EU) approving the use of certain insect species, such as the black soldier fly larvae, in animal feed, providing a clear regulatory framework for the industry to operate within.

Asia-Pacific is expected to bethe fastest growing region because of rapidly growing interest in alternative protein sources like insect-based feed to meet the region's protein needs.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as new sales, replacement sales, country demographics, regulatory acts and import-export tariffs are some of the major pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of sales channels are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and Insect-based Animal Feed Market Share Analysis

The Insect-based Animal Feed market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to Insect-based Animal Feed market.

Some of the major players operating in the insect-based animal feed market are:

• Nextprotein (France)
• Bühler AG (Switzerland)
• Entofood (Thailand)
• Enviroflight (U.S.)
• Coppens International BV (Netherlands)
• Agriprotein (South Africa)

SKU-70774