Insect Feed Market

Market Overview:

The global insect feed market size reached US$ 976.2 Million in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 2,334.0 Million by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10% during 2024-2032. The increasing consumption of meat products, the rising consumption of several insect species, the growing investments by the key players in research and development (R&D) activities, and changing dietary patterns of individuals are some of the factors propelling the market.

Insect feed encompasses various insect species utilized to fulfill the distinct nutritional needs of different animals. These insects are processed into multiple forms, such as meals, pellets, or crumbles, offering a sustainable solution that reduces reliance on conventional feed sources. Moreover, insect farming enables valuable nutrients to be reclaimed from organic waste, contributing to a more efficient food chain. The mass production of this feed results in a substantial protein yield, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional livestock production. Due to these benefits, it finds widespread applications in aquaculture, pig nutrition, poultry nutrition, and dairy nutrition globally. As the awareness of sustainable and resource-efficient animal nutrition grows, the demand is expected to continue expanding in various industries.

The current trend of increased meat consumption has led to a greater demand for high-quality feed products, resulting in the utilization of the feed to achieve higher yields. The popularity of certain insect species for human consumption due to their high protein and low-fat content has also contributed to the market. Furthermore, insect feed offers an advantage as they do not transmit zoonotic diseases, providing a safer option for animal nutrition. Furthermore, the product's high feed conversion ratio compared to conventional livestock and poultry is driving its adoption in the industry. Additionally, its production involves using organic waste, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and ammonia, which positively impacts the environment. Moreover, insects' bioactive components, such as lauric acid, antimicrobial peptides, and chitin, have positioned them as novel feed additives that enhance animal gut health, further boosting the market. As the benefits of the feed become more evident regarding animal nutrition, environmental impact, and overall sustainability, the market is expected to witness continuous growth and wider adoption in the agricultural and aquacultural sectors.

Insect Feed Market Trends/Drivers:

Sustainable and environmentally friendly feed source

One of the significant drivers behind the growth of the market is its status as a sustainable and environmentally friendly feed source. Traditional livestock feed production, such as soy and fishmeal, often requires vast land, water, and resources. In contrast, insect farming is highly efficient, requiring minimal land and water while utilizing organic waste materials to rear insects. This approach significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with feed production, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers and industries. The feed production also emits lower levels of greenhouse gases and ammonia compared to conventional livestock farming. This reduction in emissions aligns with the growing global focus on combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices, further catalyzing the adoption of this feed in animal nutrition.

Increasing nutritional benefits offered by the feed

Another crucial factor propelling the market is the nutritional value it offers to animals. Insects are naturally rich in essential nutrients, including protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. As a result, insect-based feed provides a well-balanced and nutritious diet for animals, promoting their growth, health, and overall well-being. Additionally, certain insect species contain bioactive components that positively impact animal health. For example, insects like black soldier flies produce antimicrobial peptides that enhance the animal's immune system and protect against infections. Similarly, the presence of chitin in some insects can improve gut health and aid in digestion. Recognizing these nutritional benefits has led to a growing interest in using the feed as a novel and effective feed additive to improve animal health and performance.

Diverse applications in various animal industries

The versatility of the feed and its suitability for various animal species drive its market growth across different industries. The feed finds extensive applications in aquaculture, pig nutrition, poultry nutrition, and dairy nutrition, among others. In aquaculture, where fish and shrimp farming is widespread, this feed can offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional fishmeal, often derived from overfished sources. The high protein content makes it a suitable replacement and helps maintain healthy fish populations in aquaculture systems. For pig and poultry nutrition, insect-based feed has been found to enhance the animals' growth rates and feed conversion efficiency. The protein-rich composition of insects promotes better weight gain, resulting in improved yields for farmers. In the dairy industry, this feed is utilized to supplement the diets of dairy cows, providing them with essential nutrients that contribute to increased milk production and overall herd health. The diverse applications of the product in various animal industries open up significant market opportunities as more producers recognize its sustainability, nutritional benefits, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional feed sources. As the animal agriculture sector continues to seek more efficient and sustainable solutions, the demand for the feed is expected to rise, bolstering the market's overall growth.

Insect Feed Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global insect feed market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on product type and application.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Meal Worms
• Fly Larvae
• Silkworms
• Cicadas
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes meal worms, fly larvae, silkworms, cicadas, and others.

Mealworms, the larvae of darkling beetles, are a popular option due to their high protein and fat content, making them suitable for various animal species, including poultry, fish, and reptiles. Furthermore, the fly larvae, such as black soldier fly larvae, are rich in protein and can be used as a substitute for conventional fishmeal in aquaculture and poultry diets. Their ability to consume organic waste further enhances their sustainability credentials.

Besides, silkworms are widely utilized in the pet food industry, particularly for reptiles and birds. They offer a nutrient-dense feed source containing essential amino acids and vitamins. Cicadas, known for their periodic emergence, have also gained attention as a potential source. Their high protein content and relatively easy farming make them a promising option for animal nutrition.

Breakup by Application:

• Aquaculture
• Pig Nutrition
• Poultry Nutrition
• Dairy Nutrition
• Others
   

Aquaculture dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes aquaculture, pig nutrition, poultry nutrition, dairy nutrition, and others. According to the report, aquaculture represented the largest segment.

Insect feed is an excellent alternative to conventional fishmeal, often derived from overfished sources, in aquaculture. The protein-rich composition enhances fish and shrimp growth rates and supports healthier populations in aquaculture systems. For pig and poultry nutrition, insect-based feed has shown promising results in improving growth rates and feed conversion efficiency. The high protein content in insects contributes to better weight gain and increased yields for farmers in the pig and poultry industries.

On the other hand, it is used as a supplement to the diets of dairy cows in the dairy sector. The nutrients in insect-based feed enhance milk production and overall herd health. The widespread adoption in aquaculture, pig nutrition, poultry nutrition, and dairy nutrition showcases the versatility and potential of insects as sustainable and viable feed sources across various animal industries. As the benefits of insect-based feed continue to be recognized, its application in these sectors is expected to grow, contributing to the overall expansion of the market.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest insect feed market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which includes North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Russia, and Others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific represented the largest market.

The growing population and rising demand for animal protein propel the need for innovative and sustainable feed solutions across Asia Pacific. As a region with a strong tradition of insect consumption, the acceptance in animal nutrition is relatively higher. Additionally, a significant aquaculture sector presents substantial opportunities for using insect feed as an alternative protein source for fish and shrimp.

North America, on the other hand, has a rising focus on sustainable and alternative protein sources in animal nutrition. The increasing awareness of environmental impact and the need for resource-efficient solutions in agriculture and aquaculture drive the demand. The region's well-established aquaculture and livestock industries provide a favorable environment for adopting insect-based feed products.

Competitive Landscape:

Top companies are pivotal in catalyzing market growth through their innovative products and strategic initiatives. These companies are actively investing in research and development to improve insect farming techniques, leading to higher yields and better nutritional profiles of insect-based feeds. Moreover, they are establishing partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders in the agricultural and aquacultural sectors to expand their market reach and create awareness about the product's benefits. By actively engaging with farmers, animal producers, and feed manufacturers, these companies are bolstering the adoption of insect-based feed products. Furthermore, key companies are investing in efficient supply chains and production facilities to meet the growing demand worldwide. Their commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices is also appealing to consumers and industries seeking more eco-friendly feed options.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the insect feed market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided.

• Alltech Coppens
• Bühler Holding AG
• Enterra Corporation
• Entofood Sdn Bhd.
• EnviroFlight LLC (Darling Ingredients Inc.)
• Hexafly
• InnovaFeed
• Multibox
• nextProtein
• Protix
• Ÿnsect.

Recent Developments:

• In 2018, Alltech Coppens, a global animal nutrition company subsidiary of Alltech, launched a groundbreaking sustainable fish feed range called "Coppens InTouch." This feed range was formulated with insect-derived ingredients, including black soldier fly larvae, to provide a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional fish feed.
• In 2019, Bühler Holding AG, a leading supplier of process engineering solutions and equipment, collaborated with Protix, a pioneering insect farming company, to develop automated and scalable solutions for insect processing. The collaboration aimed to improve insect processing efficiency and promote insect protein use in animal feed applications.
• In 2020, Enterra Corporation, a Canadian insect farming company, announced its collaboration with Intrexon Corporation to advance the sustainable production of insect-based feed ingredients. The partnership aimed to leverage Intrexon's synthetic biology expertise to enhance the efficiency and scalability of insect farming methods used by Enterra.

Insect Feed Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the insect feed market from 2018-2032.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global insect feed market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the insect feed industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.