Market Trends of Feed Testing Industry
Growing Focus on Feed Safety and Animal Health
- As consumers become more aware and concerned about the safety and nutritional value of animal-based food products, regulations and standards for feed quality have tightened. This heightened scrutiny has amplified the demand for thorough feed testing, ensuring that animal feed is free from harmful contaminants, residues, and pathogens. As a result, feed testing is not only pivotal for safeguarding public health but also for adhering to regulatory compliance. The heightened focus on feed safety and animal well-being is driving the surge in demand for feed testing services. Prioritizing high-quality and safe animal feed is vital for bolstering animal health and productivity. Given that the nutritional balance and safety of feed directly influence livestock health and performance, stakeholders view comprehensive feed testing as a crucial investment.
- Moreover, the rising demand for high-quality meat, dairy, and egg products has increased their production. Hence the need for feed testing. For instance, the consumption of poultry meat in the European Union has increased by 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, consumers' demand for safe and nutritious animal products highlights the necessity for comprehensive feed testing. This ensures the absence of harmful feed additives, pesticides, and pathogens, further strengthening the feed-testing market.
- Regulatory bodies have a key role in the feed testing industry through strict laws such as the United States Food Safety Modernization Act and the European regulation 2022/2388 of 7.12.2022 mandated PFAS tests (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) in animal feeds. These regulations mandated comprehensive feed testing, driving demand for services that comply with these rigorous standards. Therefore, the increasing consumer demand for high-quality and safety of animal products and regulatory compliance are anticipated to drive demand for the feed testing market.
North America Leads the Feed Testing Market
- North America has emerged as the dominant region in the global feed testing market, driven by several key factors. The region's robust feed production infrastructure, particularly in the United States and Canada, plays a significant role in this expansion. In 2023, the United States produced 238.09 million metric tons of feed, positioning it as one of the world's largest producers. The animal feed testing market in the United States is experiencing significant growth, largely due to the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development Act of 2023 (Innovative FEED Act). This legislation has created new opportunities in animal nutrition, feed additives, and their impact on animal health, nutrition, and performance. It supports future research, innovation, and scientific advancements in animal nutrition and feed quality testing.
- The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reported a 10.8% increase in pet spending in 2022 compared to 2021 in the United States. This rise in pet care expenditures, coupled with increased competition among pet food suppliers, has led to the adoption of high-quality food testing services to ensure product nutritional quality. In Canada, regulatory changes are opening doors for innovation in the feed testing market. The 2024 Feeds Regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, mandates the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to monitor the safety and effectiveness of animal feeds nationwide. Therefore, the higher feed production and rising expenditures of consumers propelled by the rising awareness of the need for safe animal feed, and stringent regulations concerning feed quality have driven the market.