Gluten Feed Market Analysis
The Gluten Feed Market size is estimated at USD 3.58 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 4.65 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.40% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Rapid industrialization in the livestock sector, feed, and processed meat industry has increased the need for gluten feed as a nutrient enhancer, providing animals with essential elements for optimum growth. The global demand for protein-rich feed has risen, with gluten feed gaining popularity among livestock producers as it offers a nutritious (65% crude protein) and economical source for livestock, beef, and dairy industries. The growth in animal meat production is anticipated to drive the gluten feed market. According to FAOSTAT, global meat production reached 370.1 million metric tons in 2023, increasing from 363.2 million metric tons in the previous year.
The corn segment dominates the market due to its high protein content and extensive use in the poultry industry, as it contains xanthophylls necessary for yellow coloration in egg yolks. According to the USDA's Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production report, wet corn gluten feed production in 2024 reached 199,182 tons, up from 194,485 tons in April of the previous year. Corn gluten feed serves as essential fodder for cattle and swine. The increasing recognition of its nutritional benefits has made gluten feed essential for maintaining animal health and growth. Environmental impact and sustainability concerns regarding byproducts influence the demand for gluten feed products. The economic value of gluten feed depends on the prices of whole grains and protein feeds.
Gluten Feed Market Trends
Rising Corn Production is Boosting the Gluten Feed Production
Corn (maize) stands as the primary crop used in gluten feed production for animals, as identified by the USDA, with its by-product, corn gluten feed, being extensively utilized in animal nutrition. This widespread usage is primarily attributed to corn's substantial global production volume, which significantly exceeds other cereals such as wheat, barley, and rye. FAOSTAT data demonstrates this dominance, showing that corn production reached 1,241.5 million metric tons in 2023, representing 40% of total cereals production, while wheat and barley accounted for 25% and 4% respectively.
The continuous expansion in corn cultivation area has been instrumental in supporting the cost-effective production of corn gluten feed, with FAOSTAT reporting a notable increase in global corn cultivation area from 203.3 million hectares in 2022 to 208.2 million hectares in 2023. This significant expansion in cultivation area has directly contributed to a 7% growth in production, with volumes rising from 1,162.1 million metric tons in 2022 to 1,241.5 million metric tons in 2023, ultimately establishing corn gluten as the predominant choice for feed manufacturers worldwide.
The rising demand for animal-based protein has stimulated increased livestock production. As gluten feed serves as an economical feed ingredient, the expansion in livestock production has directly increased the demand for gluten feed, driving its global production.
Asia-Pacific Dominates the Market
Worldwide, livestock production and demand have increased significantly over the past few decades, particularly in Asia-Pacific countries. The region has experienced substantial growth in livestock product production and consumption, notably in China, India, and Japan. This growth is primarily driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing dietary preferences. As developing countries continue their economic growth, consumer preferences have shifted toward meat and animal-based products, driving rapid production growth in these markets. India leads global milk production, contributing 24.64 percent of the total volume, demonstrating the region's significant role in dairy production. The country ranks second globally in egg production, reaching 138.38 billion units in 2022-23, following China.
The region's livestock and dairy industries show increasing demand for gluten-based livestock feed, driven by the need for high-quality animal nutrition and improved feed efficiency. According to the OECD, China's meat consumption reached 10.5 million metric tons in 2023, making it the second-largest consumer globally and the largest in the Asia-Pacific region. This substantial consumption level reflects the growing importance of protein-rich diets in the region.
Economic development in emerging countries has influenced consumer preferences toward meat and animal products, particularly in urban areas where protein-rich diets are increasingly common. Lifestyle changes, increased purchasing power, and evolving consumption patterns contribute to the growing demand for gluten feed. The product's importance extends beyond nutritional value, as it plays a significant role in improving meat quality through enhanced protein absorption and better feed conversion ratios.
Gluten Feed Industry Overview
The Gluten Feed Market is fragmented. Three categories of players operate in the market, namely, research and development firms, manufacturing firms and sales companies, and brand owners. Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Incorporated, Tate & Lyle Plc., Bunge Ltd., and AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG are the major players in the markets. Furthermore, the market players adopted various strategies such as expansions, partnerships and acquisitions.
Gluten Feed Market Leaders
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Archer Daniels Midland Company
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Cargill Incorporated
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Tate & Lyle Plc.
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Bunge Ltd.
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Ingredion Incorporated
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Gluten Feed Market News
- December 2024: Agrana Stärke, a subsidiary of Austria's Agrana Beteiligungs-AG, has formed a joint venture with Ingredion to expand starch production in Romania. This partnership enables the production of gluten as a byproduct.
- July 2024: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Bunge's acquisition of 100% share capital of Viterra, expanding Bunge's portfolio to include gluten feed products of Viterra Company.
Gluten Feed Industry Segmentation
Gluten feed, a by-product of corn starch and corn syrup manufacturing, is a medium-protein feed ingredient with digestible nutrient levels comparable to barley. It serves as a nutritional source for various livestock segments, including cattle, poultry, swine, and aquaculture. The global gluten feed market is segmented by source (wheat, corn, barley, rye, maize, and others), application (swine, poultry, cattle, and aquaculture), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The market analysis includes size and forecasts in both value (USD million) and volume (metric tons) across all segments.
Source | Wheat | ||
Corn | |||
Barley | |||
Rye | |||
Others | |||
Application | Swine | ||
Poultry | |||
Cattle | |||
Aquaculture | |||
Geography | North America | United States | |
Canada | |||
Mexico | |||
Rest of North America | |||
Europe | Germany | ||
United Kingdom | |||
France | |||
Russia | |||
Spain | |||
Rest of Europe | |||
Asia Pacific | China | ||
Japan | |||
India | |||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
South America | Brazil | ||
Argentina | |||
Rest of South America | |||
Middle East and Africa | South Africa | ||
Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Gluten Feed Market Research FAQs
How big is the Gluten Feed Market?
The Gluten Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 3.58 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.40% to reach USD 4.65 billion by 2030.
What is the current Gluten Feed Market size?
In 2025, the Gluten Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 3.58 billion.
Who are the key players in Gluten Feed Market?
Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Incorporated, Tate & Lyle Plc., Bunge Ltd. and Ingredion Incorporated are the major companies operating in the Gluten Feed Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Gluten Feed Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Gluten Feed Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Gluten Feed Market.
What years does this Gluten Feed Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Gluten Feed Market size was estimated at USD 3.39 billion. The report covers the Gluten Feed Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Gluten Feed Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.