Insect Feed Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Insect Feed Market Analysis

The Insect Feed Market size is estimated at USD 1.37 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.39 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The insect feed industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements and automation in production processes. Companies are increasingly investing in sophisticated breeding technologies and automated vertical farming techniques to optimize production efficiency. This technological evolution is exemplified by recent developments such as the opening of the world's first insect farming technology market school by the Dutch firm Insect Engineers in June 2022, which serves as a knowledge hub for advancing industrial-scale insect farming processes. The integration of smart technologies and automated systems is revolutionizing traditional farming methods, enabling more precise control over breeding conditions and improving product quality.

The insect feed market is witnessing substantial growth in production capacity through strategic facility expansions and infrastructure development. A notable example is Beta Hatch's launch of North America's largest regenerative mealworm facility in June 2022, featuring a 50,000-square-foot space equipped with advanced production capabilities and research facilities. According to RaboResearch analysis, the insect market for protein is projected to expand significantly, potentially reaching 500,000 metric tonnes by 2030 from its current volume of approximately 10,000 metric tonnes, indicating the industry's robust growth trajectory.

Sustainability and circular economy principles are becoming increasingly central to the industry's development. Companies are adopting innovative approaches to waste management and resource utilization, converting pre-consumer food waste into valuable protein sources. This shift towards sustainable production methods is attracting significant attention from investors and stakeholders who recognize the potential of insect-based protein for the animal feed market solutions in addressing global environmental challenges. The industry is witnessing a growing emphasis on developing closed-loop production systems that minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.

The market is characterized by increasing collaboration between industry players and research institutions to advance product development and application possibilities. Companies are exploring new applications beyond traditional animal feed, including potential uses in pharmaceuticals and vaccine production. This diversification of applications is driving innovation in breeding techniques and processing methods, leading to the development of more specialized products tailored to specific end-user requirements. The industry is also seeing growing interest from major agricultural and food companies seeking to incorporate insect-based ingredients into their supply chains, indicating broader market acceptance and integration.

Insect Feed Market Trends

High Feed Conversion Ratio of Insects

The exceptional feed conversion ratio of cattle efficiency of insects represents a groundbreaking solution to the growing challenge of protein production for animal feed. Insects demonstrate remarkable efficiency in converting feed into protein, with crickets requiring merely 12 times less feed than cattle, four times less feed than sheep, and half the amount needed by pigs and broiler chickens to produce the same quantity of protein. This superior conversion ratio is further enhanced by insects' cold-blooded nature, eliminating the need for energy expenditure on body temperature maintenance, resulting in significantly reduced feed requirements compared to traditional livestock.

The digestibility and utilization rates of insect feed present compelling advantages over conventional protein sources. Studies have shown that up to 80% of a cricket is edible and digestible, substantially outperforming traditional livestock such as chicken and pigs at 55% and cattle at 40%. In practical terms, while traditional livestock requires approximately 6 kg of plant protein to produce 1 kg of animal protein, insects can achieve similar protein output with remarkably less input. For instance, the production of 1 kg of live animal weight requires only 1.7 kg of feed for crickets, compared to 2.5 kg for chicken, 5 kg for pork, and 10 kg for beef in the US production system.

Low Requirements for Production Area

The spatial efficiency of insect farming represents a revolutionary approach to protein production, offering significant advantages over traditional livestock farming methods. To produce one metric ton of crickets, which yields approximately 600 kg of protein, only 2.8 metric tons of feed and a surface area of 3,100 m2 are required. This stands in stark contrast to traditional soy production, which requires around 3,200 m2 of land and a full one-year crop cycle to produce merely 50 kg of protein, demonstrating the remarkable space efficiency of insect farming operations.

The vertical integration capabilities of insect farming facilities further amplify their space efficiency advantages. Modern insect production facilities have demonstrated unprecedented production capabilities within compact spaces. For instance, InnovaFeed's facility in northern France exemplifies this efficiency, with the capacity to produce 15,000 metric tonnes of insect protein and 5,000 metric tonnes of insect oil annually within a single facility—sufficient to feed up to 400,000 metric tonnes of fish, poultry, and pigs. This vertical farming approach not only maximizes production per square meter but also enables year-round production regardless of external environmental conditions, offering a reliable and consistent protein source for the animal feed insect proteins market.

Favorable Government Policies

Government support and regulatory frameworks are increasingly facilitating the growth of the edible insects for animal feed market through strategic initiatives and funding programs. A notable example is the UK government's substantial commitment of USD 19 million in funding to establish the country's first large-scale farm dedicated to converting food waste into sustainable feed for farmed animals. This initiative is further supported by major retailers like Tesco, which is actively advocating for the development of financial incentives to support innovative farming methods, including insect farming, demonstrating a growing public-private partnership approach to industry development.

The regulatory landscape continues to evolve favorably, with various governments implementing supportive policies to promote insect farming as a sustainable protein source. For instance, the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) has made significant strides in the European Union with the publication of Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1372, which authorizes the use of processed animal proteins derived from insects in poultry and pig feed. Additionally, countries like Kenya have implemented innovative programs such as GREEiNSECT, funded by the Danish International Development Agency, to develop comprehensive systems for rearing insects and incorporating them into food and feed supply chains. These regulatory developments, coupled with government-backed research initiatives, are creating a more conducive environment for the insect protein for animal feed market's growth and development.

Segment Analysis: Animal Type

Aquaculture Segment in Insect Feed Market

The aquaculture segment continues to dominate the global insect feed market, commanding approximately 52% of the market share in 2024. This substantial market position is primarily driven by the growing demand for sustainable protein sources in fish farming operations worldwide. The segment's prominence is further reinforced by the increasing prices of traditional fishmeal and fish oil, compelling aquaculture producers to seek alternative protein sources. Insect feed serves as a viable protein-rich option that can effectively substitute conventional fishmeal and plant-based components in aquafeed. The segment's growth is also supported by the recognition and acceptance of insect-based feed ingredients by various regulatory agencies, particularly in major aquaculture markets. Additionally, the segment benefits from insect feed's high digestibility and nutrient profile, which closely matches the natural diet of many farmed fish species.

Remaining Segments in Animal Type

The poultry segment represents the second-largest share in the animal feed insect proteins market, followed by the swine segment, with both sectors showing significant adoption of insect-based feed solutions. The poultry industry's increasing focus on sustainable feed alternatives and the natural inclination of birds towards insect consumption have driven the segment's growth. The swine segment has also demonstrated considerable potential, particularly in regions where traditional protein sources face supply constraints or cost pressures. Other animal types, including specialty livestock and exotic animals, comprise a smaller but growing market share, as farmers and feed manufacturers explore innovative nutrition solutions across different species. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversification and demonstrate the versatility of insect meal market products across various animal nutrition applications.

Insect Feed Market Geography Segment Analysis

Insect Feed Market in North America

The North American insect feed market demonstrates a robust ecosystem spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The region has witnessed significant developments in insect farming technologies and commercial-scale production facilities. The United States leads the regional market with advanced research and development capabilities, while Canada shows promising growth through government-backed funding and strategic investments. Mexico's market is primarily driven by the expanding aquaculture industry and rising demand for sustainable protein sources in animal feed.

Insect Feed Market in United States

The United States dominates the North American insect feed landscape with approximately 48% market share in the region. The country's leadership position is strengthened by the presence of commercial-scale black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) production facilities and supportive regulatory frameworks. The FDA's recommendations through the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for including dried black soldier fly in poultry feed have opened new opportunities. The country's robust research and development infrastructure, coupled with increasing investments in sustainable feed solutions, continues to drive market growth. The presence of key insect animal feed companies and their focus on expanding production capacities further solidifies the United States' position in the regional market.

Insect Feed Market in Canada

Canada emerges as the fastest-growing market in North America, with an expected growth rate of approximately 13% during 2024-2029. The country's growth is fueled by strong government support for innovative farming methods and research initiatives in edible insects for food and feed. Canadian authorities' proactive approach in approving insect-based feed ingredients has created a favorable environment for market expansion. The country's focus on sustainable agriculture practices and increasing adoption of insect meal in aquafeed and livestock industries positions it well for future growth. The presence of established research facilities and growing investments in insect farming infrastructure further supports market development.

Insect Feed Market in Europe

The European insect feed market showcases a diverse landscape with significant contributions from countries like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Russia, Poland, Netherlands, and Belgium. The region benefits from progressive regulatory frameworks and strong support for sustainable protein alternatives. The European Union's authorization of insect proteins in various feed applications has created new opportunities for market players. The region's commitment to reducing dependency on imported protein sources and promoting circular economy practices has accelerated market development across different countries.

Insect Feed Market in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom leads the European market with approximately 21% regional market share. The country's strong position is supported by extensive research activities and collaborations between academic institutions and industry players. The UK's focus on developing sustainable poultry production and reducing reliance on traditional protein sources has driven market growth. The presence of innovative biotechnology companies and their efforts in converting food waste into high-value insect protein products has strengthened the market position.

Insect Feed Market in Netherlands

The Netherlands demonstrates the highest growth potential in Europe, with an anticipated growth rate of approximately 14% during 2024-2029. The country's emergence as a key player is driven by its strong focus on creating sustainable foodways and significant contributions to research and development in insect farming. The establishment of the world's first insect farming school and the presence of large-scale insect protein production facilities showcase the country's commitment to advancing the sector. Dutch companies' expertise in automated insect farming systems and sustainable feed production continues to drive innovation in the market.

Insect Feed Market in Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific insect feed market encompasses major economies including China, Japan, and India, each contributing significantly to regional growth. The region benefits from traditional acceptance of insect-based products and growing awareness about sustainable feed alternatives. The increasing demand for protein-rich animal feed, coupled with rising meat consumption in developing economies, drives market expansion. The region's focus on innovative breeding techniques and commercial-scale production facilities supports market development.

Insect Feed Market in China

China maintains its position as the largest market in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by extensive insect farming practices and growing demand for nutritious animal feed. The country's unique breeding industry in rural areas provides additional income sources for local communities. Chinese companies' focus on developing new forms of insect feeds and reducing dependency on traditional protein sources strengthens the market position. The presence of both fully domesticated and partially raised insect farming approaches demonstrates the market's maturity.

Insect Feed Market in India

India emerges as the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by government initiatives promoting sustainable livestock production. The country's focus on developing grasshopper feeds for farm animals and efforts to reduce production costs drive market growth. The presence of innovative companies working on black soldier fly cultivation and the increasing adoption of insect-based proteins in poultry feed contribute to market expansion. India's strategic approach to addressing protein demand-supply gaps through insect feed solutions positions it well for future growth.

Insect Feed Market in South America

The South American insect feed market, primarily represented by Brazil and Argentina, shows promising development in sustainable feed solutions. Brazil leads the regional market through extensive research activities and government support for insect-based feed ingredients, while Argentina demonstrates the fastest growth potential. The region's focus on reducing dependency on traditional protein sources and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices drives market expansion. The presence of innovative start-ups and increasing investments in insect farming infrastructure contribute to market development. The region's rich biodiversity and favorable climate conditions provide natural advantages for insect farming operations.

Insect Feed Market in Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & African insect feed market, with key contributions from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, demonstrates growing adoption of sustainable feed solutions. The UAE leads the regional market through innovative waste-to-feed conversion projects and strategic partnerships, while Egypt shows the fastest growth potential with its developing aquaculture sector. The region's focus on food security and sustainable protein sources drives market expansion. The presence of emerging start-ups and increasing investments in insect farming technologies contribute to market development. The region's efforts to reduce dependency on imported feed ingredients and promote local production capabilities support market growth.