| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 6.01 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 7.21 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.70 % |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
South Africa Compound Feed Market Analysis
The South Africa Compound Feed Market size is estimated at USD 6.01 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 7.21 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.70% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
South Africa's animal feed industry produces feed for various segments, including poultry (layer and broiler breeders), dairy, beef, sheep, and pigs. The country maintains an optimal supply of raw materials for animal feed production, particularly maize, which is a major ingredient for many animal feed manufacturers. South Africa's position as a prominent producer of corn and soybeans supports the raw material requirements for its emerging aquaculture sector's feed production. According to the South African Department of Agriculture, the country produces high-quality fishmeal domestically, which serves as a protein-rich ingredient extensively used in compound feed formulation. The industry's growth has been driven by economic diversification and increasing domestic demand, benefiting both leading animal feed companies and the overall market.
In South Africa, meat and dairy consumption continues to increase. According to Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity, a local nonprofit organization, over 70% of South Africans allocate more than 62% of their income to food purchases. The Competition Commission, a statutory body established by the South African Government, reports that the poorest 10% of households spend up to 7% of their total expenditure on chicken products. Population growth, urbanization, demographic shifts, rising incomes, price fluctuations, and increased environmental and health awareness influence the patterns and volume of meat consumption. This growing meat demand drives expansion in the compound feed market. Animal feed production in South Africa has grown significantly during the study period. However, feed prices have remained volatile due to various factors, leading the market to investigate alternative feed formulation options.
Compound feed usage is concentrated in intensive livestock production systems. The expansion of these systems in South Africa, driven by land scarcity and labor abundance, indicates positive market growth. The increasing government focus on strengthening regional meat trade relationships has boosted livestock production, further driving compound feed demand. The dairy industry, a significant sector in South Africa, has experienced increased feed requirements due to global demand for milk and milk products, substantially raising cattle feed demand in the country. In December 2023, the government of South Africa announced an R11 million (USD 0.61 million) investment to enhance beef production in Rust de Winter. This initiative includes constructing 15 cattle-handling facilities, which will further drive the demand for compound feed in the country.
South Africa Compound Feed Market Trends
Cereals Dominates the Market
South Africa, as a developing economy, relies heavily on cereals as key ingredients in animal feed due to their cost-effectiveness. Rice, wheat, barley, sorghum, and corn are the primary cereal grains used in animal feeds across the country. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a typical South African feed mix consists of 50 percent yellow maize, 20-30 percent soy, and 20-30 percent other ingredients. The South African Bureau of Food and Agriculture Policy (BFAP) reports that the poultry industry has achieved improved technical efficiency with a feed conversion rate of 1.45. Rainbow Chicken plans to focus its 2024 investments on feed milling to minimize costs. Additionally, FAOSTAT data indicates increasing crop yields, with maize production rising from 15.4 million metric tons in 2022 to 16.4 million metric tons in 2023. This growth in crop production supports the continued use of cereals as ingredients in compound feed, strengthening the market.
The convergence of heightened health consciousness, increasing focus on nutritional security, and rising disposable income levels have fundamentally transformed consumer preferences, driving substantial demand for meat products in South Africa. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the country exhibits a consistent upward trajectory in per capita meat consumption patterns, with poultry maintaining its dominant position as the primary meat choice, followed by beef and veal in the protein consumption hierarchy.
Statistical evidence indicates that per capita poultry consumption increased substantially from 34.0 kg in 2019 to 38.6 kg in 2022, while beef and veal consumption demonstrated notable growth from 12.4 kg to 14.9 kg during the corresponding period. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data further substantiates this market evolution, reporting a significant expansion in the poultry population from 182.6 million birds in 2022 to 196.4 million in 2023. This sustained increase in demand for animal products has not only catalyzed significant expansion in livestock production activities but has also created substantial opportunities for feed manufacturers to enhance animal productivity, consequently stimulating robust growth within the compound feed segment of the animal feed market.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
Aquaculture Dominates the Market
The growth of the aquafeed industry has created significant opportunities for compound feed market expansion, as these specialized feeds enhance fish immunity, improve digestive efficiency, and optimize overall performance, enabling faster and more efficient weight gain in shorter durations. The local wild fishery sector remains crucial to the nation's food supply chain and supports numerous coastal communities' livelihoods through direct employment and auxiliary industries.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries continues to promote sustainable sector growth through comprehensive policy frameworks and development initiatives. In 2023, South Africa's aquaculture industry underwent substantial revitalization efforts, including infrastructure development and technological advancement. The government introduced the Draft Aquaculture Development Bill in November 2023, aiming to double local aquaculture production by 2030 through improved farming practices and resource allocation. To ensure long-term food and nutrition security, the government has prioritized aquaculture development through Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy initiatives, which encompass training programs, research support, and infrastructure development. This strategic focus has significantly increased the demand for compound feed, particularly as the government strengthens international trade relationships and explores new markets in aquaculture sales.
Get Analysis on Important Geographic Markets
Download PDF
South Africa Compound Feed Industry Overview
The compound feed market is moderately fragmented in nature, with many small, medium, and big companies present at various levels - at national, international, and continental levels. Leading companies focused on acquiring feed mills and small manufacturing to expand their business in local and foreign markets. Some of the players have been expanding their geographical presence by acquiring or merging with the manufacturers in the foreign market. Companies such as Cargill Inc., Archer Daniels Midland, Charoen Pokphand, Nutreco NV, Novus International, Meadow Feeds, Alltech Inc., and New Hope Group are the major players in the market studied.
South Africa Compound Feed Market Leaders
-
Cargill Inc.
-
Novus International
-
Archer Daniels Midland
-
Alltech Inc.
-
New Hope Group
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF
South Africa Compound Feed Market News
- March 2023: Eastern Cape Provincial Government of South Africa invested R206 million in developing the first 100 hectares of the Coega Aquaculture Development Zone (ADZ). This investment includes essential infrastructure such as road networks, water reticulation services, and electrical networks, positioning the Coega Special Economic Zone as a significant hub for aquaculture development.
- June 2022: Nutreco received a USD 4.8 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant aims to accelerate the implementation of localized, sustainable complete feed production in sub-Saharan Africa including South Africa, driving Nutreco's purpose of Feeding the Future forward.
South Africa Compound Feed Industry Segmentation
Compound feed is a mixture of raw materials and supplements fed to the livestock, sourced from either plant, animal, organic or inorganic substances, or industrial processing, whether or not containing additives. While soybean, corn, barley, wheat, and sorghum are the most commonly used raw materials, and vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are the most common additives blended to form compound feed. The Compound Animal Feed Market in South Africa is segmented into Animal Type (Ruminants, Swine, Poultry, Aquaculture, and Other Animal Types) and Ingredient (Cereals, Cakes, & Meals, By-products, and Supplements). The report offers the market size and forecast in value (USD) of all the above-mentioned segments.
| Animal Type | Ruminants |
| Poultry | |
| Swine | |
| Aquaculture | |
| Other Animal Types | |
| Ingredient | Cereals |
| Cakes & Meals | |
| By-products | |
| Supplements |
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now
South Africa Compound Feed Market Research Faqs
How big is the South Africa Compound Feed Market?
The South Africa Compound Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 6.01 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.70% to reach USD 7.21 billion by 2030.
What is the current South Africa Compound Feed Market size?
In 2025, the South Africa Compound Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 6.01 billion.
Who are the key players in South Africa Compound Feed Market?
Cargill Inc., Novus International, Archer Daniels Midland, Alltech Inc. and New Hope Group are the major companies operating in the South Africa Compound Feed Market.
What years does this South Africa Compound Feed Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the South Africa Compound Feed Market size was estimated at USD 5.79 billion. The report covers the South Africa Compound Feed Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South Africa Compound Feed Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Our Best Selling Reports
South Africa Compound Feed Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 South Africa Compound Feed market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South Africa Compound Feed analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
