Comprehensive Snapshot of Edible Insects For Animal Feed Market Research Report, Including Regional and Country Analysis in Brief.
Industry: Food and Beverages
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
ID: PMRREP12394
Last Updated: 1 July 2025
Number of Pages: 199
The Global Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market size is estimated to grow from US$ 2,140.5 million in 2025 to US$ 5,323.3 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.9% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.
According to the Persistence Market Research report the edible insects for animal feed market is poised for transformative growth, driven by sustainability demands and regulatory advancements. Innovations in large-scale production and shifting consumer preferences position insect protein as a viable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional feed sources across multiple animal sectors.
Key Industry Highlights:
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Global Market Attribute |
Key Insights |
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Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market Size (2025E) |
US$ 2,140.5 Mn |
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Market Value forecast (2032F) |
US$ 5,323.3 Mn |
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Projected Growth (CAGR 2025 to 2032) |
12.3% |
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Historical Market Growth (CAGR 2019 to 2024) |
13.9% |
The increasing preference for insect-based feed over traditional sources is becoming a powerful market driver in the animal feed industry. Insects provide high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and beneficial fats, while also reducing reliance on conventional inputs like soy and fishmeal. Notably, the EU currently imports 70% of its protein for animal feed, which presents a strategic opportunity to substitute with locally produced insect protein. Supported by regulatory approvals and strong eco-efficiency credentials, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions, and efficient organic waste conversion farms are increasingly adopting insect meal. For instance, Black Soldier Fly larvae rearing facilities have shown a 25–42% lower carbon footprint compared to soy or fishmeal production. As circular farming gains momentum and regulatory frameworks evolve to allow wider insect use in pig, poultry, and, aquaculture diets, insect-based feed is poised to become a core staple in sustainable animal nutrition.
While the benefits of insect-based feed are increasingly recognized, a significant hurdle to widespread adoption persists: regulatory inconsistencies across different regions and even within individual countries. The absence of harmonized guidelines regarding permissible insect species, acceptable feedstocks for rearing insects, and approved applications in various animal diets creates a complex and unpredictable environment for producers. This fragmented regulatory landscape hinders investment, complicates international trade, and prevents economies of scale, ultimately limiting the market expansion necessary for insect protein to become a truly competitive and readily available alternative to traditional protein sources. Without clear, consistent, and scientifically backed regulatory frameworks, the industry's potential to significantly contribute to sustainable animal nutrition remains constrained.
Localized production of edible insects for animal feed presents a strategic opportunity to reduce import dependency and lower costs, particularly in regions with high protein feed demand but limited access to conventional sources. By establishing insect farms closer to end-users, companies minimize transportation expenses, reduce supply chain complexities, and ensure fresher, more reliable feedstock. This approach also aligns with sustainability goals by cutting carbon emissions linked to long-distance shipping.
For example, Protix, a leading Dutch insect protein producer, recently expanded its facility in the Netherlands to serve European markets more efficiently, reducing reliance on imported feed ingredients. Such local production hubs enhance resilience against global supply chain disruptions and trade restrictions, enabling competitive pricing. As demand grows in emerging economies, replicating this model offers significant cost advantages while promoting circular bioeconomy principles through localized waste valorization and resource recycling.
Black Soldier Fly (BSF) holds approximately 48% of the market share in 2024 in the edible insects for animal feed market, largely due to its superior protein (up to 60%) and lipid content, making it a nutritionally rich and cost-effective alternative to fishmeal and soybean meal. BSF larvae can thrive on organic waste, converting it into high-value biomass with exceptional feed conversion efficiency. Their adaptability, fast growth cycle, and suitability for closed-loop production systems have further cemented BSF’s dominance across the aquafeed, poultry, and pet food sectors. Meanwhile, Mealworms and Silkworms are gaining traction due to their favorable amino acid profiles and ease of farming, particularly in urban and small-scale operations. Beetles are also seeing a niche surge, driven by their ability to break down fibrous feedstock and their potential in specialty livestock feed applications, especially where diversification of feed ingredients is prioritized.
The aquafeed market growth is This growth is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of aquaculture and the urgent demand for sustainable, high-protein alternatives to traditional fishmeal. Insect protein, especially from black soldier flies, offers a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly substitute that aligns with the aquaculture sector's sustainability goals. Its amino acid profile closely matches that of fishmeal, making it ideal for feeding species such as salmon and trout. Additionally, regulatory approvals across Europe and Asia are accelerating its adoption in commercial aquafeed formulations. Meanwhile, the poultry feed segment is also experiencing healthy growth, with insect-based inputs gaining popularity as immune-boosting, digestible proteins. Pet food applications are growing steadily as premium brands emphasize novel, hypoallergenic proteins that appeal to health-conscious pet owners seeking ethical, alternative nutrition sources.
The North American edible insects for animal feed market is gaining momentum, driven by a growing demand for sustainable protein alternatives in the U.S. and Canada. Environmental benefits of insect farming, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced land use are increasingly recognized by U.S. regulators and industry stakeholders. In January 2024, the U.S.-based Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) granted Ÿnsect the first approval for defatted mealworm proteins, signaling a regulatory breakthrough for the U.S. market.
Meanwhile, in Canada, Aspire's acquisition of 12 acres in Ontario aims to establish the world's largest automated edible cricket processing facility, reflecting significant investments in large-scale production capacity. Innovations in insect farming technology across North America, including automation, precision monitoring, and optimized rearing environments, are enhancing consistency, yield, and product quality. These advancements position the U.S. as a key market for scaling edible insect proteins, accelerating adoption in aquafeed, poultry feed, and pet food sectors focused on sustainability and cost-efficiency.
The Europe edible insects for animal feed market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% during the forecast period 2025-2032 driven by sustainability and circular economy principles, with countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France, and the U.K. leading innovation. The European Commission’s phased approvals of insect meal for aquaculture (2017), poultry, and pig feed (2021/2022) have provided crucial legal certainty, boosting investor confidence and fueling market expansion. Substantial venture capital and private equity investments are supporting the growth of insect farming companies across Europe, enabling advanced R&D and the construction of larger, more efficient production facilities.
Collaboration between insect producers, feed manufacturers, and academic institutions is accelerating product development and market adoption while fostering knowledge exchange. Although the poultry and pig feed segments are well-established in the EU, the aquaculture sector’s growth is closely linked to the upscaling of EU fish farming operations. The European Commission recognizes that expanding aquaculture with insect-derived ingredients can significantly lower the environmental footprint of EU food systems, reinforcing the strategic importance of this market trend.
Asia Pacific dominates the global aquaculture industry, driving substantial demand for sustainable, high-quality aquafeed ingredients, where insect protein is increasingly recognized as a vital alternative to traditional fishmeal.
Countries such as Thailand and China benefit from a cultural legacy of insect consumption, easing acceptance of insect-based animal feed products. Regional focus on local protein production and food security further propels market growth, supported by emerging regulatory clarity in nations such as Singapore and South Korea, which fosters investor confidence. Southeast Asia, with its favorable climate and lower labor costs, is becoming the leading hub for insect production, positioning the region at the forefront of this market. Cost-effective insect farming offers local farmers viable protein solutions, reinforcing Asia Pacific’s strategic advantage. The Insect to Feed the World, conference hosted by AFFIA in 2024, underscores the region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of edible insects for animal feed.
The global edible insects for animal feed market remains fragmented, characterized by a diverse mix of artisanal producers, innovative startups, and established players. Companies are investing heavily in large-scale, automated, and vertically integrated farming facilities to drive economies of scale and reduce production costs. Advanced technologies, including AI-driven climate control and precision feeding is deployed to enhance efficiency and yield. Strategic focus on high-demand segments such as aquafeed and poultry feed, supported by clear regulatory pathways, guides market positioning.
Collaboration with major feed manufacturers and pet food brands enable a smooth integration of insect proteins into supply chains. Industry stakeholders actively engage with regulatory bodies and associations to promote harmonized policies, facilitating broader market access. Rigorous quality assurance measures and genetic breeding programs for superior insect strains further enhance product consistency, safety, and performance, driving competitiveness.
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Report Attributes |
Details |
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Historical Data/Actuals |
2019 - 2024 |
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forecast Period |
2025 - 2032 |
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Market Analysis |
Value: US$ Mn, Volume: Tons |
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Geographical Coverage |
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Segmental Coverage |
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Competitive Analysis |
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Report Highlights |
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Customization and Pricing |
Available upon request |
By Insect Tye
By Form
By End-use
By Region
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The global edible insects for animal feed market is projected to be valued at US$ 2,140.5 Mn in 2025.
Growing preference for insect-based feed over traditional feed sources drives the demand for Edible Insects for Animal Feed.
The Global Edible Insects for Animal Feed market is poised to witness a CAGR of 13.9% between 2025 and 2032.
Localized production, reducing import dependency, and cost is the key market opportunity.
Major players in the Global Edible Insects for Animal Feed market include Ynsect, EnviroFlight (Darling Ingredients), Aspire Food Group, Protix, Innovafeed, Hexafly, and others.
