Semi-skimmed fish meal market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Semi-skimmed fish meal is a protein-rich ingredient for feeding the animals, which was produced out of processing waste and fish part leftovers. It is cooked, squeezed, dried, and groundfish wastes such as heads, tails, backbones, and entrails. The market growth is driven by increasing environmental concerns, government incentives, and advancements in technology. The market growth is also supported by the increasing collaborations between government and private players and R&D efforts.   

Market Dynamics

Growing demand for Protein-Rich Food

The demand for semi-skimmed fish meal, which contains about 12.0% to 15.0% fat and is regarded as a valuable protein source for livestock and aquaculture feedstocks, has been fueled by rising consumer inclination towards protein-rich diets. This development can be traced to the rising awareness of the nutritional advantages that come with high protein intake including improved muscle building among other body functions. The nutrition profile of medium fat content and high protein concentration in a semi-skimmed fish meal makes it very appropriate for use in feed formulations, supporting animal growth, development, and health. It also has the added advantage of being consumed sustainably as it recycles waste from fish processing factories while at the same time meeting the customer’s demand for green foods. 

Availability of Raw Material 

The market for semi-skimmed fish meals is significantly thriving attributed to the vast availability of raw materials such as protein-rich and oily fish-processing by-products including fish oil. Raw materials mainly obtained from fish processing include heads, tails, bones, and viscera, among others. This offers a supply base in fish meal production, enabling manufacturers to maintain product quality through consistent production flows. The availability of these raw materials facilitates the creation of semi-skimmed fish meal, making it easier to extract fat and other vital elements. This also lowers the likelihood of product shortages to promote market growth and expansion.

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global semi-skimmed fish meal market includes the following segments by type and application.

• Based on type, the market is bifurcated into flame-dried (FD) fish meal and steam-dried (SD) fish meal.

• Based on application, the market is sub-segmented into aquaculture feed, poultry feed, pig feed, ruminant feed, and pet food.

Steam Dried Fish Meal Dominates the Market

The preparation of steam-dried fish meals involves pressing water out of fish residues using high-pressure steam without affecting any important element of the nutrient it contains. The temperature range during operation is maintained at 90 °C, under severe fluctuations between 80°C-150°C. The segmental growth is attributed to the nutritional profile, processing efficiency, and the various applications in animal nutrition. 

Aquaculture Feed Segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

Aquaculture feed is the major application in the fish meal market owing to its high demand. As the aquaculture sector develops rapidly to keep pace with an increasing world population’s craving for seafood, the consumption levels for fish meals in aquaculture feed production remain very high.

Regional Outlook

The global semi-skimmed fish meal market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Asia-Pacific Leads the Market

Asia-Pacific dominates the semi-skimmed fish meal market. The region has big business in fish farming, which includes many large fish farms, creating substantial interest in half fish meal, which is an important protein source in fish feeds. The fast-growing population and the rise in disposable income are contributing significantly to the regional market growth. The rich fishery potential of Asia-Pacific manages to support the ongoing availability of unprocessed materials meant for producing fish meals. Besides, the region's dominance in semi-skinned fish meal markets is enhanced through investment in feed-producing infrastructure promoting the growth of aquaculture. 

Global Semi-Skimmed Fish Meal Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

North America to Grow Most Rapidly

The semi-skimmed fish meal market is believed to grow most rapidly in North America owing to the region’s need for environment-friendly protein sources, mainly used in aquaculture. The state offers the assistance of eco-friendly fish farming methods and specific legal norms that regulate these issues. Additionally, semi-skimmed fish meal is used in aqua feeds more often attributed to the changes in technology and innovation. Additionally, the increased awareness among consumers is contributing to market growth. 

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the global semi-skimmed fish meal market include Archer Daniels Midland Co., Cermaq Group AS, Corpesca SA, Nissui Corp., and TASA Foods Pvt. Ltd., among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global semi-skimmed fish meal market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.