Edible Insects For Animal Feed Market

Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market Outlook (2023-2033)

Global edible insects for animal feed sales were valued at around US$ 7,266.4 Mn at the end of 2023. The market is projected to register 38.9% CAGR and top a valuation of US$ 1,16,192.16 Mn by 2033.

Edible Insects for Animal Feed Consumption Analysis (2018-2022) Vs. Market Estimations (2023-2033)

The global edible insects for animal feed market has witnessed significant growth in the historical period registering a CAGR of 30.5% in the historical period and was valued at US$ 7,266.4 Mn in 2023. The market is expected to grow steadily with increasing awareness about applications and benefits associated with use of edible insects for animal feed.

Edible insects and insect-based products are enriched with a high amount of nutritional protein. This makes them an ideal alternative to conventional protein sources in animal nutrition, and are thus gaining traction. As a dry product, edible insects contain 50% to 80% of protein, which is essential for animal nutrition.

Edible insects also contain amino acids, which are highly digestible for animals. Some insects contain lauric acid, antimicrobial peptides, and chitin, which have immune-boosting properties. On the back of the high nutritional content of insects, and rising adoption as substitute protein sources, the edible insects for animal feed market is anticipated to witness impressive growth through 2033.

The global market for edible insects for animal feed is estimated to reach an approximate valuation of US$ 1,16,192.16 Mn in the forecast period (2023-2033).

What are the Key Trends in the Market for Edible Insects for Animal Feed?

“Insect Feed Preferred over Conventional Feed”

Fish-meal is used for aquaculture farming, and other types of meat are used in pet feed. The cost of these types of feed is very high, and edible insects are a cheaper alternative for manufacturers of fish feed. These factors are influencing the buying behaviour of the customers and players in the aquaculture industry, and ultimately they show an inclination towards use of insect-based products for animal feed. This has increased the popularity of edible insects for animal feed, especially in the Europe and North American markets. This increasing popularity of edible insects is anticipated to boost growth of the edible insects for animal feed market across the globe.

“Commercialization of Insect-based Protein in Europe”

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and EU member states have approved insect proteins for use in aqua feed. Manufacturers in the global market for edible insects for animal feed are expanding their product lines. This is mostly seen in Europe, where producers of insect-based feed are expanding the market for insect-based protein. Following the authentication of insect proteins for use in aqua feed, approximately 5,000 tonnes of insect protein have been commercialised by insect farmers in Europe.

As the aqua feed market in Europe already consumes around 50% of animal feed made from insects, this trend indicates favourable growth and is anticipated to continue.

“Suitable Alternative to High-cost Conventional Protein Sources”

The traditional protein sources for animals are proteins such as fish meal and fish oil and plant-based proteins like soy protein and numerous other grain proteins. 60% to 70% of the cost of manufacturing goes toward the costs of meat meal, fishmeal, and soybean meal, making these substitutes substantially more expensive than protein derived from insects. In comparison to the typical sources of protein stated above, insects-based proteins are a cheap source of protein and significantly lower the overall cost of animal nutrition. As a result, insect-based protein is becoming more and more popular around the world, and rising consumer interest in using it is predicted to spur growth of the worldwide market for edible insects for animal feed.

“Higher Nutritional Content of Edible Insects to Boost Sales”

High levels of nutritive protein are present in edible insects and insect-based products. They are therefore a great replacement for traditional protein sources in animal feed. Eating insects as a dried product provides 50% to 80% of the necessary protein requirement for animal nutrition. Additionally, edible insects include amino acids, which are very easily absorbed by animals. Lauric acid, antimicrobial peptides, and chitin, which have immune-boosting effects, are also found in some insects. Insects are high in lipids (10–30%), protein (30–60%), and "animal" fibre (insoluble chitin) in substantial amounts. Some insects are renowned for their high mineral and vitamin content in addition to their high levels of macronutrients. However, the nutritional makeup of insects varies depending on their species, diet, developmental stage, sex, and growth environment.

“High Consumer Expectations to Restrict Expansion”

Edible insect farmers need to fulfil rising demands and expectations of consumers such as poultry and meat manufacturers, for safe, high quality, and nutritious products for animal feed. They also need to address societal challenges such as overdose of antibiotics that harm animal health and profits. Edible insect manufacturers need to meet these high standards, which put tremendous pressure on them to maintain the quality and ensure safety of their insect-based products. This may limit manufacturers from focusing on expansion, thus restrict the growth of the global edible insects for animal feed market.

Country-wise Insights

Which regions hold the leading share in the edible insects for animal feed market?

The business set-up cost to start the production of insect-based animal feed products is very low at the initial stage. As the demand for these products increases, many manufacturers have increased their production capacities and are focusing on technical advancements. Investors are also identifying the potential of insect-based animal feed products as a lucrative prospect. Such investments have enabled manufacturers to increase production capacities to cater to the global edible insects for animal feed market.

This growing interest and increasing production capacities of manufacturers is expected to drive demand, and subsequently the growth of the edible insects for animal feed market. Edible insects for animal feed witness higher demand in established markets such as Europe and North America. A large number of start-ups offering insect-based products are located in these two regions.

Many investors have identified potential gain by these sectors, and are investing in areas related to the insect-based product industry. The exponential rate of investments in companies offering insect-based products in Europe and North America is boosting the growth of the global edible insects for animal feed market.

• Ynsect, a France-based leading insect breeding company, raised US$ 125 Mn in its series C funding from a group of investors. This funding is the largest ever ag-tech funding deal outside the U.S.

Which region shows the most promising growth in the upcoming years?

In the global edible insects for animal feed market, a large number of start-ups that focus on breeding and producing insect-based products are located in Europe. Increasing investments in the businesses of emerging manufacturers in this lucrative market are anticipated to increase the share held by Europe in the global edible insects for animal feed market over the coming years.

The market in Asian & Pacific is projected to experience a robust growth rate, attributable to the increasing demand for insect-based products for animal feed and livestock farming. End-use sectors such as pet food and feed, livestock farming, and aquaculture are flourishing in the Asia Pacific region.

Customer inclination toward insect-based animal feed, and high rate of adaptation of edible insects for animal feed in countries such as China and India, make them the most attractive markets in the Asia Pacific region. However, different regulatory laws with respect to every region are hindering the growth of the global edible insects for animal feed market to some extent.

Category-wise Insights

Which Insect Type of Edible Insects for Animal Feed Accounts for High Revenue Generation?

Mealworms account for the highest revenue generated followed by Orthoptera with a value of US$ 3,844 Mn & US$ 1,753 Mn respectively. The high revenue generation is primarily due to high protein content in the organism which makes its usage lucrative and is preferred by the manufacturers as well.

Which is the End Use Segment of Edible Insects for Animal Feed Leads Across the World?

The aquaculture industry leads the end use segment with a valuation of US$ 3,445 Mn in 2023 and holds around 47% of the market value share.

The incorporation of dietary insect meal in fish and crustacean feed has been proven to have no negative effects on the growth and performance. In fact, adding insect protein to aqua feeds has been shown to increase the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), for example in juvenile rainbow trout or giant water prawn.

Competitive Dashboard

Companies are creating a new line of functional and sensory superior edible insects with added value for animal feed, particularly for pet and cattle nutrition. Manufacturers who produce edible insects for animal feed are particularly concerned with boosting the output of their facilities in order to meet the increased demand for high-nutritional and affordable feed components globally. Additionally, producers aim to produce specialized edible insects for animal feed for the various end-use sectors.

Manufacturers are employing cutting-edge approaches to breeding and growing insects in an effort to boost productivity and improve product quality. To create competitive and versatile insect production and processing methods, businesses are further investing in R&D.

• In November 2020, Agriprotein Holdings announced a joint venture with PreZero, a recycling solution and environmental services company that develops closed-loop solutions for waste through collaborations. This joint venture helped the company to strengthen its presence in the U.S.
• Ynsect announced the release of its first product in the United States in November 2021, in collaboration with Pure Simple True LLC. Since it is a high-quality, sustainable protein, the product is essential in dog food. Due to this product launch, the corporation was able to broaden its reach and sell its products in new markets.
• Protix increased its investment in pet health and nutrition by hiring Paul van der Raad as the Global Commercial Director of its pet food division in June 2021. Paul van der Raad's experience and network will enable the company to better serve its customers by thoroughly understanding their needs and those of pet owners.
• In June 2020, InnovaFeed launched its first “insect-powered” ingredients for chicken feed purposes across the world. This helped the company to serve its customers in a better way since they favor more natural and sustainable animal nutrition. These products are also enriched with insect oil.

Edible Insects for Animal Feed Industry Report Scope

Edible Insects for Animal Feed Industry Research by Category

By Insect Type:

• Black Soldier Fly
• Orthoptera
• Housefly
• Silkworm
• Mealworm
• Others

By Product Type:

• Meal
• Oil
• Whole

By End Use:

• Livestock
  • Poultry
  • Swine
• Pet Food
• Aquaculture

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia & Pacific
• East Asia
• Middle East & Africa

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