Protein Hydrolysates in Aquaculture Feed Market Size - By Form, By Process, By Application, Growth Forecast, 2025-2034

Protein Hydrolysates in Aquaculture Feed Market Size

The global protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed market size was valued at USD 312.5 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 346.8 million in 2025 to USD 800.4 million in 2034, at a CAGR of 9.7%, according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• Protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed are specialized feed ingredients obtained from the enzymatic or chemical degradation of fish, shrimp and other marine or terrestrial protein sources into smaller peptides and amino acids. These bioactive components improve digestibility, stimulate growth and elevate immune responses against diseases in farmed aquatic species, hence making them a crucial constituent of sustainable aquaculture.
   
• The market for protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed is booming due to several factors.  According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asia accounted for 167.1 million tonnes of global fisheries and aquaculture production, 75 % of the world's total. The rapid growth of aquaculture in China, India, and Indonesia requires a good standard of sustainable feed ingredients, with protein hydrolysates emerging as the preferred option due to their nutritional advantages and value in utilizing fish processing by-products. The government initiatives aim to enhance fish production and food security so that this ensures the demand for new feed solutions.
   
• At the same time, North America is becoming the fastest growing market due to strict sustainability laws and investments in advanced manufacturing technologies. Governments are promoting the idea of a circular economy in North America, whereby fishery waste and by-products would be used for the production of protein hydrolysates so as to minimize environmental impacts and comply with regulatory requirements.
   
• The need for sustainability further prompts the demand for aquaculture protein hydrolysates, which advances in technology are expected to drive in the near future. The increased focus on disease prevention and immune stimulation in farmed aquatic species also creates a higher demand for bioactive protein hydrolysates.
   

Protein Hydrolysates in Aquaculture Feed Market Trends

• The sustainability-driven innovations and circular economy integration trend focuses on utilizing fish processing by-products and wastes in generating valuable protein hydrolysates. Instead of condemning these materials to landfills, they are viewed as useful ingredients for aquaculture feed. This practice thus reduces the environmental impact, cuts waste, and increases resource efficiency, thus making a key contribution to the industry becoming increasingly sustainable and environmentally friendly.
   
• The innovative bioprocessing technologies allows specific conditions of hydrolysis, leading to the production of protein hydrolysates of the highest quality with desired bioactive properties. These technological breakthroughs not only improve process efficiencies but also allow for enhanced reductions in production costs and appropriate degrees of customization to meet the varying nutritional requirements of different aquatic species.
   
• Increasing use of protein hydrolysates in functional feeds with specific health-improving attributes are immune promotion and disease resistance effects. Besides, bioactive properties render protein hydrolysates the most suitable for nutraceutical purposes, toward a complete approach in health management in aquaculture. The combination of such constituents could improve motility performance, while minimize antibiotic usage and improve the welfare of farmed species.
   
• Regulatory harmonization is being enhanced across regions to improve standards and quality control for protein hydrolysates increasingly. Benchmarking of quality would indicate that the products are safe, efficacious, and traceable, increasing confidence within the industry and boosting international trade. Regulatory clarity helps manufacturers to produce high-standard products and meet the diverse market requirements while facilitating the approval process.
   

Protein Hydrolysates in Aquaculture Feed Market Analysis

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Based on form, protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed market is segmented into powder, liquid and paste. Powder form generated USD 204.2 million revenue in 2024.
 

• Powder formulations offer advantages in the extension of shelf life, keeping nutritional and functional properties for longer periods when stored properly as compared to the liquid options. The concentrated nature of the powder hydrolysates facilitates their cost-effective transportation and storage. The preference of major feed manufacturers for powder formulations caters to the harmonization of quality control standards of their automated mixing systems and hence the continuous demand growth across all geographical regions.
   
• Liquid protein hydrolysates cater to more specialized uses such as larval feeds as well as premium aquaculture operations. Liquid formulations are particularly suitable for feeding, at early life stages, of fish and shrimp in which rapid nutrient uptake is essential for survival and growth rates; technology improvements in stabilization and preservation will extend shelf life while protecting the integrity of bioactive compounds in liquid formulations.
   
• The paste category serves niche applications requiring intermediate moisture content and specialized handling characteristics. Paste formulations have specific feeding system and research application value where accurate dosing and controlled release properties are required.
   

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Based on process, the protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed market is segmented into enzymatic hydrolysis, chemical hydrolysis, autolytic hydrolysis and others. Enzymatic hydrolysis accounted for 69.9% of market share in 2024.
 

• Enzymatic hydrolysis produces fine products with superior functional properties. This method provides control on the peptide size distribution and the profile of amino acids, resulting into products having better digestibility, bioavailability and functional merits when compared to other preparations. It maintains the bioactive component during the production of specific peptide fractions.
   
• Chemical hydrolysis is the treatment which applies to cost-sensitive requirements and to production in larger scales where more concern has been placed on the efficiency of processing rather than its specific functionalities. Chemical hydrolysis is quicker, less sophisticated equipment may be required, and feedstock can be more flexible than the technique which can afford high volume and competitive markets.
   
• Autolytic hydrolysis in raw materials yields a certain product profile which is characterized by specific flavors and functional characteristics. This process accounts for premium aquaculture application and fits within the general trend of consumer preference for minimally processed, natural ingredients. Its use appeals to sustainable aquaculture practices and natural processing methods retaining bioactive compounds.
   

Based on application, the protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed market is segmented into larval feeds, starter feeds, grow-out, feeds and functional feeds.
 

• Larval feeds dominates because of the requirements of high-quality protein sources during the first stages of development in aquaculture species' life cycle. The expansion of hatcheries as well as increased considerations on survival rates and growth performances drive this segment. Protein hydrolysates furnish essential amino acids in an easily digestible form to support rapid growth and development during the vulnerable larval stage, which would be less effective for conventional feed ingredients due to the immaturity of their digestive systems.
   
• Starter feeds are essential in the initial stages of growth in which feed conversion efficiency is maximized with a focus on promoting rapid development alongside maintenance of healthy digestive systems and immune function. Grow-out feeds are common in commercial aquaculture, aiming toward maximum efficiency of production and quality of the product. Protein hydrolysates that fall under this segment are functional as stress resistance, disease control, and enhancement of meat quality in a highly competitive market, thus supporting premium prices.
   
• Functional feeds target specific biological functions, including immune support, disease resistance, and reproductive performance. Advancements in understanding bioactive peptides, and their physiological effects. These targeted benefits together with the demonstrated performance improvements usually lead to the higher prices paid by functional feeds.
   

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The protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed market in North America will grow at a CAGR from approximately 10% between 2025 and 2034.  
 

• There is increasing recognition of feed ingredients that are eco-friendly and which enforce environmental preservation, as well as responsible farming, in the light of growing consumer awareness, as well as industry activities, towards sustainable aquaculture practices. Interest currently surrounds the search for natural, biodegradable, and sustainable sources of protein hydrolysates that would complement the ideal form of aquafeeds with reduced environmental impact.
   
• Technologies and development of safer, sound, and affordable processing methods like enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and biotechnological applications will lead to the development of better-quality protein hydrolysates, thus enhancing the applications in aquaculture concerning support for the immune system; growth enhancement; and stress resilience in farmed species.
   

The protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed markets in Europe, especially in a few countries like Germany, are expected to grow with a rapid pace in the coming years, especially from 2025 to 2034, with CAGR of 9.9%.
 

• Increasing environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives are encouraging the use of eco-friendly biodegradable feed ingredients. Therein, the German environment with stringent standards will lead the way toward bio-based and sustainable aquaculture feed components, including protein hydrolysates from natural sources.
   
• R&D efforts aim at optimizing extraction and hydrolysis processes for bioavailability and functionality improvement, while innovations in biorefining and extraction technologies are enlarging the scope of applications to include natural health products and organic aquaculture practices.
   
• Consumer preferences for clean label, allergen-free, vegan, and sustainable products are surprisingly providing some room for the application of green protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed, reinforcing the demand for healthier seafood production by being environmentally friendly.
   

The protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed market in China and India is expected to have lucrative growth between 2025 and 2034, with CAGR 9.6% in the Asia Pacific region.
 

• Wealthy aquaculture products are being demanded because of urbanization and rising disposable incomes: thus, the need for protein hydrolysates as feed ingredient is high.
   
• Policies from government supporting sustainable aquaculture practice, waste valorization, and eco-feed formulation are being incentivized for investments toward natural and organic aquaculture solutions, including protein hydrolysates.
   
• Product proliferation in protein hydrolysates is being further aided by increasing emphasis on health and wellness and the growing demand for natural and organic aquaculture products.

Between 2025 and 2034, the market for protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed in the Middle East is projected to grow significantly during this period.
 

• Rapid development of the hospitality and tourism industry along with increasing consumer awareness towards sustainable and healthy seafood options is spooking a demand for eco-friendly aquaculture feeds containing protein hydrolysates.
   
• Improved adoption of natural feed ingredients, such as protein hydrolysates, within regional aquaculture practices would also be supported by diverse government initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly food production along with healthier lifestyles.
   

Between 2025 and 2034, a promising expansion of the protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed sector is foreseen in the Latin America.
 

• The demand for natural biodegradable eco-friendly feed ingredients, such as protein hydrolysates, is fueled by environmental awareness and the transition toward organic and sustainable aquaculture.
   
• Increasing disposable incomes together with rising awareness about sustainable seafood will favor the adoption of natural bio-based aquaculture feed solutions, adding to the market growth in the region.
   

Protein Hydrolysates in Aquaculture Feed Market Share

• Protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed industry is moderately consolidated with players like Copalis, Bio-Marine Ingredients, Hofseth Biocare, Scanbio and Symrise accounted for 38.3% market share in 2024.
   
• The protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed market consists of such leading companies operating mostly in their regional areas. Their long years of experience with protein hydrolysates allow these companies to maintain a strong market position worldwide. Their product offerings are diverse and majorly supported by production capacities and distribution networks, which can serve the increasing demand for protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed in various regions.
   

Protein Hydrolysates in Aquaculture Feed Market Companies

Major players operating in the protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed industry includes:

• Alfa Laval AB
• Bio-Marine Ingredients Ireland Ltd
• Copalis
• Hofseth Biocare
• Janatha Fish Meal
• Kemin Industries
• SAMPI
• Scanbio
• Sopropêche 
• Symrise 
   

Copalis is the market leader with the most extensive capabilities in marine protein processing and hydrolysate production. The company operates sophisticated processing facilities that employ enzymatic hydrolysis techniques for the production of top-rated protein hydrolysates for use in aquaculture. 
 

Symrise uses its expertise in the areas of bioactive compound development and formulation of functional ingredients to line itself with the upper segment of the protein hydrolysates market. It combines the fully-fledged research with development facilities to get into the specialized products associated with exceptional bioactivity and functional properties for sale at a premium.
 

Hofseth Biocare has secured a strong position in the market as a result of its integrated approach to sustainable protein hydrolysate production: using salmon processing by-products as raw materials and turning waste streams into profitable ends in feed ingredients that further support circular economy objectives.
 

Bio-Marine Ingredients Ireland Ltd specializes in marine-derived protein hydrolysates for European markets and premium applications. Guarantees created by its processing and quality assurance systems meet the most stringent requirements of the European regulations, thus resulting not only in products that can commercially benefit high-value aquaculture operations but also in products for such markets. 
 

Scanbio has a strong focus on the Nordic market and sustainable production practices that stay in line with the regional preferences for environmentally friendly ingredients.  The production technology and raw material sourcing strategies Scanbio employs support consistent product quality while keeping cost competitiveness in price-sensitive market segments.
 

Protein Hydrolysates in Aquaculture Feed Industry News

• In February 2025, Symrise's marine ingredients portfolio has been developed in a strategic partnership HBC, which aimed at developing aquaculture feed protein hydrolysates. Thus, the duo sets itself as a leader in bioactive, sustainable marine proteins derived from salmon for aquaculture nutrition through innovative, science-backed solutions.
   
• In September 2024, Hofseth BioCare ASA announced completion of an expansion project worth USD 15 million on its hydrolysate production facility in Norway previously. The increase in this expansion is to touch the company sweet annual production capacity for an additional 2,500 tonnes. The expansion will include state-of-the-art enzymatic processing equipment in addition to quality control laboratories, positioning the company to capture the burgeoning European nutraceutical market.
   

The protein hydrolysates in aquaculture feed market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million and volume in terms of Kilo Tons from 2021–2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Form

• Powder
• Liquid
• Paste

Market, By Process

• Enzymatic hydrolysis
• Chemical hydrolysis
  • Acid hydrolysis
  • Alkaline hydrolysis
• Autolytic hydrolysis
• Others

Market, By Application

• Larval feeds
• Starter feeds
• Grow-out feeds
• Functional feeds 

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa