Supply Security Issues Challenge Feed Sector in 2025

The feed sector faced fragile supply security in 2025, continuing to grapple with the residual effects of recent disruptions, notably Peru’s anchovy crisis and global freight complications that originated in 2023 and 2024.

Despite a downturn in feed ingredient prices from last year’s record highs, costs are expected to escalate due to disappointing volume returns from Peru’s key fishing regions and historically low blue whiting stocks—both essential for the aquaculture feed industry.

Regulatory Pressures and Alternatives

Additionally, the industry is bracing for increasing regulatory pressures. In Europe, new deforestation regulations set to be enforced in January promise to heighten scrutiny over imported soy, a vital component for feed.

With the global aquaculture sector requiring over 100 million metric tons of feed annually and alternative ingredients yet to gain significant traction, producers are unveiling various initiatives. These include the exploration of feather meal and genetically modified crops as legitimate substitutes to bridge supply gaps.

Economic Challenges and Strategic Shifts

The sector is not only dealing with supply issues but is also bearing the brunt of economic challenges. Weak consumer spending has adversely affected seafood markets, intensifying financial pressures on feed manufacturers and prompting strategic realignments among major players.

Mowi is reassessing its options within its feed division, while BioMar’s parent company, Schouw & Co., is contemplating an IPO for the aquaculture feed giant. Meanwhile, Skretting has undergone new leadership changes, with Nutreco’s Maarten Bijl stepping in as CEO following a brief tenure by Bastiaan van Tilburg. Further complicating matters, Cargill has exited its aquafeed business in Vietnam, resulting in job cuts.

Key Feed Stories of 2025

‘Unlock Hidden Value’: BioMar’s IPO Plans Progress

Industry insiders indicate that BioMar’s parent company has a sound case for listing its aquaculture feed unit as the 2026 window approaches. Read the full story here.

Norwegian Salmon Farmers Open to GM Ingredients

Leading Norwegian salmon executives are increasingly considering the use of GM canola-derived omega-3 oils in feed, feeling it is time to address the subject. “We have a duty to do it,” remarked Grieg Seafood CEO Andreas Kvame. Read the full story here.

Skretting’s New CEO on Future Directions

Maarten Bijl, who recently became the new CEO of Skretting, has indicated a focus on impacting innovation, strengthening customer relationships, and driving sustainability within the company. Read the full story here.

Mowi’s Potential Feed Division Sale—Who’s Interested?

As Mowi conducts a review of its feed division, analysts suggest potential buyers could include feed giants like BioMar, Cargill, and Skretting. Read the full story here.

Rabobank Warns of Rising Costs Amid Supply Crunch

The global aquaculture is faced with tighter supplies of fishmeal and fish oil as demand from high-value species surges, per a Rabobank report. This trend could drive up feed costs through 2030. Read the full story here.

Innovative Ingredient Solutions

In an intriguing development, Skretting is exploring the potential of using protein-rich beer waste to replace imported soy in Norwegian salmon feed, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign sources. Read the full story here.

Policy Changes from Whole Foods

Whole Foods has revised its aquaculture purchasing policy, permitting the use of avian products in salmon feed, which could broaden the scope for feed ingredients. Read the full story here.

Urgent Calls for Sustainability in Fishmeal Supply

Skretting has warned of a supply crisis due to political deadlock over blue whiting quota allocation, which threatens sustainability certifications for this crucial feed ingredient. Read the full story here.

Mowi’s Feed Division Review

Mowi is considering a strategic review of its feed division, which has significant production capacity and fulfills nearly all of Mowi’s feed requirements. Analysts speculate the company aims to streamline operations and free working capital for other investments. Read the full story here.

The “Perfect Storm” for Fishmeal and Oil Markets

Industry experts are likening recent announcements regarding Peru’s anchovy quota and blue whiting stock cuts to a “perfect storm” that could create significant market volatility for fishmeal and fish oil. Read the full story here.