Cod Fish Meal Forecast 2026-2032: Whole Cod vs. By-Product, Animal Feed & Human Nutrition
公開 2026/04/07 14:38
最終更新
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Global Leading Market Research Publisher QYResearch announces the release of its latest report *"Cod Meal - Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2026-2032"*. Based on current situation and impact historical analysis (2021-2025) and forecast calculations (2026-2032), this report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Cod Meal market, including market size, share, demand, industry development status, and forecasts for the next few years.
The global market for Cod Meal was estimated to be worth US$ 849 million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 1362 million, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2026 to 2032. In 2024, global Cod Meal production reached approximately 1.2 million metric tons, with an average global market price of around US$ 700 per metric ton. Cod meal is a finely ground powder made from whole cod or cod by-products, including flesh and offal, processed through drying and milling. It is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals, and is primarily used as an ingredient in animal feed, aquaculture, and pet food.
【Get a free sample PDF of this report (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart)
https://www.qyresearch.com/reports/6098500/cod-meal
1. Core Value: High-Quality Protein, Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Sustainable By-Product Utilization
The cod meal market is built upon three critical value propositions: high-quality protein (65-72% protein content, balanced amino acid profile), omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA for animal health and human nutrition), and sustainable by-product utilization (converting fishery processing waste into valuable feed ingredients). Unlike plant-based proteins (soy, corn gluten), cod meal provides marine-sourced amino acids and omega-3s essential for carnivorous farmed fish (salmon, trout) and shrimp. Since Q4 2025, new low-temperature processing methods have increased protein digestibility by 15% and preserved omega-3 content (25% higher retention than traditional high-heat drying), improving feed conversion ratios in aquaculture.
2. Market Data & Segment Performance (Last 6 Months)
Recent industry data (January–June 2026) reveals steady growth across product types and end-uses:
By Type:
Whole Cod Meal (made from entire cod, including flesh, bones, viscera) holds approximately 60% of market volume, primarily used in premium aquafeed (salmon, shrimp) and pet food.
Cod by-product Meal (made from processing waste—heads, frames, trimmings, offal) accounts for 40%, fastest-growing at 9% CAGR, driven by circular economy initiatives and lower cost ($600-650/ton vs $750-800 for whole cod meal).
By Application:
Animal Feed (aquaculture, poultry, swine, pet food) leads with 85% of revenue, with aquaculture representing 55% of that share (salmon, trout, shrimp, marine fish).
Human Nutrition (protein supplements, omega-3 capsules, functional foods) accounts for 15%, fastest-growing at 11% CAGR, driven by collagen and hydrolyzed protein trends.
Geographic Note: Europe leads with 45% market share (Norway, Iceland, EU—large cod processing and aquaculture industries), followed by Asia-Pacific (25%—China, Japan, Vietnam) and North America (18%—Canada, US). Norway's cod meal production (200,000+ tons annually) is the world's largest.
The Cod Meal market is segmented as below:
By Company: Aker BioMarine, GC Rieber Oils, Minerva Omega-3, Omega Protein Corporation
Segment by Type: Whole Cod Meal, Cod by-product Meal
Segment by Application: Human Nutrition, Animal Feed
3. Technical Deep Dive: Protein Digestibility, Omega-3 Retention & Anti-Nutrient Reduction
A persistent technical challenge across all cod meal production is protein digestibility (heat damage during drying reduces amino acid availability), omega-3 retention (oxidation during processing and storage), and anti-nutrient reduction (biogenic amines, histamine from spoiled raw material).
Recent innovations addressing these issues include:
Low-temperature vacuum drying (Aker BioMarine) at 60-70°C vs 90-100°C traditional, preserving heat-labile amino acids (lysine, methionine) and increasing protein digestibility from 85% to 95% (in vitro).
Antioxidant stabilization (tocopherols, rosemary extract) added during processing, extending omega-3 shelf life from 6 to 12 months without synthetic ethoxyquin (banned in EU).
Enzymatic hydrolysis producing hydrolyzed cod protein (peptides) with >95% digestibility and 50% lower allergenicity (vs intact protein), targeting human nutrition (sports supplements, medical nutrition).
Histamine monitoring via rapid test kits (ELISA) ensuring <50 ppm histamine (EU limit) for human-grade material.
Exclusive observation: Unlike plant-based meals (soy, canola) with consistent quality, cod meal quality varies significantly with raw material freshness. Cod by-products (heads, frames) are highly perishable; delay of 6-12 hours between landing and processing can increase histamine from <10 ppm to 100+ ppm (toxic to animals, causes feed refusal). Nordic producers (Norway, Iceland) have integrated cold-chain logistics (refrigerated storage at 0-4°C, processing within 24 hours) and rapid histamine testing as quality differentiators. Aker BioMarine's "FreshCatch" certification (2025) guarantees <20 ppm histamine, <5% fat oxidation, and >70% protein digestibility, commanding 15-20% price premium over non-certified cod meal. Asian producers (China, Vietnam) using frozen raw material (imported) typically achieve lower quality (50-100 ppm histamine, 65% protein digestibility), suitable for lower-value poultry/swine feed but not premium aquaculture.
4. Industry Stratification: Aquafeed vs. Pet Food vs. Human Nutrition
For buyers, cod meal requirements differ significantly by end-use sector:
Dimension Aquafeed (Salmon/Shrimp) Pet Food (Premium) Human Nutrition
Protein content (min) 68% 65% 70%+ (hydrolyzed)
Fat content (min omega-3) 8-10% 5-8% 10-15% (EPA/DHA)
Histamine limit <50 ppm <30 ppm <10 ppm
Ash content <15% <12% <8%
Digestibility (in vitro) >90% >85% >95% (hydrolyzed)
Typical price per ton $700-900 $800-1,000 $2,000-5,000
Key suppliers Aker, GC Rieber Aker, Minerva Aker, GC Rieber (hydrolyzed)
Aquafeed prioritizes protein digestibility and omega-3 content for growth and health. Pet food emphasizes palatability and clean label (no synthetic preservatives). Human nutrition requires hydrolyzed protein, ultra-low histamine, and food-grade processing.
5. User Case & Policy Update
Case Study – Mowi (Global Salmon Farmer):
Mowi (world's largest Atlantic salmon producer) uses Aker BioMarine cod meal in 30% of its feed formulations. Results:
Feed conversion ratio (FCR): 1.15 (vs 1.25 for soy-based feed).
Omega-3 levels in salmon fillets: 2.5g/100g (meets EU health claim requirements).
Cod meal inclusion reduces reliance on wild-caught forage fish (anchovy, sardine).
Now sourcing 50,000+ tons annually.
Case Study – Mars Petcare (Global, Royal Canin brand):
Royal Canin's "Cod & Rice" formula uses hydrolyzed cod protein for hypoallergenic pet food. Results:
95% digestibility (reduces stool volume, improves skin/coat health).
Price premium: 40% vs standard chicken-based formulas.
20% CAGR (2022-2025) for "novel protein" segment.
Now available in 30+ countries.
Case Study – Hydrolyzed Cod Peptides (Human Nutrition, Norway):
Aker BioMarine launched "ProTide Cod" hydrolyzed collagen peptides (2025). Results:
10g protein per serving, 95% digestibility, no fishy taste.
Targeted at sports nutrition (post-workout recovery) and medical nutrition (elderly protein supplementation).
Price: $25/lb (20x feed-grade cod meal).
Now sold via DTC and specialty retailers.
Policy Update (June 2026):
EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2026 update) mandates 70% utilization of fishery by-products by 2030 (currently 40-50%), driving cod meal production from processing waste.
Norway's "Resource Utilization Tax" (2025) on unprocessed cod by-products ($50/ton) incentivizes meal production; tax revenue funds processing technology R&D.
US FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notification for hydrolyzed cod protein (2025) enables use in human nutrition supplements without Novel Food approval.
China's GB 13078-2025 (feed safety standard) sets histamine limit for fish meal at ≤100 ppm (previously no limit), affecting imported cod meal quality requirements.
Contact Us:
If you have any queries regarding this report or if you would like further information, please contact us:
QY Research Inc.
Add: 17890 Castleton Street Suite 369 City of Industry CA 91748 United States
EN: https://www.qyresearch.com
E-mail: global@qyresearch.com
Tel: 001-626-842-1666(US)
JP: https://www.qyresearch.co.jp
The global market for Cod Meal was estimated to be worth US$ 849 million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 1362 million, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2026 to 2032. In 2024, global Cod Meal production reached approximately 1.2 million metric tons, with an average global market price of around US$ 700 per metric ton. Cod meal is a finely ground powder made from whole cod or cod by-products, including flesh and offal, processed through drying and milling. It is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals, and is primarily used as an ingredient in animal feed, aquaculture, and pet food.
【Get a free sample PDF of this report (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart)
https://www.qyresearch.com/reports/6098500/cod-meal
1. Core Value: High-Quality Protein, Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Sustainable By-Product Utilization
The cod meal market is built upon three critical value propositions: high-quality protein (65-72% protein content, balanced amino acid profile), omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA for animal health and human nutrition), and sustainable by-product utilization (converting fishery processing waste into valuable feed ingredients). Unlike plant-based proteins (soy, corn gluten), cod meal provides marine-sourced amino acids and omega-3s essential for carnivorous farmed fish (salmon, trout) and shrimp. Since Q4 2025, new low-temperature processing methods have increased protein digestibility by 15% and preserved omega-3 content (25% higher retention than traditional high-heat drying), improving feed conversion ratios in aquaculture.
2. Market Data & Segment Performance (Last 6 Months)
Recent industry data (January–June 2026) reveals steady growth across product types and end-uses:
By Type:
Whole Cod Meal (made from entire cod, including flesh, bones, viscera) holds approximately 60% of market volume, primarily used in premium aquafeed (salmon, shrimp) and pet food.
Cod by-product Meal (made from processing waste—heads, frames, trimmings, offal) accounts for 40%, fastest-growing at 9% CAGR, driven by circular economy initiatives and lower cost ($600-650/ton vs $750-800 for whole cod meal).
By Application:
Animal Feed (aquaculture, poultry, swine, pet food) leads with 85% of revenue, with aquaculture representing 55% of that share (salmon, trout, shrimp, marine fish).
Human Nutrition (protein supplements, omega-3 capsules, functional foods) accounts for 15%, fastest-growing at 11% CAGR, driven by collagen and hydrolyzed protein trends.
Geographic Note: Europe leads with 45% market share (Norway, Iceland, EU—large cod processing and aquaculture industries), followed by Asia-Pacific (25%—China, Japan, Vietnam) and North America (18%—Canada, US). Norway's cod meal production (200,000+ tons annually) is the world's largest.
The Cod Meal market is segmented as below:
By Company: Aker BioMarine, GC Rieber Oils, Minerva Omega-3, Omega Protein Corporation
Segment by Type: Whole Cod Meal, Cod by-product Meal
Segment by Application: Human Nutrition, Animal Feed
3. Technical Deep Dive: Protein Digestibility, Omega-3 Retention & Anti-Nutrient Reduction
A persistent technical challenge across all cod meal production is protein digestibility (heat damage during drying reduces amino acid availability), omega-3 retention (oxidation during processing and storage), and anti-nutrient reduction (biogenic amines, histamine from spoiled raw material).
Recent innovations addressing these issues include:
Low-temperature vacuum drying (Aker BioMarine) at 60-70°C vs 90-100°C traditional, preserving heat-labile amino acids (lysine, methionine) and increasing protein digestibility from 85% to 95% (in vitro).
Antioxidant stabilization (tocopherols, rosemary extract) added during processing, extending omega-3 shelf life from 6 to 12 months without synthetic ethoxyquin (banned in EU).
Enzymatic hydrolysis producing hydrolyzed cod protein (peptides) with >95% digestibility and 50% lower allergenicity (vs intact protein), targeting human nutrition (sports supplements, medical nutrition).
Histamine monitoring via rapid test kits (ELISA) ensuring <50 ppm histamine (EU limit) for human-grade material.
Exclusive observation: Unlike plant-based meals (soy, canola) with consistent quality, cod meal quality varies significantly with raw material freshness. Cod by-products (heads, frames) are highly perishable; delay of 6-12 hours between landing and processing can increase histamine from <10 ppm to 100+ ppm (toxic to animals, causes feed refusal). Nordic producers (Norway, Iceland) have integrated cold-chain logistics (refrigerated storage at 0-4°C, processing within 24 hours) and rapid histamine testing as quality differentiators. Aker BioMarine's "FreshCatch" certification (2025) guarantees <20 ppm histamine, <5% fat oxidation, and >70% protein digestibility, commanding 15-20% price premium over non-certified cod meal. Asian producers (China, Vietnam) using frozen raw material (imported) typically achieve lower quality (50-100 ppm histamine, 65% protein digestibility), suitable for lower-value poultry/swine feed but not premium aquaculture.
4. Industry Stratification: Aquafeed vs. Pet Food vs. Human Nutrition
For buyers, cod meal requirements differ significantly by end-use sector:
Dimension Aquafeed (Salmon/Shrimp) Pet Food (Premium) Human Nutrition
Protein content (min) 68% 65% 70%+ (hydrolyzed)
Fat content (min omega-3) 8-10% 5-8% 10-15% (EPA/DHA)
Histamine limit <50 ppm <30 ppm <10 ppm
Ash content <15% <12% <8%
Digestibility (in vitro) >90% >85% >95% (hydrolyzed)
Typical price per ton $700-900 $800-1,000 $2,000-5,000
Key suppliers Aker, GC Rieber Aker, Minerva Aker, GC Rieber (hydrolyzed)
Aquafeed prioritizes protein digestibility and omega-3 content for growth and health. Pet food emphasizes palatability and clean label (no synthetic preservatives). Human nutrition requires hydrolyzed protein, ultra-low histamine, and food-grade processing.
5. User Case & Policy Update
Case Study – Mowi (Global Salmon Farmer):
Mowi (world's largest Atlantic salmon producer) uses Aker BioMarine cod meal in 30% of its feed formulations. Results:
Feed conversion ratio (FCR): 1.15 (vs 1.25 for soy-based feed).
Omega-3 levels in salmon fillets: 2.5g/100g (meets EU health claim requirements).
Cod meal inclusion reduces reliance on wild-caught forage fish (anchovy, sardine).
Now sourcing 50,000+ tons annually.
Case Study – Mars Petcare (Global, Royal Canin brand):
Royal Canin's "Cod & Rice" formula uses hydrolyzed cod protein for hypoallergenic pet food. Results:
95% digestibility (reduces stool volume, improves skin/coat health).
Price premium: 40% vs standard chicken-based formulas.
20% CAGR (2022-2025) for "novel protein" segment.
Now available in 30+ countries.
Case Study – Hydrolyzed Cod Peptides (Human Nutrition, Norway):
Aker BioMarine launched "ProTide Cod" hydrolyzed collagen peptides (2025). Results:
10g protein per serving, 95% digestibility, no fishy taste.
Targeted at sports nutrition (post-workout recovery) and medical nutrition (elderly protein supplementation).
Price: $25/lb (20x feed-grade cod meal).
Now sold via DTC and specialty retailers.
Policy Update (June 2026):
EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2026 update) mandates 70% utilization of fishery by-products by 2030 (currently 40-50%), driving cod meal production from processing waste.
Norway's "Resource Utilization Tax" (2025) on unprocessed cod by-products ($50/ton) incentivizes meal production; tax revenue funds processing technology R&D.
US FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notification for hydrolyzed cod protein (2025) enables use in human nutrition supplements without Novel Food approval.
China's GB 13078-2025 (feed safety standard) sets histamine limit for fish meal at ≤100 ppm (previously no limit), affecting imported cod meal quality requirements.
Contact Us:
If you have any queries regarding this report or if you would like further information, please contact us:
QY Research Inc.
Add: 17890 Castleton Street Suite 369 City of Industry CA 91748 United States
EN: https://www.qyresearch.com
E-mail: global@qyresearch.com
Tel: 001-626-842-1666(US)
JP: https://www.qyresearch.co.jp
About Us：
QYResearch founded in California, USA in 2007, which is a leading global market research and consulting company. Our primary business include market research reports, custom reports, commissioned research, IPO consultancy, business plans, etc. With over 18 years of experience and a dedi…
QYResearch founded in California, USA in 2007, which is a leading global market research and consulting company. Our primary business include market research reports, custom reports, commissioned research, IPO consultancy, business plans, etc. With over 18 years of experience and a dedi…
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