Global animal feed production reached 1.44 billion tons in 2025, up 2.9% from 2024, according to Alltech's report. Aquaculture feed led growth at 4.7% worldwide, driven by Latin America, where Brazil contributed through tilapia expansion. Africa saw the biggest regional rise at 11.5%.
Alltech, which surveyed 38,837 factories across 142 countries, pointed to pressures including volatile input markets, endemic diseases like avian flu and African swine fever, plus climate challenges and regulations.
Aquaculture demanded 55.5 million tons of feed, trailing broiler poultry (400 million) and pigs (381 million). Latin America's 11.4% growth featured Brazil, Ecuador, and Chile for tilapia, shrimp, and salmon production, respectively.
Brazil produced 90 million tons overall, ranking third globally after China (330 million) and the United States (267 million). Its expansion was fueled by strong exports, resilient domestic protein demand, and improved cost structures, per Alltech.
In 2025, 29% of respondents cited production costs as a top concern, focusing on raw materials, labor, and energy. For 2026, Alltech forecasts a global aquaculture slowdown but sustained Latin American growth.