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IFFO - The Marine Ingredients Organisation has reported that total fish meal production for January 2025 increased by approximately 75% compared to the same month in 2024.
This increase was primarily driven by a 300% rise in Peruvian production. Other African countries, Chile, the United States, and Spain have also seen increases in their fish meal production figures.
In addition, all countries, except those in Northern Europe, have also reported increases in fish oil production compared to 2024. In January 2025, total production rose by 71% year-on-year.
IFFO accesses this data thanks to the contributions of its members in Chile, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, the Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, Peru, South Africa, and Spain. These countries represent 40% of the global fish meal production and 50% of the fish oil production.
Aquafeed production in 2024 decreased by 3.5% year-on-year, and domestic sales of aquafeed in 2024 dropped by approximately 10%, according to the China Feed Industry Association (CFIA).
IFFO attributes these figures to unfavorable climatic conditions for aquaculture, generally weak farm prices, and farmers' efforts to reduce costs by limiting the use of compounded feed.
The upcoming fishing season in September 2025 is expected to see most of the raw material for fish meal and fish oil production in China come from frozen fish and imports, such as sardines.
From May 12-14, IFFO will gather its members in Spain's capital, Madrid. For three days, scientists and industry experts will explore the latest developments in feed ingredients, feed formulations, and the growing strategic role of marine ingredients.
