KSA Aquaculture Feed Market Outlook to 2029

KSA Aquaculture Feed Market Overview

• The KSA aquaculture feed market is valued at USD 500 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. The rapid expansion of the seafood sector, particularly in high-value species such as Red Sea White Leg shrimp and European sea bream, has driven feed demand. The market is further strengthened by rising prices of nutrient-rich and premium feed formulations, which support species-specific health and growth. This shift toward high-quality aquafeed aligns with national efforts to improve seafood self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports. 

• Geographical dominance within Saudi Arabia's aquaculture feed market is anchored by major aquaculture zones in coastal provinces, particularly along the Red Sea. Cities such as Jazan, Umluj, and Al Lith are witnessing growing aquaculture activity due to favorable marine ecosystems and direct government backing. These regions benefit from proximity to production zones, export terminals, and seafood processing hubs, making them focal points for feed distribution. Their strategic location and alignment with Vision 2030's aquaculture goals contribute to their lead in shaping feed consumption patterns.
• Saudi Arabia's aquaculture feed market is guided by Vision 2030 programs like NTP and ADP, aiming for seafood self-sufficiency. The SAMAQ certification ensures quality compliance, while MEWAs Agricultural Development Fund supports up to 75% of capital costs for feed projects. The Agricultural Subsidy Program has allocated over SAR 50 million so far, promoting local feed manufacturing, food security, and reduced import reliance.

KSA Aquaculture Feed Market Segmentation

By Feed Type: The KSA Aquaculture Feed market is segmented by feed type into Animal-Based, Plant-Based, and Specialized Feeds. Animal-based feed holds a dominant share due to its superior protein absorption and lower feed conversion ratio, making it ideal for high-value species like sea bass and shrimp. Plant-based feed is preferred in semi-intensive farms as a cost-effective protein source, while Specialized Feed supports nutritional needs in stress-prone or disease-sensitive aquaculture environments.

By Protein Composition: The KSA Aquaculture Feed market is segmented by protein content into high, medium, and low protein feeds. High protein feed dominates the segment, primarily due to its critical role in intensive aquaculture systems and its effectiveness in supporting the growth of high-value fish species. These feeds are widely used across commercial farms to enhance feed conversion efficiency and ensure optimal weight gain, especially during peak production cycles targeting export-grade yields.

KSA Aquaculture Feed Market Competitive Landscape

The KSA Aquaculture Feed market is dominated by integrated domestic producers leveraging vertically integrated supply chains and robust feed mill infrastructure. Leading companies such as NAQUA and ARASCO cater to large-scale demand through customized formulations and streamlined distribution. International players like Skretting, Adisseo, Bernaqua, and Alltech Coppens address the premium segment with specialized imports. Emerging innovators such as Calysta are introducing alternative proteins, while firms like Cargill are expanding capacity via local alliances, strengthening the market's profitability and diversity.

KSA Aquaculture Feed Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Rising Aquaculture Production Targets: Saudi Arabia aims to boost aquaculture output from 190,000 tons to 530,000 tons by 2030, directly impacting feed consumption. Government-backed subsidies, streamlined regulations, and large-scale investment incentives are attracting new entrants and empowering existing players to scale operations, thereby amplifying feed demand across both inland and coastal aquaculture farms.
• Shifting Toward High-Efficiency Feeds: Farmers increasingly adopt feeds with superior Feed Conversion Ratios (FCRs), especially for shrimp and seabass. Specialized and high-protein feeds, despite their higher costs, improve growth rates, reduce disease incidence, and shorten culture cycles. This performance advantage drives long-term preference among commercial-scale farmers, boosting volumes of functional feed consumption.
• Expansion of Digital and Automated Farming: Smart aquaculture tools such as auto-feeders, IoT-based sensors, and predictive software are enhancing feed efficiency. By reducing overfeeding and monitoring real-time growth metrics, these technologies help farmers optimize feed usage and reduce costs. Their rising adoption supports greater accuracy in feed formulation and drives demand for precision-targeted feed solutions.

Market Challenges

• Dependence on Imported Raw Materials: A significant portion of key feed inputs, such as fishmeal, soybean meal, and micronutrients, are imported, leaving domestic manufacturers exposed to global commodity price shocks. Currency fluctuations, supply disruptions, and international trade policy changes can lead to volatile feed prices, affecting cost predictability and margins across the value chain.
• Environmental Regulations and Water Salinity Issues:  Strict environmental standards mandate controlled discharge and nutrient leaching limits, pushing producers to innovate in low-pollution feeds. Meanwhile, variable salinity levels in brackish farms require adaptive formulations to ensure palatability and digestion. This adds R&D pressure and raises production costs for smaller or less tech-enabled feed producers in KSA.

KSA Aquaculture Feed Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the KSA Aquaculture Feed Market is expected to witness accelerated growth. Key enablers include increased domestic feed production, strategic government incentives for feed mill expansion, and the adoption of smart aquaculture practices. Rising export opportunities to GCC and African nations are also anticipated to boost regional demand, reinforcing KSA's position as a central hub for aquafeed manufacturing and innovation.

Market Opportunities

• Export-Driven Demand for Premium Feed: Saudi Arabia's focus on boosting seafood exports is increasing the demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich aquafeed. With export species like European sea bream and barramundi gaining traction, feed formulations with enhanced protein content and growth promoters are in demand. The country exported over 60,000 tons of aquaculture products in 2023, which is expected to grow further, creating space for value-added feed solutions aligned with international standards.
• Vision 2030-Linked Infrastructure Expansion: The government's Vision 2030 targets 100% seafood self-sufficiency through domestic production. Infrastructure expansion, including hatcheries and feed mills, is underway with financial support from MEWA and NFDP. This national push opens opportunities for feed companies to scale operations, develop localized formulations, and partner with farm clusters. The establishment of over 10 new aquafeed formulations under ADP by KAUST also signals a shift towards specialized, performance-driven feed R&D.