Photo: IFFO/FIS

IFFO: 'Global Fishmeal and Fish Oil Production on the Rise, Driven by Peruvian Anchovy Season'

UNITED KINGDOM
Tuesday, September 09, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Increased Output Supports Strong Aquaculture Demand in Key Markets, Despite Chinese Domestic Production Decline

Global fishmeal and fish oil production is on track to meet 2025 estimates, bolstered by a successful fishing season in Peru, a key contributor to the global supply. According to the Marine Ingredients Organisation (IFFO' market intelligence reports*), total cumulative fishmeal production had risen by approximately 8% and fish oil by 5% through July 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

A primary driver of this growth was the extended anchovy fishing season in Peru's North-Central region, which continued into late July 2025. This is a significant shift from 2024, when the season concluded earlier on June 19. The Peruvian Ministry of Production (Produce) ended the season early to protect juvenile stocks, with over 80% of the 3-million-tonne quota filled. While the overall catch was strong, reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) note that oil yields from the anchovies were lower than in previous years.

Meanwhile, the market in China—the world's largest consumer of marine ingredients—is experiencing mixed trends. Despite seasonal fishing bans and a reported decline in domestic marine ingredient production in the first seven months of 2025, demand from the aquaculture sector has been strong. Improved profitability for certain farmed species has pushed fishmeal consumption above last year's levels. However, a weakening in the pig sector, driven by declining piglet prices, has led to a softer demand for fishmeal used in piglet feed.

Dr. Enrico Bachis, IFFO's Market Research Director, confirmed the industry's steady performance, stating that production is "consistent with IFFO's 2025 estimates" of 5.6 million tons of fishmeal and 1.2-1.3 million tons of fish oil. This positive outlook is critical for the aquaculture industry, which relies heavily on these marine ingredients for feed.

* These data are based on statistics shared by IFFO members in Chile, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Norway, the UK, the USA, Peru, South Africa and Spain, accounting for 40% of global fishmeal production and 50% of fish oil output.

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