Animal Feed Production in European Union 2026: Industry Statistics & Trends

The animal feed production industry in the European Union involves manufacturing nutritious feed for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture, with the sector producing approximately 150 million tonnes of compound feed annually (2022, FEFAC). This essential industry is evolving toward sustainable practices and innovation in feed formulations to meet growing demand for animal protein while addressing environmental challenges.

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

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What does the Animal Feed Production in European Union industry cover?

The EU animal feed industry encompasses companies producing compound feeds, complementary feedingstuffs, and feed additives for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and pets. This includes both primary production (raw material processing) and the manufacture of finished feed products.

• •The industry processes raw materials such as cereals, oilseeds, and by-products into balanced animal rations
• •Feed production is regulated under EU Regulation 767/2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed
• •The sector includes manufacturing of both complete feeds and premixes containing vitamins, minerals, and additives

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The EU feed industry consists of approximately 6,000 production sites (2021, FEFAC), with a mix of large multinational corporations and smaller regional manufacturers. The market is characterized by moderate concentration, with top players controlling significant market share.

• •Germany has the highest number of feed mills in the EU (approximately 800 sites)
• •The EU produces about 150 million tonnes of compound feed annually (2022, FEFAC)
• •Feed manufacturing represents an annual turnover of approximately €70 billion (2022, FEFAC)

What drives demand in the industry?

Demand for animal feed is primarily driven by the growing livestock industry, increasing meat consumption, and expansion of aquaculture operations. Population growth and rising disposable incomes in developing countries also influence EU feed exports.

• •The EU livestock sector consumes approximately 70% of all produced compound feed (2020, Eurostat)
• •Aquaculture production in the EU has grown by 3-5% annually over the past decade (2021, FAO)
• •Feed costs account for 60-70% of total production costs in livestock farming (European Commission)

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The EU feed industry features several multinational companies with significant market presence alongside regional players. Competition is based on price, quality, innovation in feed formulations, and distribution networks.

• •De Heus (Netherlands) - One of Europe's leading animal feed producers with operations across 25 countries
• •ForFarmers (Netherlands) - Major producer with feed mills in 6 EU countries and annual revenues of €1.9 billion (2022)
• •Cargill (USA) - Maintains significant EU operations through multiple feed manufacturing facilities
• •Nutreco (Netherlands) - Parent company of Trouw Nutrition, with feed operations across 23 countries

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The industry is experiencing rapid transformation toward sustainability, digitalization, and alternative protein sources. Climate change concerns and new EU regulations are reshaping production practices and supply chains.

• •The EU's Farm to Fork strategy aims for a 50% reduction in fertilizer use by 2030 (European Commission)
• •Insect-based proteins are gaining regulatory approval as alternative feed ingredients (2022, EFSA)
• •Feed producers are increasingly adopting precision nutrition technologies to optimize animal health
• •The sector is facing significant challenges due to volatile raw material prices and energy costs

How is the industry regulated?

The EU animal feed industry operates under one of the world's most comprehensive regulatory frameworks. Compliance requirements cover feed safety, environmental standards, traceability, and animal welfare throughout the production chain.

• •Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on animal nutrition replaces previous feed hygiene rules
• •All feed producers must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP+) certification standards
• •The EU prohibits the use of antibiotics as growth promoters since 2006 (EC Regulation 1831/2003)
• •Traceability requirements mandate complete documentation of feed ingredients and production processes

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• FEFAC European Feed Industry Federation Annual Report 2022 ·
• Eurostat Agricultural Statistics Database 2020 ·
• European Commission Farm to Fork Strategy 2020 ·
• FAO Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics 2021 ·
• EU Regulation 767/2009 on feed ·
• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinions on insect proteins 2022