Industry snapshot
Key public data points
Historical & forecast
Base year 2025. Each series is official through its own latest government-data year (shown in the legend on each chart), and years beyond that are Claight estimates. As of July 2026 the current year is still in progress (2026 annual data is not yet published), so the forecast runs to 2030.
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What does the Animal Feed Production in the UK industry cover?
The animal feed production industry encompasses companies that manufacture feed for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and companion animals. Products include compound feeds, straight feeds, and feed additives, serving both domestic and export markets.
- •Estimated 1,300 feed businesses operating in the UK (AFPA)
- •Feed production accounts for approximately 70% of livestock production costs (AHDB)
- •Industry operates under strict EU-originated regulations now being incorporated into UK law
Market Structure and Operators
Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?
The UK animal feed market features a mix of large multinational manufacturers and smaller regional producers, with production concentrated in areas with significant livestock farming.
- •Total compound feed production reached 15.4 million tonnes in 2021 (DEFRA)
- •Key raw materials include wheat (35%), barley (20%), and soybean meal (15%) (AHDB)
- •Regional distribution shows 40% of production in England, 30% in Scotland, 20% in Wales, and 10% in Northern Ireland (AFPA)
Demand Drivers
What drives demand in the industry?
Demand is primarily driven by livestock production volumes, consumer preferences for meat and dairy products, and export opportunities. The sector faces challenges from input cost volatility and sustainability requirements.
- •UK livestock sector consumes approximately 16 million tonnes of feed annually (AHDB)
- •Poultry represents the largest consumer segment (35% of feed usage) (DEFRA)
- •Export markets account for 15-20% of total UK feed production (AFPA)
Competitive Landscape and Notable Public Companies
Who are the notable companies in the industry?
The UK animal feed industry is moderately concentrated with several major players dominating the market alongside smaller regional operators. Key companies include both multinational corporations with UK operations and domestic feed manufacturers.
- •Cargill UK Ltd - Major player in compound feed production with multiple manufacturing sites
- •AB Agri - Supplies feed products across Great Britain with a focus on sustainable solutions
- •ForFarmers UK - Dutch multinational with significant UK operations serving dairy and beef sectors
- •Premier Nutrition Limited - UK-based producer of animal feed products
Recent Trends and Outlook
What are the recent trends and outlook?
The industry is experiencing increased focus on sustainability, with companies developing lower-carbon feed formulations. Digitalization and precision nutrition are becoming key competitive differentiators, while Brexit has introduced new trade complexities.
- •Feed producers investing in alternative protein sources to reduce environmental impact (AFPA)
- •Average feed production costs increased by 28% in 2022 due to input price inflation (DEFRA)
- •Industry initiatives targeting 30% reduction in carbon footprint by 2030 (Sustainable Feed Forum)
Regulation and Compliance
How is the industry regulated?
The UK animal feed industry operates under comprehensive regulatory framework covering feed safety, composition, and labeling. Post-Brexit, regulations are being adapted to the UK context while maintaining alignment with international standards.
- •The Feedingstuffs Regulations 2000 (as amended) govern feed production and safety (UK Government)
- •Feed businesses must adhere to the Feed Hygiene Regulation (EC 183/2005) (DEFRA)
- •Strict controls on feed additives and genetically modified ingredients (FSA)
Sources
Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.
- DEFRA Animal Feed Statistics 2022 ·
- AHDB Feed Market Report 2022-23 ·
- AFPA UK Feed Industry Factsheet 2022 ·
- UK Government Feedingstuffs Regulations 2000 ·
- Sustainable Feed Forum Roadmap 2022
Claight analysis of public industry data.