The global agri-food sector demonstrated remarkable resilience last year with overall feed production increasing by 1.2 per cent despite significant headwinds such as disease outbreaks and economic pressures, according to Alltech’s 2025 Agri-Food Outlook.
This rebound follows a stagnant 2023, highlighting the adaptability of the international agriculture industry.
The 14th annual survey from Alltech, which analyzed data from 142 countries and over 28,000 feed mills, estimates that global feed production reached 16.7 million metric tons in 2024. The growth, the report noted, is particularly noteworthy considering the challenges faced, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), climate fluctuations, and ongoing economic uncertainty.
While most regions and species experienced modest growth, the report maintained that poultry feed continued to lead in terms of volume, although its growth slowed compared to previous years, likely due to HPAI disruptions in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Ruminant feed production also saw an increase.
The report suggested a positive outlook for the pet sector, anticipating continued growth driven by pet owners’ prioritization of premium products and increasing disposable incomes in emerging economies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The equine industry, it posited, is also expected to maintain its upward trend, fueled by growing demand for specialised, high-quality feed products.
Looking back, Alltech’s 2024 Agri-Food Outlook reported a slight decrease of 0.2 per cent in global feed production in 2023, totaling 1.29 billion metric tons. The dip was attributed to more efficient feed utilization and slower animal protein production due to tight margins.
In contrast, the 2023 outlook showed steady global feed production in 2022, with the pet food sector experiencing the most significant growth at 7.25 per cent. The 2022 report highlighted a 2.3 per cent global increase in feed production in 2021, with the pet sector again leading with an 8.2 per cent rise.
The latest data underscores the dynamic nature of the agri-food industry, navigating challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities in sectors like pet and equine nutrition. The Alltech Agri-Food Outlook remains a crucial barometer for the livestock industry, providing valuable insights into global trends and regional dynamics.
