CFI report highlights single-cell proteins as scalable fishmeal alternative for aquafeed industry

GLOBAL – A new report from The Centre for Feed Innovation (CFI) highlights single-cell proteins (SCPs) as a technically validated and scalable alternative to looming fishmeal shortages, with global production projected to increase more than tenfold by 2030.

The 2026 State of the Industry Report on Single-Cell Proteins, the most comprehensive assessment of SCPs in aquafeed to date, finds that SCPs can replace up to 100% of fishmeal in shrimp diets and up to 50% in certain fish species, without compromising growth performance, health, or feed efficiency.

CFI estimates that global SCP production for aquafeed reached 30,000–40,000 metric tonnes in 2025.

Based on announced investments and industry forecasts, output could rise to between 150,000 and 500,000 tonnes by 2030, representing a more than tenfold expansion in five years.

The report notes that SCPs are increasingly attracting the attention of aquafeed manufacturers as fishmeal prices rise and pressure on marine ecosystems intensifies.

While SCPs are expected to initially complement rather than fully replace fishmeal, they are positioned as a critical ingredient in future feed formulations.

CFI also warns that fishmeal supply constraints are expected to tighten significantly, with shortages projected as early as 2028.

By 2030, demand could exceed supply by up to 25% of total availability.

SCPs gain traction as alternative feed protein

According to the report, SCPs offer clear environmental advantages over fishmeal by decoupling protein production from wild fisheries, reducing pressure on marine ecosystems.

When produced using renewable energy and circular feedstocks such as biogas, SCPs can achieve greenhouse gas emissions comparable to or lower than conventional fishmeal production.

The report states that one tonne of SCPs can replace up to six tonnes of wild-caught fish, highlighting their potential to improve efficiency in aquafeed systems under growing sustainability constraints.

However, the sector still faces key barriers to scale, including high capital and operating costs, regulatory uncertainty in some markets, and inconsistent feedstock availability.

CFI notes that expanding production capacity, improving microbial strain efficiency, and securing low-cost feedstocks will be essential to unlocking commercial scale.

Recommendations for scaling production and adoption

The report outlines coordinated actions required across the value chain to support SCP adoption:

• SCP producers should improve strain efficiency, adopt renewable energy, and co-locate facilities near circular feedstock sources

• Aquafeed manufacturers should strengthen partnerships, validate performance, and secure offtake agreements

• Investors are encouraged to fund large-scale production facilities to accelerate economies of scale

• Policymakers should expand regulatory frameworks and introduce financing mechanisms for novel feed ingredients

• Certification bodies and civil society groups should support awareness of SCP benefits for food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity

“Fishmeal shortages are projected to emerge as early as 2028, creating pressure for the aquaculture industry to source alternatives at scale,” said Aashish Khimasia, Director of Research at CFI.

He added, “Our report finds that single-cell proteins are a technically validated option. SCPs can fully replace fishmeal in shrimp feeds, and replace half of it in certain fish species, while matching or improving animal performance.

Furthermore, SCPs provide a clear ecological and environmental advantage, with one tonne of SCPs estimated to replace up to six tonnes of wild-caught fish.

The technical case is established, and early commercial integration is underway; wider adoption now hinges on realising projected capacity and sustained investment to support production at scale.”

CFI said the report forms part of its ongoing series assessing novel aquafeed ingredients as the industry seeks to diversify away from marine-based proteins and secure long-term feed sustainability.

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