01 Increasing Use of Carotenoids in Aquaculture Feed Feed carotenoids are gaining importance in aquaculture as producers seek to improve pigmentation, product appearance, and animal performance. Astaxanthin and other carotenoids are particularly relevant in fish and crustacean diets because pigmentation can influence the commercial value and consumer acceptance of farmed seafood. The continued expansion of aquaculture is therefore broadening demand for specialized carotenoid-containing feed formulations. In June 2026, the FAO reported that global aquaculture production of aquatic animals reached 103 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing 100 million tonnes for the first time.
02 Growing Development of Natural and Biologically Produced Carotenoids Feed manufacturers are increasingly exploring natural, microbial, and other biologically produced carotenoids as alternatives to conventional synthetic ingredients. This shift is supported by demand for more sustainable feed formulations and interest in production processes that can provide consistent pigment quality. Advances in fermentation, algal cultivation, and formulation technologies are widening the range of commercially viable carotenoid sources. In May 2025, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre published an evaluation concerning renewal of astaxanthin as a feed colourant for fish, crustaceans, and ornamental fish.
01 Expansion of Animal Protein Production Rising production of poultry, livestock, and aquatic animals increases the volume of compound feed consumed globally and creates a larger application base for functional feed additives. Carotenoids contribute not only pigmentation but also antioxidant and physiological functions, allowing producers to incorporate them into feed programs aimed at maintaining animal condition and improving the quality characteristics of animal-derived products.
01 Dependence on Feed-Grade Raw Material Costs The economics of feed carotenoids are sensitive to production costs, raw-material availability, energy requirements, and processing expenses. Natural carotenoids can face additional cost pressures associated with cultivation, extraction, purification, and stabilization, while synthetic products remain exposed to chemical-feedstock and manufacturing costs. These factors can limit adoption where feed producers operate under tight formulation margins.
01 Development of High-Performance Carotenoid Formulations Advances in encapsulation, stabilization, and delivery systems create opportunities to improve carotenoid retention and utilization during feed manufacturing, storage, and digestion. Better protection against heat, oxygen, light, and processing conditions can increase the functional value of carotenoids and support their use in demanding poultry and aquaculture applications. Suppliers that combine carotenoid chemistry with advanced formulation technologies can therefore address performance and handling requirements more effectively.
01 Complex Regulatory Requirements for Feed Additives Carotenoid suppliers must demonstrate safety, efficacy, product quality, and compliance with species-specific conditions before certain products can be marketed. Regulatory requirements can vary by jurisdiction and intended animal, increasing the time and cost required to commercialize new carotenoid formulations. Ongoing authorization renewals and analytical requirements also create compliance obligations for manufacturers.
March 2026 BASF expanded its animal nutrition portfolio with new carotenoid-based feed solutions designed to improve animal health, pigmentation, and nutritional performance in livestock and aquaculture.
September 2025 DSM-Firmenich introduced enhanced carotenoid solutions for animal feed applications, supporting improved animal nutrition, immunity, and product quality.
May 2025 Kemin Industries expanded its feed additive portfolio with new natural pigment and carotenoid solutions to support poultry, livestock, and aquaculture nutrition.