Download Sample, Rising Demand for Plant-Based Proteins Raises Rapeseed Meal as Leading Source of Sustainable Feed
Latest developments in rapeseed meal technology have greatly improved its quality and nutritional profile and thus have made it more popular in the animal feed market. Modern extraction techniques like solvent extraction, have optimized oil yield (98-99%) and reduced residual oil, thus resulting in more digestive meal with lesser fat content. Cold pressing, a more eco-friendly method, retains beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, though with lower oil extraction efficiency. Additionally, innovations like heat treatment, enzyme-based processing, and fermentation have further improved digestibility and nutrient availability. On the genetic front, breeding has focused on developing low-glucosinolate, high-protein varieties, making the meal both safer and more nutritious. Coupled with improvements in pest resistance and drought tolerance, these developments ensure rapeseed meal’s increasing demand in global animal feed production.
However, with rising demand for sustainable, high-protein animal feed rich in fibers, rapeseed meal is an ideal livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feed. According to the USDA global production, the worldwide rapeseed output is approximately 49.38 million metric tons from 2023 to 2024. Additionally, the advancements in rapeseed oil extraction methods have enhanced the nutritional value of rapeseed meal, boosting market appeal and expansion. The growing trend toward plant-based sustainable feeds is also supporting the market demand for rapeseed meal. However, demand for high-protein feed ingredients is increasing more with the ever-rising demand for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture products all over the world. Since it is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly source of protein, rape seed has been used to formulate alternative substitutes to animal proteins used in feeding, thus minimizing production costs and reducing environmental effects while meeting the increasing demands of more sustainable, healthy feeding options.
However, with rising demand for sustainable, high-protein animal feed rich in fibers, rapeseed meal is an ideal livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feed. According to the USDA global production, the worldwide rapeseed output is approximately 49.38 million metric tons from 2023 to 2024. Additionally, the advancements in rapeseed oil extraction methods have enhanced the nutritional value of rapeseed meal, boosting market appeal and expansion. The growing trend toward plant-based sustainable feeds is also supporting the market demand for rapeseed meal. However, demand for high-protein feed ingredients is increasing more with the ever-rising demand for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture products all over the world. Since it is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly source of protein, rape seed has been used to formulate alternative substitutes to animal proteins used in feeding, thus minimizing production costs and reducing environmental effects while meeting the increasing demands of more sustainable, healthy feeding options.
Expanding Agricultural and Livestock Sectors Boost Demand for Rapeseed Meal in Animal Feed
Growing demand for animal protein in animal feed due to an expanding agricultural and livestock sector due to sustainable and high nutritional value with more availability options. The integration of rapeseed meals helps to stabilize feed prices, allowing farmers and feed producers to access affordable, locally sourced protein ingredients. Consumers benefit from more sustainable and resource-efficient farming practices, as rapeseed meal production utilizes leftover agricultural materials. For instance, in November 2024, Invictus Investment ventured into fresh markets in Burkina Faso, Jordan, and the Netherlands while incorporating rapeseed meals into offerings. This action seeks to broaden its range of products and enhance its market visibility.
Rapeseed meal being a valuable protein source for animal feed, is becoming increasingly important in the feed industry, especially as demand for sustainable and non-GMO products grows, providing a more sustainable solution for animal feed, food, and biofuel industries, benefiting consumers. To meet the increasing demand for more advanced processing techniques market players are investing to strengthen the domestic production of rapeseed oil and meal, potentially reducing reliance on imports and improving the stability of the supply chain. For instance, in October 2023, The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) announced an investment in a grain processing plant in Nazarovo, Krasnoyarsk Krai, with a total budget of RUB 6 billion (US$ 67.74 million), in partnership with a Chinese entity. The plant will produce hydrated rapeseed oil, rapeseed meal, and lecithin. The RDIF’s share and its contribution to the project remain unspecified.
Solvent-extracted rapeseed meal is the leading segment in the global rapeseed meal market, primarily driven by its high oil extraction efficiency and superior nutritional profile. The resultant meal, with yields as high as 98-99% oil through solvent extraction, is of very low-fat content and highly digestible, hence ideal for animal feed. This process is scalable and cheaper, hence very competitive in large-scale production. Besides, there has been an improvement in the technology of extraction to enhance better retention of nutrients and lower residues of contaminants, which increased the digestibility and safety of the meal. As global demand for high-protein feed rises, solvent-extracted rapeseed meal’s consistent quality, affordability, and suitability for various livestock species solidify its dominant position in the market.
Rapeseed meal being a valuable protein source for animal feed, is becoming increasingly important in the feed industry, especially as demand for sustainable and non-GMO products grows, providing a more sustainable solution for animal feed, food, and biofuel industries, benefiting consumers. To meet the increasing demand for more advanced processing techniques market players are investing to strengthen the domestic production of rapeseed oil and meal, potentially reducing reliance on imports and improving the stability of the supply chain. For instance, in October 2023, The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) announced an investment in a grain processing plant in Nazarovo, Krasnoyarsk Krai, with a total budget of RUB 6 billion (US$ 67.74 million), in partnership with a Chinese entity. The plant will produce hydrated rapeseed oil, rapeseed meal, and lecithin. The RDIF’s share and its contribution to the project remain unspecified.
Solvent-extracted rapeseed meal is the leading segment in the global rapeseed meal market, primarily driven by its high oil extraction efficiency and superior nutritional profile. The resultant meal, with yields as high as 98-99% oil through solvent extraction, is of very low-fat content and highly digestible, hence ideal for animal feed. This process is scalable and cheaper, hence very competitive in large-scale production. Besides, there has been an improvement in the technology of extraction to enhance better retention of nutrients and lower residues of contaminants, which increased the digestibility and safety of the meal. As global demand for high-protein feed rises, solvent-extracted rapeseed meal’s consistent quality, affordability, and suitability for various livestock species solidify its dominant position in the market.
Recent Trends in the Rapeseed Meal Industry
- Increasing demand for sustainable, Organic, and Non-GMO feed ingredients animal feed.
- Technological advancements in processing technology to improve meal quality and efficiency.
- Focus on renewable energy in biofuels and industrial applications for producing bio-based chemicals.
- Expanded use of rapeseed meal in aquaculture and livestock nutrition trends upward.
- Focus on reducing anti-nutritional factors in rapeseed meal through breeding and processing.
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Price Instability, Anti-Nutritional Factors and Competition Hampers Rapeseed Market Growth
The rapeseed meal market faces several challenges that impact its market growth, one of the challenging factors is the price volatility of raw materials as the cost fluctuation is based on agricultural conditions such as weather and crop yields. The market depends heavily on rapeseed oil production; thus, any interruption in oil production will affect meal supply. Although rich in protein, rapeseed meals contain anti-nutritional factors such as glucosinolates, which decrease digestibility and limit their usage in certain animal feeds, mainly for poultry and pigs. Moreover, environmental concerns over monoculture farming practices, which predominate in rapeseed farming, may hinder the further expansion of the market with sustainability as a growing focus.
The market acceptance of rapeseed meal is further challenged by competition from various protein sources like soybean meal. Indeed, soybean meal is a prime source of proteins in animal feed due to its high digestibility levels, long history, and extensive distribution chains. Soybean meal competition could affect rapeseed meal market development. It also decreases the demand for this protein compared to other sources such as soybean or fishmeal, which come with fewer health risks and animals have a higher degree of acceptance for incorporation. However, the limited processing infrastructure in certain regions may restrict the availability of high-quality rapeseed meal, especially in emerging markets, further constraining its growth potential.
The market acceptance of rapeseed meal is further challenged by competition from various protein sources like soybean meal. Indeed, soybean meal is a prime source of proteins in animal feed due to its high digestibility levels, long history, and extensive distribution chains. Soybean meal competition could affect rapeseed meal market development. It also decreases the demand for this protein compared to other sources such as soybean or fishmeal, which come with fewer health risks and animals have a higher degree of acceptance for incorporation. However, the limited processing infrastructure in certain regions may restrict the availability of high-quality rapeseed meal, especially in emerging markets, further constraining its growth potential.
Meal Modification and Extraction Technologies Propel Market Growth
Advances in meal modification technologies, such as fermentation and enzymatic treatments, have improved the digestibility and absorption of rapeseed meal nutrients in animals, boosting its appeal as a high-quality feed ingredient. For instance, in September 2024, European Protein announced a partnership with Yenher Holdings Berhad to develop fermentation plants in Malaysia. This collaboration strengthens the rapeseed meal market in Southeast Asia, offering consumers affordable, sustainable, and nutritious feed alternatives while helping market players expand supply chains, stabilize prices, and meet the growing demand for high-protein feed solutions. This enhances overall animal health and growth rates, further expanding rapeseed meal’s application across the animal feed industry.
However, the shift towards sustainable and non-GMO alternatives of animal feed is driving the demand for rapeseed meals. Innovations in precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices are enhancing rapeseed meal production by reducing carbon emissions and water usage. Additionally, the biofortification of rapeseed meal to increase nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids further expands its market potential, including human food products. For instance, in July 2024, Germany's rapeseed meal exports rose by 26%, with increased demand from European Union (EU) countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Finland. This surge, boosted by Germany's biodiesel sector, strengthens rapeseed meal's position in international markets providing benefits to market players and consumers seeking sustainable, high-quality feed options.
Furthermore, in February 2024, Lidea introduced new rapeseed hybrids, building on the success of three varieties launched in 2023. These hybrids, recognized in official European trials, demonstrated strong yield performance and resilience to climate challenges and pest attacks, including resistance to the TuYV virus spread by aphids. The innovation in rapeseed breeding has not only enhanced crop yield but also improved the quality of rapeseed meal, offering a more sustainable and protein-rich feed option. This advancement supports the growing demand for high-quality animal feed in a changing agricultural landscape.
However, the shift towards sustainable and non-GMO alternatives of animal feed is driving the demand for rapeseed meals. Innovations in precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices are enhancing rapeseed meal production by reducing carbon emissions and water usage. Additionally, the biofortification of rapeseed meal to increase nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids further expands its market potential, including human food products. For instance, in July 2024, Germany's rapeseed meal exports rose by 26%, with increased demand from European Union (EU) countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Finland. This surge, boosted by Germany's biodiesel sector, strengthens rapeseed meal's position in international markets providing benefits to market players and consumers seeking sustainable, high-quality feed options.
Furthermore, in February 2024, Lidea introduced new rapeseed hybrids, building on the success of three varieties launched in 2023. These hybrids, recognized in official European trials, demonstrated strong yield performance and resilience to climate challenges and pest attacks, including resistance to the TuYV virus spread by aphids. The innovation in rapeseed breeding has not only enhanced crop yield but also improved the quality of rapeseed meal, offering a more sustainable and protein-rich feed option. This advancement supports the growing demand for high-quality animal feed in a changing agricultural landscape.
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Demand for Sustainability and Local Protein Sourcing Fuels Europe’s Market Dominance
The rapeseed meal market in Europe is dominating due to increasing demand for plant-based protein sources, particularly in animal feed and fertilizers in countries such as France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The European Union generates 28% of the world's rapeseed meal, which translates to 13.11 million metric tons, as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture. Thus, the easy availability of rapeseed meal supplies the demand for a complementary feed ingredient used for all types of livestock and poultry. However, because of the sustainability trends in countries in the European Union demanding a reduction in dependence upon soymeal imports, a gradually growing need develops requiring rapeseed meals to be an alternative filler to fulfill the protein nutrition gap.
North American rapeseed meal market is rapidly growing due to increasing emphasis on sustainability and alternative protein solutions in animal feeds. According to the Foreign Agriculture Service, Canada produces approximately 641 Million metric tons of rapeseed meal, which is used in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feed. Canada is the world’s largest exporter of rapeseed meal, with a highly developed rapeseed farming industry in regions like Saskatchewan, providing a substantial volume of both rapeseed and its by-products, including rapeseed meal.
In Asia-Pacific, the rapeseed meal market is expanding rapidly as the demand for animal feed increases in countries such as China, India, and Japan. As rapeseed meal is used as a component in poultry, livestock, and aquaculture feeds in China because of its protein content and cost-effectiveness. According to one of the reports, the overall import volume of rapeseed meal from January to April 2024 was 890,000 tons, a 25.48% increase. The substantial domestic rapeseed production is making it a major consumer and a significant exporter of rapeseed meal in countries like Vietnam and Japan. The emerging trend towards sustainability and locally sourced proteins is a bright prospect for the expansion of rapeseed meal in Asia.
North American rapeseed meal market is rapidly growing due to increasing emphasis on sustainability and alternative protein solutions in animal feeds. According to the Foreign Agriculture Service, Canada produces approximately 641 Million metric tons of rapeseed meal, which is used in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feed. Canada is the world’s largest exporter of rapeseed meal, with a highly developed rapeseed farming industry in regions like Saskatchewan, providing a substantial volume of both rapeseed and its by-products, including rapeseed meal.
In Asia-Pacific, the rapeseed meal market is expanding rapidly as the demand for animal feed increases in countries such as China, India, and Japan. As rapeseed meal is used as a component in poultry, livestock, and aquaculture feeds in China because of its protein content and cost-effectiveness. According to one of the reports, the overall import volume of rapeseed meal from January to April 2024 was 890,000 tons, a 25.48% increase. The substantial domestic rapeseed production is making it a major consumer and a significant exporter of rapeseed meal in countries like Vietnam and Japan. The emerging trend towards sustainability and locally sourced proteins is a bright prospect for the expansion of rapeseed meal in Asia.
The report provides a detailed overview of the rapeseed meal market insights in regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. The country-specific assessment for the rapeseed meal market has been offered for all regional market shares, along with forecasts, market scope estimates, price point assessment, and impact analysis of prominent countries and regions. Throughout this market research report, Y-o-Y growth and CAGR estimates are also incorporated for every country and region, to provide a detailed view of the rapeseed meal market. These Y-o-Y projections on regional and country-level markets brighten the political, economic, and business environment outlook, which are anticipated to have a substantial impact on the growth of the rapeseed meal market. Some key countries and regions included in the rapeseed meal market report are as follows:
| North America | United States, Canada |
| Latin America | Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Central America Countries, Caribbean Countries, Rest of Latin America |
| Europe | Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Czech Republic, Rest of Europe |
| Asia Pacific | China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Rest of Asia Pacific |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC Countries, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Ethiopia, Algeria, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Rest of MEA |
Rapeseed Meal Market Research Report Covers In-depth Analysis on:
- Rapeseed meal market detailed segments and segment-wise market breakdown
- Rapeseed meal market dynamics (Recent industry trends, drivers, restraints, growth potential, opportunities in rapeseed meal industry)
- Current, historical, and forthcoming 10 years market valuation in terms of rapeseed meal market size (US$ Mn), volume (Tons), share (%), Y-o-Y growth rate, CAGR (%) analysis
- Rapeseed meal market demand analysis
- Rapeseed meal market pricing analysis over the forecast period (by key segment and by region)
- Rapeseed meal market regional insights with a region-wise market breakdown
- Competitive analysis – key companies profiling including their market share, product offerings, and competitive strategies.
- Latest developments and innovations in the rapeseed meal market
- Regulatory landscape by key regions and key countries
- Supply chain and value chain analysis in rapeseed meal market
- Rapeseed meal market sales and distribution strategies
- A comprehensive overview of the parent market
- A detailed viewpoint on the rapeseed meal market forecast by countries
- Mergers and acquisitions in the rapeseed meal market
- Essential information to enhance market position
- Robust research methodology
- Frequently Asked Questions -
Why is the rapeseed meal market growing?
The rapeseed meal market is growing due to its increasing demand in animal feed, sustainable farming practices, and its nutritional benefits that appeal to the agricultural and food industries.
Who are the key players in the rapeseed meal market?
Key players in the rapeseed meal market include manufacturers, processors, and distributors specializing in oilseed meals, with a focus on innovation, quality, and competitive pricing strategies.
What factors influence the pricing of rapeseed meal?
Factors influencing the pricing of rapeseed meals include raw material costs, seasonal crop yields, global demand-supply dynamics, and government trade policies affecting oilseed markets.
