Single-cell proteins (SCPs) can replace up to 100 percent of fishmeal in shrimp feeds and up to 50 percent in certain fish species, while maintaining or improving growth, health and feed efficiency. This is the key finding of CFI’s 2026 State of the Industry Report on Single-Cell Proteins, described as the most comprehensive assessment of SCPs as an aquafeed ingredient to date.
CFI estimates that global SCP production for aquafeed reached 30,000–40,000 metric tonnes (MT) in 2025. Based on announced investments and industry projections, production could rise to between 150,000 and 500,000 MT by 2030, representing more than a tenfold increase within five years.
Building on CFI’s 2025 Algal Oil State of the Industry Report, the latest publication examines the role of SCPs as a nutritionally robust, sustainable and safe alternative to fishmeal. The report highlights the environmental and biodiversity advantages of SCPs, noting that they reduce pressure on marine ecosystems by decoupling protein production from wild fisheries. It also states that when renewable energy and circular feedstocks such as biogas are used, greenhouse gas emissions from SCP production can be comparable to or lower than those associated with fishmeal.
SCPs are increasingly emerging as a novel protein ingredient of interest to major aquafeed manufacturers worldwide, driven by rising fishmeal prices and growing ecological pressures on marine fisheries. In the short term, SCPs are expected to complement rather than fully replace fishmeal, as feed formulations continue to rely on multiple ingredients to balance cost, nutrition and performance. According to the report, the future expansion of the aquaculture industry will partly depend on its ability to scale and source SCPs effectively.
Fishmeal shortages are forecast to appear as early as 2028, with demand expected to exceed supply by up to 25% of total production by 2030. The report identifies high capital and operational costs as the primary barriers to scaling SCP production, alongside regulatory gaps and inconsistent feedstock availability. Over the longer term, increased investment in larger production facilities, improved strain efficiencies and access to lower-cost feedstocks could position SCPs as a strong alternative to fishmeal.
To support the sustainable scaling of SCPs, the report recommends that SCP producers improve strain efficiencies, adopt renewable energy and locate production facilities near low-cost circular feedstocks to enhance both sustainability and economic viability. It also advises aquafeed producers to strengthen partnerships with SCP suppliers, validate ingredient performance and encourage wider adoption through offtake agreements.
The report further calls on investors to support large-scale production facilities to help suppliers achieve economies of scale and accelerate commercialisation. Policymakers are encouraged to expand regulatory support in key markets and introduce financing mechanisms for novel feed ingredients, while civil society organisations and certifiers are urged to raise awareness of the benefits of SCPs for food security, climate resilience, safety and biodiversity.
The 2026 State of the Industry Report on Single-Cell Proteins is the second publication in CFI’s ongoing series evaluating novel ingredients for aquaculture. As fishmeal supply constraints intensify and the aquaculture sector faces increasing pressure to diversify protein sources beyond marine ingredients, CFI states that it will continue to provide independent, evidence-based assessments to support informed decision-making among investors, policymakers and feed producers.
