Asian livestock trends from Enzym Group: natural solutions, aquafeed development and new opportunities for Ukraine

The Asian livestock and feed market remains one of the most dynamic in the world. It is here that key global trends are formed - from innovations in feeding to the development of veterinary technologies and genetics. These trends determine the direction of the industry in many countries, including Ukraine.

One of the main platforms for exchanging experience is the VIV Asia 2025 exhibition, which annually brings together more than 50 thousand specialists from 110 countries of the world. This year, Ukrainian companies also took part in it, including Enzym Group, which develops biotechnological solutions based on yeast cells for the food, feed and other industries.

Natural flavor enhancers - instead of synthetic additives

One of the main areas of market development is natural flavor enhancers and natural functional ingredients. Manufacturers are increasingly looking for an alternative to synthetic compounds, focusing on animal health and production sustainability.

Products based on yeast cells, postbiotics, phytobiotics and bioactive compounds of natural origin are gaining popularity. They not only improve the taste of feed, but also contribute to better absorption of nutrients, reduce stress in animals and strengthen the immune system.

Refusal of antibiotics

In the EU, the use of feed antibiotics has been prohibited since 2006 (in Sweden - since 1986), in the USA - since 2017. In Ukraine, restrictions have been in effect since 2021, but the practice of use is still widespread.
The transition to alternative solutions, primarily natural additives, is becoming inevitable for manufacturers who strive to meet international standards. This opens up space for innovation and creates demand for scientifically sound, safe solutions.

The Ukrainian market: between tradition and change

In Ukraine, the level of implementation of natural additives is still lower than in Europe or Asia. Among the main barriers are the higher cost of natural components and the need for an evidence base.
However, interest in natural biotechnological solutions is growing, especially in the context of finding alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic compounds. Scientific products, including enzymes, probiotics and yeast cells, have proven their effectiveness in maintaining animal health and reducing the level of pathogens.

Aquaculture: a new growth center

A separate direction is aquaculture, which is demonstrating stable growth worldwide. In 2024, the volume of the aquafeed market in the Asia-Pacific region was 51.6 million tons. By 2033, it may grow to 94 million tons (according to IMARC Group).

Natural proteins, yeast products, probiotics and phytogenic additives are becoming key components of fish and shrimp feeds. In Ukraine, the most dynamically developing segment of shrimp farming is the one, in particular, thanks to the largest aquafarm in Europe in Mykolaiv region.

Enzym Group products have been tested on shrimp farms in Vietnam, which confirmed their effectiveness and became the basis for further research in the field of aquafeed.
New opportunities for Ukrainian producers

The growing interest in yeast products in Asian markets creates new prospects for Ukraine. Approximately half of the visitors to the Enzym Group stand at VIV Asia were already familiar with yeast additives, which indicates a high level of awareness and willingness to cooperate.

“The development of the Asian market opens up significant potential for Ukrainian companies. We see that consumers are increasingly looking for natural, safe solutions, and it is in this direction that we plan to develop our research,” says Olena Krasovska, Director of the Enzym Group R&D Center.