Top 10 Companies in the Feed Carotenoid Industry (2025): Market Leaders Enhancing Animal Nutrition Globally

In Business Insights
December 18, 2025


The Global Feed Carotenoid Market was valued at USD 1.42 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.68 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.3% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This robust growth is fueled by the rising global demand for animal protein, the essential role of carotenoids in improving animal health and product quality, and increasing consumer preference for naturally colored meat, eggs, and fish.

As the livestock and aquaculture industries intensify their focus on efficiency, sustainability, and product differentiation, the role of specialized feed additives has never been more critical. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Feed Carotenoid Industry—a blend of multinational chemical giants, specialized nutrition firms, and innovative ingredient suppliers that are shaping the future of animal nutrition.


🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Lucantin® (Beta-carotene, Canthaxanthin, Apo-ester), other carotenoid blends

BASF is a global leader in the production of synthetic carotenoids for animal nutrition. Its Lucantin® product line is renowned for providing reliable pigmentation and health benefits across poultry, aquaculture, and swine feeds. The company leverages its extensive chemical manufacturing expertise to ensure high-purity, stable, and cost-effective carotenoid solutions.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Continuous R&D to enhance carotenoid stability and bioavailability

  • Commitment to sustainable production processes and reducing environmental footprint

  • Development of tailored solutions to meet regional consumer preferences for product coloration

Download FREE Sample Report: Feed Carotenoid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. DSM-Firmenich

Headquarters: Heerlen, Netherlands / Geneva, Switzerland
Key Offering: Carophyll® (astaxanthin, canthaxanthin), Rovimix® (beta-carotene)

Following the merger of DSM and Firmenich, the company has solidified its position as a powerhouse in animal nutrition and health. DSM’s carotenoid portfolio is scientifically backed and widely used to achieve vibrant coloration in salmon, egg yolks, and poultry skin, while also supporting animal vitality.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering research into the health benefits of carotenoids beyond pigmentation

  • We Value Nature strategy focused on sustainable sourcing and production

  • Launch of next-generation formulations for improved efficacy in aquaculture and poultry


8️⃣ 3. Kemin Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Key Offering: Kem-Glo® (natural lutein, zeaxanthin), FloraGLO® Lutein

Kemin is a leading specialty ingredient manufacturer with a strong focus on natural solutions. Its carotenoid products, particularly those derived from marigold flowers, are prized in the poultry industry for enhancing egg yolk color and supporting bird health through their antioxidant properties.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Vertical integration from marigold cultivation to finished product ensures supply chain control and quality

  • Investment in application-specific research for targeted animal nutrition outcomes

  • Sustainable farming partnerships for raw material sourcing


7️⃣ 4. Novus International, Inc.

Headquarters: St. Charles, Missouri, USA
Key Offering: Citranaxanthin, Apocarotenal, and other carotenoid ingredients

Novus International specializes in developing health and nutrition solutions for the animal agriculture industry. The company provides carotenoid products that help producers meet market demands for high-quality, visually appealing animal products while supporting overall flock and herd health.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on solutions that reduce antibiotic use by enhancing natural immunity

  • Commitment to the ONE HEALTH approach, connecting animal, human, and environmental health

  • Technical support services to help customers optimize carotenoid use in feed formulations

Download FREE Sample Report: Feed Carotenoid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Behn Meyer Group

Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany / Selangor, Malaysia
Key Offering: Natural carotenoids, including lutein esters from marigold

With a history dating back to 1840, Behn Meyer is a well-established player in the ingredient market, with a strong presence in Asia. The company sources and markets natural carotenoids, catering to the growing demand for clean-label and naturally derived feed additives in the global market.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Strong focus on natural ingredient sourcing and traceability

  • Strategic positioning in the high-growth Asia-Pacific region

  • Development of sustainable supply chains for botanical raw materials


5️⃣ 6. Chr. Hansen Holding A/S

Headquarters: Hørsholm, Denmark
Key Offering: Carotenoid-based solutions, part of broader natural color and health portfolios

Chr. Hansen is a global bioscience company known for its microbial and enzyme solutions. While its core strength lies in probiotics, the company offers carotenoid ingredients that align with its focus on natural, sustainable solutions for animal health and product quality enhancement.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Leveraging fermentation technology for ingredient production

  • Commitment to sustainability targets, including reducing CO2 emissions

  • Integration of carotenoids with probiotic solutions for synergistic health benefits


4️⃣ 7. Dohler GmbH

Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
Key Offering: Natural food and feed ingredients, including carotenoid-rich plant extracts

Dohler is a global producer, marketer, and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients. The company offers a range of natural solutions for the feed industry, including ingredients rich in carotenoids, sourced from fruits, vegetables, and plants.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expertise in natural ingredient extraction and standardization

  • Global sourcing network for botanical raw materials

  • Focus on circular economy principles in production

Download FREE Sample Report: Feed Carotenoid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


3️⃣ 8. Alltech

Headquarters: Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA
Key Offering: Integrated nutritional solutions, including products with natural pigments

Alltech is a leading animal health and nutrition company that employs yeast fermentation and solid-state fermentation technologies. Its approach often involves delivering nutritional benefits through a combination of technologies, including the use of natural substances that support animal vitality and product quality.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering the ACE principle (Activate, Cooperate, Elevate) for sustainable agriculture

  • Investment in algae-based nutrition research

  • Global network of research centers dedicated to animal science


2️⃣ 9. Kalsec Inc.

Headquarters: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Natural spice and herb extracts, carotenoid ingredients

Kalsec specializes in natural ingredient solutions derived from plants. While historically focused on the food and beverage industry, the company’s expertise in extracting and stabilizing natural compounds, including carotenoids, has applications in the animal feed sector for natural pigmentation and antioxidant support.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expertise in natural extraction and preservation technologies

  • Sustainable and ethical sourcing initiatives for raw materials

  • Development of oxidation management solutions that benefit feed stability


1️⃣ 10. Nutreco N.V. (via its division Trouw Nutrition)

Headquarters: Amersfoort, Netherlands
Key Offering: Comprehensive animal nutrition solutions, including premixes with carotenoids

As a global leader in animal nutrition, Nutreco, through its Trouw Nutrition division, provides innovative feed specialties, premixes, and nutritional services. The company incorporates carotenoids into its sophisticated feed programs to help producers optimize animal health and meet market specifications for product quality.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • RoadMap 2025 strategy focused on sustainability and circular agriculture

  • Extensive R&D focused on precision feeding and nutrient optimization

  • Global presence providing localized nutritional expertise and solutions

Get Full Report Here: Feed Carotenoid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Feed Carotenoids is Natural and Functional

The feed carotenoid market is experiencing a significant evolution. While synthetic carotenoids currently dominate due to cost and consistency, the industry is rapidly shifting towards natural alternatives and exploring carotenoids’ functional benefits beyond mere pigmentation.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerating transition from synthetic to natural carotenoid sources driven by consumer demand

  • Expansion of carotenoid applications in aquaculture, the fastest-growing animal protein sector

  • Growing recognition of carotenoids as functional ingredients for animal immunity and health

  • Technological advancements in stabilization and delivery systems improving carotenoid efficacy

Get Full Report Here: Feed Carotenoid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying essential nutrients for animal health—they are driving the sustainable transformation of global protein production.