According to Fortune Business Insights, the global citrus pulp pellets market was valued at approximately USD 840 million in 2025 and is expected to climb to about USD 883 million in 2026. From there, the market is projected to expand steadily through 2034, reaching roughly USD 1.32 billion, which reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of a little over 5% across the 2026–2034 forecast window. North America was the largest regional market in 2025, holding just over a fifth of global share.
Citrus pulp pellets are produced by drying the leftover peel and seed material from citrus fruits, primarily oranges and grapefruits, after juice extraction. The dried material is compacted into pellets and sold in bags or bulk form as animal feed. Because moisture encourages mite infestation and spoilage, careful packaging and low humidity are essential to preserving quality. Within the broader animal feed category, citrus pulp pellets rank as the second most widely consumed feed ingredient after corn pellets, and rising citrus fruit output in major growing regions continues to support raw material supply for manufacturers.
Key Market Drivers
Several forces are pushing demand higher. Livestock owners increasingly favor citrus pulp pellets because of their strong nutritional profile, high fiber content, and favorable water absorption characteristics — a useful trait given that animals tend to drink in short bursts rather than continuously. The pellets also carry beneficial phytonutrients such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which help meet dietary requirements for livestock.
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A major contributor to demand is the pellets' high level of total digestible nutrients (TDN). The report notes that global animal consumption of TDN runs into the tens of millions of tons annually, and citrus pulp pellets deliver readily fermentable carbohydrates that supply energy for ruminal microbes. They are especially popular in feeding young beef and cattle, though they are generally avoided in dairy cow diets to prevent reductions in milk output. The report also points out that only a modest share of the liquid extracted from citrus processing is usable, with the bulk of that liquid convertible into citrus molasses, another byproduct that adds economic value to citrus processing operations.
Beyond nutrition, the broader shift toward agro-based industrial byproducts as a cost-effective alternative to conventional feedstuffs is helping the category grow. At the same time, a steadily rising global livestock population — driven by demand for meat, dairy, and other animal-derived products — is expected to keep sustaining the market's growth trajectory, with the expansion of commercial livestock operations acting as an added tailwind.
Restraining Factors
The market isn't without challenges. High moisture content shortens the pellets' shelf life, and inconsistent composition across different batches of agro-based byproducts creates supply-side unpredictability. Raw material availability can also be limited depending on citrus harvest cycles. Competitive pressure from corn pellets, along with the risk of aflatoxin contamination, further tempers growth potential in some markets.
Market Segmentation
By form, the market splits into orange-based, grapefruit-based, and other pellet types. Orange-based pellets dominate, thanks to greater raw material availability and stronger nutritional characteristics, making them especially popular in swine and dairy feed applications. Grapefruit-based pellets are expected to see notably strong growth as manufacturers continue investing in product development.
By application, the market covers swine feed, dairy feed, and other uses. Swine feed is highlighted as the fastest-growing application, given the pellets' fiber and vitamin content. In citrus-growing regions, the pellets can make up 30–50% of dairy rations because of their affordability and palatability.
Regional Insights
Asia Pacific stands out as the fastest-growing region, fueled by a large livestock population and expanding awareness of animal nutrition across countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Europe ranks as the second-largest market, underpinned by strong dairy industry demand. North America continues to hold a significant share thanks to the presence of major food and feed companies. South America and the Middle East & Africa remain comparatively smaller markets but are expected to post solid growth rates as livestock farming expands in these regions.
Competitive Landscape
The market is described as moderately fragmented, with a mix of established and regional players competing mainly in North America and Europe. Prominent companies named in the report include Louis Dreyfus Citrus, Furst-McNess Company, LaBudde Group Inc., Suwannee Valley Feeds, KW Alternative Feeds, Cefetra Group, Lhoist, Citrosuco North America, and Citrus Products of Belize Limited. These firms are focusing on product development and R&D investment to strengthen their market positioning and brand recognition.