Global Distillers Grains Market to Reach US$15.7 Billion by 2030

The global market for Distillers Grains estimated at US$13.1 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$15.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.7% CAGR and reach US$8.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Dried Distillers Grains segment is estimated at 3.0% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$3.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 5.7% CAGR

The Distillers Grains market in the U.S. is estimated at US$3.5 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$3.2 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 5.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 0.4% and 3.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 1.2% CAGR.

Global Distillers Grains Market - Key Trends and Drivers Summarized

What Are Distillers Grains and How Are They Produced?

Distillers grains are nutrient-rich co-products derived from the distillation process used in ethanol production, primarily from corn, but also other cereal grains. During ethanol production, starch from the grains is fermented to produce alcohol, leaving behind proteins, minerals, and other nutrients in the residual mass, known as distillers grains. These byproducts are commonly used as a high-protein livestock feed due to their rich nutritional profile, including high levels of essential amino acids and digestible fibers. There are three main types of distillers grains: wet distillers grains (WDG), which contain about 65% moisture; dried distillers grains (DDG), which are dried to about 12% moisture to improve shelf life; and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), where solubles are added back into the dried grains to enhance the nutritional content.

Nutritional Value and Benefits in Livestock Feeding

Distillers grains provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional feed like soybean meal and corn, major components in livestock diets. Rich in protein, energy, and phosphorus, they are particularly valued in the diets of ruminants such as cattle, but are also increasingly used in feeding swine and poultry. The high protein content supports livestock growth and development, while the energy aids in maintaining the animals` overall health and productivity. Moreover, the use of distillers grains helps in waste reduction by recycling what would otherwise be a waste product from the ethanol industry, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Practices

The production and use of distillers grains play a significant role in the sustainability of biofuel and agricultural industries. By providing a secondary stream of revenue for ethanol producers and reducing waste, the production of distillers grains helps make biofuel production more economically viable and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, their role in livestock feeding contributes to the reduction of the carbon footprint associated with traditional feed production, which often involves significant fossil fuel inputs for crop production and transport. As global attention increasingly turns towards sustainable agricultural practices, distillers grains are being recognized for their contribution to a more circular economy in food production.

What Drives the Growth in the Distillers Grains Market?

The growth in the distillers grains market is driven by several factors, including the rising global demand for protein-rich livestock feed and the expansion of the biofuel industry. As more ethanol is produced to meet energy needs, the output of distillers grains also increases, providing ample supply for the livestock industry. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of distillers grains compared to other feed ingredients makes them an attractive option for livestock producers, especially in times of rising grain prices. Technological advancements in ethanol production processes have also improved the quality and consistency of distillers grains, enhancing their appeal to feed manufacturers and farmers. Moreover, the growing emphasis on sustainability and waste reduction in food production continues to propel interest in and utilization of distillers grains, ensuring their place as a staple in animal diets well into the future.