The demand for healthy animal protein continues to increase along with the growth of the world’s population and public awareness of nutritious nutrition. One of the commodities that is the backbone of the global fisheries sector is tilapia. Indonesia, with its natural potential and human resources, has a great opportunity to lead this market.
Global Tilapia Market Potential and Trends
Based on the OECD and FAO reports, world fish consumption in 2022 was recorded at an average of 21.2 kg per capita, up from 20.4 kg per capita in the previous year. This trend is expected to continue to increase to reach 22 kg per capita in 2032. With growing demand, tilapia is one of the leading commodities due to its production efficiency, adaptability in various environmental conditions, and complete nutritional content.
Indonesia itself has become the second largest tilapia producer in the world. From 2017 to 2023, Indonesia’s tilapia export value showed an average growth of 6.74% per year. In 2017, the export value was at USD 57.41 million and increased to USD 81.77 million in 2023, with an export volume of 11,166 tons. Fillet products dominate exports with a contribution of 98.46%, while major destination countries such as the United States (59.08%) and Canada (20.72%) continue to show strong demand.
Domestic and Asian Market Development
In Asia, tilapia plays an important role in meeting the protein needs of the community. With the increasing level of fish consumption in this region, Indonesia has the geographical advantage and production infrastructure to meet these needs. Production centers such as Lake Toba (North Sumatra), West Java, and North Sulawesi are the main bases that support domestic distribution and exports.
Sustainability of Tilapia Cultivation
Regal Springs Indonesia is one of the largest tilapia farmers and exporters in Indonesia. The company has taken a step forward by integrating sustainability principles into its entire production process. We use environmentally friendly technologies such as automatic water quality control systems and digital technology to ensure efficient production with minimal impact on the environment.
Sustainability also includes supporting local communities. Regal Springs works with local farmers to increase their capacity, create jobs, and strengthen the integrated supply chain system. With this step, we not only produce high-quality products, but also contribute to social welfare and national food security.
Looking at the Future of Indonesian Tilapia
With a national production target of up to 2 million tons by 2029, the development of the tilapia sector requires strategic steps, including modernizing aquaculture practices, improving the quality of broodstock and seeds, and downstreaming products to increase added value. Comparative data shows that Indonesia has succeeded in increasing its production from 1.35 million tons in 2021 to an annual target that continues to increase consistently.
Technological innovation and collaboration with startups and universities are also key to accelerating the transformation of this sector. Not only to meet the needs of the domestic market, but also to expand exports to a more competitive global market.
Regal Springs and Indonesian Pride
As one of the largest producers and exporters of tilapia in Indonesia, Regal Springs Indonesia is proud to be part of this transformation. We believe that the growth of the tilapia sector reflects not only economic figures, but also sustainability, community empowerment, and contributions to global food security.
Through our commitment to quality and sustainability, Regal Springs continues to strive to bring Indonesia’s name to the international stage as a leader in the aquaculture sector.
