Tilapia is often described as the most widely farmed aquaculture product. FAO has reported tilapia production from over 100 countries on our planet with consumption of about 7 million metric tons per annum. To prove the point, experimental production of tilapia on multiple space shuttle missions and even a German-Russian satellite in 2007 suggest their use for planetary missions. Global tilapia production has grown as it has become popular both as a low-cost highly nutritious food for the masses as well as a high-quality entrée to be served at expensive restaurants in world capitals, and everything in between.
Large-scale production of selectively bred strains for international trade has ballooned over the last two decades to the point that tilapia show up in tariff negotiations and national consumer price indices. More importantly, production is linked to the decisions of investments in feed mills, port infrastructure, shipping logistics, job training, and national aquaculture development plans.
While China continues to hold the title for largest producer, consumer and exporter, production has been relatively stable while exports have decreased and domestic consumption increased. Domestic sales, especially value-added forms sold into northern and western markets too distant for live fish deliveries have been a major change in Chinese markets. Indonesia, Brazil and Egypt have been major producers, consumers and exporters. Innovations in breeding, improvements in feed technology, on-farm production methods, and processing and packaging have driven production and consumption growth. Use of lower cost ingredients, extruded floating feeds, sophisticated cage and in-pond raceway systems, and automated feeding have reduced production costs. Polyculture and integrated farming systems have further controlled costs. While modernized processing and better trained staff have reduced processing and packaging costs. The future of tilapia aquaculture is bright and industry partners are looking forward to a most profitable future.