Zeigler

What Zeigler does

Zeigler Bros., Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned animal feed manufacturer founded in 1935 and headquartered in Gardners, Pennsylvania, with primary production at its East Berlin facility running approximately 50 tons of feed per day on a 24-hour, six-day schedule. The company specializes in four product lines: shrimp aquaculture feeds (spanning maturation, hatchery, nursery, and grow-out stages), finfish aquaculture feeds (trout, bass, tilapia, marine fish, sturgeon, catfish), pet and zoo animal feeds (koi, aquarium fish, reptiles, small animals, exotic birds, zoo animals), and health and research feeds for biomedical applications. Its core technology is proprietary microencapsulation for liquid larval diets (EZ Larva Ultra, EZ Artemia Ultra) and proprietary probiotic blends (Rescue for Vibrio control, Remediate for water quality), developed through the Zeigler Aquaculture Research Center (ZARC) in partnership with Florida Atlantic University.

Zeigler monetizes through direct sales of its finished feeds, contract research services, and a technology transfer licensing program under which five active international partners produce Zeigler-branded feeds locally in Mexico (two), Ecuador, Egypt, and India. Go-to-market is sales-led via technical representatives deployed to all major shrimp hatchery markets worldwide who conduct daily hatchery visits, complemented by regional distributors in markets such as India, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. Pricing is unit-based for premium specialty feeds (e.g., EZ Artemia Ultra at approximately $57/kg), with documented customer outcomes including 33% survival improvements in AHPND challenge trials and survival rate gains from 50-60% to 70-80% in commercial hatcheries adopting Zeigler liquid feeds.

The company has operated continuously for 90 years, serving customers in over 50 countries across North America, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It pursues regulatory advocacy through industry associations (SATS, AFIA) supporting expanded US domestic aquaculture. Zeigler has no disclosed venture capital, private equity, or institutional ownership, and three employees have been recognized for over 40 years of service, indicating organizational stability.

Name

Zeigler

Legal name

Zeigler Bros., Inc.

Website

https://zeiglerfeed.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1935

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Zeigler Bros., Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned specialty animal feed manufacturer producing premium aquaculture, pet, zoo, and biomedical research feeds from its Pennsylvania facilities, serving customers in over 50 countries through direct technical sales and an international technology licensing program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aquaculture Feed Manufacturing

NAICS

Animal Food Manufacturing (3111), Other Animal Food Manufacturing (311119)

SIC

Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200)

akta.pro primary industry

Shrimp & Prawn Feed (AFADADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hatchery & Larval Feed (Microdiets, Live Feed Enrichment) (AFADADAE), Grower/Finisher Feed (AFADADAG), Fish & Aquatic Feed (ornamental) (CRADAFAL), Reptile & Amphibian Feed (AFADAFAK)

Keywords

• Aquaculture feed manufacturing
• Shrimp hatchery nutrition
• Finfish aquaculture feeds
• Microencapsulated larval diets
• Feed mill technology licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Gardners

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Aquaculture Feed Sales: Sale of specialized feeds for shrimp and finfish across complete life cycles including maturation, hatchery, nursery, grower feeds, and probiotics/additives.
2. Pet & Zoo Feed Sales: Production and sale of feeds for pond fish, koi, aquarium fish, reptiles, small animals, exotic birds, and zoo animals.
3. Health & Research Feed Sales: Specialized feeds for laboratory animal diets and biomedical research applications, including contract research services.
4. Technology Transfer Licensing: Licensing of Zeigler formulas, technology, and brand to international feed mill partners who produce Zeigler products locally. Currently 5 active partnerships in Mexico (2), Ecuador, Egypt, and India.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Zeigler is an animal feed manufacturer that produces specialized nutritional products for commercial aquaculture (shrimp and finfish), pet and zoo animals, and biomedical research applications. Its portfolio includes complete lifecycle feeds for shrimp (maturation through grow-out), a comprehensive finfish line for trout, bass, tilapia, marine, sturgeon and catfish, premium pet/zoo nutrition, and laboratory animal diets, supplemented by proprietary probiotic blends and microencapsulated liquid larval diets. The company also licenses its feed mill technology, formulas, and brand to international partners through a turnkey technology transfer program.

Product overview

Zeigler is an animal feed manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of specialized nutrition products for aquaculture, pets, zoo animals, and biomedical research. The product portfolio centers on four main product lines: Shrimp Feeds (covering maturation, hatchery, nursery, and grower stages), Finfish Feeds (for trout, bass, tilapia, marine fish, sturgeon, and catfish), Pet & Zoo Feeds (for pond/koi, aquarium fish, reptiles, small animals, exotic birds, and zoo animals), and Health & Research Feeds (lab animal diets and health additives). Key advanced products include EZ Larva Ultra and EZ Artemia Ultra (liquid microencapsulated diets replacing Artemia nauplii and algae), Z-Pro (larval diet for postlarvae), and the Broodstock 1-2-3 Maturation Program (including EZ Mate, Redi-Mate, and conditioning diets). Supporting products include Vpak immune enhancement additive, Rescue and Remediate probiotic blends, PL Raceway nursery systems, and HI2 diet for RAS systems. The company also offers technology licensing through its Global Licensee Program with 5 active international partnerships, and operates the Zeigler Aquaculture Research Center (ZARC) for ongoing product R&D.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Shrimp Feeds Complete feed program supporting the entire shrimp production life cycle from maturation through grow-out, including specialized feeds for hatchery, nursery, and grower stages, as well as probiotics and additives, for commercial shrimp aquaculture operators.
• Finfish Feeds Comprehensive line of feeds supporting the full life cycle of various finfish species including trout, bass, tilapia, marine fish, sturgeon, and catfish in diverse applications, for commercial finfish aquaculture and RAS operators.
• Pet & Zoo Feeds Innovative nutrition products for non-traditional pets and zoo animals including pond and koi fish, aquarium fish, reptiles, small animals, exotic birds, and zoo animals, with custom manufacturing options available, for pet and zoo animal owners and institutions.
• Health & Research Feeds High-quality feed products supporting the scientific community for biomedical research applications, including lab animal diets, health additives, and contract research services, for laboratory and research institutions.
• EZ Larva Ultra Next-generation liquid microencapsulated diet for shrimp larval nutrition that combines benefits of microalgae with improved stability, digestibility, and biosecurity, with 8% protein increase, 25% lipid increase, and incorporated Rescue and Remediate probiotic blends.
• EZ Artemia Ultra Third-generation liquid microencapsulated diet serving as a biosecure substitute for Artemia nauplii in shrimp hatcheries with improved buoyancy and incorporated Rescue and Remediate probiotic blends.
• EZ Larva First-generation liquid microencapsulated diet designed for Zoea and Mysis stages to supplement or replace traditional feeds when dry feed consumption is low or algae cultures are problematic, for shrimp hatchery operations.
• Z-Pro Advanced larval diet for shrimp postlarvae (PL) developed over three years of continuous R&D at ZARC, focusing on protein efficiency and digestibility to maximize growth potential while minimizing ammonia impacts on water quality.
• Broodstock 1-2-3 Maturation Program Complete broodstock nutrition program encompassing a range of diets for every phase of broodstock development including Shrimp Broodstock diet, Shrimp Maturation Conditioning Diet, EZ Mate, and Redi-Mate for active spawning support, for shrimp maturation operations.
• EZ Mate Highly adaptable powdered broodstock diet made into dough by the customer, allowing customization by adding other ingredients and shaping into preferred format, with high levels of carotenoids and vitamins to promote spawning, for shrimp broodstock operations.
• Redi-Mate Latest generation semi-moist pellet broodstock diet highly attractive and ready to feed, containing extremely high levels of carotenoids and vitamins to promote and sustain spawning rates, for shrimp broodstock operations.
• Rescue Probiotic Blend Microencapsulated probiotic blend containing 1.5 x 10^7 CFU/g of four unique Bacillus spp. strains selected for efficacy in controlling six common Vibrio spp. strains, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, delivered to the intestine via ingestion.
• Remediate Probiotic Blend Probiotic blend composed of unique Bacillus species selected for ability to digest organic material and reduce ammonia levels, incorporated into liquid fraction of feeds for delivery into water column.
• Vpak (Vitality Pak) Proprietary feed additive blend designed to improve immune function of aquatic species and gut health, included across all Zeigler larval diets.
• HI2 Diet Specialty feed designed for super-intensive Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) where protein conversion efficiencies drive growth at high densities upon which profitability depends, for RAS-based finfish producers.
• Koi Grower Feed formulated for juvenile and developing koi, part of new koi and pond fish food line with nitrogen-preservation and Vpak immune support additive, for koi and ornamental fish hobbyists.
• Koi Fancier Premium maintenance diet for mature koi containing wheat germ for all-weather feeding, part of Zeigler's new koi and pond fish food line with nitrogen-preservation, for koi enthusiasts.
• Pond Silver Feed ideal for a variety of backyard pond species including koi, bass and bluegills, part of Zeigler's new koi and pond fish food line with nitrogen-preservation and Vpak immune support additive.
• Feed Mill Technology Licensing Program Technology transfer program that licenses Zeigler formulas, technology, and brand to establish local feed mills internationally. Partners receive engineering, formula design, QA, and operations support, with 5 active partnerships producing Zeigler products in Mexico (2), Ecuador, Egypt, and India.

Quantifiable outcome

• 33% higher survival rate in AHPND challenge trials using EZ Larva Ultra and EZ Artemia Ultra combined
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Priyanka EnterprisescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 March 2022Indian distribution partner that successfully launched EZ Artemia Ultra in India at Golden Bay Resorts Koovathur, Tamil Nadu. Hosted event attended by over 50 participants representing 32 big hatcheries from Chennai coastal region. General Manager Balaraman Radakrishnan brings 30+ years of shrimp aquaculture experience for both hatchery and farm.
• Feedmix Specialist Inc. IIcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner in Mindanao island, Philippines for pond probiotics. Successfully launched pond probiotics seminar in General Santos attended by over 90 participants and more than 50 farms.
• ARTAT EnterpriseminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSaudi Arabia distributor supported at SAUDI AGRICULTURE show in Riyadh. Celebrating 20 years in business.
• Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association advocating for developing responsible offshore aquaculture in US waters. Zeigler actively participates in SATS advocacy efforts including supporting MARA Act and AQUAA Act legislation for domestic aquaculture development.
• American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association representing feed manufacturers since 1909. AFIA has been instrumental in supporting Zeigler's export success and guides the company on all aspects of business while representing interests on Capitol Hill. Zeigler participates in AFIA legislative Fly-In events and trade missions.
• Florida Atlantic UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for ZARC (Zeigler Aquaculture Research Center) facility. University collaboration enables rigorous research programs and access to academic expertise in aquaculture science.
• Technology Transfer Partners (Mexico, Ecuador, Egypt, India)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner5 active technology transfer/licensee partnerships producing Zeigler products locally: 2 in Mexico, 1 in Ecuador, 1 in Egypt, 1 in India. Program includes engineering, formula design, QA, and operations support. 11 different partners in 8 countries over company's history.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hikari: Specialty ornamental fish feed manufacturer (koi, tropical fish, aquatic pets) headquartered in Japan with global distribution. Direct competitor in Zeigler's pet/zoo ornamental segment, particularly in koi and aquarium feeds.
• Avanti Feeds: Leading Indian shrimp feed manufacturer and one of the dominant players in India's shrimp aquaculture market. Direct regional competitor in India, where Zeigler operates through the Priyanka Enterprises distribution partnership.
• BioMar: Major aquaculture feed manufacturer headquartered in Denmark with strong focus on salmonids and shrimp across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Direct competitor to Zeigler in both finfish and shrimp nutrition.
• De Heus: Global animal nutrition company headquartered in the Netherlands with a growing aquaculture feed portfolio. Direct competitor in shrimp and finfish nutrition across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
• Cargill Aqua Nutrition: Cargill's aquaculture feed business (formerly EWOS) is one of the largest global suppliers, particularly in salmon and shrimp. Operates at massive scale with broad R&D and procurement capabilities, directly competing with Zeigler across multiple species and geographies.
• Skretting (Nutreco): Global aquaculture feed leader and part of Nutreco. Produces feed for salmon, shrimp, and other species across the full lifecycle. Direct competitor to Zeigler in shrimp hatchery nutrition, with multi-million-ton global capacity and broader geographic reach.
• Charoen Pokphand Foods: Asia's largest integrated aquaculture business with significant shrimp and finfish feed operations. Competes with Zeigler across multiple Asian markets including Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia.

Broad incumbents

• Mazuri: Specialty exotic and zoo animal nutrition brand owned by PMI Nutrition International. Competes directly with Zeigler in zoo, reptile, and exotic bird feed categories within the pet/zoo segment.
• Alltech: Global animal health and nutrition company with aquaculture feed interests including salmon and shrimp. Larger and broader portfolio than Zeigler, with overlapping species coverage and more extensive R&D investment in feed additives and health.

Regional players

• Ridley Corporation: Australian animal feed manufacturer with aquaculture exposure across salmon, barramundi, and other species. Operates primarily in Australia while Zeigler is concentrated in the Americas and Asia, so geographic overlap is limited but product categories overlap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zeigler