Fish And Seafood Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Fresh and Chilled Fish and Seafood, Canned Fish and Seafood, Frozen Fish and Seafood, Other Fish and Seafood, Other) By Application (Direct Consumption, Processing Consumption) and Regional Forecast to 2033

FISH AND SEAFOOD MARKET OVERVIEW

The global fish and seafood market size was USD 170.89 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 222.019 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period.

Global fish and seafood market is an essential part of the food industry that contributes immensely towards the assurance of food security, nutritional balance as well as the economic development in most of the regions worldwide. It comprises a broad range of sea life such as fin fish, mollusks, crustaceans and other marine and fresh water edible sea life to satisfy local cooking and factory needs. Owing to increased demand of protein rich diets across the globe, fish and sea foods have assumed a crucial role in the realm of healthy foods because they contain large proportion of proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and other critical nutrients. The market can be widely defined on the basis of fresh and chilled, frozen, canned, and processed seafood that satisfy the varying consumer demands and shelf-life needs. The demand of seafood is rising steadily owing to the rise of health awareness and emergence of bigger populations and urbanization in both developing and developed nations. The landscape of the industry is changing because of technological innovation in aquaculture, enhanced cold chain logistics services, and sustainable fishing activities. Also, there is an effort by governments and international organizations to encourage sustainable seafood production and agricultural policies to guarantee the sustainability of fisheries. The potential of the development of e-businesses as well as the refinements of packaging has enhanced availability too more so in the urban regions. Nevertheless, the market has problems such as overfishing, environmental issues, and regulation undertakings. The Asia-Pacific industry leads production and consumption; Europe and North America are more prone to high-value and sustainably sourced products. The fish and seafood industry remain one that is subject to the currents of change and this is evident as the three concepts innovation, sustainability and traceability became the center of the market to satisfy the demands of both health-conscious consumers and others that need to be identified as ethically sound.

GLOBAL CRISES IMPACTING FISH AND SEAFOOD MARKETCOVID-19 IMPACT

Fish And Seafood Market Had a Negative Effect Due to Supply Chain Disruption During COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on the global fish and seafood market share in terms that it greatly affected the market in 2020 and 2021 early in the year. Supply chain disrupted significantly during the lockdown due to labor shortages and limited transportation, so both the wild-caught and farmed seafood industry had to face the consequences. There was slower harvest and processing and slowed export of fisheries and aquaculture activities, especially in those countries that rely very much on fishing product exports like Norway, China, and Vietnam. Lockdowns led to the reduction of demand, particularly in high-end and fresh varieties of seafood; restaurants, hotels, and institutional food operations were closed. The unstable revenue and inventory spoilage in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located within the United States seafood supply chain become a significant problem when considerable parts of the supply do not have healthy digital backbones. Temporary consumer preference also changed to more of long-shelf products, such as canned or frozen seafood, because of consumer uncertainty and stockpiling. Also, the unfavorable epidemiology and prohibited regulations towards COVID-19 alongside the spreading rumor about seafood consumption in several Asian countries have affected the seafood markets, which resulted in a temporary decline in the sales. Online sales in the seafood business soared in certain areas but it was not enough to counterbalance the overall shrinkage of the market. In general, pandemic highlighted the weakness of the global seafood supply chains and indicated the necessity to enhance their resilience, automation, and integration with e-commerce in the fish and seafood market.

LATEST TRENDS

Growing Demand for Sustainable and Traceable Seafood Products Drives Market Growth

Among the most important current trends which impact the fish and seafood market, it is necessary to single out the increased desire by the consumers to have sustainable and traceable seafood. The issues of the environment, overfishing and climate change have compelled consumers, retailers and governments to require more responsibilities to the seafood producers and suppliers. Consequently, there has been the rise in popularity of eco-labels like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) that guarantee the customer that the seafood has been obtained in a sustainable manner. Blockchain and digital tracking systems are also being deployed in end-to-end traceability solutions, that promise to help guarantee the quality of seafood, discourage illegal fishing, and alleviate fraud. Certified suppliers are gaining more traction with retailers and other foodservice enterprises as the suppliers look to set up shop as sustainable suppliers. There is also the increasing awareness of consumers regarding the environmental cost of the food that they buy. The consumer is shifting towards brands that focus on ethical harvesting, fair wages, and minimize their carbon print. This direction is shape-shifting in the industry to product invention, sales and acquisition. Businesses investing in the concept of transparency, environmental friendly operations and technology-based supply chain are in good stead to attain competitive edge in the ever-growing sustainability-conscious market.

FISH AND SEAFOOD MARKET SEGMENTATION

BY TYPE

Based on type, the global market can be categorized into Fresh and Chilled Fish and Seafood, Canned Fish and Seafood, Frozen Fish and Seafood, Other Fish and Seafood, Other

• Fresh and Chilled Fish and Seafood: These are delivered soon after they are caught and are stored at low temperatures, which means that they maintain the greatest amount of taste and texture connecting them to quality markets and restaurants.
• Canned Seafood and fish: Canned seafood such as tuna, sardines and anchovies are processed, sealed in airtight containers and have long shelf life, convenience and are cheap.
• Frozen Fish and Seafood: Frozen seafood is flash-frozen at the moment of maximum freshness to provide long storage and nutritional quality, and in popular use in retail and food service.
• Other fish and Sea Food: These are specialty products that are not consumed in the mainstream but might be in more localized cuisines either gourmet or traditional cooking, often in Asia and Mediterranean regions. These products can be limited in quantities and can be seasonal like sea urchin’s octopus, jelly fish and roe (fish eggs).
• Other: It has non-product components to do with by-products (fish oil, fish meal), ornamental fish or ingredients that might be used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and in the non-food sectors; the by-products and additives, extracts and process residues of seafood may also be produced.

BY APPLICATION

Based on Application, the global market can be categorized into Direct Consumption, Processing Consumption

• Direct Consumption: It is the sale of seafood products directly to the consumer to cook at home or to use immediately, and it is frequently sold by the supermarket or online, or at local fish markets.
• Processing Consumption: This type of category refers to seafood which is raw material in value-added products, whether a ready meal, snack of seafood, or processed fillets, often by food manufacturers.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions. 

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Health Awareness and Nutritional Benefits Platforms Boost the Market

People are more attracted to fish and seafood because of their nutritive values such as quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, including minerals which play a significant role in maintaining the heart and brain functions. Now that there is an increase in lifestyle-related illnesses in most parts of the world, people are starting to consume more healthy diets and sea food is an ideal choice. This is also being stimulated by governments and health agencies which are recommending fish consumption in relation to the dietary recommendations. Such a healthy trend is observed particularly in the urban communities and older generations and this is what helps to promote a sustained increase in the consumption of both fresh and canned/prepared sea foods.

Expansion of Aquaculture and Technological Advancements Expand the Market

Aquaculture has proved to be a viable option in satisfying the increased world fish and seafood market growth demand. New methods of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), selective breeding, the automation of feeding, and prevention of diseases have helped much in increasing the yield and efficiency. The new innovations will diminish the reliance on wild-captured supply, contribute to the stabilization of supply, and create less of an impact on the environment. Advances in areas of aqua culture also guarantee constant quality availability, reduce the cost of production and are able to produce on-year basis; hence driving growth in the sea food industry.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

Overfishing and Depleting Natural Resources Potentially Impede Market Growth

The problem of overfishing has been one of the greatest issues today in the fish and sea food business and they can endanger the biodiversity in the ocean and sustainability of the same. Illegal and unregulated fishing occurs in most areas and empties the stock of fish and damages the ecosystem despite the regulations. This presents difficulties to supplying security, pricing and brand name. With the depletion of resources, there will be possibility of the companies being able to develop at a higher cost and chances of the environment laws being tougher in the future, unless there are sustainable atmospheres prevalent.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth of Value-Added and Ready-to-Eat Seafood Products Create Opportunity for The Product in The Market

Business opportunity in the value-added seafood includes marinated fillets, seafood snacks, sushi kits and ready-to-cook products is growing. Urbanization, increased disposable income, and hectic lifestyles are increasing the need of high-quality and easy to use seafood products. Some of the companies that can exploit this profitable segment include companies that invest in research and development, package innovations and cold chain logistics, particularly in the developed market and the urban centers in emergent economies.

CHALLENGE

Supply Chain Disruptions and Perishability Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers

Greater use of WAN edge infrastructure software also means greater risk of cybersecurity attacks. With traffic connecting with various end locations and cloud providers, end-to-end protection of the data gets even more cumbersome. Projects that enterprises have to deal with include data breaches, know man-in-the-middle attacks and the necessity to meet strict data privacy laws, such as GDPR and CCPA. Most WAN edge solutions include security, although not all of them are ready to embrace dynamic threat environments. Besides, decentralized designs are able to introduce visibility lapses and uneven policy enforcement.

FISH AND SEAFOOD MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• NORTH AMERICA

In North America especially, the United States fish and seafood market, in general, is a mature and high-value market of fish and seafood. Strong demand of sustainable sourced, traceable, and high-quality sea food products is observed in the region and is usually fueled by health-conscious and financially able people. Aquaculture is in steady increase although imports meet a large percentage of local demands. The growth is being driven by cold chain infrastructure, a robust retail chain and the surge in e-commerce penetration. The presence of regulatory bodies such as the seafood safety standards by the FDA provides quality products.

• EUROPE

Europe is one of the largest importers of fish and seafood, particularly those nations including Spain, France, Norway, and the UK. The region is very much concerned with sustainability with a keen interest in certification such as MSC and ASC. The preference among consumers lies in both raw and processed fish products with a specific interest towards shellfish and oily fish including salmon and mackerel. The stability of the market is supported by very strict EU regulations, by the development of high-grade aquaculture practices and logistics. Europe is also an innovation hub on the seafood area with packaging and processing.

• ASIA

Asia is the biggest producer and consumer of fish and sea foods in the world. The countries such as China, India, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand contribute immensely towards aquaculture and wild catches. Consumption is being driven by rising urbanization, rising disposable incomes and dietary shifts. Asia also is the leader in world seafood exports. Nonetheless, the issues of food safety, traceability, and sustainability also encourage the process of reforms and increased spending on infrastructure and regulatory control within the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

The international fish and seafood industry is dominated by a combination of both multinationals with accomplished regional players; including the emphasis on sustainable-sourcing, aquaculture technology, and on value-added products. Marine Harvest is the world market leader in Atlantic salmon (now known as Mowi ASA (Norway)), both in the direct production of Atlantic salmon and in the farming, processing, and distribution sector. Another large retail chain advanced seafood company is Leroy Seafood Group (Norway), a supplier of both fresh and processed goods to the start of the world. Thai Union Group (Thailand) which is among the largest seafood companies in the world owns popular brands like Chicken of the Sea, John West, and Sealect, and is becoming actively engaged in investment in traceability and sustainability. High Liner Foods (Canada) Company manufactures frozen seafood products and is a key distributor in North America of retail and foodservice markets. New York: Nomad Foods (UK) is a leading seller of frozen sea food in Europe through such brands as Iglo, Birds Eye and Findus. Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Nissui) and Maruha Nichiro (Japan) are dominating players in the Japanese seafood sector with international presence in fishing, processing and distributing. These companies are embracing technologies like blockchain for traceability, RAS systems for aquaculture, and eco-labeling to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Their focus is on quality, sustainability, and expanding into premium and ready-to-eat seafood categories.

List of Top Fish and Seafood Market Companies

• High Liner Foods (Canada)
• Iglo Group (U.K.)
• Leroy Seafood Group (Norway)
• Marine Harvest (Norway)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

February 2025: Mowi ASA announced the opening of a new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Scotland to expand its land-based salmon farming capacity. In April 2025, Thai Union Group launched a blockchain-based traceability platform for its seafood products to ensure full transparency across the supply chain. In January 2025, High Liner Foods introduced a new line of sustainable frozen seafood under the “Blue Horizon” brand, catering to eco-conscious consumers in North America.

 REPORT COVERAGE

Fish and seafood market is an essential component of the world food economy that serves as the nutrient-rich source of protein to billions of consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the industry with its peculiarities (disrupted supply chain, suction of the market, etc.), nonetheless, the industry has demonstrated resiliency and the ability to adapt. With the revival in the market, the consumers are growingly adopting health-conscious, convenient, and sustainable sourced products as their preferences become oriented towards them. Technological innovation and government aid contribute to bringing Aquaculture to an increasingly central position in supplying world market with seafood. Primary actors are spending in value added processing, cold chain distribution and electronic traceability to improve visibility and decrease ecosystem impact. The regions such as Asia excel in production whereas the North America and Europe excel in innovation and sustainability and the consumption of premium seafood. Nevertheless, there is still a need to fulfill the challenges faced by the market, including, but not confined to, overfishing, regulatory and climate change, to succeed in the long run. New sources of business are emerging because of the trend of good certified sustainable seafood, trace sources and ready to eat food, particularly to urban and health-conscious consumers. To sum up, the fish and seafood market has a stable growth, stimulated by the factors of technology, awareness of health hazards, and the world campaigns on the responsible consumption. To ensure the balanced, resilient, and sustainable seafood ecosystem, constant cooperation among producers, regulators, and consumers is necessary.