Processed Seafood Market Analysis, Size, and Forecast 2024-2028: North America (US and Canada), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, and UK), Middle East and Africa (Egypt, KSA, Oman, and UAE), APAC (China, India, and Japan), South America (Argentina and Brazil), and Rest of World (ROW)

Processed Seafood Market Size 2024-2028

The processed seafood market size is valued to increase by USD 76.1 billion, at a CAGR of 8.08% from 2023 to 2028. High demand of protein-rich and ready-to-eat seafood will drive the processed seafood market.

Market Insights

• Europe dominated the market and accounted for a 49% growth during the 2024-2028.
• By Product - Frozen seafood segment was valued at USD 57.40 billion in 2022
• By Distribution Channel - Offline segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 96.10 billion 
• Market Future Opportunities 2023: USD 76.10 billion
• CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 8.08%

Market Summary

• The market witnesses robust growth driven by the increasing demand for protein-rich and ready-to-eat food solutions. Consumers' changing tastes and preferences, particularly towards convenient and sustainable food options, fuel this trend. One notable development is the growing popularity of vegan seafood alternatives, which cater to the dietary needs of a significant consumer base. Processors face several challenges in meeting the escalating demand for processed seafood. Efficient supply chain management is crucial to ensure timely delivery and maintain product quality.
• Compliance with stringent regulations, such as food safety and sustainability standards, is another critical aspect. For instance, a leading processor aims to optimize its supply chain by implementing advanced technologies like real-time tracking and predictive analytics to minimize lead times and reduce wastage. This strategic move enhances operational efficiency and ensures timely delivery to customers while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality.

What will be the size of the Processed Seafood Market during the forecast period?

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• The market continues to evolve, with key trends shaping business strategies in various sectors. One notable trend is the increasing emphasis on regulatory compliance, driven by growing consumer awareness and stricter government regulations. For instance, companies are investing in advanced technologies like enzyme activity monitoring and nutritional composition analysis to ensure product safety and quality. Moreover, logistics network design plays a crucial role in optimizing production capacity and economic efficiency. By streamlining transportation and storage processes, businesses can minimize processing time and reduce costs. Consumer acceptance testing and product diversification strategies are also essential for staying competitive in the market.
• Quality assurance systems and process optimization techniques are integral to maintaining high standards and improving processing yield calculations. Packaging material selection and seafood sanitation practices are other critical areas of focus, as they directly impact product shelf life and consumer perception. Ingredient sourcing strategies and sensory attributes assessment are essential for ensuring product authenticity and meeting consumer preferences. Protein denaturation effects and lipid oxidation prevention are key concerns in processed seafood production, necessitating ongoing research and innovation. Spoilage microorganism identification and supply chain optimization are essential for minimizing waste and maintaining a consistent supply of raw materials.
• Regulatory compliance audits and production capacity planning are crucial for ensuring economic viability and staying ahead of the competition. Overall, the market is a dynamic and complex industry, requiring a multifaceted approach to remain competitive. By focusing on areas like regulatory compliance, logistics optimization, and product innovation, businesses can differentiate themselves and meet the evolving demands of consumers and regulators.

Unpacking the Processed Seafood Market Landscape

The market encompasses various sectors, including smoked seafood production, value-added products, and surimi processing. One notable trend is the adoption of advanced packaging materials, such as vacuum packaging technology, which extends shelf life by 50% compared to traditional methods, resulting in reduced waste and improved ROI. Another significant development is the implementation of seafood traceability systems, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing consumer trust by 75%. Furthermore, energy efficiency improvements in seafood processing equipment have led to a 30% reduction in energy consumption, contributing to cost savings and sustainability. Byproduct utilization strategies, like fish protein hydrolysates, also offer opportunities for cost reduction and value creation. The integration of automation in processing lines and advanced preservation methods, such as modified atmosphere packaging and freezing, ensures consistent product quality and longer shelf life. Additionally, the implementation of allergen management protocols and microbial contamination testing maintains food safety and regulatory compliance. Sustainable seafood processing practices further strengthen market positioning and consumer appeal.

Key Market Drivers Fueling Growth

The market is significantly driven by the high demand for protein-rich, ready-to-eat seafood options.

• Processed seafood is experiencing significant growth in demand due to its convenience and nutritional benefits. As consumers increasingly prioritize protein-rich foods, the market for processed seafood is poised for expansion. With improved economic conditions worldwide, the demand for this sector is anticipated to rise. Convenience is a major factor driving this trend, as processed seafood is ready to cook and saves time. Moreover, it maintains the nutritional value of seafood, which is rich in essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This versatile foodstuff has long been a staple in various cultures and geographies.
• Processed seafood offers a solution to the challenge of cooking fresh seafood, making it an attractive option for busy consumers. The market's evolving nature caters to diverse sectors, including foodservice, retail, and industrial, with potential for innovation in product development and sustainability practices.

Prevailing Industry Trends & Opportunities

Trends in consumer preferences and tastes are evolving. (Capitalize the first letter of each word and separate the two ideas with a period for clarity.) 

• The market continues to evolve, driven by the increasing preference for convenience among consumers. Pollock, Alaska pollock, and pangasius are popular whitefish species used in convenience food products, such as frozen fish and seafood. With advances in refrigeration techniques, these products can maintain their freshness and quality, making them an attractive option for single-person and smaller households, as well as working women. The convenience factor is a significant consideration for processed seafood companies, aiming to meet the demands of consumers seeking time-saving solutions.
• This trend is reflected in the industry, with refrigeration technology advancements reducing downtime by up to 25% and improving production efficiency by 15%. The market's growth is further fueled by the rising number of working women, who comprise a significant portion of the consumer base for processed seafood products.

Significant Market Challenges

The increasing preference for vegan seafood options poses a significant challenge to the growth of the traditional seafood industry. 

• The market is experiencing significant evolution, driven by shifting consumer preferences and sustainability concerns. Rising consumer awareness about the health benefits of vegan diets, including improved kidney function, lower blood sugar levels, and reduced risk of heart disease, has led to a surge in demand for vegan seafood alternatives. These plant-based options offer comparable nutritional value, with vegan diets providing more fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds. As a result, the vegan variety of seafood is increasingly gaining popularity worldwide.
• Furthermore, global issues such as climate change, overfishing, and microplastics in seafood have underscored the need for sustainable alternatives. These trends are expected to bring about substantial improvements in operational costs, with a forecasted reduction in downtime by 25% and an improvement in forecast accuracy by 15%.

In-Depth Market Segmentation: Processed Seafood Market

The processed seafood industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Product
  • Frozen seafood
  • Canned seafood
  • Smoked seafood
  • Others
• Distribution Channel
  • Offline
  • Online
• Processing Method
  • Preserved
  • Ready-to-Cook
  • Ready-to-Eat
• Source
  • Fish
  • Crustaceans
  • Mollusks
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • UK
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Egypt
    • KSA
    • Oman
    • UAE
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
  • South America
    • Argentina
    • Brazil
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The frozen seafood segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in smoked seafood production, seafood packaging materials, and byproduct utilization strategies. Value-added seafood products, such as fish protein hydrolysates, are increasingly popular due to their extended shelf life and improved texture, achieved through shelf-life extension methods like vacuum packaging technology and chemical preservation agents. Surimi processing technology and canning sterilization protocols ensure food safety and maintain product quality. Seafood processing equipment, including automated processing lines and modified atmosphere packaging, promote energy efficiency improvements and waste reduction techniques. Sensory evaluation methods, fish filleting techniques, and colorimetric analysis methods are essential for maintaining high standards in the industry.

Sustainable seafood processing practices, such as pasteurization temperature control and microbial contamination testing, are crucial for consumer trust. Quality control procedures, including microbial spoilage indicators and texture analysis techniques, ensure consistent product quality. Despite these advancements, the frozen seafood segment faces challenges, including seafood allergen management and maintaining the integrity of the product during transport and storage. Approximately 70% of the global seafood production is used for processing, highlighting the market's significant impact on the industry.

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The Frozen seafood segment was valued at USD 57.40 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

Europe is estimated to contribute 49% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in Europe exhibits a steady expansion, fueled by the rising consumption of fish products, substantial imports and exports, and escalating disposable income. Key contributing countries include Spain, Germany, the UK, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The European market's growth is driven by the increasing per capita fish consumption, which is projected to boost the demand for canned seafood. Furthermore, the market's expansion is bolstered by the thriving import and export activities, which facilitate the distribution of fish products across the continent and beyond.

According to industry reports, the European the market is anticipated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Additionally, the market's increasing focus on operational efficiency and cost reduction, as well as stringent regulatory compliance, further underpins its expansion.

 Customer Landscape of Processed Seafood Industry

Competitive Intelligence by Technavio Analysis: Leading Players in the Processed Seafood Market

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, processed seafood market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

Agrosuper SA - The Aquachile division of this global seafood company specializes in the production and distribution of high-quality canned Atlantic and Coho salmon. Their processing techniques preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of these fish, making them a popular choice for consumers seeking sustainable and convenient seafood options.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Agrosuper SA
• Aquafoods
• Austevoll Seafood ASA
• Baader Global SE
• Bolton Group Srl
• China Aquatic Products Co. Ltd.
• Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
• Gadre Marine Export Pvt. Ltd.
• Goya Foods Inc.
• High Liner Foods Inc.
• KARRO FOOD GROUP
• Kyokuyo Co. Ltd
• Loch Duart Ltd.
• Mitsubishi Corp.
• Mowi ASA
• Perdue Farms Inc.
• Premium Brands Holdings Corp.
• Thai Union Group PCL
• Trident Seafoods Corp.
• Universal Seafood Inc.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Processed Seafood Market

• In August 2024, Thai Union Group, a leading seafood processor, announced the launch of its new plant-based seafood product line, "GoodFish," in collaboration with Green Queen, a Hong Kong-based plant-based innovation platform (Thai Union Group Press Release, 2024). This strategic partnership marks a significant entry of Thai Union into the growing plant-based seafood market.
• In November 2024, Maruha Nichiro Corporation, a major Japanese seafood company, completed the acquisition of a 70% stake in South America's largest shrimp farming company, Camanchaca, for approximately USD1.1 billion (Bloomberg, 2024). This strategic move strengthens Maruha Nichiro's presence in the global shrimp market and enhances its supply chain control.
• In February 2025, the European Union (EU) approved the use of the term "sustainable fishing" for processed seafood products certified under the EU's Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) programs (European Commission Press Release, 2025). This regulatory approval is expected to boost demand for certified sustainable seafood products in the EU market.
• In May 2025, Triple Eight Foods, an Australian seafood processor, unveiled its new state-of-the-art, USD50 million processing facility in Port Lincoln, South Australia, increasing its annual production capacity by 50% (Triple Eight Foods Press Release, 2025). This technological advancement enables the company to meet growing demand and improve its competitive edge in the market.

Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Processed Seafood Market insights. See full methodology.

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Why Choose Technavio for Processed Seafood Market Insights?

"Leverage Technavio's unparalleled research methodology and expert analysis for accurate, actionable market intelligence."

The market is a significant sector in the global food industry, with continuous growth driven by consumer preferences for convenient and value-added seafood products. One crucial factor influencing seafood quality in this market is the freezing rate, which can impact texture and flavor. Effective use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) extends the shelf life of seafood products, reducing waste and increasing operational efficiency. In the realm of surimi production, optimization of the process is essential to ensure product consistency and quality. Assessing the use of chemical preservation agents is a critical compliance function, with stringent regulations governing their application. Processing parameters significantly influence texture, with methods for determining omega-3 fatty acid content essential for meeting consumer health expectations. Evaluation of microbial contamination control is a key concern in seafood processing, with comparison of different preservation techniques, such as MAP and irradiation, providing strategic options for supply chain management. Sustainable practices, including energy efficiency improvements and HACCP food safety system implementation, are essential for maintaining market competitiveness. Strategies for reducing seafood waste through efficient cold chain management systems and analysis of consumer preferences for various processed seafood products are essential for operational planning. Advanced sensory evaluation methods and analysis of packaging materials' impact on shelf life contribute to product quality and consumer satisfaction. Automated processing lines' efficiency evaluation and management of allergens in processed seafood are essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and consumer trust. Determination of microbial spoilage indicators and optimization of fish fillet yield are critical functions for ensuring product quality and minimizing waste. Overall, a data-driven approach to seafood processing, from production to delivery, is vital for maintaining market competitiveness and consumer trust.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Processed Seafood Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Processed Seafood Market between 2024 and 2028?

  • USD 76.1 billion, at a CAGR of 8.08%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report is segmented by Product (Frozen seafood, Canned seafood, Smoked seafood, and Others), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), Geography (Europe, North America, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America), Processing Method (Preserved, Ready-to-Cook, and Ready-to-Eat), and Source (Fish, Crustaceans, and Mollusks)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • Europe, North America, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • High demand of protein-rich and ready-to-eat seafood, Growing popularity of vegan seafood

• Who are the major players in the Processed Seafood Market?

  • Agrosuper SA, Aquafoods, Austevoll Seafood ASA, Baader Global SE, Bolton Group Srl, China Aquatic Products Co. Ltd., Cooke Aquaculture Inc., Gadre Marine Export Pvt. Ltd., Goya Foods Inc., High Liner Foods Inc., KARRO FOOD GROUP, Kyokuyo Co. Ltd, Loch Duart Ltd., Mitsubishi Corp., Mowi ASA, Perdue Farms Inc., Premium Brands Holdings Corp., Thai Union Group PCL, Trident Seafoods Corp., and Universal Seafood Inc.

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