In 2024, the frozen seafood market was valued at USD 21,995.1 million. Frozen seafood demand showed growth in 2025 implying that the international market would be pegged at USD 23,380.7 million by 2025. During the forecast period (2025-2035), global sales are estimated to display an impressive 5.7% CAGR and be valued at USD 45,094.4 million by end of 2035.
The frozen seafood market is witnessing significant evolution owing to development in cold chain logistics, enhanced freezing technologies & increasing consumer inclination towards convenience based protein-rich food items. As lifestyles have become increasingly fast-paced around the world, frozen seafood has provided an easy and time-saving option for home-cooked, restaurant-quality meals.
A growing emphasis on health and clean eating has made frozen seafood a protein of choice, thawing chunks of salmon, shrimp and even tuna as a modern substitute for red meat. "Not only that, but growing awareness of sustainable fishing practices worldwide is causing consumers to choose certified frozen seafood brands that are committed to ocean conservation and traceability.
There are many brands, including Birds Eye, Aqua Star, High Liner Foods, and Ocean Beauty Seafoods that make a selection of ready-to-cook seafood items (including marinated fillets, pre-seasoned shrimp and sushi-grade seafood) that appeal to both mainstream and gourmet consumers.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Frozen Seafood Industry Size (2025E) | USD 23,380.7 million |
| Projected Global Frozen Seafood Industry Value (2035F) | USD 45,094.4 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.7% |
More consumers are also seeking frozen seafood because it reduces food waste and lasts longer on the shelf than fresh seafood. Frozen retail aisles within chains are growing bigger, and frozen seafood is moving into foodservice and hospitality on a large scale thanks to cost and storage considerations.
Explore FMI!
Book a free demo
The table below shows a comparative study of the change in CAGR of the base year (2024) and current year (2025) of the global frozen seafood market for six months. This analysis unveils critical performance shifts and signifies revenue recognition trends to help the stakeholders have an eagle-eye view of growth trajectory for the year.H1 refers to the first half of the year, which is from January through June. H2 refers to the second half of the year from July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1(2024 to 2034) | 5.3% |
| H2(2024 to 2034) | 5.5% |
| H1(2025 to 2035) | 5.6% |
| H2(2025 to 2035) | 5.7% |
During the first half (H1) of the decade 2025 to 2035, the market is expected to expand at 5.6 % CAGR, followed by a moderately stronger growth of 5.7 % during the second half (H2) of the same decade. The better performance is a result of stronger retail penetration, increased export activity and the furthering popularity of high-protein, low-fat dietary patterns. H1 grew 30 BPS while H2 grew 20 BPS year over year.
Tier 1 has a competitive grouping of multi-billion dollar companies with global reach and extensive market coverage. Investments in aquaculture, supply chain efficiency, and international branding have made these players powerful forces in the frozen seafood sector. Marine Harvest ASA for Atlantic salmon now under the name Mowi ASA one of the world largest seafood companies.
Its global operations and vertical integration afford it significant control over price and quality. Two other companies compete in this tier: Maruha Nichiro and Mitsubishi Corporation, both of which operate at scale with diversified seafood portfolios and global distribution capabilities. Then we have Charoen Pokphand Foods, a Thailand based protected, whos active already in most of the Asia, but expanding their presence on Western markets. These firms dominate the market through technology-enabled processing, product innovation, and supply reliability.
Tier 2 consists of smaller revenue-generating companies than Tier 1 player but strong in recognition and regional strength. This is notably the case for Austevoll Seafood ASA and Norway Royal Salmon. Both are based in Norway and rely heavily on salmon exports for high-demand markets in Europe, the USA and Asia. SalMar (also Norwegian) is known for efficiency of production and for practices of sustainable aquaculture.
These companies tend to distinguish themselves with quality certifications, traceable sourcing and regional brand loyalty. A second-tier player is Trident Seafoods, a major USA-based player that has significant inroads in North American markets selling through diversified frozen offerings, particularly wild-caught seafood from Alaska.
Tier 3 is a collection of new and niche-market entrants [that are gaining traction] through innovation, sustainability, or high-end products. This tier includes the likes of Coast Seafood, which specializes in traceable, high-quality seafood sourced from Norway and tailored to eco-conscious markets.
Likewise, USA company Fortune Fish & Gourmet caters an upscale, chef-driven line of frozen seafood to high-end consumers and foodservice accounts. These are often fleet-footed companies, accruing market share by way of customized service, online channels and sustainable sourcing narratives. They’re competing on freshness, artisanal touch and adaptable distribution, especially in premium retail and foodservice channels.
Increasing Demand for Convinient and Ready to Cook Seafood
Shift: Seafood products that are frozen, pre-marinated or ready to be cooked are becoming more appealing to consumers who are turning to meals that require little preparation. This is even more so in North America, Western Europe and Southeast Asia, where lifestyles can feel frenetic and the prevalence of dual-income homes is driving the need for easy at-home cooking solutions. Products such as frozen shrimp skewers, battered fish fillets and seafood meal kits have become staples in retail freezers.
Strategic Response: A 9% YoY sales increase in USA retail was helped by growth from Trident Seafoods’ launch of frozen salmon burger patties and ready-to-cook Alaska Pollock lines. Thai-style frozen seafood meals from Charoen Pokphand Foods drove 11% export growth to Australia and the UKMeanwhile, sales of Fortune Fish & Gourmet chef-designed frozen seafood entrées in premium retail outlets and e-commerce have increased 13%, the company said.
Growing Need for Sustainable and Traceable Seafood
Shift: With increasing consumer consciousness about the environment, seafood preferences are evolving, with sustainable sourced frozen seafood increasingly being requested by consumers in parts of Scandinavia, Germany, and Canada. Certifications such as MSC and ASC as well as digital traceability from catch to consumer, have become essential purchase drivers, especially among younger and environmentally conscious buyers.
Strategic response: Mitsubishi Corporation’s traceability rollout in its European frozen seafood line boosted regional sales by 7%, particularly in Germany and France. Norway Royal Salmon, which offers ASC-certified products and fully-traceable packaging, thanks to its INSPIRE initiative, saw 10 percent growth in Scandinavian retail sales.
Austevoll Seafood grew its MSC-certified frozen product offerings, growing 8.5% in Northern Europe, while Marine Harvest (Mowi) grew 6% as demand rose after the launch of its Blue Revolution traceable frozen seafood line.
Trend Toward Healthy, High-Protein Seafood Products
Shift: A recent focus on health and nutrition has pushed consumers toward lean protein sources such as frozen white fish, omega-3-laden salmon and shellfish. This trend is stark in the USA, Japan and Australia, where red meat consumption is being replaced by seafood that improves cardiovascular health, helps manage weight, and supports sports performance.
Strategic Response: SalMar’s omega-rich salmon fillets, which debuted with health-forward branding in the UK and Norway, drove 9.2% sales lift in the first quarter. Coast Seafood’s rebranding of frozen mackerel and herring with health labeling increased sales by 7 percent in German and Dutch markets. Maruha Nichiro’s launch of collagen-enhanced frozen seafood lines in Japan delivered 10.5% growth in revenue, while Charoen Pokphand Foods’ low-calorie frozen prawn skewers achieved 6.8% growth in sales in the Asia-Pacific.
E-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels have accelerated
Shift: Better cold chain logistics have led to increased adoption of online grocery and direct-to-consumer seafood platforms (especially in the USA, China and UK) as consumers grow more comfortable buying food digitally. Frozen seafood has become a top category in online grocery baskets in the postpandemic era because of its long shelf life and convenience.
Strategic Response: Trident Seafoods, which sells directly to consumers in the USA, saw its overall DTC revenue rise 12%, with frozen boxes of salmon and cod emerging as standout products. In Japan, Mitsubishi's cold supply chain upgrades for e-commerce fueled a 9% increase in online frozen food sales. Partnerships with meal kit providers and online grocers definitely helped Marine Harvest (Mowi) deliver an 8.3% rise in European online sales, while Fortune Fish & Gourmet expanded fulfillment in the USA and recorded 10% sales growth for e-retail channels.
Increasing Value-Added, Gourmet Frozen Seafood Selection
Shift: Consumers want gourmet and exotic seafood in frozen formats in South Korea, Spain, and China. Products such as sushi-grade tuna or marinated octopus, eel and tapas-style shellfish, that replicate restaurant experiences at home, are in high demand. This trend has also been driven by increased culinary experimentation and demand for global flavors.
Strategic Response: A 10% revenue uplift across retail chains in Spain and South Korea helped SalMar launch frozen salmon bites seen as capturing global tastes. Maruha Nichiro’s sushi-grade frozen seafood range saw its upscale food product segment in Japan rise 12.5%. “Our tapas-style scallops and smoked herring kits from Coast Seafood saw a 9% increase in sales in Scandinavia and Germany,” said the company’s Mr. Lindblad.
The frozen gourmet meal kits curated by Norway Royal Salmon - which we distribute through e-commerce platforms across the Nordic region - were a key factor in driving 7.8% growth across all premium frozen seafood sales in the region.
Increased Demand for Rare or Lesser-used Species
Shift:Steer consumers to lesser-known and exotic seafood species which aren’t yet over-exploited, such as monkfish, cuttlefish and barramundi, in areas like the USA, France and Singapore This trend is driven by sustainability initiatives, culinary curiosity and chefs calling attention to the lesser-known fish in order to ease the pressure on overfished species. Frozen formats that bring these exotic varieties to home kitchens Retailers and foodservice operators are responding.
Strategic Response:Maruha Nichiro launched frozen monkish and cuttlefish packs for sale in both Japan and France, with specialty seafood sales growing 9.7%. Trident Seafoods received sponsorship for expanded distribution of frozen wild-caught rockfish and sablefish in the USA, which contributed to an 8% rise in global sales. Coast Seafood introduced frozen whole barramundi and Arctic char fillets to Singapore and Northern Europe, driving a 10.2% category revenue increase.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top five territories projected to exhibit high consumption through 2035.
| Country | CAGR2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.4% |
| Germany | 2.1% |
| China | 4.7% |
| Japan | 0.8% |
| India | 5.5% |
This is a trend we see here in the United States, too, where the frozen section of grocery stores is filling up with seafood that caters to consumers looking for convenient, protein-rich food and seeking to avoid unhealthy ingredients. The increasing demand for omega-3-rich products, such as salmon, shrimp, and cod has encouraged the retailers to broaden their frozen product range.
The rise of meal kit brands and grocery delivery services has also made things more accessible. Fresh seafood prices face inflationary pressure but frozen options provide an affordable workaround. Advancements in flash-freezing and vacuum-sealing methods have enhanced perceptions of quality, helping to overcome any stigma once attached to frozen fish. Sustainability is becoming important too, and certifications like MSC help boost purchase decisions.
Germany’s frozen seafood market has been growing slowly but steadily as consumers are switching towards sustainable food consumption. For German shoppers, particularly the younger demographic, ethical sourcing, tracing practices and eco-friendly packaging are the most important concerns to address
. ASC or organic certified products have been gaining ground. German retailers have reacted with greater shelf space for frozen fish filets, shellfish and seafood-based ready meals. Plant-based seafood substitutes are starting to emerge too, targeting flexitarian shoppers.
The economic impact here isn’t just limited to the Far East - Germany is also a major importer of frozen seafood, sourcing it from Norway and in particular Vietnam, which brings home the point about the reliance on supply chains of all kinds across the globe.
The Chinese increasingly consume frozen seafood, particularly in urban and middle-income households. Increasing disposable incomes and the demand for safe, convenient protein sources have further accelerated the market shift away from live or wet market toward frozen seafood. The availability of local and imported options-like squid, shrimp, and surimi-through modern trade and online platforms is quite prominent.
Innovations in cold chain logistics paired with government investments in food safety infrastructure are enabling frozen seafood availability even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The health-aware consumers are trusting brands that provide traceability and certifications.
Japan’s frozen seafood market is fairly developed and growing slowly, because of the country’s historical love of fresh fish. But convenience is increasingly significant for older and time starved consumers who adopt frozen seafood meals, bento ingredients and pre-marinated fillets, gradually.
There are two main types of products that are popular in household and foodservice settings, including frozen mackerel, grilled eel, and breaded seafood. Because Japanese people value high quality and low processing, packaging innovation and freshness retention are key. The overall CAGR is low; however, the ongoing trend towards value-added seafood products ensures that there remains an interest in this specific segment.
The frozen seafood market in India can be propelled by the rapid growth of cold chain infrastructure, modernization of the retail sector, and the growth of seafood exports. Frozen seafood is coming to take off in urban areas as they are cleaner and long life than live seafood and frozen prawns, fish fillet, cuttlefish etc.
A growing number of consumers in metros and tier-1 cities have been opting for ready-to-cook meals because it is easily available. Internationally, India continues to be a top exporter of frozen shrimp and whitefish, and dominated the USA and EU markets. Support of the government and improved handling standards continues to work well for India, both at home and abroad.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Processed (By Form) | 41.5% |
Rising demand for easy-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals among consumers, increasingly in need of solutions for modern adaptations to demanding routines, is driving the processed frozen seafood space. Processing methods such as filleting, smoking, marinating, breading, and pre-cooking not only improve flavor and texture but also add to shelf life in spades, enabling frozen seafood to become a staple protein in contemporary kitchens and the food service sector.
The pandemic-fueled boom in at-home cooking, along with growing interest in healthy protein,́ also drove sales of processed seafood products that require little prep time while still providing nutrients and flavor. Big brands like Gorton’s, High Liner Foods and Pacific West are taking advantage of this trend by offering more types of frozen fish sticks as well as breaded shrimp and seafood medleys.
Moreover, the growing popularity of frozen seafood as an ingredient in quick-service restaurants and ready-made meal kits is establishing it as a stable offering in B2B as well as B2C channels. With consumers increasingly focusing on having a convenient product that is consistent in quality, processed frozen seafood continues to perform as one of the best categories.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Retail/Household (By End Use) | 37.8% |
The retail/household end-use segment is also showing tremendous momentum - thanks to shifts in consumption and increased interest in cooking high-protein meals into home-cooked products. Frozen seafood products represent an inexpensive, healthful, and diverse protein alternative which provides consumers with quick meals without the need of sacrificing nutrition.
With modern retail formats and online formats today households have easier access than ever to a wide range of seafood products-from IQF fillets to shellfish that is pre-seasoned-all aimed at catering for daily cooking requirements.
As more and more families are consuming seafood regularly, there also is increasing conscious awareness of its health benefits and the essential omega-3 fatty acids that come with it and frozen seafood. Innovations in packaging, like vacuum-sealed and resealable options, contribute to preserving these products as well as enhancing user convenience.
The rise of single-person households as well as nuclear families is also increasingly driving the trend toward frozen seafood, which provides portion-controlled, waste-minimizing solutions aligned with pocketbook constraints, in addition to diverse culinary styles and schedules.
The leading players operating in the global frozen seafood market include Mitsubishi Corporation, Trident Seafoods and Marine Harvest ASA (now Mowi) among others and they have held their positions in the global frozen seafood market through strategic investments, vertical integration and global expansion. These companies have been able to solve the looming consumer demand for convenient protein solutions by introducing a wide variety of frozen seafood items from salmon to whitefish to shellfish to prepared meals.
Their consistent quality, traceability and sustainability has enabled them to carve a niche for themselves in both mature and developing markets.Innovation in high value-added seafood products and environmentally sustainable operations is a major competitive driver. They are investing in new freezing and packaging technologies to keep them fresh, prolong their shelf life, and reduce how much food ends up being thrown away.
At the same, sustainability has also been integral to branding, and several of these players have focused on responsible aquaculture, carbon footprint reduction, and eco-label certifications to earn the confidence of conscious consumers.
For instance:
The global industry is estimated at a value of USD 23,380.7 million in 2025.
Some of the leaders in this industry include Mitsubishi Corporation, Trident Seafood, SalMar, Coast Seafood, Charoen Pokphand Foods, Fortune Fish & Gourmet, Maruha Nichiro, Norway Royal Salmon, Marine Harvest ASA, and Austevoll Seafood ASA.
While specific regional data is not provided, Europe and Asia Pacific are expected to maintain a strong share of the frozen seafood market, driven by high consumption, strong cold chain logistics, and export activities.
The frozen seafood industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2035.
The frozen seafood market is segmented, based on nature, into Organic and Conventional.
The market is categorized by form into Raw and Processed.
Prominent end uses of frozen seafood include the Food Processing Industry, Food Service Industry, and Retail/Household.
Frozen seafood is available in various types including Fish (Marine Pelagic, Marine Demersal, Diadromous, and Others), Molluscs (Bivalves, Gastropods, Cephalopods, and Others), Crustaceans (Shrimps, Crabs, Lobsters, Krill, and Others), and Others.
Various distribution channels for frozen seafood include Business to Business (Manufacturers and Distributors), Business to Consumer, Modern Trade (Hypermarket & Supermarket), Convenience Stores, Traditional Grocery Stores, Specialist Food Stores, Wholesale Stores, Discount Stores, and E-commerce/Online Stores.
Frozen seafood market analysis has been conducted in regions like North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa.
Frozen Seafood Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
