Fish Processing Market Report 2026

The fish processing market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $225.49 billion in 2025 to $238.63 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising seafood consumption, early adoption of basic preservation methods, expansion of global fisheries, increasing focus on food safety compliance, growth in fish farming.

The fish processing market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $295.08 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for processed seafood, expansion of aquaculture production, increasing adoption of advanced processing technologies, growth in export-oriented seafood markets, focus on sustainable sourcing. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing focus on hygienic processing standards, growing demand for value-added fish products, expansion of aquaculture-based raw material supply, rising emphasis on cold chain efficiency, growing adoption of modern preservation and packaging techniques.

The growth of the aquaculture industry is anticipated to drive the expansion of the fish processing market in the future. Aquaculture involves the cultivation of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in fresh, salt, and brackish water environments. This practice not only provides a source of food but also contributes to the restoration of endangered species, replenishment of natural stocks, and the rehabilitation of habitats for water-based species. As the demand for seafood continues to surge and the annual catch of wild fish diminishes, the aquaculture industry is expected to witness significant growth, consequently increasing the demand for fish processing. For instance, in September 2023, the Sea Fish Industry Authority reported that aquaculture production is projected to reach 106 million tons by 2030, representing a 22% overall growth or about 19 million tons. Therefore, the expansion of the aquaculture industry is a key driver for the fish processing market.

Leading companies in the fish processing market are increasingly concentrating on developing innovative products, such as unique seafood snacks, to expand their offerings and meet changing consumer preferences. Unique seafood snacks refer to creative culinary innovations that blend fish and seafood flavors into traditional snack formats, appealing to those with adventurous palates. For example, in April 2024, Profand, a Spain-based company specializing in seafood products, introduced fish-flavored churros at the Seafood Expo Global. These churros are an inventive culinary creation that uses fish flour made from salmon and cod, replacing traditional wheat flour. This novel twist on the classic Spanish treat incorporates fish fumet into the dough, enhancing its flavor profile while promoting sustainability by utilizing seafood that might otherwise be discarded. By combining familiar snack textures with seafood ingredients, this product not only attracts adventurous eaters but also contributes to reducing reliance on conventional fish processing methods.

In November 2023, Premium Brands Holdings, a Canadian company specializing in food products, acquired Menu-Mer, a food distributor based in Quebec, for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition aimed to expand Premium Brands' distribution network and enhance its product offerings in the Quebec market, with a focus on providing high-quality food products to customers. Menu-Mer specializes in the processing and distribution of fish and seafood in Canada.

Major companies operating in the fish processing market are Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Charoen Pokphand Foods, GEA Group, Marine Harvest ASA, The Union Frozen Company, Thai Union Frozen Products, The Middleby Corp., Leroy Seafood Group, JBT Corporation, Marel Ltd., Nippon Suisan Kaisha, High Liner Foods, Royal Greenland, Norway Pelagic ASA, Baader Linco, SEAC AB, Arenco AB, Sykes Seafood, Pisces Fish Machinery, Uni-Food Technic, Kaj Olesen, Pescanova, Optimer AS, KROMA A/S, Pelagic ASA, Zhengda Food Machinery Co. Ltd.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are affecting the fish processing market by increasing the cost of imported seafood, packaging materials, and processing equipment, thereby raising operational expenses for processors. Marine species, preserved products, and frozen fish segments are among the most impacted, particularly in major exporting and importing regions such as Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe. While tariffs increase price pressures and slow cross-border trade, they also encourage domestic seafood production, stimulate investment in local processing infrastructure, and promote diversification of sourcing strategies to reduce dependency on tariff-affected supply chains.

The fish processing market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides fish processing market statistics, including fish processing industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a fish processing market share, detailed fish processing market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the fish processing industry. This fish processing market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Fish processing encompasses the processes involved in handling fish and fish products from the point of catch or harvest until the final product is delivered to the consumer. It includes any aquatic organism harvested for commercial purposes, whether obtained from wild fisheries, aquaculture, or fish farming. Fish processing ensures that fish products are safe for human consumption and maintains appropriate hygienic conditions.

The primary types of fish processing sources are marine and inland. Marine fisheries involve the process of fishing in the world's oceans and seas, encompassing bays and estuaries. The majority of fishery products that reach global markets are derived from captured and cultured aquatic species in marine waters. This includes various species such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and others, which undergo processing through methods such as freezing, preservation, and more. These processed products find applications in both food and non-food items.Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the fish processing market share in 2025. The regions covered in the fish processing market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the fish processing market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The fish processing market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as fish dressing, freezing, glazing, roe processing, milt processing, salting and smoking. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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