Dry-Packaged Scallops - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The dry-packed scallops market size is expected to grow from USD 2.76 billion in 2025 to USD 2.87 billion in 2026 and is forecast to reach USD 3.51 billion by 2031 at 4.11% CAGR over 2026-2031. This report is Segmented by Species (Sea Scallops, Bay Scallops, Diver Scallops), Form (Fresh-Chilled, Frozen, Dried), End User (Food-Service HoReCa, Food Processing/Industrial, Household/Retail), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Global Dry-Packaged Scallops Market Trends and Insights

Rising preference for chemical-free "dry" seafood

As health consciousness and culinary sophistication rise, consumers are increasingly favoring natural, unprocessed seafood, especially in premium markets. Dry-packed scallops, in particular, are fetching notable price premiums over their chemically treated counterparts. Chefs, especially in restaurants, are drawn to dry-packed scallops not just for their superior flavor but also for their enhanced searing capabilities. Global Seafoods highlights that these scallops boast greater culinary versatility, with chefs lauding their authentic taste and cooking attributes. This trend is especially strong in North America and Europe, where regulations promote transparent labeling, helping consumers discern processing methods. The Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference underscores the significance of proper scallop handling and storage, bolstering the premium status of dry-packed products. As food service operators increasingly champion sustainability and natural processing, the market for chemical-free products is rapidly expanding. This movement resonates with the broader clean-label trend in the food industry, indicating a lasting shift beyond just premium segments.

Premium price realisation in food-service segment

Despite supply constraints, U10 scallops are now commanding prices nearly USD 20 higher than those of last year's levels, thanks to their strategic positioning as premium menu items in food service establishments. This pricing power not only underscores the scallops' scarcity value but also highlights a quality differentiation. Restaurants are capitalizing on the superior culinary properties of dry-packed products, justifying their premium positioning, as reported by Seafood News. Operators in the HoReCa sector note that dry-packed scallops not only differentiate their menus but also bolster higher check averages. This is especially true in fine dining venues, where the origin and preparation of a dish significantly shape customer perceptions. Maine's burgeoning scallop aquaculture industry is riding this wave. Organizations like NOAA Sea Grant are actively promoting both farmed and wild scallops through culinary education programs, spotlighting their quality attributes, as highlighted by the World Aquaculture Society. The food service industry's readiness to shoulder these elevated costs underscores the strategic importance of premium ingredients in the fiercely competitive restaurant landscape. Yet, there's a growing pushback against ongoing price hikes, hinting at potential demand elasticity limits that might temper future price gains, according to Undercurrent News.

Stringent food safety and labeling regulations

Regulatory compliance requirements impose substantial operational costs and complexity on dry-packed scallop processors. The FDA's Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls guidance mandates the implementation of comprehensive hazard identification and control systems, requiring processors to establish robust monitoring protocols. Recent updates to FDA guidelines have expanded post-harvest treatment requirements and pathogen control measures, particularly for shellfish products that require specific handling procedures. NOAA's Seafood Inspection Program regulations, which took effect in January 2025, establish standardized procedures that require significant investment in compliance. Additionally, Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements increase administrative responsibilities and potential penalties for mislabeling, especially for imported products. The regulatory environment creates operational advantages for established processors with dedicated quality assurance resources, while smaller operators face potential barriers to market entry. These regulations, however, support product quality and authenticity verification, contributing to industry-wide value enhancement.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Expansion of MSC-certified Atlantic sea-scallop quotas
• Product innovation in processing and freezing techniques
• Volatile raw material supply and price fluctuations

Segment Analysis

In 2025, sea scallops dominated the market with a 57.22% share, thanks to their larger size, better meat yield, and well-established Atlantic supply chains. Meanwhile, diver scallops are the fastest-growing segment, boasting a 6.15% CAGR through 2031, thanks to their premium positioning and sustainable harvesting methods. The commercial viability and processing efficiency of sea scallops are evident, with the Atlantic sea scallop fishery raking in USD 478 million from 31.6 million pounds of landings in 2022, as reported by NOAA Fisheries. Bay scallops, valued for their sweet flavor and seasonal availability, hold a niche position. They fetch premium prices during peak harvests, especially in northeastern U.S. markets. According to the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference, bay scallops are celebrated for their delicate taste, while sea scallops stand out as the largest and most commercially available option.

Diver scallops are witnessing rapid growth, thanks to their hand-harvested nature and minimal environmental impact. This appeals to sustainability-minded consumers and upscale restaurants seeking unique menu options. Geographic production patterns influence species segmentation: sea scallops thrive in North American waters, while diver scallops are sourced from select coastal regions with ideal diving conditions. Processing methods differ by species: sea scallops benefit from mechanized shucking, whereas diver scallops undergo labor-intensive handling, reinforcing their premium status. Regulatory frameworks also shape the species mix, with MSC certification programs endorsing sustainable harvesting across various scallop types.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Species
  • Sea Scallops
  • Bay Scallops
  • Diver Scallops
• By Form
  • Fresh-Chilled
  • Frozen
  • Dried
• By End User
  • Food-service (HoReCa)
  • Food Processing/Industrial
  • Household/ Retail
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • Spain
    • Poland
    • Sweden
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Australia
    • Singapore
    • Thailand
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

Geography Analysis

North America held a 33.10% market share in 2025, driven by established Atlantic sea scallop fisheries, robust processing infrastructure, and comprehensive regulatory frameworks. The region's integrated supply chains connect harvesting operations with processing facilities and distribution networks, serving both domestic and export markets efficiently. NOAA's management of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery includes quota allocations of 18 million pounds for 2025 and area management through Framework 39. In Canada, industry consolidation continues, as evidenced by Ocean Choice International's USD 200 million scallop quota sale to three companies in Nova Scotia. However, seasonal closures and quota limitations create supply constraints, affecting pricing and market stability.

Europe's mature market is characterized by established trade relationships and stringent sustainability requirements. The European Union's imports of live, fresh, or chilled scallops reached USD 79.4 million in 2021, with the United Kingdom as the primary supplier at USD 75.2 million, followed by the United States and Norway. MSC certification requirements influence market dynamics, benefiting certified suppliers. EU scallop production reached 45,985 tonnes in 2021, with France contributing 91% of regional production. Post-Brexit, the UK maintains its position as a significant supplier, despite new regulatory requirements affecting market access.

Asia-Pacific demonstrates the highest growth rate at 5.30% CAGR through 2031, supported by increased seafood consumption and expanding middle-class populations. Regional trade patterns shifted after China's ban on Japanese seafood imports, with Japan redirecting exports to markets including the United States and Vietnam, where Japanese scallop imports increased by 771% in 2024. The region focuses on aquaculture development, with Japan working to reduce dependence on Chinese processing. Infrastructure limitations and quality control requirements remain key challenges for accessing premium market segments. South America and Middle East & Africa present growth opportunities despite current infrastructure limitations. In the Middle East, the UAE exported USD 12,160 worth of scallops in 2023, primarily to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's seafood market is expected to grow from USD 0.98 billion in 2024 to USD 1.23 billion by 2033, supported by Vision 2030 initiatives. Both regions require significant infrastructure investment and market development to expand their presence in premium scallop segments.

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Sea Watch International
• Pacific Seafood Group
• Northern Wind
• High Liner Foods
• Clearwater Seafoods
• Big Blue Ocean
• Eastern Fisheries
• Blue Harvest Fisheries
• American Seafoods Co.
• Lund’s Fisheries
• Seacore Seafood
• Truro Seafood
• Hokkaido Maruha
• Dalian Ocean Fishing
• Zhejiang Zhoushan Putuo
• American Sea Chest
• Atlantic Capes Fisheries
• Seatrade International
• Royal Greenland
• Boston Sword and Tuna

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support