US Fish Processing Market 2025 – 2034

Reports Description

As per the US Fish Processing Market analysis conducted by the CMI Team, the U.S. fish processing market is expected to record a CAGR of 3.57% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size was USD 32.59 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 44.61 Billion.

US Fish Processing Market Overview

The U.S. seafood market is showcasing a noticeable reliance on international trade, wherein the domestic production is complemented by visible imports. Research states that the U.S., in spite of being one of the key players in aquaculture at the global level, considerably depends on imports, with 70-85% of the overall seafood consumed coming from global sources. These dynamics have resulted in the development of well-structured cold storage infrastructure and supply chains with the objective of maintaining quality and meeting domestic demand.

These days, consumers’ pattern is such that they are showing inclination toward seafood, with taste being the primary driver. The U.S. seafood industry is responding to this demand by diversification of product offerings and enhancement in methods of preservation. The sector is embracing advanced quality control measures and preservation technologies, right from the start to retail.

At the same time, the U.S. fish processing market faces challenges in the form of the provision of quality training to fish handlers and fishermen. Though measures like Modified Inplant Quality Control (MIPQC) are helping in maintaining the standards in the export market, the concerns regarding quality control and freshness persist amongst the consumers due to local vendors.

US Fish Processing Market Key Growth Drivers

• Innovation and Demand for Sustainability: The incumbent players in the U.S. food processing market are emphasizing the development of innovative product formats, thereby implementing transparent supply chain practices and building a rapport with both retailers and suppliers. They are, in turn, investing in advanced processing technologies as well as sustainable fishing while building stronger brand identities in sync with the interests of environmentally conscious consumers. Innovations in fishing technology such as GPS, SONAR, and automation are increasing the efficiency. SONAR is basically used for locating fish and structures, determining the depth of water, and understanding bottom conditions. It operates by emission of sound waves and analysis of reflected echoes for creating a virtual reality of the underwater environment. This piece of information aids fishermen in identifying fish schools and understanding the way fish utilize specific habitats.

• Awareness about Advantages to Health: Fish products are reported to contain higher quantities of vital nutritional components such as high-quality minerals, proteins, healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids, and essential vitamins in the human diet. Fish are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which lessen the chances of developing arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). The American Heart Association does recommend inclusion of fish in the meals twice a week for a healthy diet. Essential amino acids in fish enhance intake of dietary protein, thereby creating a positive impact on the U.S. fish processing market. Research states that fish oil aids in brain development as far as unborn babies are concerned. It is reported to strengthen the infants as well. The overall outcome is improvement in visual acuity and memory. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has instructed pregnant women to consume 2-3 servings of low-mercury fish such as sardines, salmon, and trout, which would result in around 12 ounces (340 grams) per week. Recent study by Responsible Seafood Advocate claims that around 750,000 lives could be saved per year by the year 2050 by swapping red meat with anchovies, sardines, and herring. Growing awareness about these benefits is bound to keep the cash registers ringing for the U.S. fish processing market.

US Fish Processing Market Key Threats

• Concerns about Quality of End-Product: Fish have the tendency of perishing faster than their counterparts. This factor is expected to hamper the U.S. fish processing market. Inadequate handling, improper harvesting, and unkempt storage are likely to tamper with the quality of processed fish. The other reasons behind the poor quality of processed fish include substandard raw materials, unclean water and ice formed out of it, microbiological contamination, and the presence of heavy metals while processing. A study from FAO has concluded with the consequences of poor quality of infrastructure with respect to harvesting, handling, preservation, marketing, distribution, and quality assurance of fish, which is likely to affect the foreign exchange in the near future.

• Price Fluctuations due to Disruption in Supply Chain: Looking at the current turn of events (inclination of consumers toward processed fish), the demand is likely to outpace supply in the near future. Prices of fish are expected to continue following the upward trend due to limitations with supply, especially regarding capturing fish. Additionally, increased costs of inputs such as energy, feed, and oil are playing an important role regarding the revenue generated out of fish processing in the U.S. Any fluctuation resulting from volatility in prices of any of these inputs, be it due to war or insurgency in any part of the world, is bound to adversely affect the U.S. fish processing market.

US Fish Processing Market Opportunities

The key players in the U.S. fish processing market have the opportunity to effectively utilize biosensors so that contaminating elements such as gases, metal ions, foodborne microorganisms, biomolecules, and organic molecules can be detected and worked upon. It has been reported that biosensors take just a few hours to identify foodborne pathogens as compared to the conventional method that takes 7 days.

In April 2025, U.S.-based pacific Seafood did open a business office in Hamburg (Germany), thereby working toward its Mission 31 initiative, i.e. plan of visibly expanding the size of the company by the year 2031.

US Fish Processing Market Category wise Insights

By Type

• Frozen: The “frozen” fish processing technique is used for retaining the freshness and quality of fish. The first step is that of converting water contained in the fish to ice. Quick freezing takes 30 min-1 hr at -40 degrees C. The process benefits from delay in microbial growth as well as enzyme action by elimination of water. The freezing techniques commonly adopted include air blast freezing, plate freezing, cryogenic freezing, and individual quick freezing. Growing awareness about the fact that freezing fish does not deprive the consumers of its nutritional value is bound to go a long way with regard to the fish processing market.

• Preserved: The methods of preservation of fish include sun drying, freezing, salt drying, smoking, canning, and pickling. Every method has its own advantages. For instance, some of them curtail the proliferation of spoilage microorganisms, some of them remove moisture content, and some add desired aromas and flavors to fish. Desired profiles of flavors give the market players a choice regarding the methods of preservation.

By Species

• Fish: The “fish” segment dominates the U.S. fish processing market. This could be attributed to the increasing awareness about the fact that fish contains high-quality protein in abundance. As per a study conducted in the U.S., over 40,000 men consumed one or more servings of fish per week, thereby resulting in a 15% lower risk of cardiac arrest. As per the researchers, fatty fish are more advantageous as far as heart health is concerned owing to the presence of Omega-3.

• Crustaceans: The crustacean segment is expected to witness considerable growth in the U.S. fish processing market in the forecast period. This could be attributed to the presence of nutrients such as amino acids, proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Prawns contain 300-400 mg of omega-3 per 100 grams, whereas salmon has 2.6 grams per 100 grams. Crustaceans help in weight loss, promotion of heart and brain health, and boosting immunity.

• Molluscs: Mollusks are a type of shellfish, which could be subject to several methods of preparation or preservation inclusive of smoking, drying, canning, freezing, and salting. They are a rich source of minerals, protein, and vitamins. Mollusks can be processed through pre-cooking, sterilization, freezing, and various other methods for extending their shelf life and ensuring safety.

By Application

• Food: The food segment dominates the application sector of the U.S. fish processing market. This is credited to growing demand for variations in various culinary dishes. One gets to explore diverse dishes with the availability of processed raw fish such as Gravlaks, Ceviche, Sushi, and Sashimi. Fish that can be consumed raw include sardines, tuna, cod, and salmon. Tuna is used for sashimi, whereas sushi is resistant to parasites and therefore safe regarding consuming it raw.

• Other Commercial Uses: Commercial seafood, especially fish, is consumed at restaurants, homes, and in various quick-service restaurants. Aquaculture production and commercial fishers are the sources of these fish. Certain products are ready-to-eat, like entrees and salads. The other fish products available at the commercial scale include fresh fish fillets/steaks, breaded fish portions, frozen products, or smoked or canned fish. Wholesalers and distributors receive processed products from various foreign and domestic sources and distribute them to retail stores and restaurants.

US Fish Processing Market Effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The present scenario is such that AI is being adopted by the major players as well as start-ups of the U.S. fish processing market. AI is helping with easy adaptation of fish production, particularly for the new entrants.

There are convolutional neural networks available, which imply deep learning algorithms useful for recognition as well as interpretation of images. Deep learning interprets images beyond self-evaluation, layering algorithms, and adjustment. Ai has helped aquaculture in improving feeding efficiency along with tracking of growth, estimation of biomass, early diagnosis of diseases, and reduction of labor costs.

Report Scope

US Fish Processing Market Regional Perspective

The U.S. fish processing market is classified into Seattle and Baton Rouge. Seattle holds the largest share of the U.S. fish processing market. This could be attributed to a large fishing fleet, well-established infrastructure, and access to diverse fisheries. Baton Rouge, due to its location on the Mississippi river, has ample scope to expand the fish processing industry.

US Fish Processing Market Key Developments

The US fish processing market is witnessing inorganic as well as organic expansion on the part of key players to increase their market share. Some of the developments on this count are –

• In May 2023, Trident Seafood Corporation collaborated with Copper River Prince William Sound Marketing Association in order to launch a newfangled “Prized Fish” product range in the U.S.

• In April 2023, Inland Seafood opened up a new facility in Jefferson Parish. Around USD 4 Million were invested with the objective of purchasing and renovating a 14,000 square feet facility at Elmwood, thereby generating 55 jobs.

• In January 2023, Inland Seafood announced that it had completed the acquisition of Lonestar Seafood (based out of Texas). This supplier is known for the quality of the lobsters supplied.

US Fish Processing Market Competitive Landscape

The U.S. fish processing market is highly competitive, with a large number of product providers globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Trident Seafoods
• American Seafoods Group LLC
• Beaver Street Fisheries
• Sysco Corporation
• Thai Union Group PCL
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Mowi ASA
• NH Foods Ltd
• Others

These players apply a series of strategies to enter the market, including innovations, mergers and acquisitions, as well as collaboration. The global U.S. fish processing market is shaped by the presence of diversified players that compete based on product innovation, vertical integration, and cost efficiency.

The US Fish Processing Market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Frozen
• Preserved

By Species

• Fish
• Crustaceans
• Molluscs

By Application

• Food
• Other Commercial Uses

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America