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Base Year: 2024
Companies covered: 10
Tables & Figures: 433
Countries covered: 19
Pages: 300
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Functional Seafood Market
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Functional Seafood Market Size
The global functional seafood market size was valued at USD 15.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. By the end of 2034, the market is expected to reach a valuation of approximately USD 25.8 billion.
The market has grown steadily over the years due to its seafood products containing omega-3 and other nutrients. Customers are more aware of health issues these days. This product's increasing use is driving market growth. The use of functional seafood products is directly related to health issues like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, and their consumption has been on the rise over the years. The rapidly growing senior citizen population has also contributed to the growing demand. The elderly require more nutritional food products for maintaining their health and stamina for longer periods of time.
The increasing functional ingredient seafood products, such as snack-type seafood and seafood supplements, pose great potential for capturing new market opportunities. Increased competition in the market is the result of consumer preference shifts leading many companies to develop new and better goods.
Such supplements in the form of seafood functional market have also emerged as professional offerings to consumers because of government actions encouraging the consumption of healthy and environmentally friendly food products. Additionally, public marketing and educational activities supporting the adoption of functional seafood in diets have also advanced this growth. Furthermore, proponents of public health have strongly advocated for the consumption of cetacean seafood, focusing on the regenerative health benefits with regard to omega-3 fatty acids, which have been endorsed for wider public endorsement.
The volatile prices of the basic raw materials and the incessant worrying perception of overfishing greatly impact the steady development of the market. These issues, however, have been greatly mitigated by therapeutic advances in aquaculture and sustainable fishing methods seeking to manage functional seafood products, thereby enabling the conversion of pendulum resources to functioning departments. The aquaculture advances offer unfettered control over tension-creating resources, ensuring the therapy onboard remains maintained.
With the primary focus on capturing enhanced product nutritional value and sustained interest of consumers, the acclaimed functional seafood segment is set to retain its growth trajectory. Further focus on sustainable principles alongside rising concern for the global malady promises to sustain the shift in market dynamics.
Functional Seafood Market Trends
Shifts in consumer behavior, technology, and regulations are some of the factors driving change in the functional seafood market. The following points highlight the most important changes in the market.
Getting More Active and Health Conscious: The growing awareness of health and wellness among the people is increasing the demand for functional seafood. There is a clear shift in the market to younger demographics as well as elderly people looking for preventive healthcare. Age-specific fortified seafood products are being marketed, which is changing the advertising approach of these companies. Consumers equipped with better information about nutrition and health are changing perceptions related to fortified products. As a response to changing perceptions, fortified seafood products are being introduced, which is realigning the marketing and product portfolio.
Change in Technology With Seafood Processing: The nutritional value of a functional seafood product is directly linked to its processing and preservation. There are recently developed methods such as high-pressure processing (HPP) and vacuum skin packaging that are becoming popular because they help extend the shelf life and nutrients of seafood products. These advancements are also increasing the amount of fresh, high-quality seafood free from any additives that consumers expect.
Increased Attention to Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Concerns over protecting the environment have started to shape market trends, particularly in relation to seafood, with more consumers preferring seafood from certified MSC and ASC fisheries. Corporations are also using blockchain and other technologies to provide more security concerning the identity of their products' suppliers, which has been proven to enhance consumer trust and loyalty while protecting brand reputation.
Monitoring of Seafood Health Benefits by Regulatory Bodies: Regulatory scrutiny is growing regarding health claims made about seafood functional products. Seafood industry constituents are facing greater scrutiny to provide more credible proof in the form of scientific evidence associated with claims regarding the nutritional value and function of their products. This has resulted in a shift towards more R&D funding as firms seek to meet the laws while remaining competitive in the market.
Plant-Based Option and Alternative Seafood Products Innovation: The functional seafood market is on the rise alongside the development of plant-based and alternative seafood. Even though traditional seafood is still the market driver, there is a growing consumer group looking for sanctuary from seafood-based food allergies who prefer sustainable and environmentally friendly options. Companies are using this opportunity to steer towards seafood analogs developed from plants and infused with functional elements, thus expanding their audience and product range.
Tariff Impact
The seafood industry is significantly affected by changes in tariffs which collide with trade flows, production expenses, and market accessibility. Imposing a tariff by a country on imported seafood pushes the price up for its domestic importers and processors receiving raw materials or finished products from other countries.
Generally, the increase in cost is transferred throughout the supply chain, making consumers pay for the increased prices and discouraging domestic processors. On the contrary, the tariff on any country's seafood product exports places barriers on important trade markets. There are losses of demand and income among producers, with the possibility of oversupply in the local markets.
The US-China trade war, American lobster and salmon exporters suffered losses because of China's retaliatory tariffs, making US seafood more expensive and unappealing when compared with Canadian seafood. Similarly, in India, the seafood export sector dominated by shrimp has been one of the most affected by tariffs imposed by blocks of regions such as the European Union or the United States due to quality or sanitary reasons, with consequent declines in export revenues as well as pressures on smaller producers unable to easily switch to other markets.
But at the same time, tariffs would protect the domestic industry. Tariffs would give a cushion for local fisheries and aquaculture operations dealing with cheaper foreign rivals, having made imports expensive. If supportive government policies are there, this would probably promote increased domestic production and sharpening of processing capacities.
Overall, however, tariffs would be more disruptive than beneficial for the seafood industry, especially considering that, in today's global market, the supply chain largely relies on cross-border trade. These adverse effects are usually countered by the countries and companies diversifying their export markets, investing in value-added products, or entering free trade agreements, reducing tariff barriers.
Functional Seafood Market Analysis
Based on product type, the functional seafood market is segmented into types such as omega-3 enriched seafood, protein-rich seafood, vitamin & mineral fortified seafood, others (collagen & peptide-based seafood). The omega-3 enriched seafood segment is projected to reach USD 10.6 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of over 5.4% during the forecast period.
Due to growing concern about heart health and brain functions, Omega-3 enriched seafood has become popular because it effectively addresses cardiovascular health issues. In the same way, protein-rich seafood is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious and fitness-oriented individuals because it aids in muscle growth and weight management.
To meet the specific dietary needs of such consumers, vitamin- and mineral-fortified seafood blends seafood products with vital nutrients, contributing to the market's innovation by enhancing and fortifying seafood’s nutritional profile. The beauty and anti-aging markets are making particular use of collagen- and peptide-based seafood, where collagen's skin health benefits have long been known, placing it within “others” as a niche targeting this area.
The functional seafood market is being shaped by certain trends. First are the developments in processing technologies. Such innovations enable manufacturers to retain seafood nutrition while improving other aspects such as shelf life. Freeze-drying and vacuum packaging are examples of processes designed to make functional food items that meet the quality expectations of consumers. Next is the growing concern for sustainability. This shifts focus towards the development of the product. Many companies are adopting green policies like using fish from certified sustainable fisheries, which are increasingly demanded by consumers as responsible.
Thirdly, functional seafood products are obtaining safety and efficacy regulations. The introduction of labeling and health claim scrutiny is leading to increased R&D spending and market innovations. For example, health benefit endorsements are being put on product labels, which helps bolster sales and consumer trust.
Further, an analysis of the functional seafood market reveals some preferred shifts among consumers. The growing acceptance of plant-based diets has led to the creation of new hybrid seafood products targeted toward flexitarian consumers. Also, the rising need for easy-to-prepare meals is driving the demand for prepackaged functional seafood products marketed toward busy consumers.
Add these to the existing focus on health and wellness, and the functional seafood market receives support from those trends, which will push it further down the line. Sustained attention through eco-friendly innovation has set the market to gain momentum in its growth and diversification in the coming years.
The functional seafood market is split into different forms, such as fresh/chilled, frozen, canned/preserved, dried, and others, which include powdered products and supplements. The largest frozen segment continues to dominate and captured 32.6% of the market share in 2023. The frozen seafood market is also expected to grow at a 5.3% CAGR from 2025 to 2034, driven by advancements in freezing technologies and the preservation of nutritional value and shelf life. The growing convenience offered by retailers adds to the growth of this segment.
While having a slightly smaller market share, the fresh-chilled segment is receiving attention due to consumer demand for clean label and organic products. However, due to short shelf life and poor cold chain logistics, growth is hindered. Changes in packaging, like vacuum sealing and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), help overcome the problem of product freshness and shelf life, enhancing the overall growth potential.
Sales of seafood preserved or de-shelled into cans are on the rise in areas with limited access to fresh seafood. This shift can be linked to affordability and self-life. On the other hand, the perception of canned options as unhealthy due to preservatives poses a challenge. In an effort to promote sales, companies are changing the image of their products by offering non-preserved, eco-friendly alternatives.
Dried seafood, which includes fish jerky and dried shrimp, has grown in demand for its portability and high protein content in Asia-Pacific regions but continues to struggle globally. These niche products stand to gain, but if they want to compete with a multitude of protein-dense snacks, they will need to innovate their taste and appeal to a wider audience.
The class of powdered seafood and similar dietary supplements is new, although it presents opportunities for future growth. This trend is focused on health and fitness, making them prime targets for omega-3 and collagen. Increases in demand for marine life products within the nutraceutical industry are encouraging this development.
The seafood market is divided into offline and online markets, with the former serving as the leading segment. This segment is served by supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty seafood stores. These supermarkets and hypermarkets offer consumers the opportunity to inspect the quality and freshness of the products. Such interaction enhances trust and confidence, which is crucial because seafood is marketed based on its freshness and quality.
Offline channels also benefit from targeted in-store advertising, special offer discounts, and even sample offers that appeal to a broad range of shoppers. Specialized seafood shops cater to particular niche markets by stocking premium and functional seafood products, thus expanding the offline market. A well-informed workforce in these shops helps buyers understand the functional value of seafood and how it can be used, improving the convenience of shopping.
The functional seafood market within the Asia-Pacific region stands to gain the most by 2034 and is expected to achieve the highest projected market growth of 4.8% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. While this would be representative of the gap in the functional seafood sector, the increasing population in the region will be a greater factor in overall market growth. Equally, health awareness among the consumer base will be another major driver.
China, for one, captures a large proportion of the market due to its government aid to aquaculture initiatives and high seafood consumption. China's policy focus on increasing domestic seafood production and boosting export performance has led to improvements in the availability of functional seafood products. Moreover, buoyant disposable incomes in emerging markets such as India and Indonesia are further aiding the growth of fortified and premium seafood options in this part of the region.
On the other hand, the functional seafood market in North America is growing steadily. The main driving factor for the increase comes from the rising concern regarding obesity, associated health ailments, and diseases like cardiovascular disease. These issues will undoubtedly add to the demand for foods like functional seafood that provide nutritionally rich content. The United States remains the leader in the region due to its advanced seafood processing technologies and its emphasis on product development.
A diverging focus on new product initiatives further aids market growth. Additionally, the region has a well-penetrated distribution network housing several market leaders. Legislative measures supporting responsible fishing policies and including seafood as a mandatory component in dietary guidelines, while subsidizing diet-shifting initiatives, add fuel to the fire.
For functional seafood, Europe is another important market with a focus on sustainability and quality. Norway and Iceland are major suppliers due to their advanced aquaculture industries, which fulfill regional needs. These markets have traditionally been quite self-sufficient due to the European Union’s strict food quality and safety requirements and the need for functional seafood. Coupled with the rising trends of pescatarianism and the inclusion of seafood in health-based diet plans, this is also augmenting growth. However, the region’s advantage is the well-informed consumer base that seeks out eco-friendly and sustainable products and cares about traceability.
Along with other regions, there is also slow growth of the functional seafood market in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Brazil and Chile are believed to be emerging countries in Latin America due to their developed aquaculture base and growing exports. On the other hand, the Middle East and Africa are relatively slower in comparison to other parts of the world, but increasing urbanization is supporting the development of the market.
Functional Seafood Market Share
The functional seafood industry is led by five main players, namely Aker BioMarine, Thai Union Group, Maruha Nichiro, Nippon Suisan Kaisha, and Hofseth. These firms capture a substantial percentage of the market, while Aker BioMarine has continuously led the market because of its ACE strategy and presence throughout the world.
Aker BioMarine was able to capture the supplement market alongside other competitors when it focused on sustainability and steered more towards innovation. The firm has enhanced its investment in R&D on its krill products that supply omega-3 to high-demand markets. Also, spending on sustainable schemes further strengthens the brand perception of the firm in the market, along with positioning it positively against competition.
Functional Seafood Market Companies
The functional seafood industry is driven by several key players known for their innovation, sustainability efforts, and strong market presence. Leading companies include Hofseth, Aker BioMarine, Lysi, Epax, Biomega Group, CP Kelco, Maruha Nichiro, Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Thai Union Group, and Polar Seafood.
Thai Union Group has been reported to focus heavily on capturing a wider share of the market by broadening and diversifying its core business growth strategies. It has focused heavily on acquiring and merging with other firms to expand its geographic and portfolio footprint. Acquiring Red Lobster exposed Thai Union to the luxury segment of seafood and also made it easier to funnel its newly developed focus toward value-added products driven by the modern health-conscious consumer.
Japan-based Maruha Nichiro and Nippon Suisan Kaisha have utilized their vast supply chains and sophisticated processing technologies to defend their competitiveness. These firms have been active in R&D for the development of functional seafood products focusing on health, such as heart health and cognitive function. Their focus on innovation and quality has resulted in meeting the increased demand for functional foods worldwide.
As a leading contender in European markets, Hofseth has emphasized traceability and sustainability to gain traction. The company has adopted more sophisticated tracking to ensure transparency regarding the sourcing of its products. This has proved beneficial for the image of the company as a green business. Along with this, Hofseth has been looking to further diversify its range of products and strengthen its market position through collaborative ventures and partnerships.
It can be noted that these main market players are concentrating on sustaining their position by increasing M&A activities, investing in R&D, and building sustainable practices for the functional seafood products market. Meeting unaddressed consumer needs and adapting to changing world dynamics has been the key to their growth while retaining a competitive edge.
Functional Seafood Industry News
The functional seafood market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:
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