Oyster & Clam Market - By Type (Oyster Type {Slipper Oyster, Pacific Cupped Oyster}, Clam Type {Hard Clam, Taca Clam, Stimpson Surf}), By Form (Fresh, Frozen, Canned), By Distribution Channel (Retail, Foodservice) & Forecast, 2023 – 2032

Oyster & Clam Market Size

Oyster & Clam Market size was valued at around USD 142 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach USD 204.46 billion by 2032, owing to rising consumer demand for seafood and the popularity of raw bars and seafood restaurants.

The market is a vibrant and profitable area of the seafood industry, defined by the production, harvesting, and distribution of these popular shellfish. Oysters and clams are in high demand due to their delicious flavour, variety in culinary uses, and supposed health benefits.

The oyster and clam market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key factors. Firstly, increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with seafood consumption has led to a rising demand for these shellfish, which are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals. Moreover, the trend toward sustainable and environmentally responsible food choices has boosted the market, as oyster and clam farming practices are generally considered more eco-friendly than some other forms of seafood production. Additionally, the culinary world's exploration of diverse flavors and dishes has led to greater incorporation of oysters and clams in gourmet cuisine, expanding their market appeal.

COVID-19 Impact

COVID-19 had a tremendous influence on the oyster and clam market. Lockdowns and social distancing measures resulted in a substantial drop in demand for these shellfish, particularly in the foodservice sector, as restaurants and seafood markets decreased or closed their operations. Supply chain disruptions also impacted oyster and clam distribution, with transportation and export restrictions posing issues for growers. Concerns about the virus's possible transmission through seafood consumption also added to consumer apprehension. However, some industry segments, such as online seafood sales and retail, saw a transitory rise as consumers began to cook at home.

Oyster & Clam Market Trends

The market has witnessed notable trends in recent years. Sustainability has become a paramount concern, with consumers and producers alike increasingly focusing on environmentally responsible farming practices, such as aquaculture and restoration efforts, to ensure the long-term health of shellfish populations. Moreover, the demand for premium and artisanal oysters and clams has surged as consumers seek unique and locally sourced seafood experiences, driving growth in niche markets.

Additionally, advancements in packaging and distribution have facilitated the broader availability of shucked and processed oyster and clam products, making them more convenient for consumers. Lastly, the proliferation of online seafood marketplaces has provided a new avenue for direct-to-consumer sales, reshaping the traditional distribution channels and allowing for a more personalized shopping experience, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the market.

Oyster & Clam Market Analysis

Based on type, the oyster & clam market is segmented as Oyster type & Clam type. Oyster type held a majority market value of USD 86.90 billion in 2022. The Oyster types, which include Slipper Oysters and Pacific Cupped Oysters, and clam types, which encompass Hard Clams, Taca Clams, and Stimpson Surf Clams. Each type offers distinct flavor profiles and characteristics, appealing to different consumer preferences and culinary applications. Slipper Oysters are prized for their delicate taste and are often enjoyed raw, while Pacific Cupped Oysters are known for their brinier flavor.

On the clam side, Hard Clams are versatile and commonly used in various dishes, while Taca Clams and Stimpson Surf Clams are valued for their unique textures and flavors, making them sought-after ingredients in regional cuisines and seafood markets. This allows producers and consumers to make informed choices based on taste preferences and culinary requirements within the diverse market

Based on form, the oyster & clam market is segmented as fresh, frozen and canned. Fresh oysters & clam held a dominant market share of around 60% in 2022 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace by 2032. Fresh oysters and clams collectively hold a substantial market share, prized for their superior taste and versatility in culinary applications. They are favored by restaurants and consumers who prioritize the freshest seafood in their dishes. Frozen oyster and clam products, while holding a significant share, appeal to a broader audience, offering convenience and a longer shelf life without compromising quality.

Canned oysters and clams cater to a niche market segment, mainly those seeking long shelf life and portability, and are often used in recipes like clam chowder and oyster stew. The market segmentation based on form reflects the diverse needs of consumers and emphasizes the importance of offering a variety of options to meet their preferences within the oyster and clam industry.

Based on distribution channel the oyster & clam market is segmented as retail, foodservice and other. Retail held a dominant market share in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at 3.5% CAGR by 2032. Retail channels, which include supermarkets, specialty seafood shops, and online retailers, collectively capture a significant market share as consumers increasingly seek fresh and frozen oyster and clam products for home consumption. Foodservice channels, including restaurants, hotels, and catering services, also play a substantial role, representing a significant market share as consumers continue to enjoy seafood dishes dining out

The "Other" category comprises niche distribution channels like seafood festivals, direct-to-consumer sales from farms, and seafood subscription services, albeit with a smaller market share. This segmentation reflects the diverse ways in which oysters and clams reach consumers, emphasizing the importance of catering to both retail and foodservice sectors within the oyster and clam industry, while also recognizing the potential for innovation and expansion in alternative distribution channels.

Asia Pacific oyster & clam market exceeded USD 52.75 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to expand at a significant pace from 2023-2032. Asia Pacific boasts a wide variety of oyster and clam species consumed across different countries. For example, Japan is known for its preference for Pacific Cupped Oysters and various clam varieties, while countries like China and South Korea favor different species of oysters and clams, including Taca Clams. Several countries in Asia Pacific are major producers of oysters and clams through aquaculture. China, in particular, is a global leader in oyster and clam production, with large-scale farming operations along its extensive coastlines. Producers in countries like China and Vietnam have capitalized on export opportunities, shipping their products to international markets, including the United States and European Union. This has helped boost the regional economy and trade in seafood.

Oyster & Clam Market Share

Some of the major market players operating in the Oyster & Clam market are:

• Clearwater Seafoods
• Taylor Shellfish Farms
• High Liner Foods
• Pangea Shellfish Company
• Mazetta Company, LLC
• Royal Hawaiian Seafood
• Island Creek Oysters
• Pacific Seafood
• Ward Oyster Company
• Woodstown Bay Shellfish Ltd
• Five Star Shellfish Inc
• Colville Bay Oyster Co. Ltd
   

These players focus on strategic partnerships, new product launch & commercialization for market expansion. Furthermore, these players are heavily investing in research that allows them to introduce innovative products and garner maximum revenue in the market.
 

Clearwater Seafoods is a Canadian seafood company that is one of the largest producers of oysters and clams in the world. The company has operations in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and supplies oysters and clams to retailers, restaurants, and foodservice providers around the globe.
 

Oyster & Clam Market News

Clearwater Seafoods, a Canadian seafood company, has been acquired by Premium Brands and a Mi'kmaq First Nations coalition in a deal valued roughly USD 767 million. Premium Brands and the Mi'kmaq First Nations Coalition, chaired by Membertou First Nation, will each acquire a 50% ownership in Clearwater Seafoods, which will continue to operate as a separate corporation under the Clearwater brand.
 

Oyster & Clam market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million & Units from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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By Type, 2018 - 2032

• Oyster Type
  • Slipper Oyster
  • Pacific Cupped Oyster
• Clam Type
  • Hard clam
  • Taca clam
  • Stimpson surf

By Form, 2018 - 2032

• Fresh
• Frozen
• Canned

By Distribution Channel, 2018 - 2032

• Retail
• Foodservice
• Other

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt