United States Seafood Market Outlook

The United States seafood market is on a steady growth trajectory, reflecting changing consumer preferences, evolving supply chains, and advances in aquaculture and cold-chain logistics. According to Renub Research, the market is expected to expand from US$ 23.28 billion in 2024 to US$ 27.65 billion by 2033, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.98% between 2025 and 2033.

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Seafood—covering fish, shellfish, and other edible marine species—has long held a valued place in American diets. Products such as shrimp, salmon, tuna, crab, and oysters dominate consumption patterns across the country. Beyond taste and culinary diversity, seafood is increasingly favored for its nutritional benefits, including high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals. These attributes position seafood as a healthier alternative to red meat, aligning well with modern wellness-driven lifestyles.

Historically concentrated in coastal regions, seafood consumption has now expanded significantly into inland states. Rising exposure through global cuisines, sushi culture, seafood festivals, and premium restaurant offerings has played a critical role in widening demand. Simultaneously, retail innovation and online availability have made seafood more accessible nationwide, strengthening the industry’s long-term outlook.

Key Growth Drivers in the United States Seafood Market

1. Rising Health and Wellness Awareness

Health-conscious consumers are a primary growth engine for the U.S. seafood industry. As awareness around cardiovascular health, weight management, and anti-inflammatory diets grows, seafood has become a staple in American households. Public health guidelines and medical endorsements frequently encourage regular seafood consumption, reinforcing demand.

Salmon, in particular, has emerged as a premium health food. Its popularity has surged through ready-to-cook formats available at major retailers such as Costco and Whole Foods. Meal-kit platforms like Blue Apron and HelloFresh have further normalized seafood preparation at home, making fish-based meals convenient and approachable for busy consumers.

2. Expansion of Aquaculture and Seafood Imports

Domestic aquaculture has strengthened considerably, with rising production of salmon, catfish, and shellfish. At the same time, imports from Southeast Asia and Latin America continue to supplement domestic supply, ensuring year-round availability and price stability.

Improved aquaculture practices have enhanced product quality while addressing sustainability concerns. Regulatory frameworks, including the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP), support transparency and prevent illegal or misrepresented seafood from entering U.S. commerce. Together, domestic aquaculture growth and responsible imports are stabilizing supply chains and supporting market expansion.

3. Growth of E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Channels

Online grocery shopping has fundamentally transformed seafood distribution. E-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands now deliver fresh, frozen, and specialty seafood directly to households using advanced cold-chain logistics.

Subscription-based seafood boxes and traceability-focused brands are gaining traction among premium consumers. In 2024, initiatives such as the Seafood Nutrition Partnership’s “Fall In Love With Seafood” campaign further boosted DTC visibility, underscoring digital retail as one of the fastest-growing channels in the market.

Challenges Facing the United States Seafood Industry

Sustainability and Overfishing Pressures

Environmental sustainability remains one of the most critical challenges. Overfishing, bycatch, and marine habitat degradation have heightened regulatory oversight and consumer scrutiny. While sustainability certifications and traceability programs are expanding, compliance often raises costs and limits supply.

Failure to address sustainability risks could undermine consumer trust and slow long-term market growth, making responsible fishing and aquaculture practices essential.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Price Volatility

Seafood supply chains are highly sensitive to climate events, fuel costs, labor shortages, and geopolitical tensions. Seasonal variations and transportation bottlenecks contribute to fluctuating retail prices, impacting both consumers and suppliers.

To maintain stability, industry players are investing in resilient logistics networks, diversified sourcing strategies, and advanced cold-storage infrastructure.

Segment Analysis: United States Seafood Market

United States Fish Market

Fish remains the backbone of the U.S. seafood industry, led by strong demand for salmon, tuna, and cod. Salmon dominates due to its versatility and health appeal, supported by imports from Norway, Canada, and Chile. Growing interest in locally and sustainably sourced fish continues to diversify offerings across retail and foodservice channels.

United States Shrimp Market

Shrimp is the most consumed seafood in the United States, making it a critical segment. Imports—primarily from India, Ecuador, and Indonesia—account for the majority of supply. Demand for peeled, deveined, and ready-to-cook shrimp products is rising rapidly, driven by convenience-focused consumers and restaurant menus. While disease management and sustainability pose challenges, aquaculture innovation supports long-term stability.

Fresh and Chilled Seafood Market

Fresh and chilled seafood appeals strongly to quality- and flavor-conscious consumers. Supermarkets are expanding seafood counters and highlighting locally sourced products. Advances in cold storage and logistics have extended shelf life, enabling broader geographic distribution. Despite higher prices, this segment remains popular among urban and health-focused buyers.

Frozen Seafood Market

Frozen seafood continues to gain popularity due to affordability, convenience, and year-round availability. Modern freezing technologies preserve texture and nutrition, making frozen options nearly comparable to fresh products. Busy households increasingly favor frozen fillets, shrimp, and ready meals, reinforcing steady segment growth.

Online Seafood Market

The online seafood segment is among the fastest-growing distribution channels. Subscription services, specialty retailers, and premium brands leverage e-commerce to reach nationwide consumers. Accelerated by pandemic-era behavior changes, online seafood purchasing remains strong due to convenience, variety, and improved logistics.

Seafood in Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are emerging as niche but growing seafood outlets. Ready-to-eat seafood snacks, packaged meals, and frozen items cater to on-the-go consumers seeking protein-rich options. While product variety is limited compared to supermarkets, packaging innovation continues to drive incremental growth.

State-Level Insights

California

California leads the U.S. seafood market, supported by strong coastal fisheries, diverse culinary cultures, and sustainability leadership. Salmon, crab, and tuna are particularly popular. The state also serves as a testing ground for innovative products, including cell-cultured seafood initiatives.

New York

New York’s large urban population and vibrant foodservice sector make it a major seafood hub. Demand spans high-end dining, ethnic cuisines, and convenience-focused retail. Proximity to ports ensures consistent access to fresh and imported products, while e-commerce continues to gain momentum.

New Jersey

New Jersey benefits from a well-established fishing base and proximity to major metropolitan markets. Known for clams, scallops, and bluefish, the state balances local fisheries with growing aquaculture and sustainability initiatives, supporting steady market expansion.

Market Segmentation Snapshot

By Type:

Fish

Shrimps

Others

By Form:

Fresh/Chilled

Canned

Frozen

Processed

By Distribution Channel:

Off Trade: Convenience Stores, Online Channels, Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Others

On Trade: Restaurants, Hotels, Foodservice

Top States:

California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, New Jersey, Washington, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Virginia, Michigan, Maryland, Colorado, Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Connecticut, South Carolina, Oregon, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, and Rest of the United States.

Competitive Landscape: Key Players

The U.S. seafood market features a mix of domestic leaders and global suppliers, all evaluated across five viewpoints: overview, key personnel, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and revenue performance.

Admiralty Island Fisheries Inc.

Beaver Street Fisheries

High Liner Foods Inc.

Inland Seafood Inc.

Mowi ASA

NH Foods Ltd

Sysco Corporation

Thai Union Group PCL

The Kraft Heinz Company

Trident Seafoods Corporation

Final Thoughts

The United States seafood market is entering a phase of measured yet resilient growth. While the forecasted CAGR of 1.98% (2025–2033) reflects maturity, underlying fundamentals remain strong. Health-driven consumption, aquaculture expansion, sustainability initiatives, and digital distribution channels are reshaping the industry’s future.

Challenges such as sustainability compliance and supply chain volatility persist, but innovation in logistics, farming techniques, and traceability is steadily addressing these issues. For producers, retailers, and investors alike, the U.S. seafood market offers stable opportunities grounded in health, responsibility, and evolving consumer lifestyles—making it a vital pillar of the broader food and beverage economy.