Feb 6, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Frozen, Dried And Smoked Fish – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
The UK market for frozen, dried, and smoked fish saw a consumption decline to 582K tons (-5.5%) and a value of $3.5B (-9%) in 2024, following five years of growth. The market is forecast to grow at a decelerated pace, with a projected CAGR of +1.6% in volume and +1.7% in value through 2035, reaching 693K tons and $4.2B. Frozen fish fillet dominates both consumption (75% volume) and production (63% volume). The UK is a net importer, with China, Iceland, and Norway as key suppliers, and exports primarily consist of frozen whole fish. Import prices averaged $6,795/ton, significantly higher than export prices of $3,156/ton.
Key Findings
- Market forecast to grow at a decelerated CAGR of +1.6% in volume to 693K tons by 2035
- Frozen fish fillet is the dominant product, comprising 75% of total consumption volume
- The UK is a net importer, with a 2024 import value of $1.8B exceeding exports of $501M
- Import prices ($6,795/ton) are more than double export prices ($3,156/ton)
- Turkey recorded the fastest growth rate among import suppliers, with a value CAGR of +20.6%
Market Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for frozen, dried and smoked fish in the UK, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 693K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $4.2B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Frozen, Dried And Smoked Fish
After five years of growth, consumption of frozen, dried and smoked fish decreased by -5.5% to 582K tons in 2024. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated noticeable growth from 2013 to 2024: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption increased by +51.6% against 2014 indices. Frozen, dried and smoked fish consumption peaked at 616K tons in 2023, and then dropped in the following year.
The revenue of the market for frozen, dried and smoked fish in the UK shrank to $3.5B in 2024, falling by -9% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, the total consumption indicated measured growth from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -11.7% against 2022 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $4B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.
Consumption By Type
Frozen fish fillet (437K tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of consumption, accounting for 75% of total volume. Moreover, frozen fish fillet exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, frozen crustaceans (57K tons), eightfold. Dried or smoked fish (52K tons) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 9% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of frozen fish fillet consumption amounted to +4.8%. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: frozen crustaceans (+3.7% per year) and dried or smoked fish (+1.4% per year).
In value terms, frozen fish fillet ($2.3B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by frozen crustaceans ($525M). It was followed by dried or smoked fish.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of frozen fish fillet market amounted to +5.9%. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: frozen crustaceans (+2.7% per year) and dried or smoked fish (+2.9% per year).
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Frozen, Dried And Smoked Fish
After five years of growth, production of frozen, dried and smoked fish decreased by -4.3% to 473K tons in 2024. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the period from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2023 when the production volume increased by 9.4%. As a result, production reached the peak volume of 494K tons, and then declined slightly in the following year.
In value terms, frozen, dried and smoked fish production contracted to $1.5B in 2024 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated tangible growth from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, production decreased by -10.4% against 2022 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the production volume increased by 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $1.7B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Production By Type
Frozen fish fillet (297K tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of production, accounting for 63% of total volume. Moreover, frozen fish fillet exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, frozen whole fish (98K tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by dried or smoked fish (51K tons), with an 11% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of frozen fish fillet production totaled +8.8%. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: frozen whole fish (-4.6% per year) and dried or smoked fish (+2.3% per year).
In value terms, frozen fish fillet ($1.3B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by dried or smoked fish ($501M). It was followed by frozen crustaceans.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of frozen fish fillet production stood at +9.0%. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: dried or smoked fish (+2.1% per year) and frozen crustaceans (+3.3% per year).
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Frozen, Dried And Smoked Fish
In 2024, supplies from abroad of frozen, dried and smoked fish increased by 3.1% to 268K tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 10% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of 297K tons. From 2020 to 2024, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, frozen, dried and smoked fish imports dropped modestly to $1.8B in 2024. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 14% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $1.9B. From 2020 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.
Imports By Country
China (60K tons), Norway (30K tons) and Vietnam (30K tons) were the main suppliers of frozen, dried and smoked fish imports to the UK, together comprising 45% of total imports. Iceland, India, the United States, Ecuador, Russia, Myanmar, Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 35%.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +17.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the largest frozen, dried and smoked fish suppliers to the UK were China ($311M), Iceland ($226M) and Norway ($207M), together accounting for 41% of total imports. Vietnam, India, Turkey, Ecuador, the United States, Russia, Myanmar, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 34%.
Turkey, with a CAGR of +20.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Imports By Type
In 2024, frozen fish fillet (147K tons) constituted the largest type of frozen, dried and smoked fish supplied to the UK, accounting for a 55% share of total imports. Moreover, frozen fish fillet exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, frozen whole fish (59K tons), twofold. Frozen crustaceans (48K tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with an 18% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of frozen fish fillet imports totaled -1.2%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: frozen whole fish (+2.2% per year) and frozen crustaceans (+0.5% per year).
In value terms, frozen fish fillet ($1B) constituted the largest type of frozen, dried and smoked fish supplied to the UK, comprising 57% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by frozen crustaceans ($444M), with a 24% share of total imports. It was followed by frozen whole fish, with a 13% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of frozen fish fillet imports stood at +2.1%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: frozen crustaceans (-0.5% per year) and frozen whole fish (+4.6% per year).
Import Prices By Type
The average import price for frozen, dried and smoked fish stood at $6,795 per ton in 2024, waning by -3.3% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the average import price increased by 16% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $7,604 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, import prices failed to regain momentum.
Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was dried or smoked fish ($11,312 per ton), while the price for frozen fish meat ($3,254 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by dried or smoked fish (+6.7%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average import price for frozen, dried and smoked fish amounted to $6,795 per ton, shrinking by -3.3% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 an increase of 16%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $7,604 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Denmark ($12,802 per ton), while the price for Myanmar ($4,377 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+7.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Frozen, Dried And Smoked Fish
In 2024, overseas shipments of frozen, dried and smoked fish increased by 15% to 159K tons, rising for the second consecutive year after four years of decline. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 249K tons. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, frozen, dried and smoked fish exports reached $501M in 2024. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 13% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $744M. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.
Exports By Country
The Netherlands (38K tons) was the main destination for frozen, dried and smoked fish exports from the UK, accounting for a 24% share of total exports. Moreover, frozen, dried and smoked fish exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, France (15K tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by Lithuania (11K tons), with a 7.1% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the Netherlands stood at -2.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (-0.8% per year) and Lithuania (+25.4% per year).
In value terms, France ($105M), the Netherlands ($94M) and Lithuania ($28M) constituted the largest markets for frozen, dried and smoked fish exported from the UK worldwide, with a combined 45% share of total exports. Vietnam, Germany, the United States, China, Spain, Japan, Ukraine, the Philippines, Ireland and Nigeria lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 31%.
Among the main countries of destination, the Philippines, with a CAGR of +37.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Exports By Type
Frozen whole fish (122K tons) was the largest type of frozen, dried and smoked fish exported from the UK, with a 77% share of total exports. Moreover, frozen whole fish exceeded the volume of the second product type, frozen crustaceans (12K tons), tenfold. Frozen fish meat (12K tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 7.3% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of frozen whole fish exports stood at -1.7%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: frozen crustaceans (-5.6% per year) and frozen fish meat (+5.8% per year).
In value terms, frozen whole fish ($261M) remains the largest type of frozen, dried and smoked fish exported from the UK, comprising 52% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by frozen crustaceans ($126M), with a 25% share of total exports. It was followed by dried or smoked fish, with a 12% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of frozen whole fish exports totaled +1.4%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: frozen crustaceans (-5.0% per year) and dried or smoked fish (-4.1% per year).
Export Prices By Type
The average export price for frozen, dried and smoked fish stood at $3,156 per ton in 2024, shrinking by -3% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the average export price increased by 17%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $3,893 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the export prices remained at a lower figure.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major types of exported product. In 2024, the product with the highest price was frozen crustaceans ($10,274 per ton), while the average price for exports of frozen fish meat ($2,047 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: frozen whole fish (+3.2%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average export price for frozen, dried and smoked fish amounted to $3,156 per ton, declining by -3% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 17% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $3,893 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the export prices remained at a lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Ireland ($11,039 per ton), while the average price for exports to the Philippines ($1,616 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Netherlands (+8.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the frozen, dried and smoked fish industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the frozen, dried and smoked fish landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
- Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
- Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
- Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
- Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
- The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
- Market size and growth in value and volume terms
- Consumption structure by end-use segments
- Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
- Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
- Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
- Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverage
- Prodcom 10201330 – Frozen whole salt water fish
- Prodcom 10201360 – Frozen whole fresh water fish
- Prodcom 10201400 – Frozen fish fillets
- Prodcom 10201500 – Frozen fish meat without bones (excluding fillets)
- Prodcom 10201600 – Frozen fish livers and roes
- Prodcom 10203100 – Frozen crustaceans, frozen flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, fit for human consumption
- Prodcom 10202100 – Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked
- Prodcom 10202350 – Dried fish, whether or not salted, fish, salted but not dried, fish in brine (excluding fillets, smoked, heads, tails and maws)
- Prodcom 10202425 – Smoked Pacific, Atlantic and Danube salmon (including fillets, e xcluding heads, tails and maws)
- Prodcom 10202455 – Smoked herrings (including fillets, excluding heads, tails and maws)
- Prodcom 10202485 – Smoked fish (excluding herrings, Pacific, Atlantic and Danube salmon), including fillets, excluding head, tails and maws
- Prodcom 10202200 – Flours, meals and pellets of fish, fit for human consumption, f ish livers and roes, dried, smoked, salted or in brine
Country coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
- International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
- National production and consumption statistics
- Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
- Price series and unit value benchmarks
- Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links frozen, dried and smoked fish demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
- Historical baseline: 2012-2025
- Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
- Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
- Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
- Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
- Export and import unit value trends
- Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
- Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
- Business focus and production capabilities
- Geographic reach and distribution networks
- Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
- Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
- Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
- Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
- Track price dynamics and protect margins
- Benchmark performance against leading competitors
- Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of frozen, dried and smoked fish dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the frozen, dried and smoked fish market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.