Live Seafood Market Size - By Product, Source, Distribution Channel, End use, Industry Analysis, Growth Forecast, 2025-2034

Live Seafood Market Size

The global live seafood market size was valued at USD 63.6 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 67.4 billion in 2025 to USD 118.8 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 6.5%.
 

The increasing consumption of food marked as healthy and sustainable, along with the growing demand for live fish and shellfish, is contributing to the increased activity in this market. In addition to this, the magnitude of the restaurant and foodservice sectors is also expanding. Dominating products in this market include shellfish such as lobsters, oysters, crabs, clams, and different species of fish, where not only lobsters and oysters but also other products are quite popular in the premium end markets.
 

The aquaculture segment is also absorbing a great deal of attention due to the increased interest in turnkey operations that integrate advanced technology with sustainable aquaculture. These approaches are being driven to satisfy the need for lower cost proposals in comparison to traditional catch methods available off the shores.
 

Coupled with the growing need for new protein suppliers and dwindling fish populations available in the oceans, this is boosting the demand for farmed seafood. Still, a large portion of the seafood available on the market is sourced through wild fishing, but the growth of aquaculture is rapidly increasing in North America and the Asia-Pacific region.
 

The Asia-Pacific region, including China, Japan, and South Korea, is the most active area in terms of production and consumption. There is also a significant presence from other regions like North America and Europe, especially concerning the use of live seafood in food services and retail sector. The further development of the sector is anticipated from improvements in aquaculture technology, greater attention directed to sustainability, and a growing demographic of consumers seeking fresh, clearly marked, and sustainably harvested live seafood.
 

Live Seafood Market Trends

Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: With the increase of consumers seeking live seafood, sustainability has become an important issue within aquaculture. Businesses are adopting environmentally responsible farming practices, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) which reduces environmental damage. These systems support ecosystem health while increasing productivity to satisfy the market need for live seafood products like salmon and oysters. There is a growing consumer preference towards sustainably farmed products which drives this trend in the live seafood industry.
 

Technological Advancements in Seafood Farming: The implementation of Live Seafood Farming is undergoing a significant shift with the integration of new technologies such as IoT sensors, AI, and breeding enhancements. These innovations precisely monitor environmental conditions, optimize feeding processes, and significantly improve the quality of the seafood produced. Moreover, blockchain technology is employed for traceability, enhancing the transparency of the supply chain. This ensures that consumers receive live seafood that is fresh, sustainably harvested, and accompanied by minimal wastage.
 

Rise in Online Seafood Retail: The expansion of e-commerce is transforming the distribution channels of live seafood. There is a growing demand for online seafood platforms which provide fresh live seafood straight to customers’ homes. This shift is fuelled by consumer demand and the growth of home delivery services. The COVID-19 pandemic fuelled this change further as consumers preferred ordering live seafood from reliable online sellers which increased the supply of high-quality, fresh seafood that needed to be delivered quickly and safely.
 

Tariff Impact

In the context of live seafood sourcing, customs policies and commercial constraints may critically influence value chain integration, advanced regional economies, and foreign capital inflows. For example, the imposition of surcharges on premium live imports such as lobsters, crabs, or shellfish could lead to a greatly disproportionate increase in the cost of infrastructure, such as oxygenated transport tanks, temperature-controlled holding systems, and specialized containment packaging, needed to ensure the live seafood arrives in optimal condition.
 

Tariffs on exports from primary supplier countries, as Canada, Norway, or Vietnam, would unwelcome increase costs and limit sources of competitively priced, high-quality, live seafood. These countries often go unnoticed but are important sources of live seafood for emerging consumer markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or South America where the competition is burgeoning, but local suppliers are inadequately volumetrically and qualitatively consistent.
 

Furthermore, these exporters might switch to local or nearby markets which generally return less profit but require more spending on educating the consumer, branding, and retailing, if Western markets put pro-sustainability trade restrictions like mandatory carbon stamping, eco-certifications, or detailed traceability systems.

Regardless of the mid-term disruptions such trade barriers may cause, there may be an increase in investment towards local live seafood farming, handling and distribution systems. Improved aquaculture practices, effective cold-chain transport and domestic resource development may encourage nations to establish self-sustaining systems for live seafood that would aid in long term sustainability, reduced import dependency and economic vulnerability in the premium live seafood industry.
 

Live Seafood Market Analysis

On the basis of product, the live seafood market is segmented into clams, oysters, crabs, lobsters and others. The other products like fish and etc hold a significant share at a valuation of USD 22.3 billion in 2024.
 

• Under the “Others” category are listed various types of tilapias, sea bass, groupers, ornamental live fish which are captured in Asia-Pacific and Western markets and are increasingly consumed in the region. This segment comprises a considerable portion of the live seafood market due to its diversity and abundance. There is great rush in traditional markets, restaurants, and specialized retail shops for live fish.
   
• These drivers are supported by increased aquaculture, especially in China, Vietnam and India, where inland farming is predominant. Demand for perishability and quality make consumers look for live fish, while further developments in transportation and water systems trim available resources and death rates.
   

The live seafood market from lobsters segment was priced at USD 12.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to reckon USD 26.5 billion in 2034.
 

• Lobsters are one of the most sought after and high revenue generating species. The Demand in live lobsters is increasing due to consumption within the food service industry, retail, as well as Canada’s and America’s increasing exports. This is driven by premium serving in North America, Europe, and some Asian countries. New aquaculture techniques have also allowed for an easier supply of lobsters through better harnessing and cultivation systems.
   
• Canada and the United States still hold the largest exported stock of live lobsters. With an emerging focus on sustainability, consumers are more concerned about the supply and food chains, however, these lapidary concerns are often overlooked. There is also an improved demand towards food traceability. Shift in culinary trends along with increase in spending ability has accelerated the international demand towards lobsters.
   

On the basis of source, the live seafood market is segmented into wild caught & aquaculture. Wild caught segments hold the market share of 63.1% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 5.6% of CAGR during the forecast period.
 

• A significant portion of the market is represented by wild-caught live seafood, particularly for high-value species such as lobsters, crabs, and some fish. This is mainly obtained from North America and Europe which regard it as a delicacy due to its natural taste and quality. However, this segment has restrictions due to overfishing concerns, seasonal access, and environmental laws. Regardless of these factors, wild-caught seafood remains the dominant source in upscale foodservice markets where bounty, authenticity, and traditional sourcing are hallmark features.
   
• Aquaculture live seafood is capturing market share at an explosive rate due to their sustainable measures and availability throughout the year. This includes popular species such as oysters and mussels, salmon, and tilapia. Asia-Pacific, led by China and Vietnam, dominates the production using other advanced aquaculture technologies. Consumers appreciate consistent farmed live seafood due to its traceability, environmental impact, and lower ecological footprint. With the decline of wild stocks, aquaculture is set to take the primary role for providing live seafood, fuelling both retail and foodservice markets globally with a dependable and abundant supply.
   

On the basis of distribution channel, the live seafood market is segmented into retail, foodservice and wholesale. Retail estimated to grasp a value of USD 25.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 6.4% of CAGR during the forecast period.
 

• With the continual increase in demand for freshly caught seafood, the retail sector of the live seafood industry is steadily growing. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty seafood retailers now sell live lobsters, oysters, and fish in dedicated tanks to preserve their freshness. Urbanization and increase in disposable income, especially in the North American and Asia-pacific regions, serve as the main drivers. Marketers as well reap the benefits from sustainability claims, traceability, and pre-cooked products. These add trust and ease for customers.
   
• Live seafood is heavily consumed by foodservice businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and catering services. Market appeal associated with freshness and highly visualized gourmet food drives the demand. In the case of fine dining, high value species are preferred like live lobsters, crabs, and shellfish. This segment is dominated by the North American and Asia Pacific regions. After the COVID crisis, recovery of hospitality businesses alongside increasing trends for seafood cuisines have further added to the demand in this channel.
   
• This segment revolves around the bulk marketing of live fish, shellfish, and crustaceans obtained from aquaculture farms and fisheries. Wholesaling is a very important link in the live seafood market since it serves as a connecting link between the producers, retailers, food service providers, and exporters. Wholesale trade expansion is further facilitated by international trade in Asia and Europe. Growth is also observed in other regions globally. Along with these developments, wholesalers are adopting new technologies for cold chain and water quality control to reduce mortality and ensure high quality.
   

On the basis of end use, the live seafood market is segmented into household and foodservice. Foodservice estimated to grasp a value of USD 34.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 5.8% of CAGR during the forecast period.
 

• Increased consumer interest in home cooking and dining is pushing the household vertical within the live seafood market to grow. Specific to urban areas, culinary education and marketing along with the availability of live seafood in supermarkets or online are also pulling demand. In particular, the availability of live fish, crabs, and lobsters is on the rise within the Asia-Pacific region. Overall, this segment is further supported by convenience, increased health consciousness, and a desire to experience premium foods at home.
   
• The live seafood market is primarily dominated by the foodservice segment due to issue from restaurants, hotels, and catering services within the growing demand. Live seafood is preferred by chefs because of its freshness and presentation as well as for the customer satisfaction it guarantees. Oysters, lobsters, and other shellfish are utilized in high-end dining to increase the value of the menu. Supported by tourism and a strong hospitality industry, Asia-Pacific and North America are primary markets. There has been a robust recovery for this segment due to the return of in-person dining after the pandemic.
   

The live seafood market is dominated by U.S., which accounted for a revenue of USD 13.8 billion of total revenue in 2024.
 

• There is a clear growth trend in the U.S. live seafood market, which is now boosted by consumer needs for fresh, high-protein, and premium seafood. Changes in dietary habits, including new health-conscious trends and increased intake of seafood, particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids are significant factors. Furthermore, growing concern over the environmental impact of fishing is encouraging retailers and producers to adopt more responsible seafood harvesting practices certified as sustainable and live products.
   
• New technologies in aquaculture and cold-chain transport are equally important as they support better control of water quality, lowering the mortality rate during transport, and increasing the shelf life of live seafood products. In addition, the growth of online shopping for seafood, coupled with home delivery services, increases consumer availability for live lobsters, oysters, and other shellfish.
   
• However, there are issues in the market such as dependence on imports (where 70-85% of seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported), overfishing, environmental issues, and increasing operational costs), and domestic production has been impacted due to labour shortages and a diminished wild catch. The U.S. market, however, still has potential to grow significantly, especially in premium foodservice and upscale retail. The live seafood market in the U.S. is poised for further growth due to increased innovation along with stringent regulations because people are increasingly more willing to spend on goods they consider to be of high quality and responsibly sourced sustainably.
   

Live Seafood Market Share

Top 5 companies include Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Thai Union Group, Mowi ASA, Cooke Aquaculture, and Dongwon Industries.
 

Maruha Nichiro deals in seafood such as lobsters, clams, and oysters, which are served live. Its retail and foodservice customers are both served by the company thanks to its global network and strong supply chain capabilities. Innovations, Sustainability of industry, and Improving business practices is focused by the company in Japan and in North America.
 

Operating in both aquaculture and wild catch segments, Thai Union provides live shrimp, clams, and lobsters. The company operates throughout Asia, Europe, and the U. S. With a strong presence in these regions, the company is known for providing live seafood to foodservice, retail, and wholesale. The business emphasizes on responsible practices for the environment and provides stem-based monitoring to improve tracking systems.
 

Mowi is also an agricultural systems operator. The company claims the top spot as being the largest provider for farmed salmon and lives in Europe, North America, and Asia. They control the export of live seafood to these countries. Providing innovation, tranquillity, and quality control in their seafood is something that they strongly support, ensuring they remain leaders in this market.
 

Responsible seafood services are known as Cooke. They serve the retail and foodservice markets with live salmon, mussels, oysters, and lobsters. Headquartered in Canada, the company offers vertical services to the global markets. Cooke aims to capture the defined aquaculture market with traceable and premium seafood in Europe and North America.
 

Dongwon Industries, the second largest seafood company in South Korea, operates within both the wild-caught and aquaculture sectors. The company’s production focus is on sustainability and quality, especially towards their live lobsters, oysters, and shrimp products. As a supplier of live seafood, Dongwon utilizes sophisticated coordination, cold chain systems, and other technologies to keep their products fresh and preserves their quality.
 

Live Seafood Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the live seafood fish industry include:
 

Cooke Aquaculture: Cooke Aquaculture Inc. is a Canadian, family-owned seafood company founded in 1985 in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick. It has grown into one of the world's largest privately held seafood companies, operating in 14 countries across North and South America, Europe, and Asia. The company specializes in the farming, processing, and distribution of seafood products, including Atlantic salmon, sea bass, sea bream, trout, crabs, and oysters.
 

Dongwon Industries: Headquartered in Seoul, the company operates a global seafood business encompassing deep-sea fishing, processing, logistics, and distribution. It owns and operates a substantial fleet, including tuna purse seiners and longliners, harvesting species like skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
 

Maruha Nichiro Corporation: The company specializes in various sectors, including fishing, aquaculture, food processing, trading, meat products, and distribution. Notably, in 2010, Maruha Nichiro became the first private company to achieve 100% egg-to-harvest farm-raised bluefin tuna. Its product portfolio encompasses seafood, frozen foods, canned goods, meat products, nutritional supplements, pet foods, and even space food.
 

Seajoy Seafood Corporation: The company specializes in value-added and organic shrimp products, including peeled, deveined, cooked, and skewered varieties, catering to markets in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Seajoy's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its certifications from the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), British Retail Consortium (BRC), and Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA), as well as its compliance with European Union organic standards.
 

Live Seafood Industry News:

• In 2024, Thai Union North America appointed Bryan Rosenberg as President and CEO for both COSI and COSFF. These shifts in leadership followed the resignation of Valentin Ramirez. The new structure aims to harness cross synergies between COSI and COSFF to reinforce Thai Union’s footprint within North America. With a wealth of experience from his time at COSFF, Rosenberg will be responsible for shifting the businesses forward. Thai Union is still focused on innovation and revenue growth in this North American region, which is the most critical part of their global earnings.
   
• On December 2, 2024, Sai Gon Food Joint Stock Company announced the distribution of six freeze-dried food products manufactured by the Maruha Nichiro Corporation in Japan. This was part of their plan to penetrate the Vietnamese market. This falls under the “MNV 2024” plan which focuses on international growth. The company seeks to further strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, with its rapidly evolving food culture and Maruho's economic growth setting the evolution bar. The company's goal focuses on meeting its pre-existing demand while reinforcing their strategy to venture into global markets owing to the Maruha partnership.
   

The live seafood market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in (USD Million) & Volume in (Kilo Tons) from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Clams
• Oysters
• Crabs
• Lobsters
• Others (Fish etc.)

Market, By Source

• Wild caught
• Aquacultured

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Retail
• Foodservice
• Wholesale

Market, By End Use

• Household
• Foodservice

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

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