US Fish and Shellfish Market Report 2023

Discover the latest Fish and Shellfish trends in the US and how they are impacting the Fish and Shellfish market. Our fish and shellfish market research report is packed with valuable insights on consumer attitudes, Fish and Shellfish market size, Fish and Shellfish market forecast and segmentation, and (different 3rd point). With this report, you’ll have the knowledge to stay ahead of the competition and keep your business growing.

Fish and Shellfish: Current Market Landscape

Sales for fish and shellfish have struggled to keep pace with the considerable inflation seen in the past year. Yet consumers are interested in incorporating more fish and shellfish into their diet, a desire somewhat challenged by a perception of some of the products as being higher-priced proteins. Pricing strategies and incentives can offset pricey perceptions, as can messaging that reinforces the convenience and time-savings of value-added fish/shellfish options into an overall perception of value.

US Fish and Shellfish — What consumers want and why

• Fish and Shellfish Market Share:
  Growth came in both branded and private label options, which also include random weight offerings, pointing to signs that the allure of fresh and home cooking are still prevalent as consumers trade down from foodservice as well as up in the category or over from other proteins to navigate elevated prices everywhere. Brands and retailers can both play a role in helping shoppers to find new ways to plan, enjoy and find that value in fresh fish and shellfish with RTC/H value-added offerings, recipes, preparation tutorials and flavor-pairing suggestions. More than a third of category participants are interested in recipes that inspire use as an alternative to meat and poultry
• Fish and Shellfish Market Size:
  Half of fish consumers (49%) ate three or more types of fish in the past three months. However, only two species were cited by even half of respondents (tuna and salmon). Only four by more than a quarter (cod and tilapia).
• US Fish and Shellfish Industry Trends:
  In terms of purchase drivers, just over a quarter of all consumers (27%) cite wild-caught as a feature that would encourage them to buy more fish/ shellfish. Sustainably sourced options registered with just over a fifth, and independently certified/ verified and dolphin/turtle-friendly trailed further back. Furthermore, less than a quarter of category users say they would pay more for seafood from a certified sustainable fishery. Less than a sixth say sustainability concerns have prompted them to reduce their consumption of fish/shellfish.

Fish and Shellfish Market Trends and Opportunities

Brands have taken initiative to meet the call for sustainability, yet the ubiquity of these claims may have become a confusing example of white noise, a given in the minds of consumers. Messaging simplification may be what helps brands get more mileage of their efforts. In a sea often dominated by private label offerings, sustainability is a premium driver, especially among younger adults.

Read on to discover more about the Fish and Shellfish consumer market, read our US Understanding Consumer Barriers to Buying Fresh Food Online Market Report 2019, or take a look at our other Food Retail research reports.

Quickly Understand the Fish and Shellfish Industry

• Consumption of fish and shellfish by species and package format.
• Restaurant consumption of fish and shellfish.
• Purchase drivers for fish and shellfish.
• Flavor interests by fish and shellfish species.
• Attitudes toward fish and shellfish.

Covered in This Seafood Industry Report

Leading Brands in the Fish and Shellfish Market / Industry: D0ngwon, FCF Fishery Co, Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Rich Products, Tri-Union Seafoods, Conagra Brands, Aqua Star, Great American Seafood Imports, Beaver Street Fisheries, Stanley Pearlman Enterprises, Trans-Ocean, Acme Smoked Fish Corp, Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Vita Food Products, Ducktrap River of Maine, Multiexport Foods, Trident Seafoods Corporation, Seafood America.

Expert Analysis from a Specialist in the Field

This report, written by Billy Roberts, a leading analyst in the Food and Drink sector, delivers in-depth commentary and seafood market analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

Fish and shellfish fans are conflicted: drawn to the health, taste and often premium experience the category represents, yet everyday occasions and frequency are challenged by limited perceptions of ease, versatility and predictably and price. Brands and retailers can help reshape these ideas and break down barriers with simplification, flavorful DIY preparations or even prepared options that match the desire for taste exploration with ease.

Billy Roberts
Sr. Analyst, Food and Drink