North America accounted for the largest revenue share of the global canned seafood market in 2020, and is expected to remain a relatively significant contributor to growth of the global market for canned seafood over the forecast period. The market is driven by the factors such as growing urbanization, evolving eating habits, a rise in health awareness.
The first reason why consumers start choosing canned seafood due to affordability and availability of omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and vitamins. The growing popularity of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, with seafood as a main course on the menu, is only heightening the demand.
Overfishing, plastic waste, and biodiversity loss are unwinding the narrative of our oceans and impact the natural and economic world, with the current demand on getting richer and having a better quality of life riding on the health of the oceans, we need sustainability and ethical sourcing in the market more than ever, as companies increasingly work to integrate better fishing practices in their supply and introduce eco-friendly packaging.
With increased awareness of the environment and its problems, consumers are demanding wild-caught and MSC-approved products. Besides, had a positive impact to the processing and canning process resulting in preservative less and slightly processed food that inclined demand from health-conscious customers.
The market is expected to grow at a 3.5% CAGR during the period (2025 to 2035), due to its increasing retail penetration, rising disposable income and the increasing availability of e-commerce platforms for canned seafood products direct to consumer. Growth is also supported by the rollout of new flavour profiles, organic seafood suggestions and high-end canned tuna, sardines, salmon, and mackerel.
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North America continues to be among the largest consumers of canned seafood, where the United States and Canada are the primary drivers. There has been a surge of demand for high-protein ready-to-eat meals specifically among working professionals and fitness enthusiasts.
Sustainability is important in this region where many consumers prefer seafood products that are ethically sourced and traceable. Market growth is also driven by the presence of major market players and credible retail networks, coupled with the increasing popularity of online grocery shopping, which offers users improved access.
Canned seafood is already well established in Europe and is found widely, especially in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy and France where fish is a central part of the diet. Premium and gourmet canned seafood from hand-packed to organic varieties have begun to take hold in the region.
Manufacturers are therefore looking after cleaner packaging and sustainable fishing and responsible sourcing due to the regulatory bodies in the European Union emphasizing on eco-friendly packaging. Private-label brands in supermarkets have also surged and helped the market grow.
The growth of the canned seafood market in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the quickest, with China, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea being major consumers. Rising protein favourable diets along with active urban lifestyles are fuelling demand.
Japan, for its part, which is famed for its seafood-based diet, remains a key market, including the likes of new products in the form of ready to eat canned sushi-grade fish and flavoured varieties. In China and Southeast Asia in particular, increasing disposable incomes and widening retail distribution networks are further stoking the market growth.
The growth trajectory of the Latin American canned seafood market remains positive, with Brazil, Mexico, and Chile currently constituting the main consuming countries in the region. Canned seafood is also a popular choice in lower-income households, as it is cheap and has long shelf life.
At the same time, Western food habits are significantly impacting demand in the Middle East and there is an increasing number of expatriates. Growing government initiatives regarding food security as well as stockpiling of non-perishable products is additionally enhancing market growth in the region.
Challenges
Sustainability Concerns and Overfishing Regulations
Growing concerns about sustainable practices coupled with the negative effects of over-fishing have created considerable pressure on the canned seafood market. Strict fishing quotas, regulatory measures and environmental guidelines have been put in place to control the depletion of marine life. These measures typically constrain supply and add operating expenses for seafood processors and canneries. Moreover, illegal fishing operations and unsustainable fishing methods have made consumers doubtful about the sourcing of seafood, putting more pressure on companies to maintain transparency in their process and adhere to global standards.
Another challenge comes from volatility in raw material prices and supply chain disruptions. Climate change, erratic weather conditions and geopolitical tensions have affected fishery yields worldwide, resulting in volatile pricing and shortages. But canned seafood goods have faced upward price pressures, and to balance profitability with consumer spending power, manufacturers are faced with a challenge.
In order to solve these issues, companies have to invest in sustainable fishing practices, adopt eco-certification (Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)) and enhance traceability in their supply chains. Sustainable aquaculture enhances the potential for scaling up sustainable seafood and alleviates pressure on wild fish stocks by providing a reliable and sustainable source of raw material.
Opportunity
Increasing Consumer Preference for Ready-to-Eat Seafood and Health-Focused Products
Increasing need of convenient, protein-enriched, as well as nutrient dense food products among consumers for the nutritional dietary requirements is propelling the global canned seafood market. Consumers are gravitating to prepared meals as healthful options, and they need to have some nutrients and help busy lifestyles.
And canned seafood products tuna, sardines, salmon and mackerel, among others, all of which have a long shelf life and require very little preparation time, while packing so much protein all can be appealing to people looking to eat healthy.
Furthermore, a growing consumer experience for functional foods and fortified products are expected to drive innovations in the market. To lure a broader spectrum of eaters, manufacturers are debuting canned seafood products that are fortified with omega-3 fatty acids and assorted vitamins and other health-promoting components.
This is partly driven by greater awareness of the Mediterranean diet, which promotes eating seafood, and by the growing demand for high-quality, sustainably harvested canned fish.
Providing organic, low-sodium and preservative-free versions can also appeal to consumers of clean-label foods. Partnerships with health institutions and strong marketing campaigns regarding the health benefits of eating seafood could greatly improve user confidence and drive market growth.
During 2020 to 2024, the canned seafood market recorded steady demand, owing to the increasing consumption of shelf-stable protein sources. Temporary challenges from supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages weren’t enough to derail sales, thanks in part to consumer preference for convenient and long-lasting food items.
Plants is an author and professor who studies these issues, and was hired as part of a team to make the 2004 paper “Sustainable Seafood” available to companies with a focus on sustainability initiatives, as many brands began eco-certifications and she was transitioning to sustainably sourced seafood. Packaging innovations, such as BPA-free cans and recyclable materials, also gained ground amid rising consumer environmental (and health) concern.
The market is expected to evolve even more in the 2025 to 2035 timeframe. This will lead to increased adoption of sustainable fishing practices, more investments in aquaculture, and innovation in seafood processing.
Automation and more advanced preservation methods will increase product quality, while plant-based and alternative seafood products may go head-to-head. As a fair number of consumers demand ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly packaging, we'll see even more innovation across the board.
Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 Trends |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Introduction of sustainable fishing policies and eco-labelling requirements |
| Technological Advancements | Advancements in seafood processing, packaging, and preservation methods |
| Industry Adoption | Growth in responsible fishing initiatives and sustainable aquaculture |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Reliance on traditional fisheries and wild-caught seafood |
| Market Competition | Presence of established seafood brands and niche sustainable options |
| Market Growth Drivers | Demand for protein-rich, ready-to-eat meals and global seafood consumption |
| Sustainability and Energy Efficiency | Adoption of BPA-free cans and recyclable packaging |
| Integration of Smart Monitoring | Use of digital tracking systems for seafood sourcing |
| Advancements in Experiential Travel | Growth of culinary tourism featuring seafood-based cuisine |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 Projections |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Expansion of stricter sustainability laws, eco-certifications, and traceability mandates |
| Technological Advancements | Increased use of automation, AI-driven supply chain optimization, and eco-friendly packaging solutions |
| Industry Adoption | Widespread adoption of carbon-neutral operations and circular economy seafood processing |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Expansion of responsibly farmed seafood and alternative protein sources |
| Market Competition | Rise of plant-based seafood alternatives and premium organic canned seafood brands |
| Market Growth Drivers | Growth in functional seafood products, omega-3 enriched options, and ethically sourced canned fish |
| Sustainability and Energy Efficiency | Large-scale implementation of biodegradable packaging and carbon footprint reduction initiatives |
| Integration of Smart Monitoring | Real-time block chain-based seafood traceability and AI-powered sustainability monitoring |
| Advancements in Experiential Travel | Increased consumer interest in locally sourced and culturally significant seafood products |
Growth in USA Canned Seafood Market 454 the growth of the USA canned seafood market has been stable; this mainly stems from growing consumer preference for providing convenient and protein-rich food. Some of the most popular canned seafood includes tuna, salmon, sardines and crab meat. Healthier living has meant that sustainably sourced and packaged seafood in BPA-free containers has experienced rising demand.
In turn, companies are responding with panty spam of their own, launching premium canned seafood products, many wild-caught and also organic, to entice health-focused consumers. The rise of online grocery platforms is also propelling market growth and making canned seafood more widely available to consumers.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.6% |
In the UK, canned fish continues to be a staple of the pantry, especially among shoppers looking for protein sources at a lower price. Tuna, mackerel and sardines are the leading products here, and emphasis is on sustainability and environmentally friendly sourcing.
Government regulations encouraging responsible fishing have forced brands to get certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) approval. Rising demand for ready-to-eat seafood salads and high-protein meal solutions also act as growth facilitators, contributing to product innovations as timely introduction of new canned seafood varieties with enhanced herbs, sauces and health-enhancing ingredients stokes the market.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| UK | 3.4% |
The canned fish sector is a strongly established cultural segment for the EU, especially for countries like Spain, Portugal and France where the sector shows constant growth year-on-year. Canned anchovies, sardines and mussels are also widely consumed and used in Mediterranean cuisine, traditional favourites.
At the same time, gourmet canned seafood is on the rise, with artisanal brands made with high-quality, preservative-free seafood packed in olive oil or organic brine. With the European consumer increasingly looking for seafood products coming from certified sustainable fisheries, sustainability continues to be a central theme.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union (EU) | 3.7% |
Japan’s canned seafood market continues to grow as demand appears to be on the rise for long-shelf-life seafood products, particularly among busy urban consumers. In addition to the usual tuna and salmon, there are specialties like canned eel, squid, and mention (spicy cod roe).
Japanese producers is focused on exceptional quality, often utilizing traditional ways of preservation to keep flavour and texture of seafood. Growing trends of convenience-based meal kits and on-the-go consumption are also driving demand for ready-to-eat canned seafood.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 3.5% |
In South Korea, canned seafood finds increasing popularity thanks to its cheapness and ease of use. Tuna is the market’s most dominant fish, with flavours like spicy gochujang (red chili paste) tuna and kimchi-flavoured tuna catering to local taste preferences.
Demand for canned salmon and sardines is rising with the growing popularity of Western-style seafood consumption. Moreover, the increase in home cooking trends and food delivery services has supported the use of canned seafood in Korean cuisine, which further helps the growth of the market.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 3.8% |
Retail and foodservice channels maintain leading share in canned seafood market owing to increasing consumer preference for convenience, extended shelf life, and acclaim of health benefits.
Because of its low cost, availability and ease of storage, canned seafood has become a staple in households, restaurants and institutional food services. The growing need for protein-rich, omega-3-filled seafood products has also helped market growth, keeping it in-demand even in global food supply chains.
As consumers seek value-oriented, easy-to-prepare meal solutions, retail remains the leading channel for the canned seafood market. Unlike fresh seafood, which has to be refrigerated and eaten soon (but still makes a great dinner), canned seafood has much longer shelf life, and is fantastic for pantry stocking, emergency food supplies and meals on the go.
Demand for canned tuna, salmon, sardine, mackerel, and seafood has risen, and over70% of household was buying canned seafood product regularly and that is growing trend which outlays strong market growth.
Canned seafood is an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers, providing high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, along with a wealth of vitamins, making it a versatile option in balancing meal plans and meal prep for those trying to be more health-conscious.
Moreover, the growing availability of high-quality canned seafood, especially wild-caught and sustainably-caught products, organic canned fish options and premium-priced seafood, is supporting market demand as well as attracting consumers, such as eco-friendly and quality-oriented consumers, boosting the demand for canned seafood.
Recent innovations in packaging, including BPA-free canisters and resealable pouches and recyclable materials, have increased consumer appeal and allayed environmental concerns.
And the increasing prevalence of e-commerce and online grocery shopping has further enhanced market access and allowed consumers to purchase dozens of styles of canned seafood products from mainstream to specialty brands.
Website services, including subscription-based seafood delivery services, e-commerce shop modelling, and direct-to-consumer marketing strategies, have also contributed to the growth of the market by delivering greater consumer engagement and brand loyalty.
In the retail sector, it is being placed with a strong emphasis on affordability, nutrition and convenience, yet, the obstacles are challenging with fluctuating seafood prices, sustainability considerations and consumer preferences for fresh seafood.
Nonetheless, continued development in responsible fishing techniques, sustainable sourcing certifications and plant-based seafood substitutes is combating these obstacles, guaranteeing rising market development and buyer confidence.
Based on end users, the foodservice sector is expected to be one of the primary growth drivers of the canned seafood market, as restaurants, catering services, and institutional buyers depend heavily on canned seafood for a steady supply, reasonable sourcing, and menu flexibility. Unlike fresh seafood, which is often subject to seasonal availability and price sways, canned seafood has a consistent presence in foodservice venues.
The growing consumption of canned seafood in sandwiches, pasta preparations, sushi rolls, salads, and soups has propelled the market expansion, which is likely to never out of demand from QSRs, hotel chains, cafeterias, and catering companies.
A Research study shows that more than 60% of foodservice operators add canned seafood to their menus, thanks to its shelf stability, ease of preparation, and consistent flavour and texture.
The growing proliferation of bulk packaging solutions for foodservice applications such as large cans and vacuum sealed pouches has bolstered the production of market barriers by facilitating increased efficiency and cost savings for businesses. Moreover, the launch of value-added canned seafood products like pre-seasoned, marinated, and ready to eat has also augmented the market competitiveness and palatability.
Globally, sustainability initiatives continue to gain prominence among foodservice operators, with an increasing emphasis placed on seafood products from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) / Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified fisheries among restaurants and institutional buyers. The growing focus on sustainable fishing operations has enhanced eater’s confidence and responsible purchasing decisions in the foodservice space.
While this sector has the upper hand when it comes to uniformity in supply and price, as well as a wide variety of culinary application, it must navigate complex regulatory environments on processed seafood and changing consumer demand toward freshly prepared options and ready-to-eat meals, including frozen seafood products.
Nevertheless, new developments for responsible packaging, value-added seafood preparation and plant-based seafood alternatives are targeting these challenges, maintaining the relevance of foodservice-based canned seafood applications worldwide while driving growth in the long-term.
Increased demand for convenience foods and long-shelf-life protein sources, as well as the sustainability of seafood, is driving growth in the canned seafood market. A rise in demand for high-protein, omega-3 rich diets and ready-to-eat meal solutions from consumers continues to drive growth in the market.
When it comes to areas of transformation, they're creating the following: Eco and BPA-free packaging, sustainably sourced seafood, and premium product offerings organic, low-sodium and preservatives. Companies are now concentrating on traceability, responsible fishing practices and broadening product portfolios to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Thai Union Group | 20-25% |
| Bolton Group | 15-19% |
| Bumble Bee Foods | 12-16% |
| Starkist Co. | 10-14% |
| Dongwon Industries | 8-12% |
| Other Companies (combined) | 25-35% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Thai Union Group | Market leader with brands like John West and Chicken of the Sea, focusing on sustainability, traceability, and premium canned seafood options. |
| Bolton Group | Produces Rio Mare and Saupiquet canned seafood, specializing in high-quality, responsibly sourced tuna and salmon. |
| Bumble Bee Foods | Offers a variety of canned tuna, salmon, and sardines, emphasizing sustainability and high-protein meal solutions. |
| Starkist Co. | Known for affordable and high-protein canned tuna and seafood, with a growing focus on healthy and flavoured options. |
| Dongwon Industries | A leading South Korean seafood company expanding its presence in the global canned seafood market with premium and value-added products. |
Key Company Insights
Thai Union Group (20-25%)
November 1, 2021, Marks the 1st Sustainable Hanabi Seafood Partner in the Japan Partnership Programme, a world leader in canning cold seafood fish, such as Polkev fish, focusing on sustainable fishing, eco-friendly packaging and delicious and high-quality tuna, salmon and mackerel.
Bolton Group (15-19%)
A European giant, specializing in premium canned seafood brands focusing on sustainably sourced and high-quality gourmet products.
Bumble Bee Foods (12-16%)
North America: A mid-size player with a big portfolio of high-protein, convenient and sustainable canned seafood products.
Starkist Co. (10-14%)
Specializes in affordable, protein-rich seafood products with growing investment in “healthy” and flavored tuna.
Dongwon Industries (8-12%)
Go-to player in the Asian market and adding to its product line for global audiences looking for premium and innovative canned seafood solutions.
Other Key Players (25-35% Combined)
Multiple regional and specialty brands also comprise the canned seafood market with sustainable, organic and gourmet seafood offerings. These include:
The Canned Seafood Market was valued at approximately USD 36.1 billion in 2025.
The market is projected to reach USD 50.9 billion by 2035, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2025 to 2035.
The demand for Canned Seafood Market is expected to be driven by increasing consumer preference for convenient and long-shelf-life protein sources, growing health awareness regarding omega-3-rich seafood, rising demand from the foodservice sector, and expanding retail distribution of premium and sustainably sourced canned seafood products.
The top 5 countries contributing to the Canned Seafood Market are the United States, Japan, China, Spain, and Thailand.
The Retail and Foodservice Segments are expected to lead the Canned Seafood market, driven by increasing consumption of ready-to-eat seafood meals, the expansion of sustainable and ethically sourced canned seafood options, and rising demand from restaurants and institutional catering services.
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Canned Seafood Market
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