The Korea shrimp market is poised to exhibit USD 3.2 billion in 2025. The industry is slated to depict 10.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, witnessing USD 8.8 billion by 2035.
The expansion is due to a number of factors, fueled by shifting consumer trends, rising seafood consumption, and aquaculture technology advancements. As consumers in Korea become increasingly health-conscious, demand for seafood, especially shrimp, has increased.
It is a very nutritious food, high in protein, low in fat, and full of essential vitamins and minerals. It is seen as a healthier choice than red meat and fits with the trend for clean eating and a healthier way of life. Thus, demand for the product has seen a rapid increase.
A further major driving force is that shrimp as a food product is extremely convenient and versatile. It finds extensive applications across different food dishes, varying from Korean traditional seafood soups like Jjigae to recent creations such as shrimp tempura or sushi with shrimp as a base.
Its popularity across various dishes has resulted in the universal appeal of the product both as home food and when eating out. Increased interest in foreign foods such as Asian fusion and Western fast food outlets has further promoted consumption of these products in Korea.
In addition, there has been significant progress in the aquaculture sector of Korea, and farming shrimp has become more efficient and sustainable. As improved breeding and farming methods as well as disease management practices developed, the quantity of domestically produced product became higher.
Not only did this alleviate the reliance on imports, but it also stimulated the development of local product output. As environmentally friendly farming approaches became more common, consumer faith in locally grown product grew stronger.
In addition, the growth in e-commerce sites has increased consumers access to product, presenting a variety of shrimp products ranging from fresh to frozen through web-based grocery outlets and food delivery services. Through this convenience and increasing disposable income, as well as the burgeoning trend of purchasing goods online, product has been a favorite choice among Korean consumers, fueling the market growth.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 3.2 billion |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 8.8 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.4% |
Explore FMI!
Book a free demo
The Korea shrimp market is experiencing unique trends and changing purchasing parameters in various end-use sectors. In the bakery and snack sector, an increasing trend for the use of seafood, mainly shrimp, is being observed across different snack offerings.
Shrimp-flavored snack foods such as chips and crackers are gaining more popularity, with consumers looking at healthier, high-protein food alternatives to usual snack foods. This trend is also being driven by the need for functional snacks that provide both convenience and health value. Also, with increasing popularity of seafood snacks, these products are becoming well-established as a new flavor category in the snack space.
In the restaurant and foodservice market, the product is a much-demanded ingredient in traditional as well as contemporary foods. The rising consumer demand for premium, sustainably harvested seafood has forced food service players to go for high-grade product that can enhance their offerings.
From shrimp tempura, shrimp bibimbap, and shrimp pasta to other dishes that do not routinely appear on menus, these are not only standard menu offerings but also fulfill the rising demand for gourmet and global cuisine. The growing emphasis of the foodservice industry on providing healthy and sustainable products further drives demand for fresh, locally produced product.
Throughout all the end-use markets, a number of purchasing factors are in common. Product quality and freshness are the most important, as customers want the best flavor and texture for their meals. Apart from quality, price is also a key factor in retail and foodservice markets where cost-effectiveness must be balanced against quality.
As sustainability issues escalate, consumers and companies alike are becoming more interested in ethical sourcing and green practices, and as such, certifications such as MSC and ASC are becoming more pivotal to buying choices.
Between 2020 and 2024, the Korea shrimp market experienced dramatic changes motivated by changing consumer tastes and adaptation in the industry. One of the most remarkable changes has been the growing call for sustainable and ethically produced product.
Due to mounting awareness among consumers concerning environmental challenges and the effect on the environment due to the production of seafood, there has been increased momentum towards sustainable farm management. Demand for certifications such as Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has increased, with both foodservice operations and consumers alike focusing on traceable and certified product.
This shift is partly because of increasing pressures over overfishing and concerns regarding the harm caused by unsustainable product farming practices.
As the future reaches 2025 to 2035, a number of trends in the industrycan be anticipated. Premium, high-quality product will become increasingly demanded due to an ongoing shift toward preferring fresh, sustainably produced products.
With consumers becoming more particular about food quality and origin, product producers will have to concentrate on providing high-quality, traceable products to satisfy such needs.
Additionally, the focus on sustainability will become stronger, with organizations being required to implement more sustainable farming practices and packaging technologies in order to satisfy both regulatory needs and consumer pressures for ethical sourcing.
Comparative Industry Shift Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| 2020 to 2024 (Past Shift) | 2025 to 2035 (Future Shift) |
|---|---|
| There was a significant increase in consumer demand for sustainable and responsibly sourced product . This trend was driven by greater awareness of environmental concerns and the unfavorable ecological effects of conventional product farming. Consumers and foodservice companies increasingly required product with certifications like ASC and MSC. | By 2025, the shrimp farms will incorporate more environment-friendly and technology-driven farming systems such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). This will lead to a greater production efficiency and reduced environmental impact, which will make widespread sustainable shrimp farm practices a common occurrence by the year 2035. |
| The COVID-19 pandemic hastened the move towards online shopping, with consumers increasingly buying product through online grocery stores. This transition increased demand for frozen, ready-to-cook products, as consumers preferred convenience. | The online retail industry will continue to expand, with increasing consumers buying product from e-commerce stores. Packaging and cold chain logistics innovations will make product even more convenient, while consumers will have access to a variety of sustainable, premium, and plant-based products. |
| During the 2020 to 2024 timeframe, product was increasingly being seen as a healthy protein option, with growing demand for shrimp-based snacks, ready-to-eat foods, and functional food items. | The use of product in functional foods will continue, with shrimp products being marketed more and more as high-protein, low-fat, and nutrient-dense foods. Health-conscious consumers will continue to fuel demand for shrimp-based meal kits, supplements, and snacks for wellness-oriented diets. |
| The growth of plant-based diets led to the creation of product alternatives derived from plant-based ingredients. They found appeal among both vegan and eco-conscious consumers, although they are still a niche product. | Through 2025, advances in plant-based shrimp will drive products that are closer to the taste, texture, and look of actual product , driving these alternatives toward mainstream acceptance. |
The industry is subject to a number of potential risks that may affect its growth path and stability. Supply chain disruptions are one of the major risks. Shrimp farming is highly dependent on certain environmental conditions and procurement of shrimp larvae, which exposes it to climate changes and natural disasters.
For example, natural catastrophes such as typhoons or floods could influence shrimp farm production capacity, thereby creating supply shortages and price volatility. Furthermore, the persistent global supply chain disruptions, such as shipping delays and higher freight costs, could also stretch the ability to source product from foreign markets, impacting availability and price.
Dependence on overseas markets is another important risk. Although domestic shrimp farming is increasing in Korea, most of the product consumed in the country are imported, mainly from Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Political unrest, trade disputes, or shifting international regulations in these areas can interfere with the supply of product. In addition, tariffs on trade and alterations in global trade agreements may increase the cost of imported product, which in turn can influence prices for consumers and profit margins for companies in the product supply chain.
In Japan, the most widely used product species is the farmed white leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), and their popularity is fueled by a number of key factors. One of the first factors that make the species so widely used is their availability and consistency. While wild-caught product may have seasonality issues and difficulties in supply, farmed white leg shrimp is consistently available throughout the year.
Cost-effectiveness also has a major role to play in the extensive application of this product. It is relatively cheaper to cultivate this species than others, such as Gulf or Giant Tiger Shrimps, since it grows rapidly and is tolerant to a range of farming conditions.
It is thus a cheaper option for producers and consumers. In Japan, where consumers are highly price-sensitive in making purchasing decisions, this cost-saving factor is a major selling point in both food retail markets and restaurants, especially for food such as sushi, tempura, and ramen.
Organic product in Korea is demanded due to increasing consumers' knowledge and awareness regarding their health and environmental concerns. Health consciousness of the Korean consumer, in turn, is the principal reason organic product is sold widely.
The health-conscious behavior is driven by heightened awareness on health and nutritional demands, compelling the consumers to prefer products with zero use of pesticides, chemicals, and antibiotics. Organic product, which is produced without using synthetic chemicals and hormones, resonates with consumers who are health-conscious and focus on minimizing exposure to such elements in their diets.
Another key driver for the demand for organic product in Korea is the increasing focus on environmental sustainability. As the impacts of climate change and overfishing accelerate, an increasing number of Korean consumers seek sustainably produced products.
The industry features a competitive mix of multinational corporations and niche companies. Multinationals such as large companies like Nongshim Co., Ltd., Pulmuone Foods Co., Ltd., and Aqua Star Corp. have a huge grip on the industry with their broad distribution channels, research, and development skills, and the capability to appeal to a great number of different consumer tastes.
The large firms are extremely innovative and concentrate on premium-quality, healthy, and environmentally friendly products. Conversely, niche and smaller players like Devi Fisheries Limited, Falcon Marine Exports, and Surapon Foods are targeting specialized industry niches by providing distinctive varieties of product, organic products, and sustainable practices.
Industry Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Industry Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Nongshim Co., Ltd. | 15-20% |
| Soo Good Co., Ltd | 5-8% |
| Pulmuone Foods Co., Ltd | 10-12% |
| Aqua Star Corp. | 7-10% |
| Avanti Feeds Ltd. | 5-7% |
| Devi Fisheries Limited | 3-5% |
| Falcon Marine Exports | 4-6% |
| BMR Groups | 3-5% |
| Clearwater Seafoods Inc. | 5-7% |
| High Liner Foods Inc. | 6-8% |
| Surapon Foods | 3-5% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Nongshim Co., Ltd. | Has a diverse portfolio of high-quality products such as frozen product and ready-to-eat foods with emphasis on high quality and sustainability. |
| Soo Good Co., Ltd | Offers products that are suitable for health-oriented consumers and are organic and eco-friendly. |
| Pulmuone Foods Co., Ltd. | Has high-quality and sustainable products such as frozen product and value-added shrimp products. |
| Aqua Star Corp. | Offers a variety of products emphasizing high quality and sustainable sourcing principles to address increased consumer demand. |
| Avanti Feeds Ltd. | Engages in the cultivation of farmed shrimp with an emphasis on sustainable aquaculture principles and quality control. |
| Devi Fisheries Limited | Reno wned for their wide variety of products, with emphasis on organic and quality product from sustainable farming practices. |
| Falcon Marine Exports | Offers a range of high-end products, including both conventional and innovative product species to serve niche markets. |
| BMR Groups | Supplies high-quality products with emphasis on traceability and ethical sourcing practices. |
| Clearwater Seafoods Inc. | Specializes in selling high-quality wild-caught and farmed shrimp, with an emphasis on sustainability and traceability. |
| High Liner Foods Inc. | Provides an array of products with focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation to the foodservice and retail markets. |
| Surapon Foods | Is expert in high-quality frozen products with focus on traditional and innovative products for the Korean market. |
The industry is transforming at a fast rate because of the change in consumer behavior, with an increasing trend for premium, green, and health-related products. Players such as Nongshim Co., Ltd., Pulmuone Foods Co., Ltd., and Aqua Star Corp. are well placed to dominate the industry because of their wide range of products, robust distribution systems, and sustainability focus.
Smaller companies like Devi Fisheries Limited and Surapon Foods are gaining industry share by selling niche products like organic shrimp, making sure they target specialized consumer niches.
The market will also witness innovation and differentiation, as firms invest in sustainable agriculture practices, traceability, and clean-label products. As premium, ethically produced seafood demand increases, both existing and new players will ride the trend to remain competitive.
The industry is expected to reach USD 3.2 billion in 2025.
The industry is projected to witness USD 8.8 billion by 2035.
Organic products are widely sold.
Leading companies include Nongshim Co., Ltd, Soo Good Co., Ltd, Pulmuone Foods Co., Ltd, Aqua Star Corp., Avanti Feeds Ltd, Devi Fisheries Limited, Falcon Marine Exports, BMR Groups, Clearwater Seafoods Inc., High Liner Foods Inc., and Surapon Foods.
In terms of species, the industry is divided into gulf shrimps, farmed white leg shrimps, banded coral shrimps, royal red shrimp, giant tiger shrimps, blue shrimps, and ocean shrimps.
With respect to source, the market is bifurcated into organic and conventional.
In terms of form, the market is classified into canned, breaded, peeled, cooked & peeled, shell-on, and frozen.
With respect to sales channel, the market is divided into direct and indirect.
Based on application, the market is categorized into food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, industrial, and biotechnology.
The industry is divided into South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Jeju, and the rest of Korea.
Vegan Bacon Market Growth - Plant-Based Protein Trends 2025 to 2035
Tapioca Market Trends - Starch Solutions & Global Demand 2025 to 2035
Chickpea Market Trends - Nutrition & Global Trade Insights 2025 to 2035
Botanical Supplements Market Growth - Herbal Wellness & Industry Demand 2025 to 2035
Vegetable Carbon Market Trends - Functional Uses & Industry Demand 2025 to 2035
Plant-Based Nuggets Market Insights - Growth & Innovation 2025 to 2035
Korea Shrimp Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
