United States Seafood Market Size & Forecast 2025–2033

The United States seafood industry is entering a transformative decade—one defined by shifting consumer habits, sustainability priorities, and improving supply chain innovation. According to Renub Research, the U.S. seafood market is expected to grow from US$ 23.28 billion in 2024 to US$ 27.65 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 1.98% from 2025 to 2033. While growth is moderate, the market’s long-term trajectory is strengthened by rising health consciousness, booming aquaculture output, and widespread digitalization in retail.

This report examines the United States Seafood Market in depth—covering market structure, trends, growth drivers, challenges, segmentation, state-level insights, and competitive landscape.

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United States Seafood Market Outlook

Seafood refers broadly to edible marine animals—including fish, shrimp, shellfish, and other sea creatures consumed across the U.S. American households frequently turn to shrimp, salmon, tuna, crab, and oysters, each prized for flavor, texture, and nutritional density. Known for its omega-3 fatty acids, protein richness, vitamins, and low saturated fat, seafood continues to gain favor as a superior alternative to red meat.

The surge in popularity is linked closely to Americans’ growing awareness of heart health, weight management, and sustainable eating habits. While coastal states remain strongholds for seafood consumption, inland regions have also seen a steady rise due to improved logistics and retailer offerings. The growing popularity of sushi, local seafood festivals, and chef-driven restaurant trends have further embedded seafood into American food culture. Additionally, the farm-to-table movement has encouraged restaurants to feature locally caught and seasonal seafood, driving consumer trust and excitement around fresh, traceable products.

Key Growth Drivers

1. Rising Health and Wellness Priorities

Health-conscious consumers have fueled a surge in seafood demand, attracted by its lean protein content and cardiovascular benefits. With physicians increasingly recommending omega-3-rich diets, seafood consumption has become ingrained in nutrition-forward lifestyles.

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) reported that U.S. seafood consumption hit record levels in recent years, with Americans eating 19.7 pounds of seafood per capita. Salmon, considered a premium health food, is leading this trend—driven by soaring retail sales at stores like Costco and Whole Foods. The popularity of meal-kits such as HelloFresh and Blue Apron, which frequently include salmon, tuna, and cod recipes, has further helped Americans prepare seafood at home with ease.

2. Growth in Aquaculture and Imports

U.S. aquaculture continues to expand, particularly for salmon, catfish, and shellfish, making domestically produced seafood more available and reliable. At the same time, imports from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe provide variety and stable pricing for American buyers.

Regulations such as the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) aim to curb illegal or misrepresented imports, protecting both U.S. consumers and global ocean resources. These combined domestic and global supply advancements ensure year-round accessibility and help stabilize the market.

3. E-Commerce & Direct-to-Consumer Seafood Boom

Digital transformation is one of the most powerful forces reshaping the U.S. seafood market. Online grocery platforms, seafood subscription services, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands now offer doorstep delivery of fresh, frozen, canned, and specialty seafood supported by advanced cold-chain logistics.

In February 2024, the Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) launched a new program promoting DTC seafood businesses under the Fall in Love With Seafood campaign, accelerating consumer engagement and online sales. Subscription boxes featuring sustainably harvested seafood have risen sharply, especially among millennial and Gen-Z households who prioritize convenience and transparency.

Major Challenges

1. Sustainability & Overfishing Concerns

Environmental issues remain a pressing hurdle. Overfishing, habitat disruption, and high bycatch levels have triggered stricter regulations and consumer scrutiny. Brands today must meet higher standards for traceability, eco-labeling, and sustainable harvesting, often increasing operational costs.

Failure to meet sustainability expectations can harm brand credibility, making compliance essential for long-term growth.

2. Supply Chain Volatility

The seafood supply chain is heavily influenced by:

climate change

geopolitical disruptions

fuel price fluctuations

labor shortages

shipping delays

These factors contribute to retail price instability, impacting both consumer demand and supplier profitability. Cold-chain infrastructure investments are growing, but high operational costs remain a challenge.

Market Breakdown by Key Segments

United States Fish Market

Fish—particularly salmon, tuna, and cod—continues to dominate U.S. seafood consumption. Salmon leads the category due to its wide use across home cooking, restaurants, sushi, and meal-kits. Imports from Chile, Norway, and Canada supplement domestic supply. Consumers are increasingly seeking locally caught and sustainably sourced fish, giving rise to artisanal brands and coastal harvesting initiatives.

United States Shrimp Market

Shrimp is the single most consumed seafood in America. The U.S. relies heavily on imports from India, Indonesia, and Ecuador. Ready-to-cook products—peeled, deveined, marinated shrimp—are in strong demand due to ease of preparation. Fast food chains and mid-tier restaurants frequently feature shrimp dishes, reinforcing its widespread popularity. Disease outbreaks and sustainability issues remain risks, though innovations in shrimp aquaculture continue to mitigate these challenges.

United States Fresh/Chilled Seafood Market

The fresh and chilled segment remains highly attractive, driven by:

consumer preference for premium quality

expanded seafood counters at supermarkets

rising demand in urban centers

improvements in cold-chain distribution

Though price sensitivity is a challenge, health-conscious consumers continue to pay premiums for freshness and clean labels.

United States Frozen Seafood Market

Frozen seafood has shed its outdated stigma and gained mainstream acceptance. Advancements in freezing technology now preserve flavor and texture far better than before. Frozen seafood offers:

convenience

affordability

long shelf life

consistent year-round availability

Retailers, club stores, and online platforms prominently feature frozen options such as fillets, shrimp, and ready-to-cook meals, making this one of the fastest-growing categories.

United States Online Seafood Market

E-commerce is witnessing double-digit growth due to:

subscription boxes

specialized seafood platforms

improved cold-chain reliability

increased consumer trust in online perishables

COVID-19 accelerated the shift, and the momentum continues as households seek convenience and access to specialty seafood not available locally.

United States Convenience Store Seafood Market

Convenience stores are expanding their protein-focused offerings. Packaged seafood snacks, canned tuna, frozen shrimp packs, and ready-to-eat options appeal to busy, urban shoppers. While assortment is smaller than supermarkets, rapid turnover and strategic packaging innovations support strong growth.

State-Level Insights

California Seafood Market

California is a trendsetter in seafood consumption due to its coastal geography and health-conscious population. Favorites include salmon, tuna, and crab. The state’s diverse population fuels demand for a global range of seafood dishes. California’s ports facilitate large seafood imports, making it a central hub for distribution. A notable development is BlueNalu’s plan to launch cultivated bluefin tuna in California—potentially marking a breakthrough in sustainable seafood innovation.

New York Seafood Market

As one of the largest and most diverse foodservice economies in the country, New York demonstrates high seafood consumption across both premium dining and everyday retail. Sushi bars, ethnic restaurants, and high-end seafood bars drive demand for shellfish, salmon, tuna, and specialty fish. Proximity to major ports ensures steady supply lines, while e-commerce adoption in the state continues to rise rapidly.

New Jersey Seafood Market

New Jersey maintains a strong fishing tradition and supplies the East Coast with clams, scallops, bluefish, and more. Its close connection to New York City provides additional market pull. The state is investing in aquaculture and sustainability initiatives, fostering growth in both local fishing and retail seafood sectors.

Market Segmentation Overview

By Type

Fish

Shrimps

Others

By Form

Fresh/Chilled

Canned

Frozen

Processed

By Distribution Channel

Off Trade

Convenience Stores

Online Channels

Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

Others

On Trade

Restaurants

Hotels

Foodservice Chains

Top States Included

California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, New Jersey, Washington, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Virginia, Michigan, Maryland, Colorado, Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Connecticut, South Carolina, Oregon, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, and the Rest of the United States.

Competitive Landscape (5 Key Viewpoints per Company)

(Overview, Key Person, Recent Developments, SWOT, Revenue Analysis)

Major players include:

Admiralty Island Fisheries Inc.

Beaver Street Fisheries

High Liner Foods Inc.

Inland Seafood Inc.

Mowi ASA

NH Foods Ltd

Sysco Corporation

Thai Union Group PCL

The Kraft Heinz Company

Trident Seafoods Corporation

These companies focus on sustainability certifications, product diversification, acquisitions, and expanding their presence in online and retail channels.

Final Thoughts

The United States seafood market is entering a pivotal decade—one shaped by sustainability demands, digital transformation, and growing dietary awareness. While modest in CAGR, the market’s stability and potential for innovation remain strong. As consumers continue leaning toward healthier proteins and sustainable sourcing, the seafood industry’s evolution will depend heavily on aquaculture advancements, e-commerce growth, and supply chain resilience.

Whether it’s fresh-caught salmon, frozen shrimp, or traceable subscription seafood boxes, one thing is clear: America’s appetite for seafood is stronger than ever, and the market is poised for a steady, impactful expansion through 2033.