The Global Shellfish Market is expected to grow from USD 50.297 billion in 2025 to USD 60.582 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 3.79%.
Shellfish are a type of edible fish that are either crustacean or shelled molluscs. Depending on the flavor and cooking method, they are consumed in a wide variety of ways across different cuisines. All shellfish are mostly low in calories, are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, and a rich source of a variety of minerals and vitamins such as iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. Some examples of commercially popular shellfish include clams, shrimp, crabs, lobster, prawns, oysters, scallops, and mussels.
According to archaeological discoveries, people have been eating shellfish for thousands of years. Currently, shellfish dishes are a staple of practically all global cuisines, serving as a significant source of protein in many of them. Shellfish is now widely available in restaurants and supermarkets throughout the world as a result of the globalization of culinary culture and healthy food choices. For instance, in the United States, families in the Northeast area make lobster the focal point of a clam bake, generally for special occasions as it is an excellent delicacy. Consumption of shellfish has grown over time, particularly in rising markets like the United States, Canada, Asia Pacific, and Western European countries. For instance, in the United States, four pounds of shrimp are consumed annually per person. China, a historic shrimp exporter, is currently a net shrimp importer as a result of the country's expanding population.
Fishing pressure, which has been exacerbated by rising demand for shellfish such as shrimp and crab, has a detrimental effect on its supplies. As a result, exploitive practices such as overfishing, pirate fishing, and ineffective management are impeding the growth of the market. Other factors such as the high price, shift towards vegan and vegetarian diets, along with the high prevalence of shellfish allergies among people and the presence of heavy metals are also obstructing the growth of the shellfish market during the projection period.
Shellfish are high in lean protein, good fats, and several vitamins while being low in calories. Omega-3 fatty acids, which make up the majority of the fat in shellfish, provide a number of health advantages, including enhancing heart and brain function. Additionally, mussels are a good source of iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B12, all of which play crucial functions in the body. Shellfish include an astounding amount of nutrients, which are beneficial for one's immune system, improve brain function, lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and reduce the waistline. Therefore the demand for shellfish such as mussels and oysters has been increasing due to their health benefits which are driving the market growth.
The most typical food allergy in the world is an allergy to shellfish. According to Food Allergy.org in the United States, 2% of people claim to be allergic to shellfish. Some of the symptoms of shellfish allergy include hives, itchy skin, congestion, breathing trouble, swelling of various body parts such as lips, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and dizziness. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal, is sometimes brought on by shellfish allergies. It can happen seconds to minutes after being exposed to a shellfish, and it gets worse fast without immediate medical treatment. Additionally, heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, or cadmium that are present in their surroundings can accumulate in shellfish. Heavy metals cannot be excreted by humans. The accumulation of these substances in your body over time might cause organ damage and other health problems. According to one research, certain shellfish may have amounts of cadmium that are double the daily limit for humans. As a result, people are reluctant to consume shellfish thereby impeding the growth of the market.
The North American region is anticipated to hold a significant amount of market share in shellfish. High consumption of shellfish in countries like the United States and Canada is driving the growth of the market. North American region has also a well-established aquaculture industry. The presence of leading market firms like Sunnyvale Seafoods and Northeast Seafood is propelling growth in the region. Shellfish are extremely popular in countries like the United States. For instance, according to National fisheries institutes data, shrimp is the most consumed seafood in the United States. In 2020, Unites States harvested 6.7 billion pounds of edible fish and shellfish, down from 890 million pounds in 2019. All of the country's coastal regions are home to thriving shellfish industries, however, the Atlantic and Pacific Coast states produce more oysters, clams, and mussels in terms of value US$134.1 and US$131.0 million, respectively, while the Gulf states produce more in terms of volume is 24.3 million pounds. United States Department of Commerce says that, For the year 2020, fresh and frozen shellfish consumption per person was 6.3 pounds. The prime market in North America includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Global Shellfish Market is segmented and analyzed as follows: