Europe Seafood Market Outlook, 2029

Europe Seafood Market Outlook, 2029

As the global appetite for seafood grows, so does Europe's market it combines the richness of waters with the most effective sustainability and traceability practices to ensure that the oceans' heritage is guaranteed for future generations. Technological innovation in aquaculture and processing has been at the core of driving growth in the seafood market in Europe. Improvements in RAS and electronic monitoring of fish stocks make the industry more sustainable and effective. Furthermore, new processing technologies and new packaging solutions have resulted in better product quality, increased shelf life, and less wastage. Seafood is strongly embedded in Europeans' consumer preferences. The pattern of seafood consumption varies widely among different regions in the continent. Cold-water species like cod and herring are favoured by northern Europeans, while people in Southern Europe have a liking for seafood like octopus, squid, anchovies, and the like. There is a huge trend towards more healthy eating habits and sustainable consumption that raises the demand for organic and eco-labeled seafood products. Europe is a big importer and exporter of seafood, involving very big trade flows between EU countries and with non-EU nations. Here, large amounts of tuna, shrimp, and other tropical species are imported from Asia and South America, whereas high-quality salmon, mackerel, and herring are exported to global markets. As more people move to the cities, the character of the seafood industry changes as it has to be more ready to eat, pre-packaged, and easy to prepare due to the fast pace of life in the urban centers. Other factors that increase the demand for seafood are the rising populations in metropolitan areas, with a focus on premium and sustainable seafood in restaurants and foodservice channels. This process of urbanization is contributing to an increase in seafood distribution channels, mainly through the use of more complex cold chain logistics and e-commerce platforms that are interfacing the process of covering urban consumers with fresh seafood much faster and with improved efficiency. Trade policies, like tariffs, and sustainability certification have great importance for the shaping of these dynamics. The European seafood market is, to a large extent, regulated within the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union, based heavily on the premise that fishery and aquaculture have to comply with the practice of sustainable development and the protection of marine ecosystems. Preventing overfishing is practiced through strict quotas, with a strong focus on reducing bycatch and sustaining aquaculture scopes. Eco-certification is very common; for example, there is the MSC, reflecting market orientation of eco-labeling for sustainability.

According to the research report ""Europe Sea Food Market Outlook, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Europe Sea Food market is anticipated to add to more than USD 16 Billion by 2024–29. The importance of the seafood industry in Europe is paramount. First, it constitutes high value added to GDP and provides employment at primary to tertiary levels. In this context, one can say that fishing and aquaculture play a pivotal role in terms of jobs and economic independence for coastal communities. Its seafood market in Europe is regionally diverse, with Northern Europe particularly Norway and Iceland leading both in terms of wild-caught fish and sustainable practices. Central Europe holds countries such as Spain and Italy that boast the traditions of strong seafood consumption and processing, supported by the resources of the rich Mediterranean Sea. Wild-caught and farmed Western Europe, driven by the UK and France; growing production and processing market Eastern Europe. European consumers remain ideally focused on sustainability and health, underpinning the demand for responsibly sourced, nutritionally rich seafood. Convincingly, it is the trends for switching over to eco-labeled products, local options, and convenience foods in the form of pre-packed fillets and ready-to-eat dishes. This is in combination with increased consciousness of health that is associated with this kind of food, specifically as part of a diet. The European fish sector is threatened fundamentally seriously due to overfishing, climatic change, and at last, the implications of Brexit on trading matrices and fishing rights. Illegal catches, as well as environmental degradation, form a significant threat to the Mediterranean and Black seas all in total disregard of strict E.U. regulations. These challenges in hand will be presented to the industry with changes in environmental conditions and regulatory landscapes. Europe, at a point of need, is strong in the sustainability of the wild fisheries market, which has been provided for through organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council to ensure that seafood from this market is responsibly sourced through internationally accepted sustainability standards. The reason the EU Ecolabel goes a step further in all this is that the products must have less environmental impact in their life cycles.

Market Drivers

• Demand for Sustainable and Traceable Seafood: European consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable and traceable seafood products, driven by a growing awareness of environmental issues and ethical sourcing. This demand is fueled by initiatives from governments, NGOs, and industry groups that promote sustainable fishing practices and certification schemes like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council). Retailers and restaurants across Europe are responding by prioritizing certified seafood in their offerings, creating a market dynamic where sustainability is a key competitive advantage. This trend is not only boosting consumer confidence but also encouraging the adoption of more responsible practices throughout the supply chain.

Market Challenges

• Regulatory and Compliance Burdens: The European seafood market faces significant challenges related to regulatory and compliance burdens. The European Union's stringent regulations on fishing quotas, environmental protection, and food safety impose considerable compliance costs on seafood producers and processors. Navigating these complex regulations requires substantial resources, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the need to adhere to varying national regulations across different EU member states further complicates the situation. These regulatory hurdles can stifle innovation and limit the growth potential of companies in the seafood sector, especially in a highly competitive market.

Market Trends

• Growth in Plant-Based and Alternative Seafood: The European market is witnessing a growing trend towards plant-based and alternative seafood products, driven by the rising popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets. Consumers are increasingly seeking out seafood alternatives made from plant proteins, algae, and lab-grown cells as part of a broader shift towards sustainable and ethical food choices. This trend is supported by advancements in food technology and the entry of new players into the market, offering a range of innovative products that mimic the taste and texture of traditional seafood. As consumer preferences evolve, the market for alternative seafood is expected to grow significantly, presenting new opportunities and challenges for the industry.

Processed seafood is leading in the European seafood market primarily due to the strong demand for convenience foods and the well-established seafood processing industry.

The fast-paced lifestyle of European consumers, coupled with the region's advanced processing technologies and stringent safety standards, has driven the growth of the processed seafood sector. European consumers increasingly seek seafood products that are easy to prepare, require minimal cooking time, and offer consistent quality and taste. Processed seafood caters to these preferences, providing a wide range of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook options such as frozen meals, canned seafood, smoked fish, marinated seafood, and breaded and battered products. This convenience factor is particularly appealing to working professionals, families with busy schedules, and the elderly. The European seafood processing industry is highly developed, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and quality. Advanced processing techniques, such as high-pressure processing (HPP) and advanced freezing methods, ensure the preservation of nutrients, texture, and flavor in processed seafood products. Additionally, the industry is committed to sustainable practices, with many companies adopting certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to promote responsible fishing and aquaculture. European consumers are also highly conscious of food safety and traceability. The region's stringent food safety regulations and robust traceability systems instill confidence in consumers, making processed seafood a trusted choice. The European Union's (EU) strict labeling requirements further enhance transparency, providing consumers with detailed information about the origin, processing methods, and ingredients of seafood products. The diversity of European cuisines and culinary traditions has fostered a strong appreciation for processed seafood products. From smoked salmon in Scandinavia to canned sardines in Portugal and marinated herring in the Netherlands, each region has its unique specialties that contribute to the rich tapestry of the European seafood market.

Fish leads the European seafood market with fish, associated with its several health benefits, growing consumer demand for sustainable options, and increasing popularity of diverse seafood cuisines.

The European seafood market is marked by a high preference for fish as a healthier source of protein compared with red meat and poultry. The change in eating habits of the consumers has been attributed to the increasing health consciousness among them, making them realize the nutritional benefits that exist in fish, such as high-quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. The average fish consumption in the European Union reached about 24 kg per capita in 2021. At the same time, important differences across member states reflect regional preferences and cultural influences on seafood consumption. Countries like Portugal belong to the big fish consumers; figures amount to 56 kg per capita, while in Hungary, they reach much lower levels of consumption. The trend of consumer consciousness regarding the origin and ecology of food, there is much ground in Europe for seafood as well. Due to very strict regulations set by the EU with respect to fishery sustainability, this also created a market for responsibly sourced seafood. Not only do these regulatory steps help maintain healthy fish populations; they are also in line with the values of green consumers. This trend is further supported by the increasing demand for organic seafood products, which allows customers to align their demand for healthy food with sustainable production. Another factor is that culinary environments are also evolving across Europe, with various Asian and other international cuisine gaining popularity, and it gives a lot of attention to fish as an ingredient. It is the diversification that has driven recent increases in per-capita consumption for various fish species, including tuna, salmon, and cod three of the most popular in the region. Value-added products, like canned fish and other processed seafood, is another fast-growing sector catering to the convenience-seeking consumer.

Frozen seafood is leading in the Europe Sea Food Market due to its ability to offer convenient, affordable, and sustainable seafood products, which are also fast-growing, meeting shifting consumer tastes and lifestyles in Europe.

The convenience, affordability, and sustainability of frozen seafood products have enhanced their popularity in the European market. Among those frozen seafood products, frozen fish fillets, shrimps, and mussel products have made their gains easy to store and prepare, and convenient in cooking. Endorsed by a busy consumer base, these three frozen seafood are presented with the clear edge. Apart from these, frozen seafood has also turned out to be more economical than fresh seafood, which makes it quite attractive to the European consumer, who has an eye on a budget. In addition, the growing demand for sustainably sourced seafood products has provided further impetus to sales of frozen seafood in Europe. European consumers increasingly have been concerned about the environmental and social impact of foods they consume, and frozen seafood products could capitalize on that trend. Therefore, frozen seafood products obtained from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture facilities have been well positioned to satisfy a section of environmentally conscious consumers clamoring for sustainable seafood alternatives. In addition, the common fisheries policy of the European Union, designed to minimize important environmental impacts of fishing, has increased demand further for frozen seafood products. It becomes a very fact that implementation of this policy, indeed raised the availability of the sustainable seafood products, including frozen, allowing growth in the market.

The UK's extensive coastline and rich marine resources, which provide an abundance of fresh seafood and support a thriving fishing industry.

The UK's extensive coastline, which stretches for over 11,000 miles, provides an unparalleled opportunity for fishing and seafood production. The country's rich marine resources, including the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the English Channel, are home to a diverse range of fish and shellfish species, including cod, haddock, salmon, and mussels. This natural advantage has enabled the UK to develop a thriving fishing industry, with many small-scale and large-scale fishing fleets operating out of ports around the country. The UK's seafood industry is also supported by a well-developed infrastructure, including fish markets, processing facilities, and transportation networks, which enable the efficient distribution of seafood products to both domestic and international markets. Furthermore, the UK's seafood industry has a strong reputation for quality and sustainability, with many UK seafood products carrying the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. This has helped to drive demand for UK seafood products, both at home and abroad, and has contributed to the country's position as a major player in the European Sea Food Market. Additionally, the UK's seafood industry has also been driven by a growing demand for seafood from UK consumers, who are increasingly looking for healthy and sustainable food options.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Seafood market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Source
• Farm Raised
• Wild Caught

By Form
• Processed
• Fresh

By Type
• Fish
• Crustaceans
• Molluscs
• Others (sea cucumbers, sea urchins,)

By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Store
• Others (wholesale markets, direct sales from fishermen)

By Category
• Frozen Seafood
• Salted Seafood
• Dried Seafood
• Smoked Seafood
• Others (canned or pickled seafood)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Seafood industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.
Keywords:
Seafood, Farm Raised, Wild Caught, Processed, Fresh, Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online Store, Wholesale markets, direct sales from fishermen, Frozen Seafood, Salted Seafood, Dried Seafood, Smoked Seafood, canned or pickled seafood

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