Dried Seafood Market Outlook 2025–2031

The global Dried Seafood Market size is estimated at US$ 9,600 million in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately US$ 14,800 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during 2025–2031.
Rising demand for protein-rich foods, extended shelf-life products, and traditional seafood consumption patterns are driving steady market expansion worldwide.

Market Historical Performance

The Dried Seafood Market has demonstrated consistent growth over the past five years, supported by strong consumption in coastal regions and increasing penetration in urban retail channels. In 2020, the market was valued at approximately US$ 7.2 billion, with Asia-Pacific accounting for more than half of global demand due to long-standing culinary traditions involving dried fish, shrimp, and shellfish.

Between 2021 and 2022, the market expanded to nearly US$ 8.1 billion as pandemic-driven pantry stocking increased demand for shelf-stable food products. By 2024, the market reached around US$ 9.1 billion, registering a historical CAGR of about 6.0% from 2020 to 2024. Improvements in drying technology, hygienic processing, and packaged dried seafood products further strengthened consumer confidence and export activity during this period.

Market Overview & Key Statistics

• Market Size 2025: US$ 9.6 Billion
• Forecast Value 2031: US$ 14.8 Billion
• CAGR (2025–2031): 7.4%
• Historical CAGR (2020–2024): ~6.0%
• Major End Users: Household consumers, foodservice, food processing companies
• Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

The market benefits from a combination of traditional consumption habits and modern retail expansion, positioning dried seafood as a versatile and reliable protein source.

What Is Driving the Dried Seafood Market?

Dried seafood refers to fish, crustaceans, and mollusks preserved through sun-drying, air-drying, or advanced dehydration methods to extend shelf life while retaining nutritional value. These products are widely used in household cooking, packaged snacks, soups, sauces, and ready-to-eat meals.

The growing preference for high-protein, low-fat food products is significantly boosting dried seafood consumption. In addition, expanding global trade, improved cold-chain-to-dry-chain logistics, and stricter food safety standards are supporting wider market adoption across developed and emerging economies.

Key Market Drivers

• Rising Demand for Protein-Rich Foods
  Dried seafood offers concentrated protein content with minimal preservatives, aligning with global health and nutrition trends.
• Extended Shelf Life and Reduced Food Waste
  Compared to fresh seafood, dried seafood has a longer shelf life, reducing spoilage and enabling bulk storage and transport.
• Strong Cultural and Traditional Consumption
  In regions such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa, dried seafood is a staple ingredient in daily cooking.
• Growth of Packaged and Ready-to-Cook Foods
  Food manufacturers increasingly use dried seafood in instant noodles, soups, seasoning mixes, and snack products.
• Expanding Export and E-Commerce Channels
  Online retail platforms are making regional dried seafood products accessible to global consumers.

Market Restraints & Challenges

• Seasonal dependency of raw seafood supply
• Quality inconsistency due to traditional drying methods
• Price volatility of marine raw materials
• Regulatory scrutiny related to food safety and hygiene
• Competition from frozen and canned seafood alternatives

Dried Seafood Market Segment Analysis

By Product / Technology / Type

➤ Dried Fish (Largest Segment – ~48% Share)
Dried fish remains the most widely consumed category due to its affordability and use in everyday cooking. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.8% through 2031.

➤ Dried Shrimp & Prawns (~27% Share)
Popular in Asian cuisines and food processing applications, dried shrimp products are witnessing strong export demand and premium pricing.

➤ Dried Squid, Cuttlefish & Octopus
This segment is gaining traction as a snack product, especially in East Asian markets, growing at nearly 8.1% CAGR.

➤ Other Dried Seafood Products
Includes dried clams, scallops, and anchovies used in specialty dishes and seasoning blends.

By Application / End-User

➤ Household Consumption (Approx. 52% Market Share)
Home cooking remains the largest application segment, driven by cultural preferences and convenience.

➤ Food Processing Industry (~28% Share)
Manufacturers use dried seafood as flavor enhancers and protein sources in packaged foods.

➤ Foodservice & Restaurants
Rising Asian cuisine popularity is increasing demand from restaurants and catering services globally.

➤ Pet Food & Animal Nutrition
Dried fish and shrimp by-products are increasingly used in premium pet food formulations.

By Region / Geography

➤ Asia-Pacific (Largest Market – ~45% Share)
• Strong consumption in China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam
• Extensive domestic production and export activity
• Deep-rooted culinary traditions

➤ Europe (~22% Share)
• Growing demand for ethnic foods and gourmet seafood
• Rising imports from Asia and Africa

➤ North America (~18% Share)
• Increasing popularity of Asian cuisine and protein snacks
• Growth in online specialty food retail

➤ Latin America & Middle East & Africa
• Expanding coastal production hubs
• Rising urban consumption and export potential

Emerging Trends in the Dried Seafood Market

• Adoption of hygienic and controlled drying technologies
• Growth of premium and organic dried seafood products
• Increased use of eco-friendly packaging
• Rising demand for ready-to-eat dried seafood snacks
• Expansion of cross-border e-commerce seafood sales

Investment Opportunities

• Modernization of drying and processing facilities
• Export-oriented production in Asia-Pacific and Africa
• Development of value-added dried seafood snacks
• Branding and packaging innovations for urban consumers
• Strategic partnerships with food processors and retailers

Long-term returns remain attractive as dried seafood continues to balance affordability, nutrition, and convenience across global markets.

Key Companies in the Dried Seafood Market

• Maruha Nichiro Corporation
• Thai Union Group
• Nissui Corporation
• Dongwon Industries
• Pacific Andes Group
• Lee Kum Kee
• High Liner Foods
• Clearwater Seafoods
• Trident Seafoods

Future Outlook

The Dried Seafood Market is expected to experience stable growth through 2031, supported by rising global protein consumption, improved processing standards, and expanding international trade. Technological advancements in drying methods and growing consumer interest in traditional yet convenient foods will continue to shape market dynamics.

Conclusion

The Dried Seafood Market represents a resilient and evolving segment of the global seafood industry. With strong cultural roots, expanding modern applications, and increasing global accessibility, the market offers significant opportunities for producers, exporters, and food manufacturers over the forecast period.

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