Top 10 Seafood Trends to Look Out For in 2025

The seafood industry is entering 2025 with major momentum and even bigger expectations. According to Precedence research, the global seafood market is projected to reach 0.43 billion this year, up from 2.67 billion in 2024, marking a strong 7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This surge is powered by shifting consumer preferences, new dietary patterns, and digital technologies transforming how seafood is harvested, processed, and sold.

But with growth comes complexity. For seafood suppliers and retailers, staying competitive means staying informed. From sustainability and traceability to plant-based innovations and ready-to-eat convenience, these trends are reshaping the business landscape. Below are the 10 seafood trends every supplier and retailer should anticipate and act on in 2025.

Top 10 Seafood Trends to Look Out For in 2025

1. Sustainability Drives Procurement and Brand Trust

Sustainability remains one of the most critical seafood trends shaping 2025. With overfishing and climate change impacting supply chain, businesses must align with eco-conscious sourcing standards. Certifications like MSC and ASC are increasingly essential in both wholesale partnerships and consumer-facing shelves. Retailers and suppliers alike are expected to prove environmental responsibility not just claim it. As sustainability becomes central to consumer trust, it’s also becoming a core business differentiator.

2. Alternative and Plant-Based Seafood Gains Market Share

One of the standout seafood trends in 2025 is the rise of plant-based and lab-cultivated seafood. These alternatives are designed to meet sustainability goals while catering to vegan, allergy-sensitive, and flexitarian markets. Suppliers are investing in innovation, while retailers are expanding shelf space for these emerging products. This growing segment offers new revenue streams without the volatility of wild catch or farmed seafood.

Leading brands are driving this shift. According to Sprouts, Good Catch offers a range of plant-based seafood products, including fish sticks, fillets, burgers, and crab cakes, crafted from a blend of legumes to replicate the taste and texture of seafood. Finless Foods is preparing to launch lab-grown tuna and mahi-mahi in the U.S. by 2025, signaling a pivotal shift in sustainable seafood and automation-driven food production.

3. Premiumization Elevates Value Across the Chain

The premium segment of the global seafood market is experiencing steady growth. Consumers are seeking higher-quality seafood with clear provenance, artisanal preparation, and nutritional assurance. Think dry-aged fish, sashimi-grade cuts, and organic wild-caught selections. Private-label seafood is also seeing a rise, as retailers look to boost margins and build brand loyalty with premium, exclusive offerings. For suppliers, this trend justifies higher margins; for retailers, it enables product tiering and differentiation.

4. End-to-End Traceability Becomes Standard

Full transparency in the supply chain is no longer optional. Whether for regulatory compliance, recall readiness, or consumer confidence, digital traceability tools are critical. Compliance updates like FSMA 204 compliance and evolving Seafood HACCP standards are pushing suppliers to adopt digital systems that ensure both traceability and food safety readiness. Suppliers are deploying blockchain, QR codes, and integrated ERP systems, while retailers benefit from clean labeling and trustworthy sourcing stories. As one of the leading seafood trends 2025 is accelerating, traceability is key to long-term competitiveness.

5. Frozen Seafood Strengthens Its Position

Once seen as a compromise, frozen seafood is now a stronghold of the global seafood market. Flash-freezing and vacuum-sealing technologies preserve texture and taste, making it easier for suppliers to manage seasonal catch and reduce waste. Retailers, meanwhile, benefit from consistent supply and longer shelf life. As demand for convenience and reliability grows, frozen seafood continues to outperform. According to GlobeNewswire, the global frozen seafood market was valued at USD 28 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 48 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.5%. In North America, the market size reached USD 15.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.23% from 2025 to 2033. In the United States, the frozen and canned seafood market is projected to reach USD 18.6 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 1.33% through 2030.

6. Convenience-Ready Formats See Continued Growth

Ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat seafood products are reshaping how people consume fish and shellfish. Marinated fillets, poke kits, and sushi trays are increasingly popular with urban consumers and time-strapped families. This trend gives suppliers the opportunity to add value during seafood processing, while retailers can improve basket size through meal solutions. Among emerging seafood trends, this one directly responds to lifestyle changes. With growing pressure on shelf velocity and merchandising performance, these convenient formats help retailers turn inventory faster and meet changing consumer expectations.

7. Health-Focused Products Dominate Consumer Interest

Seafood remains a staple in health-centric diets, especially those focused on high protein and heart health. Products rich in omega-3s, low in mercury, and responsibly sourced are in high demand. Both suppliers and retailers are optimizing product lines to meet these preferences. Clear nutritional labeling and health-based marketing are essential to stand out in a crowded market shaped by wellness-driven seafood trends.

8. Regional and Global Flavor Fusion Expands Appeal

Global culinary influences are reshaping product development and in-store merchandising. From Korean-style seafood stews to Peruvian ceviche kits, consumers are craving authentic experiences. Suppliers are experimenting with regional spice blends and preparation styles, while retailers are curating multicultural assortments. This trend reflects a broader shift in seafood trends 2025 is ushering in one that’s bold, flavorful, and globally inspired.

9. Local and Seasonal Seafood Gains Momentum

The shift toward local sourcing is another trend redefining the seafood value chain. Whether it’s Dungeness crab from the Pacific Northwest or Gulf Coast shrimp, regional specialties are building loyalty. Seasonal sourcing supports freshness and sustainability while reducing transport emissions that impact the environment. Suppliers focusing on local catch gain credibility, and retailers benefit from promoting freshness and provenance.

10. Technology Enhances Planning and Profitability

Advanced seafood ERP systems, AI-driven demand forecasting, and cold chain IoT sensors are transforming operations. For suppliers, it means better harvest planning and yield optimization. For retailers, it improves inventory accuracy and minimizes waste. As seafood trends evolve, the role of smart tech becomes critical in managing complexity, cost, and compliance across the global seafood market. These tools also help avoid costly compliance penalties, reduce manual workload, and deliver measurable ROI by improving forecasting, resource planning, and real-time decision-making.