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The global tuna fish market size was valued at USD 43.02 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 44.17 billion in 2025 to USD 57.45 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.34% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the tuna fish market with a market share of 36.11% in 2024.
Tuna is considered one of the crucial and commercially valuable fish and is an essential part of the marine ecosystem. Commercial tuna fishery forms a key part of the blue economy, and its six significant varieties are Southern Bluefin, Skipjack, Bigeye, Atlantic, Yellowfin, and Pacific. In recent years, the seafood market has observed new trends in terms of consumers’ consumption patterns. People across the globe are opting for healthy and convenient foods, which has significantly boosted the demand for protein-rich foods such as tuna, thus driving the tuna fish market. Bolton Group, Century Pacific Foods Inc., Thai Union Group Inc., and FCF Co. Ltd. are few of the key players in the market.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major effect on the market value growth. Governments imposed various safety measures and restrictions during the outbreak, significantly impacting commercial fish landings due to reduced labor mobility, restaurant closures, and social distancing protocols. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the pandemic affected the demand for canned tuna as the restaurant trade declined by 80-90%.
Proliferating Demand for Sustainably Sourced Fish to Augment Market Growth
Sustainable lifestyle is one of the key concerns among individuals globally. The increasing concern regarding health and environmental sustainability has pushed the demand for value-added and sustainably sourced seafood. Moreover, several fishery management organizations are focusing on creating a sustainable supply chain in the tuna fishing industry. For instance, in November 2022, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) adopted a modernized fishery management plan for Atlantic Bluefin tuna species.
The new plan was a result of extensive collaboration with scientists, stakeholders, and managers while ensuring long-term sustainability, reduction of post-harvesting loss, and achieving profitability. For instance, in October 2021, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines launched a new EU SWITCH-Asia-funded project to improve product quality, tackle post-harvesting loss of tuna, and achieve sustainability from fishing. Such governments and organizations' emphasis on improving fishing and achieving sustainability drives the global tuna fish market growth. Europe witnessed a growth from USD 15.24 Billion in 2023 to USD 15.60 Billion in 2024.
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Longer Shelf-life and Affordability of Tuna Fish to Drive Demand for Canned Tuna
Canned tuna fish consumption across the world has increased exponentially in recent years. It is a highly sought-after protein source that is not just convenient to store but also does not need refrigeration. Moreover, it is an easy-to-ship product as it has no-to-low refrigeration costs. Moreover, a rise in the working population has augmented the demand for ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and processed foods. The incredibly high shelf-life of the product and the low price of canned tuna as compared to its other forms, such as frozen and fresh fish, makes it an ideal choice for consumers seeking affordable animal protein and convenient food.
Furthermore, key leaders in the market are introducing novel products to meet the consumers’ requirements. It is another positive factor to propel the market’s growth. For instance, in September 2021, Thai Union brand John West announced the launch of a new nutrient-rich canned tuna range in the U.K. grocery outlets. The product is available in three different flavors: Energy, Immunity, and Heart.
Augmented Use of Frozen Tuna in Foodservice Industry Triggers Consumption Rate of Product
The expanding food service industry and the need for frozen tuna represent growth opportunities for the tuna fish market due to its high utilization in culinary applications and convenience. The surge in popularity of Asian cuisines, which mainly feature frozen tuna in several dishes, such as sashimi, poke bowls, and sushi, is a considerable factor contributing to the acceptability of frozen tuna fish globally. Additionally, the rising popularity of Chinese and Japanese cuisines in Western countries also drives the demand for fresh forms of tuna fish. Expanding Asian food service chains in European and U.S. markets will significantly contribute to the global tuna fish market growth. For instance, in April 2023, Sushi Shop, one of the most famous food chains of European restaurants renowned for their Japanese specialties (sushi and sashimi), opened a new franchise in Clapham, a district in England. This outlet is counted as the first restaurant in Clapham that offers a spectrum of appealing, healthy & fresh food options that suit the consumer’s requirement for dinner, lunch, or snacks.
Growing Consumer Inclination Toward Plant-based Protein May Restrict Market Growth
More individuals are adopting vegetarian and vegan eating trends due to environmental concerns and dairy allergies, which are negatively impacting the sales of seafood and meat in different regions. The rising popularity of plant-sourced food products among consumers has led to more artificial meat producers. Despite the rising seafood demand, plant-based alternatives are gaining traction as they minimize overfishing and help protect biodiversity. Furthermore, rapid innovation and technology lead to the uptake of plant-based foods to the next level. According to the Good Food Institute’s 2023 outlook on the plant-based foods industry, retail dollar sales of plant-based meat category products in the U.S. increased to USD 1.4 billion in 2022. Therefore, the increasing veganism trend is poised to hamper market growth in the forthcoming years.
Investment in Product & Technology Innovation to Change Industry Outlook
Product innovation is the tool to success in almost every industry, and the tuna market is no exception. In mature markets such as Europe and the U.S., the demand for innovative products such as flavored canned tuna, uniquely packaged frozen tuna, and others is rising at a significant pace. In fact, some of the key players have already started capitalizing on these opportunities to generate higher revenue. For instance, in February 2024, Tonnino, a gourmet brand of tuna in the U.S., introduced its new line of six yellowfin tuna canned products and in exotic flavors, which include chipotle sauce, spicy bell pepper, carrots & peas, and others. Moreover, all the products launched are kid-friendly and available at Walmart in the U.S.
Skipjack Segment to Hold Major Market Share due to its Easy Availability and Rich Nutritional Profile
Based on species, the market is segmented into albacore, skipjack, bigeye, yellowfin, bluefin, and others.
The skipjack segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period owing to its easy availability in the market and high nutritional value. According to the statistics of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), approximately 216 pounds of Atlantic skipjack tuna commercially landed in 2022. Furthermore, more than 70% of overall tuna catches in the Indian Ocean and the Western and Central Pacific regions are Skipjack tuna, as per the Asia Pacific – Fish Watch. Skipjack fish is predominantly consumed for commercial canning purposes. This species of tuna has a moderate level of cholesterol and is an excellent source of low-fat protein and sodium, which is further aiding the growth of the segment.
Skipjack tuna accounted for 46% of the global tuna market in 2024, due to its availability, lower cost, and widespread use in canned products.
Bluefin tuna is gaining popularity among consumers owing to its excellent texture and rich taste. This species is popularly consumed in sushi and sashimi. The sale of Bluefin tuna is expected to grow considerably in the forthcoming years due to its increasing utilization in several restaurants for preparing exotic dishes.
Bigeye species is one of the red meat species of tuna commonly preferred in sushi and sashimi. Sales of bigeye tuna are anticipated to increase with a promising growth rate with rising commercial landing, increasing product price, and growing product usage. According to the NOAA Fisheries statistics, the commercial landing value of Atlantic bigeye tuna increased from USD 61.29 million in 2020 to USD 84.12 million in 2022.
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Canned Segment Dominates Due to Surge in Convenience Food Consumption
Based on type, the market is segmented into canned, fresh, and frozen.
The canned segment is the leading product type. It is predicted to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period, owing to the rising awareness of its health benefits and convenience in usage. Furthermore, the adoption of Western food culture in Asian countries such as India, China, and Japan is further propelling the canned product demand. According to the statistics from Japan Customs, the import volume of processed and canned tuna increased from 65,000 tons in 2018 to 69,000 tons in 2022. In addition, the solidification of the food industry's supply chain and the growth of e-commerce channels have actively supported the growth of canned tuna demand. Moreover, online grocery shopping platforms have recently grown and have eased access to processed foods, contributing to the segment’s growth.
The fresh segment is expected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period with rising consumer interest in Asian cuisines, including fresh tuna. The dynamic growth of sushi bars and restaurants in European countries also positively affected the demand for fresh tuna.
Regionally, the market is segregated into the Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.
Europe Tuna Fish Market Size, 2024 (USD Billion)
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Europe dominated the global tuna fish market share in 2024 due to high per capita fish and seafood consumption and an established seafood industry across the region. According to the European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (EUMOFA), the household expenditure on fishery and aquaculture products in Europe grew to 11% in 2022 compared to 2021. Tuna is one of the five favorite consumed species in Europe, accounting for about 10% of total seafood consumption in 2022. The consumption increased by 1% in terms of volume and 29% in terms of value, as compared with 2021.
In addition, tuna import value from Ecuador increased by 24% in 2022. Furthermore, market players across the region are focusing on responding to the increased consumer demand for products with functional benefits by introducing new products to the retail shelves, which is anticipated to drive market growth in the upcoming years.
Europe was the largest regional market in 2023, valued at USD 15.26 billion, and rose to USD 15.57 billion in 2024, driven by strong consumption in Mediterranean countries and a well-established seafood processing industry.
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The Asia Pacific market for tuna fish is likely to hold the second-largest share during the forecast period. The Asian seafood and aquaculture production, as well as processing is growing at a crucial pace owing to the increase in demand for animal protein. In low-income developing nations, the demand for affordable animal protein is high, which presents an opportunity for tuna processors to tap into these economies.
Moreover, the aquaculture sector offers huge employment opportunities to the local people. Hence development of this sector by the government is slated to aid the market growth. Moreover, Japan is one of the leading markets for the product globally, and the demand for fresh and frozen tuna peaks for sashimi usage during winter months, for traditional celebrations. However, in China, during autumn festive holidays, there is an increased consumption of sashimi tuna.
Asia Pacific is projected to be the second-largest regional market in 2025, with a value of USD 14.49 billion, growing at the fastest CAGR of 3.58% during the forecast period.
North America has been one of the major markets for seafood as consumers in the region are well aware of the importance of a healthy diet. Thus, they rely on various foods, including seafood. The demand for fresh seafood products is also rising across the region. The demand for Bluefin and Bigeye tuna remains strong from Japanese restaurants in the U.S.
North America is expected to be the third-largest market, reaching USD 10.37 billion in 2025, supported by demand for canned tuna and sustainable sourcing.
Moreover, the growing consumption of cultural foods, which leads to the wide intake of various Asian cuisines, such as sushi, tekkadon, and curries, further improved the fresh tuna fish market growth in the region. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the import of fresh Bluefin increased by nearly 13.4% to 1,090 tons, and fresh Bigeye increased by 7.8% to reach 950 tons during the first quarter of 2023. U.S. will reach USD 8.30 billion by 2025, driven by demand for canned tuna and omega-3-rich foods.
South American seafood consumption patterns have evolved considerably over the past few years. The growing demand for tuna is primarily attributed to the emerging popularity of seafood as a good quality & healthy source of protein as compared to chicken, pork, and beef products. According to Trade Statistics from Vietnam Customs, Chile imported around 3 million worth of tuna items from Vietnam in the first two months of 2024, thus marking a 58% hike, in comparison to the same period in 2023. The augmented trend of natural nutrition and high-protein diet has significantly influenced the seafood industry in the region. Manufacturers and processors are concentrating on launching a variety of processed tuna products, such as canned tuna infused with olive or soybean oil, to cater to the modern consumer demand for healthy, protein-rich fish options.
South America ranks fourth, forecast to reach USD 2.35 billion in 2025, driven by export activity and coastal consumption.
The Middle East & Africa is expected to be the fastest-growing region due to the growing popularity of premium products in the developing countries of the region. The rising demand for canned tuna products is primarily attributed to their diverse flavor and taste notes. It is gaining a mainstream position as a premium product in the retail market. Advancements in the region’s food supply chain network have also contributed to the boom in the canned tuna market.
Saudi Arabia will stand at USD 0.32 billion by 2025, fueled by canned imports and retail expansion.
New Product Launches by Key Players to Aid Market Growth
The key players across the market are focused on introducing innovative and exotic seafood variations to meet the growing consumer demand. These companies are also responding to the increased consumer demand for products with functional benefits. For instance, in December 2023, Tonnino, one of the popular seafood brands, launched six new varieties of canned Yellowfin tuna, which include Premium Yellowfin Tuna chunks with sweet corn in water and Premium Yellowfin Tuna with carrots and peas in vegetable oil. These products are available at Walmart stores across the U.S.
The research report provides qualitative and quantitative insights into the market. It also offers a detailed analysis of its types, applications, market size, and growth rate for all segments in the market. Along with this, the report offers an elaborative analysis of the market dynamics and competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of related markets, research methodology, recent industry developments, such as mergers & acquisitions, the regulatory scenario in critical countries, and key industry trends.
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ATTRIBUTE |
DETAILS |
|
Study Period |
2019-2033 |
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Estimated Year |
2025 |
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Forecast Period |
2025-2033 |
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Historical Period |
2019-2023 |
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Unit |
Value (USD Billion) and Volume (Thousand Tons) |
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Growth Rate |
CAGR of 3.34% from 2025 to 2033 |
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Segmentation |
By Species
By Type
By Geography
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Fortune Business Insights says that the market value was at USD 43.02 billion in 2024.
The market will grow at a CAGR of 3.34% during the forecast period of 2025-2033.
Based on species, the skipjack segment is expected to lead during the forecast period.
The rising consumption of animal protein is driving the market growth.
Bolton Group, Century Pacific Foods Inc., Thai Union Group Inc., and FCF Co. Ltd. are a few of the key players in the market.
Europe holds the largest share and dominated the market in 2024.
Based on type, the canned segment is expected to dominate during the forecast period.
The proliferating demand for clean-label and eco-friendly seafood products is one of the leading market trends.
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