Squid Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Type (Cuttlefish, European Squid, Argentine Shortfin Squid, Jumbo Flying Squid, and Others), By Form (Canned, Frozen, and Chilled) By End-user (Commercial and Household), By Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global squid market is an active part of the seafood sector and it is experiencing an increased growth in requirements of low-fat food products that are rich in proteins. Asian, European and the American regions are the forefront consumers of squid, although the product is consumed fresh and processed.

Increasing awareness about health, the growing foodservice industry spread as well as improving availability as frozen and canned forms are some key drivers of the market. China, India, Peru, and Thailand are major producers who also distribute their goods to local markets as well as global markets. Traceability and sustainable fishing are also getting vital as there is increasing regulatory interest and consumer consciousness.

• According to the NOAA Fisheries, the annual squid fished amount in the U.S. amounts to almost 47,000 tons, which make up a major portion of the seafood stock in North America.

Squid Market Driver

Rising Health Consciousness

Customers are increasingly aware if their health and are increasingly focusing on balanced diets consisting of most important nutrients. There exists therefore increasing interests in sea food, especially squid due to of its low fat and richness in protein. Squid is also a source of valuable minerals such as zinc, copper and selenium that aid in general well-being. Such a change in feeding habits is instrumental in raising demand in the seafood markets around the world.

• According to the NOAA Fisheries, in the U.S. there are 215 officially licensed vessels to engage in squid fishing and this shows a strong regulated industry in North America.

Squid Market Restraint

Overfishing and Sustainability Concerns May Create Challenges for Squid Market Growth

Unsustainable fishing is one of the realities that include overfishing and the absence of catch limits leading to the rapid decrease of squid population. This poses a challenge to marine life and sabotages the ecological balance of the ocean environment. There is increasing concern among the environmentalists concerning the effects of long-term consequences on the marine ecosystem. In turn, authorities have been demanding tighter regulations and closer control to make harvests sustainable. 

Squid Market Opportunity

Expansion in Emerging Markets to Offer New Growth Opportunities

The increased income among consumers in emerging markets is making people to discover other varieties of foods and high-quality foods. Due to the change in dietary habits to foods that are protein rich and health focused, squid is becoming common. The fact that it is easily used to cook, and its nutritional values make it attractive to many kinds of consumers. The trend is bringing profitable opportunities to the exporters of squids and other suppliers of seafood in the world.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Rising global demand for nutritious, low-fat, and high-protein seafood, By Major Countries
• Key Industry Developments (Advances like IoT-enabled processing lines, AI-powered sorting, blockchain for traceability, high‑pressure processing (HPP) for extended freshness, and selective smart fishing gear all boosting efficiency, sustainability, and product quality)
• Overview: Rising seafood consumption, health trends, and expanding international trade, affecting overall market dynamics

Analysis By Type  

Based on type analysis, the squid market is subdivided into cuttlefish, European squid, Argnetine shortfin squid, jumbo flying squid, others.

Cuttlefish though mistakenly included in the same group as squid, possess an internalized shell referred to as a cuttlebone. They have tender meat that makes them valued in the Mediterranean and Asian dishes. They are also consumed as culinary ingredients by use of their ink.

European squid has a mild taste and firm meat, and is native to the Northen Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. It is highly applied in grilled and fried food in Europe countries.

The species of squid is primarily found in the Southwest Atlantic, and Argentina is its leading export. It is popular due to high yield and it is common to find it in frozen and processed aspects.

Analysis By Form

Based on form analysis, the squid market is subdivided into canned, frozen, chilled.

Squid cooked canned can be stored in either brine, oil, or sauce resulting in long life and convenience. It is known in retail and emergency food staple as it is ready to be eaten. Nutritional value and flavor are retained too using canning.

International trade of frozen squid is common and as such, guarantees its availability throughout the year along with the minimization of spoilage. Restaurants and food processing industries are the common users of the same. Freezing allows preserving for longer periods in retention of texture and quality.

Chilled squid is stored under low temperature without being frozen and has the aspect of being fresh like it is fit to be used in good cooking. It is of less shelf life and sold, but mostly in local or regional markets. It is the preferred form of the fish chefs prefer as they tend to stay fresher and soft.

Analysis By End-user

Based on end-user analysis, the squid market is subdivided into commercial, household.

The commercial sector consists of squid restaurants, hotels and catering services and the sea food processors who buy squids in large quantities to process them into food. The driving force behind the demand is that squid dishes are quite popular worldwide. This domain has focused on a stable supply, quality, and product range.

The household segment is the customers who are individual consumers who buy squid to cook at home. The expansion of the section is driven by the growth in awareness on the health benefits of squid and growing accessibility to this point of retailers. During those times, consumers prefer easily cooked types of the squid such as frozen and canned ones.

Analysis By Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channel analysis, the squid market is subdivided into offline, online.

The common offline markets are the supermarkets, seafood markets, specialty markets and the wholesalers which directly sell squid product to the people. It is also the mainstreamed channel due to of the possibility of examination of freshness and quality first-handedly. Impulse shopping and instant ready are also favored by traditional stores.

Online distribution includes such aspects as e-commerce, grocery delivery applications, and seafood-oriented web-sites that supply the consumers with the squid products. Convenience, broader choice, and deliveries on the doorstep are making this channel a fast-growing channel. It is most appealing to urban consumers to whom time is of concern when shopping.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa.

A factor that is contributing to the growth of North American squid market is the U.S. with a healthy domestic catch level and the increased demand of low-fat seafood. Squid can be used in the foodservice and in the ethnic preparations, particularly in Asian and Mediterranean peoples. Sustainable practices and technological enhancement are getting popular. Imports are used to support domestic supply to satisfy varying preferences of consumers.

The squid market in Europe is strong with a great usage in the Mediterranean states such as Spain, Italy, and Greece. Quality, traceability, and sustainable procurement are key aspects in the region due to food rules can be strict. Locally captured but broadly exported squids are found in Europe. Conservative demand in the market is driven by consumer taste in the traditional squid food.

Catching and consuming many squids are seen as dwelling in Asia Pacific, mainly in China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Squid is consistent in many local meals, and it is processed in different manners dried squid, frozen squid, fresh squid, and canned squid. The region has a high supply of marine resources and adequate processing facilities. Export is also a major growth factor.

South America, and most specifically Argentina and Peru, is significant in squid export, especially the Argentine shortfin squid. The countries facilitate industrialized fishing to exploit the international markets. Import levels are increasing and exports are getting higher. The area is paying attention to the betterment of sustainability and infrastructure in the seafood process.

The Middle East and Africa squid market is also growing with many people developing an interest due to of lifestyle changes and rising urbanization. The market is dominated by imports due to the capabilities to process and local catch are limited. It is on demand due to tourism, hospitality industry and increased knowledge on the health benefits of seafood. Market access is improving slowly, but infrastructure is being developed and cold chain logistics.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• KING FISH PRODUCTS PVT LTD. (India)
• Lee Fishing Co. (Taiwan)
• Maruha Nichiro Corporation (Japan)
• Mitsubishi Corporation (Japan)
• Mowi ASA (Japan)
• Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd (Japan)
• Nissui Corp. (Japan)
• PT. Sukses Lautan Indonesia (Indonesia)
• Super Royale Seafoods Intl Inc. (Philippines)
• Thai Union Group PCL (Thailand)

Key Industry Developments

• April 2025– Maruha Nichiro Corporation announced commercialization trials of cobia aquaculture (sugi), thus proving the commercializing company aims at diversifying the sources of sustainable protein.
• October 2023– Oceano Seafood acquired Sea Fresh U.S., which increased its American premium squid supply chain greatly.