Surimi Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global Surimi market size was valued at USD 5.58 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 5.89 billion in 2025 to USD 7.99 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.

Surimi is a processed seafood product made from deboned fish meat that has been washed, minced, and stabilized through cryoprotection. This versatile ingredient serves as the foundation for various imitation seafood products such as crab sticks, fish balls, and kamaboko. The production process involves extracting myofibrillar proteins from whitefish species like Alaska pollock, Pacific whiting, or tropical fish, then blending them with cryoprotectants to preserve texture and functionality during frozen storage.

The market growth is driven by increasing demand for affordable protein sources, particularly in Asia-Pacific where surimi-based products are dietary staples. However, sustainability concerns regarding wild fish stocks present challenges, prompting innovation in alternative raw materials. Leading manufacturers are investing in vertical integration and product diversification to capitalize on surimi's expanding applications in both food service and retail sectors globally.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Growing Demand for Convenience Seafood to Fuel Market Expansion

The global surimi market is experiencing significant growth driven by rising demand for convenient, ready-to-cook seafood products. With increasing urbanization and hectic lifestyles, consumers are shifting toward processed seafood that offers ease of preparation while retaining nutritional value. Surimi-based products like crab sticks, fish cakes and imitation seafood provide affordable protein alternatives while requiring minimal cooking time. Recent market analysis indicates convenience food demand grew at over 5% annually in developed markets, directly benefiting the surimi sector. This shift is particularly prominent in Asia-Pacific where urban consumers account for over 60% of regional demand.

Health-conscious Consumer Base Driving Market Growth

Nutritional benefits of surimi are proving instrumental in market expansion, as the product contains high-quality protein with low fat content. Compared to whole fish, surimi offers approximately 15-18% protein content with significantly lower cholesterol levels, making it attractive to health-conscious demographics. Market data shows the global health food sector expanding at 6.2% CAGR, with protein-rich seafood alternatives gaining particular traction. Producers are capitalizing on this trend by fortifying surimi with omega-3 fatty acids and additional micronutrients while maintaining clean-label status to appeal to wellness-focused buyers.

➤ Surimi-based products now account for nearly 35% of value-added seafood products in European retail channels, reflecting growing consumer acceptance as a healthy alternative.

Technological Advancements in Processing Enhancing Market Potential

Modern processing techniques are revolutionizing surimi production by improving yield and product quality. Advanced machinery now enables nearly 95% protein recovery from raw material, compared to traditional methods that wasted up to 40% of usable protein. Recent innovations in cryoprotection and quick-freezing technologies help maintain superior gel strength and texture in finished products, expanding application potential. Several leading manufacturers have invested over $200 million collectively in upgrading processing facilities since 2021, significantly boosting production capacity and product consistency.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Fluctuating Raw Material Supply Creating Market Volatility

The surimi industry faces significant challenges from unpredictable fish stocks and seasonal availability of raw materials. Over 80% of global surimi production relies on Alaskan pollock and Pacific whiting, fisheries subject to strict quotas and environmental fluctuations. Recent climate change impacts have caused annual yield variations exceeding 30% in key fishing zones, forcing manufacturers to adjust production cycles. This volatility directly impacts pricing stability, with bulk surimi prices fluctuating up to 25% annually, creating planning challenges across the supply chain.

Other Restraints

Regulatory Constraints
Stringent food safety regulations across major markets require substantial compliance investments. New traceability mandates in the European Union and North America have increased production costs by approximately 12-15% for manufacturers targeting these premium markets.

Storage Limitations
Despite advancements, frozen surimi still requires expensive cold chain infrastructure throughout distribution. In developing markets where refrigeration penetration remains below 60%, this significantly limits market penetration potential.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Misconceptions About Processed Seafood Hindering Wider Adoption

Consumer skepticism regarding processed seafood products presents a notable challenge for market expansion. Despite technological improvements, some consumers continue to perceive surimi-based products as inferior to whole fish. Market research indicates nearly 30% of European consumers consider surimi an "artificial" product, creating marketing hurdles. Bridging this perception gap requires significant education campaigns and transparent labeling initiatives, which remain costly for manufacturers operating on thin margins.

Additional Challenges

Supply Chain Complexities
Maintaining quality across global distribution networks presents logistical challenges. Temperature fluctuations during transit can degrade product quality, with losses estimated at 8-10% of shipments to distant markets.

Competition from Alternative Proteins
The rapid growth of plant-based seafood alternatives has intensified competition, with some products achieving price parity with mid-range surimi offerings. This market encroachment is particularly evident in North America, where alternative protein sales grew 28% in 2023 alone.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Emerging Markets Offering Significant Growth Potential

Developing economies represent a major growth frontier for surimi producers. Rising disposable incomes in Southeast Asia and Latin America are driving increased seafood consumption, with these regions projected to account for over 40% of new demand through 2030. Strategic partnerships with local distributors have enabled some manufacturers to achieve 15-20% annual sales growth in these emerging markets, far outpacing mature market performance.

Product Innovation Creating New Application Avenues

Surimi's versatility presents opportunities across multiple food segments beyond traditional applications. Recent product development has successfully incorporated surimi into snacks, ready meals, and even pet food formulations. The global pet food market, valued at over $110 billion, represents a particularly promising avenue, with surimi-based products gaining traction in premium pet nutrition segments. Similarly, surimi is increasingly used as cost-effective protein fortification in processed foods, potentially doubling its addressable market size.

Furthermore, sustainable production methods are opening premium market segments. Approximately 35% of European consumers now show preference for seafood products with sustainability certifications, creating opportunities for manufacturers adopting eco-friendly practices.

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Frozen Surimi Dominates the Market Due to Extended Shelf Life and Global Supply Chain Advantages

The market is segmented based on type into:

• Frozen Surimi

  • Subtypes: Alaska Pollock, Pacific Whiting, Threadfin Bream, and others

• Chilled/Fresh Surimi

By Application

HoReCa Segment Leads Due to High Demand in Processed Seafood Products

The market is segmented based on application into:

• Households

• HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Catering)

• Food Processing Industry

By Fish Source

Alaska Pollock Remains the Preferred Raw Material for High-Quality Surimi Production

The market is segmented based on fish source into:

• Alaska Pollock

• Pacific Whiting

• Threadfin Bream

• Others (including various whitefish species)

By Distribution Channel

B2B Distribution Channel Maintains Strong Position in the Surimi Market

The market is segmented based on distribution channel into:

• Business-to-Business (B2B)

• Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

  • Subchannels: Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online Retail, Others

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Global Surimi Market Sees Strategic Moves by Major Players to Capture Market Share

The competitive landscape of the global Surimi market is moderately fragmented, with established players competing alongside regional manufacturers. Anjoyfood and Viciunai Group currently lead the market with a combined share of over 12% in 2024, primarily due to their extensive product portfolios and strong distribution networks across Asia-Pacific and Europe. While larger players dominate in terms of market penetration, medium-sized companies like APITOON and Haixin are making significant inroads through competitive pricing and localized offerings.

The market's dynamism stems from surimi's growing popularity as a cost-effective protein alternative, particularly in processed seafood products. Trans-Ocean Products has strengthened its position through vertical integration, controlling production from fishing operations to processing. Meanwhile, Japan's Sugiyo maintains technological leadership in premium surimi-based products, leveraging its 70+ years of experience in surimi processing.

Recent strategic developments include Viciunai Group's acquisition of smaller European processors and Nueva Pescanova's expansion into value-added surimi products. These moves reflect the industry's shift towards product diversification beyond traditional applications. Companies are particularly focused on R&D to improve surimi's texture and flavor profiles, addressing one of the key challenges in Western market adoption.

The competitive intensity varies by region—Asian manufacturers dominate volume production while European players like Fleury Michon and Saint Malo command premium pricing through branded offerings. North American competitors, led by Trans-Ocean Products, are investing heavily in sustainable sourcing to meet evolving consumer preferences.

List of Key Surimi Companies Profiled

• Viciunai Group (Lithuania)

• Trans-Ocean Products (U.S.)

• Seaprimexco Vietnam (Vietnam)

• Thong Siek Global (Thailand)

• Gadre Marine (India)

• Ocean More Foods Co., Ltd. (China)

• APITOON (China)

• Luck Union Foods (Philippines)

• Sugiyo (Japan)

• Fleury Michon (France)

• Nueva Pescanova (Spain)

• Anjoyfood (China)

• Huifafood (China)

SURIMI MARKET TRENDS

Rising Health Consciousness to Emerge as a Major Market Driver

The global surimi market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of protein-rich foods, particularly among millennial and Gen Z demographics. As a concentrated source of high-quality fish protein with low fat content, surimi has gained traction as a healthier alternative to processed meats. The product's versatility in applications—from seafood analogs to ready-to-eat meals—has further enhanced its appeal. Market analysis indicates that Asia-Pacific currently dominates global consumption with 62% market share, though European and North American markets are growing at 4-5% annually as dietary preferences shift toward sustainable proteins.

Other Trends

Technological Advancements in Processing

Innovations in cryoprotectant formulations and freezing technologies have substantially improved surimi quality, extending shelf life while retaining textural properties. Modern processing plants now utilize high-pressure processing (HPP) and advanced mincing equipment that increase yield rates by up to 15% compared to traditional methods. These improvements have enabled manufacturers to scale production—particularly for frozen surimi, which accounts for 57% of the global market—while meeting stringent food safety regulations across international markets.

Expansion of HoReCa Sector

The hospitality industry's recovery post-pandemic has accelerated surimi adoption, with hotels, restaurants, and catering services (HoReCa) incorporating it into diverse cuisines. Surimi-based products now feature prominently in fusion dishes, sushi bars, and quick-service restaurants, driving 8-10% annual growth in this application segment. Manufacturers are responding with value-added products like pre-seasoned surimi sticks and shaped analogs that reduce kitchen prep time—a key factor as labor shortages persist across foodservice operations globally.

Regional Analysis: Surimi Market

North America
The North American surimi market, accounting for approximately 11% of global consumption, is characterized by strong demand for processed seafood and increasing adoption of Asian cuisines. While the U.S. dominates regional consumption, Canada shows promising growth due to its multicultural population. Premiumization trends and rising health consciousness have led manufacturers to focus on clean-label surimi products with minimal additives. However, the market faces constraints from stringent FDA regulations on food additives and competition from alternative protein sources. The frozen surimi segment remains dominant due to extended shelf life and logistical advantages across the continent's vast distribution networks. Recent innovations include surimi-based seafood analogs targeting flexitarian consumers.

Europe
Europe represents the second-largest surimi market globally with a 21% share, driven by established consumption patterns in Mediterranean countries and growing demand in Western Europe. France and Spain remain key consumers due to their traditional seafood-based cuisines, while Nordic countries show increasing uptake through sushi consumption. EU food safety regulations significantly influence product formulations, pushing manufacturers toward sustainable fishing practices and clean labeling. The chilled/fresh surimi segment attracts premium positioning in gourmet retailers, though frozen variants dominate mass retail. Environmental concerns have accelerated development of plant-based surimi alternatives, creating competitive pressure. Market leaders are responding with MSC-certified products and value-added preparations for the HoReCa sector.

Asia-Pacific
As the dominant region holding 62% of global surimi consumption, Asia-Pacific's market is propelled by deep-rooted culinary traditions and expanding middle-class populations. Japan remains the quality benchmark for premium surimi products while China drives volume growth through industrial food processing. Southeast Asian nations exhibit diverse consumption patterns - from traditional kamaboko in Thailand to emerging demand in Indonesia. Price sensitivity favors frozen surimi blocks, though chilled variants gain traction in urban premium segments. The region's thriving foodservice industry accounts for over 40% of surimi usage, particularly in casual dining chains. Sustainability challenges emerge from overfishing concerns, prompting investments in responsible sourcing initiatives by major producers.

South America
South America represents an emerging market where surimi consumption is growing steadily but remains below potential. Brazil leads regional demand through its burgeoning processed food industry, while coastal nations like Peru and Chile show increased interest through Japanese culinary influence. Economic volatility limits premium product adoption, making frozen surimi the mainstay. Local manufacturers focus on affordability by blending surimi with other protein sources. Regulatory frameworks for seafood processing are still developing, creating both opportunities and quality consistency challenges. The market's growth trajectory appears promising as regional trade agreements facilitate surimi imports and domestic production capabilities improve incrementally.

Middle East & Africa
This region demonstrates nascent but accelerating surimi demand driven by urbanization and changing dietary patterns. GCC countries lead in consumption through expatriate communities and tourism-driven foodservice sectors, while South Africa shows potential as an emerging market. Frozen surimi dominates due to infrastructure limitations in cold chain logistics. Cultural preferences for specific seafood textures influence product adaptation strategies. While the market currently represents a small portion of global demand, compound annual growth rates exceed the global average as retail modernization and quick-service restaurant expansion create new consumption occasions for surimi-based products across the region.