Middle East Seafood Packaging Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Metal), By Packaging Technology, By Seafood Type (Fish), By Packaging Format, By Application, By Country, And Segment Forecasts

Middle East Seafood Packaging Market Summary

The Middle East seafood packaging market size was estimated at USD 687.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 986.4 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2033. The market is driven by the region’s growing aquaculture and seafood trade, supported by government initiatives to boost food security and exports.

Rising consumer demand for high-quality, fresh, and hygienically packaged seafood further fuels the need for advanced and sustainable packaging solutions. As consumers increasingly prioritize protein-rich diets, seafood has emerged as a healthier alternative to red meat, boosting demand for efficient and sustainable packaging solutions. For instance, countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with their expanding urban populations and high expatriate presence, have seen a surge in seafood consumption, necessitating advanced packaging to extend shelf life and maintain quality. In addition, government initiatives promoting food security, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, are encouraging investments in modern packaging technologies to reduce food waste and improve supply chain efficiency.

The expansion of the retail sector, particularly hypermarkets and online grocery platforms, which require durable and visually appealing seafood packaging to attract consumers. Brands such as Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour in the UAE and Oman are increasingly demanding vacuum-sealed, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and eco-friendly materials to enhance product freshness and meet sustainability goals. For instance, MAP technology, which replaces oxygen with nitrogen or carbon dioxide, is gaining traction as it extends the shelf life of seafood products by up to 50%. The rise of e-commerce platforms such as Noon and Kibsons has further accelerated the need for leak-proof and tamper-evident packaging to ensure safe delivery.

Sustainability concerns are also shaping the seafood packaging market, with consumers and regulators pushing for biodegradable and recyclable materials. The Middle East’s reliance on imported seafood (from regions such as Europe and Asia) has heightened the need for lightweight, eco-friendly packaging to reduce carbon footprints. For instance, Dubai-based companies such as Union Plastic are introducing compostable trays made from sugarcane fiber for seafood packaging, aligning with the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy 2021 - 2031. Similarly, Oman’s fisheries sector is adopting recyclable PET containers to comply with stricter environmental regulations. This shift not only meets consumer demand for green products but also helps exporters access European markets with stringent sustainability standards.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The Middle East relies significantly on seafood imports due to limited local fisheries relative to demand, particularly in GCC countries. This means packaging must comply with international export standards and local regulatory requirements. The import-heavy model also favors packaging that can withstand long-haul transport from Asia, Europe, or Africa while minimizing weight to reduce freight costs. This has made lightweight, high-performance plastic and composite packaging dominant in the region.

The seafood packaging market in the Middle East serves both modern retail (hypermarkets, supermarkets, specialty stores) and foodservice sectors (hotels, restaurants, catering). Retail demands smaller, consumer-ready packs with branding, convenience features, and clear labeling, while foodservice buyers often require bulk-pack formats with emphasis on durability and cold-chain efficiency. This dual-channel demand keeps packaging formats diverse, ranging from 200g retail trays to 20kg insulated bulk containers.

Material Insights

The plastic segment recorded the largest market revenue share of over 50.0% in 2024. Plastic is the most widely used material in seafood packaging due to its excellent barrier properties, flexibility, lightweight nature, and moisture resistance. Common forms include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS), which are used in vacuum-sealed packs, trays, and flexible pouches. Plastics help preserve seafood freshness, prevent contamination, and allow for transparent packaging that enhances product visibility. Plastic’s dominance is driven by its ability to extend shelf life, maintain product quality during cold chain logistics, and withstand moisture-rich environments.

Paper & paperboard segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. Paper & paperboard packaging is increasingly used for seafood, particularly in secondary and outer packaging applications such as boxes, cartons, and wraps. These materials offer printability, eco-friendliness, and structural integrity for transporting seafood in bulk or retail-ready formats. They are often combined with coatings or laminates to enhance moisture and grease resistance. Rising consumer preference for sustainable and recyclable packaging is fueling demand for paper-based seafood packaging.

Packaging Technology Insights

The modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology segment recorded the largest market revenue share of 45.0% in 2024. MAP is a seafood preservation technique in which the atmosphere inside the packaging is altered, usually by reducing oxygen levels and increasing carbon dioxide and nitrogen to slow microbial growth and oxidation. In seafood, this helps retain natural color, texture, and flavor while extending shelf life, making it especially popular for fresh fish fillets, shellfish, and ready-to-cook seafood products.

The vacuum skin packaging segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Vacuum skin packaging involves placing seafood on a tray or board and then covering it with a transparent film that is vacuum-sealed tightly around the product, forming a “second skin.” This method locks in natural juices, prevents freezer burn, and enhances the product’s visual appeal by showcasing its shape and color. It is widely used for premium seafood cuts like salmon portions, tuna steaks, and marinated fish. VSP growth is fueled by the increasing popularity of premium and value-added seafood products, as consumers associate its clear, tight-fitting presentation with higher quality.

Seafood Type Insights

The fish segment recorded the largest market share of over 54.0% in 2024. Fish is the largest segment in the seafood packaging industry, covering species such as salmon, tuna, cod, mackerel, and sardines. This segment has high demand due to its nutritional benefits, including being rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The growth of fish packaging is driven by the rising consumption of fish as a healthy protein source, the expansion of aquaculture production, and increasing exports of processed fish products. Demand for value-added fish products such as fillets, ready-to-cook, and smoked varieties has created the need for innovative packaging that enhances convenience and shelf life.

The others segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. This segment includes less common seafood types such as sea cucumbers, echinoderms (e.g., sea urchins), algae-based seafood products, and mixed seafood assortments. These products often target niche markets, including gourmet restaurants, specialty retailers, and health food stores. Growth in this segment is fueled by the rising popularity of unique and exotic seafood in fine dining, tourism-driven markets, and health-conscious consumer segments.

Packaging Format Insights

The trays segment recorded the largest market revenue share of over 25.0% in 2024. Trays are rigid or semi-rigid containers made from plastic, paperboard, or aluminum, commonly used for fresh, chilled, or frozen seafood. They are often sealed with film lidding to preserve freshness and prevent leakage. These trays can be designed with compartments to separate different seafood portions and are suitable for display in retail environments. The increasing demand for ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat seafood products is boosting tray usage, as they offer superior product visibility and portion control. Trays also support modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology, extending shelf life and reducing food waste, making them popular among supermarkets and premium seafood brands.

The bags & pouches segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. Bags and pouches are flexible packaging formats typically made from multi-layer films that provide excellent barrier protection against oxygen and moisture. They are widely used for frozen, vacuum-packed, or marinated seafood. Popular styles include stand-up pouches, zipper pouches, and vacuum-sealed bags. Rising consumer preference for lightweight, portable, and space-saving packaging is driving the demand for bags and pouches.

Application Insights

The fresh & frozen segment recorded the largest market revenue share of over 69.0% in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. The fresh & frozen segment includes packaging solutions designed to preserve seafood in its natural or minimally processed form, ensuring optimal freshness, texture, and flavor until it reaches consumers. The growth of this segment is driven by increasing consumer demand for fresh, high-quality seafood with minimal additives, coupled with the rising popularity of home cooking and premium seafood dining.

The processed segment includes seafood products that have undergone significant preparation, such as canning, smoking, salting, breading, or ready-to-eat meal formats. Packaging for this category often includes metal cans, retort pouches, plastic tubs, and sealed trays, designed to offer long shelf life, ease of storage, and convenience. Processed seafood packaging must ensure product safety and preserve taste over extended periods, often without refrigeration. The expansion of this segment is fueled by rising consumer preference for convenience foods, urbanization, and the growing working population seeking ready-to-eat or easy-to-cook options.

Country Insights

Saudi Arabia Seafood Packaging Market Trends

Saudi Arabia seafood packaging market led the regional market, accounting for over 39.0% of revenue in 2024 and is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Growth is fueled by rising demand for processed and packaged seafood, driven by rapid urbanization and increasing disposable incomes. The government’s Vision 2030 strategy is fostering the expansion of domestic fisheries and aquaculture, creating greater demand for advanced packaging solutions. For instance, the National Fisheries Development Program is boosting local seafood production, necessitating efficient packaging for both export and retail channels.

UAE Seafood Packaging Market Trends

Seafood packaging market in the UAE leads in seafood packaging innovation due to its status as a global trade hub and high seafood consumption. Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port facilitates seafood imports and exports, necessitating high-barrier packaging to maintain freshness. Brands such as Al Islami Foods utilize vacuum-sealed and frozen seafood packaging for retail and foodservice sectors. Additionally, sustainability trends are pushing companies to adopt eco-friendly materials, such as biodegradable trays for premium seafood products sold in supermarkets such as Carrefour and Spinneys.

Oman Seafood Packaging Market Trends

Oman seafood packaging market is thriving in the fisheries sector, supported by its long coastline, fuels demand for durable seafood packaging. The government encourages value-added seafood processing, increasing the need for leak-proof and tamper-evident packaging. Companies like Oman Fisheries use vacuum-sealed and IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) packaging for exports to Europe and Asia.

Key Middle East Seafood Packaging Company Insights

The competitive environment of the seafood packaging industry in the Middle East is characterized by a mix of regional and international players competing on product innovation, sustainability, and compliance with stringent food safety standards. Intense competition also stems from the need to meet halal and hygiene regulations, provide extended shelf-life solutions, and adapt to increasing environmental concerns, pushing players toward recyclable and biodegradable packaging. Strategic partnerships with seafood processors, investment in cold-chain compatible packaging, and customization for diverse seafood categories are central to gaining a competitive edge.

• In October 2025, JASA Packaging opened a Dubai office to strengthen its Middle East presence, tapping into key markets like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. The office offers local support and aligns with regional sustainability goals, positioning JASA to meet rising demand for eco-friendly packaging in food processing and agriculture.

• In November 2024, ULMA Packaging opened a new office in Dubai, UAE, to strengthen its Middle East presence and offer faster, tailored packaging solutions for sectors such as fresh food, ready meals, and medical devices. This move enhances local customer support, speeds response times, and delivers advanced packaging technologies to boost efficiency and product safety.

• In March 2024, DS Smith launched DryPack, a 100% recyclable, water-resistant fiber-based seafood packaging using patented Greencoat technology. It replaces non-recyclable foam and wax-coated containers, keeping fish below 40°F for over 40 hours with ice and meeting IATA air freight standards. Shipped flat to cut transport costs and emissions, DryPack reduces plastic waste, supports carbon reduction, and ensures freshness while aligning with DS Smith’s low-carbon circular economy goals.

Middle East Seafood Packaging Market Report Scope

Middle East Seafood Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at a region level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Middle East seafood packaging market report based on material, packaging technology, seafood type, packaging format, application, and country:

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Plastic

  • Paper & Paperboard

  • Metal

  • Others

• Packaging Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • MAP

  • Vacuum Skin Packaging

  • Others

• Seafood Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Fish

  • Mollusca

  • Crustaceans

  • Others

• Packaging Format Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Trays

  • Bags & Pouches

  • Cans

  • Boxes

  • Shrink Films

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Fresh & Frozen

  • Processed

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • UAE

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Oman

  • Kuwait

  • Qatar

  • Bahrain

  • Israel

  • Turkey