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

Seafood Packaging Market Summary

The global seafood packaging market size was estimated at USD 17.80 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 28.91 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2033. The market is driven by rising demand for convenient, ready-to-cook seafood products and the growing need for extended shelf life through advanced packaging technologies.

In addition, increasing global seafood trade and stringent food safety regulations are boosting the adoption of high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions. The rapid growth in global seafood consumption is one of the most significant drivers for market growth. Increasing health awareness and preference for high-protein, low-fat diets have boosted the demand for fish, shrimp, shellfish, and other seafood products. According to FAO reports, global consumption of aquatic animal foods has indeed more than doubled since the 1960s. The global average per capita consumption rose from 9.9 kg in the 1960s to a record high of 20.5 kg in 2019. By 2022, per capita consumption reached 20.7 kg. As the trade of fresh and frozen seafood expands across regions, there is a growing need for packaging solutions that ensure freshness, maintain nutritional value, and extend shelf life during transportation and storage. For example, vacuum skin packaging (VSP) is becoming increasingly popular for salmon exports from Norway to Japan due to its excellent preservation qualities.

Seafood is highly perishable, making advanced packaging technologies critical to maintaining product quality and safety. The rise in international seafood trade and long-distance transportation demands packaging that offers effective oxygen barriers, moisture control, and microbial protection. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and high-barrier films are increasingly adopted to slow down spoilage, retain color, and prevent bacterial growth. For example, Thai Union Group, one of the world’s largest seafood producers, uses MAP technology for its frozen shrimp exports to extend shelf life while reducing the need for chemical preservatives. This focus on food safety and extended usability directly fuels innovation and growth in the seafood packaging industry.

The rising popularity of convenience foods, including processed and ready-to-eat seafood, has intensified the demand for portion-controlled, microwave-safe, and attractive retail packaging. Urban consumers with busy lifestyles prefer products that are pre-cooked, marinated, or ready for immediate consumption, often requiring specialized packaging that is both functional and visually appealing. For example, resealable pouches and single-serve trays are gaining traction in North America and Europe, allowing consumers to prepare seafood with minimal effort while keeping unused portions fresh. This trend is also encouraging packaging manufacturers to develop solutions that combine convenience with premium branding to appeal to retail buyers.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The industry is heavily reliant on specialized packaging technologies that maintain product integrity from catch to consumption. Innovations such as active packaging (with oxygen scavengers or antimicrobial agents), intelligent packaging (with freshness indicators), and skin vacuum packaging are increasingly common. Companies like Sealed Air and Amcor have been investing in smart seafood packaging that changes color when freshness deteriorates, helping retailers and consumers ensure safety. This technological focus creates a high entry barrier for new players without advanced R&D capabilities.

The seafood packaging industry operates under strict regulatory oversight, with standards varying across regions. Compliance with food safety regulations like the U.S. FDA’s seafood HACCP rules, EU packaging material migration limits, and Asia-Pacific import packaging standards is non-negotiable. Traceability requirements are also rising, especially in premium export markets, pushing packaging companies to integrate QR codes or RFID tags. Non-compliance can result in shipment rejections, brand damage, and legal penalties, making regulatory expertise a critical industry characteristic.

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 superior 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 6.5% 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 over 44.0% 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 growth of MAP in seafood packaging is driven by rising demand for fresh, minimally processed seafood with extended shelf life, especially in retail and export markets.

The vacuum skin packaging segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.2% 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 such as 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 their clear, tight-fitting presentation with higher quality.

Seafood 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 global 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 global 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 6.9% during the forecast period. This segment includes less common seafoods 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. Expanding trade in specialty seafood products, particularly from Asia-Pacific to global markets, is creating a need for highly customized packaging solutions.

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 6.3% 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. Their ability to extend shelf life, reduce shipping costs, and offer resealable options also makes them a preferred choice for e-commerce seafood delivery and export markets.

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 6.0% 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. In addition, the surge in exports from key seafood-producing nations and growing health-consciousness trends are boosting the demand for effective fresh & frozen seafood packaging.

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. Longer shelf life without the need for constant refrigeration makes processed seafood appealing for export markets and regions with limited cold chain infrastructure.

Regional Insights

The North America seafood packaging market is driven by high consumption of packaged seafood and stringent food safety regulations. The U.S. and Canada demand durable, tamper-evident, and sustainable packaging, with a strong preference for ready-to-eat and frozen seafood products. Flexible packaging and MAP are widely used to extend shelf life, while recyclable materials gain traction due to environmental policies. For instance, Alaska’s salmon industry employs vacuum-sealed packaging for freshness, and major retailers such as Walmart require sustainable packaging from suppliers. The region also sees growth in active packaging with oxygen absorbers to enhance seafood quality.

U.S. Seafood Packaging Market Trends

The U.S. seafood packaging industry is driven by high consumption of frozen, canned, and fresh seafood, with a focus on convenience and shelf-life extension. Flexible pouches and MAP are popular for products like salmon fillets and shrimp, while recyclable materials gain momentum due to corporate sustainability pledges (e.g., McDonald’s sustainable fish packaging). The FDA’s strict food safety standards also influence packaging choices, with tamper-evident seals and antimicrobial coatings being key trends. In addition, the rise of meal kits has increased demand for portion-controlled, leak-proof seafood packaging.

Asia Pacific Seafood Packaging Market Trends

Asia Pacific seafood packaging industry dominated globally and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 42.0% in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. This dominance is due to its vast seafood production, consumption, and export activities. Countries such as China, Japan, India, and Thailand are major contributors, with China being the largest seafood producer globally. The growing middle class, urbanization, and demand for processed seafood are fueling the need for advanced packaging solutions such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum-sealed films. In addition, sustainability concerns are pushing innovations in biodegradable and recyclable materials. For example, Thailand’s seafood industry uses eco-friendly packaging to meet EU and U.S. export standards, while Japan leads in smart packaging with QR codes for traceability.

China seafood packaging industry is the largest seafood producer and consumer globally, driving demand for efficient and cost-effective packaging solutions. The country’s booming e-commerce sector requires robust packaging for online seafood deliveries, with insulated and vacuum-sealed bags being widely used. Government initiatives to reduce plastic waste are pushing innovations in biodegradable materials, while export-oriented seafood processors adopt MAP to meet international standards. For example, Chinese shrimp exporters use oxygen-absorbent films to extend shelf life for U.S. and European markets. However, challenges remain in balancing affordability with sustainability.

Europe Seafood Packaging Market Trends

Europe seafood packaging industry is a major market for seafood packaging, driven by strict EU regulations on food safety and sustainability. Countries such as Germany, Norway, and Spain emphasize eco-friendly materials, such as compostable films and recycled plastics, to meet circular economy goals. The region’s strong seafood import dependency (e.g., Norwegian salmon, Spanish tuna) necessitates high-barrier packaging to prevent spoilage during transit. Germany leads in biodegradable packaging solutions, while France promotes laser-etching labels to reduce plastic waste. The EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive further accelerates the shift toward sustainable alternatives in seafood packaging.

Key Seafood Packaging Company Insights

The competitive environment of the seafood packaging industry is moderately fragmented, characterized by the presence of a mix of global packaging giants, regional players, and niche specialists competing on innovation, cost efficiency, and sustainability. Strategic partnerships with seafood processors, investments in automated packaging solutions, and geographic expansion into high-consumption markets such as Asia-Pacific and Europe are common competitive tactics.

• In January 2025, Royal Greenland, in partnership with Schur, introduced a fully recyclable, plastic-free packaging for its 15-pound frozen cod and halibut boxes, replacing PE-coated cardboard with a water-based coating. The solution withstands freezing, prevents sticking, enhances print quality, and recycles efficiently.

• 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.

Seafood Packaging Market Report Scope

Global Seafood Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at a global 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 global seafood packaging market report based on material, packaging technology, seafood, packaging format, application, and region:

• 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 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

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE