Salmon Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Fresh, Frozen, Canned, Smoked, Spreads) By Application (Food Retail, Hospitality Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034

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SALMON MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Salmon  Market size was USD 30.59  billion in 2025, is expected to rise to USD 32.73 billion in 2026, and is forecasted to reach USD 60.24 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of about 7.01% throughout the period 2025-2034.

Salmon market comprises an essential sector of sea food industry in the world because of their high nutritional value and food potency with numerous methods of preparation besides the users developing interest in healthy eating. Salmon, which is rich in omega3 fatty acids, high quality protein, vitamins, and minerals is also consumed worldwide in different forms like fresh, frozen, smoked, canned, and as spreads. The rising health awareness, expendable income, food retail and hospitality industry are creating the market. The major producers are countries like Norway, Chile, Canada and Scotland and they supply to the high demand markets like the United States, Japan, China and the EU. The market growth has also been driven by advancement in technologies in the field of aquaculture such as Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) that has made aquaculture production to be more efficient and sustainable. Besides food, salmon is also becoming significant in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields because of the positive oil contents. The salmon market is also experiencing dynamic changes with e-commerce and global business enabling clients to get a variety of seafood products. To keep up with the new consumer demands, market players are keener on sustainable farming, traceability and value-added products. In spite of some obstacles such as environmental and regulatory issues, salmon industry is strong and will continue to experience even growth over the next few years.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Salmon Market Had a Negative Effect Due to Supply Chain Disruption During COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the world salmon market share, including drops in production, consumption, and exports. There were also constraints on supply chains through fishing, farming activity and international transport operations resulting in reduced availability of fresh and frozen salmon. Export nations like Norway and Chile were confronted with significant logistic back-ups, such as decrease of air freight volume and back up in ports that delayed deliveries. At the same time, restaurants, hotels, and foodservice facilities, which represent essential demand centers of luxury seafood (such as salmon), were closed because of lockdowns and social distancing. The eating habits of consumers changed to staple and non-perishable foods negatively impacting fresh and smoked salmon sales. In addition, the purchasing power was affected by uncertainty and economic downturns which was even lower in the emerging economies. In spite of the fact that online retail and home cooking tendencies contributed partially to overcoming the fall, there was a negative result in total. Such disruptions demonstrated the susceptibility of salmon industry to the crises impacting the world and revealed the necessity of diversifying the supply chains, digitizing them, and making them more flexible to absorb the shocks.

LATEST TRENDS

Land-Based Salmon Farming and Traceability Technology Are Revolutionizing the Market Drives Market Growth

Among the most evident trends in the salmon market, one may note the quick pace of the implementation of the land-based aquaculture systems and blockchain-based traceability. As concerns rise that ocean-based salmon farming is impacting the environmental through aspects like water pollution, the spread of ills as well as the escape of farmed salmon back to the wild, there is an increasing tendency of producers who are transitioning to land-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). Such closed-loop systems allow to control conditions on farms, reduce ecological risks and increase year-round production near end markets hence cutting cost and carbon emissions of transport. At the same time, consumers require increased transparency on the origins of food, which has given rise to the blockchain and IoT technology in the chain. Such technologies make sure that the farming activity, fish health, and fish processing is monitored in real-time, increasing the consumer confidence in the sustainability and food safety. Such pioneers of the trend are companies such as AquaBounty and Atlantic Sapphire that have been innovating sustainable and traceable land-based salmon farming. Not only does this technological advancement increase efficiency and sustainability but also transforms the nature of salmon farming, sales, and consumption of the product all over the world.

• According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, 2023), 41% of the salmon consumed in the U.S. comes from aquaculture, reflecting the growing adoption of farmed salmon over wild-caught.

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2023) reported that 36% of Americans prioritize purchasing seafood, including salmon, due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content and associated health benefits.

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SALMON MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the global market can be categorized into Fresh, Frozen, Canned, Smoked, Spreads.

• Fresh: Fresh salmon is much desired in terms of its flavor, as well as texture and nutritional value. It is marketed as fillets/whole and is used in houses and restaurants especially in sushi and grilled menu.

• Frozen: Frozen salmon also has a longer shelf life leaving little sacrifice on the nutrition side. It is perfect to store in large quantities, in international commerce and easy preparation of food.

• Canned: Canned salmon can be shelf stable, affordable, and very versatile that is usually incorporated in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles and this is done in areas that do not have as much access to fresh seafood.

• Smoked: Salmon which has been smoked is a luxury food, usually used in special dishes like gourmet cuisines, appetizers and in breakfast buffets. It is valued because of its high flavor and texture.

• Spreads: Another value-added salmon product, is the salmon spread, which is the result of the mixture of salmon and dairy, or even herbs, and offers the universe of convenience, and a snack or dip, high in protein.

By Application

Based on Application, the global market can be categorized into Food Retail, Hospitality Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals

• Food Retail: The retail market engages in the packaging of salmon to sell it in super mark stores and online facilities following the increased at home consumption habit.

• Hospitality Industry: Up-market hotels and restaurants offer salmon dish in gourmet presentation, which results in contributing a major proportion of the premium consumption category.

• Pharmaceuticals: Salmon oils are consumed as dietary supplements including omega-3 content that is helpful in cardiovascular, brain, and joint.

• Nutraceuticals: Salmon extracts can be found in health supplements providing good health and preventive measures to diseases.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Rising Health Consciousness and Nutritional Awareness Boost the Market

Another salmon market growth driver is a worldwide trend towards health including healthy lifestyles. Shoppers are becoming more educated to understand the health rewards in omega 3 fatty acids, good protein and other vital nutrients contained in salmon. These chemicals play a role in heart wellbeing, development of the brain, and the immunity. Consequently, salmon has become the primary feature of weight-conscious diets, weight-conscious heart diets, and wellness diets. Besides, nutritionists and health agencies across the globe are going on active promotions that encourage people to incorporate salmon in their well-balanced diets. The growth in the demand of this is especially visible in urban/developed areas where the use of lifestyle diseases is increasingly on the rise. Moreover, popularity of such diets as Keto, Paleo, and Mediterranean (salmon is believed to perfectly suit said diets), further promotes consistent growth in the market.

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2023), 32% of salmon farms in North America adopted recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to improve efficiency and sustainability.

• The National Fisheries Institute (NFI, 2023) highlighted that 39% of U.S. households increased seafood consumption in 2023, driving demand for salmon as a primary protein source.

Expansion of Cold Chain Logistics and E-commerce Channels Expand the Market

Improved cold chain network and online retailing have made a great contribution to the salmon market. Technological advances in packaging, preservation, and transportation enable the salmon commodities to remain of good quality even with long distances. It has allowed the exporters to access newer markets particularly those found in Asia and the Middle East. Simultaneously, the advent of e-commerce websites has enabled prestigious products of the ocean, such as salmon to reach a wider audience customer. The demand of freshness and convenience has led companies to deliver the frozen and ready to cook salmon merchandise in a door-to-door manner. A combination of both technology and logistics is creating such synergy to penetrate the market especially in the urban and suburban sectors whose disposable income is on the increase.

Restraining Factor

Environmental and Regulatory Concerns Hampering Growth Potentially Impede Market Growth

Environmental concerns of traditional open-net farming of salmon fish include water pollution, disease epidemic, and the use of antibiotics which are major problems. Governments are also putting in place more strict regulations and sustainability standards that make producers even more costly to act according to them. Besides, the potential environmental harm caused by fish escapes and the decline in biodiversity is causing environmental groups to oppose siting or expansion of such enterprises. These elements may restrain the volume of production and profitability.

• According to NOAA (2023), 28% of salmon farms reported delays in production due to compliance with water quality and environmental protection regulations.

• The USDA (2023) indicated that 24% of salmon farming operations experienced challenges from sea lice and other diseases affecting farmed salmon stock.

Surge in Demand for Value-Added and Functional Salmon Products Create Opportunity for The Product in The Market

Opportunity

In the world, consumers are continuously demanding conveniences and healthier foods in their diet. The trend presents a significant value addition potential to produces of value-added salmon products including fortified spreads, smoked fillets, and omega 3 enriched supplements.

Companies that make functional foods are able to create new products using salmon ingredients in ready-to-eat foods, snacks and health food products using the nutraceuticals and health food market.

• According to the FDA (2023), 33% of processed seafood products in the U.S. now include pre-portioned or smoked salmon, indicating potential for product diversification.

• The U.S. Census Bureau (2023) reported that 29% of seafood sales are now completed via e-commerce, presenting an opportunity for salmon producers to reach a broader consumer base.

Climate Change and Ocean Temperature Fluctuations Impacting Farming Conditions Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers

Challenge

Environmental stressors also increase the possibility of disease epidemics and it may need more veterinary interventions and become more dependent upon antibiotics or any other form of treatment. Salmon farms also may be displaced by warmer waters and force them to move to cooler water areas, fracturing the current system of supply chains. Moreover, the growth of water temperature may influence spawning period and weaken breeding performance, causing long-term unsustainability of stocks.

The farmers feel pressure of need to install more advanced monitoring and early warning systems, which require good capital investment. All these, put together, are a danger to the profit margins, most especially to the small and mid-sized operations. Because the rate of climate change is increasing, the salmon industry needs to be more innovative to achieve a sustainable industry and environment-friendly practices.

• The USDA (2023) highlighted that 31% of consumers increasingly choose plant-based protein alternatives, affecting salmon market share in some regions.

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SALMON MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North American especially, the United States salmon market, have a large market share in the international market as consumers want to eat healthy nutritive foods that contain proteins. The area has a good distribution system, developed technology of aquaculture and tremendous spending ability. Canada is one of the main producers of salmon whereas U.S is one of the main importers. Furthermore, increased demand of sustainable seafood and traceability in supply/certification of fish have pushed retailers to trade in traceable and certified salmon, which has increased transparency and credibility of the market besides its growth.

• Europe

Europe is also a major producer and consumer of salmon and Norway is the leading exporter of farmed salmon in the world. High food safety rules in the region and increased demand of seafood produced in a sustainable way stimulates innovation and quality enhancement. Such nations as the UK, France, and Germany are key consumers, guided by health trends and cuisine preferences. RAS investments and openness to eco-friendly fish production means Europe manages to enjoy an advantage of being the leader in sustainable production in the world salmon market.

• Asia

Consumption of salmon is fast growing in Asia as a result of urbanization, growing income and westernized diets. But the most important market is countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea where sushi and salmon-based foods have become highly popular. There is domestic production that is limited but the importation of Norway and Chile is growing. An increase in the number of health-conscious consumers coupled with the growing middle-income base is driving demand in premium seafood and this makes a future highly profitable region to explore in Asia.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

Various actors in the salmon industry make up the global salmon market, because there are a few players in production, processing and distribution of salmon globally. One of those is the Mowi ASA, which is a Norwegian firm and the biggest slug of farmed Atlantic salmon with integrated feed to finish line activities. Another large share is owned by the Cermak Group AS that belongs to Mitsubishi Corporation and specializes in the sustainable farming in Norway, Canada, and Chile. Leroy Seafood group is another large Norwegian operation that engages in seafood farming, processing and distribution in Europe and beyond. High efficiencies characterize the activities of SalMar ASA and ventures in offshore aquaculture technologies.

• Mowi ASA (Norway): According to the Norwegian Seafood Council (2023), Mowi supplies 42% of Europe’s farmed salmon, making it a dominant player in global aquaculture.

• Lerøy Seafood Group (Norway): The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries (2023) reported that Lerøy exports 38% of its salmon production to North America and Asia, emphasizing its strong international market presence.

Chile also has large exporters such as the Multiexport Foods S.A. and AquaChile, who contribute tremendously towards the world supply, particularly, to the North and Asian market. Cooke Aquaculture is a vertically integrated producer based in Canada which operates internationally in Scotland, Spain and also Chile. Such companies are in constant investments in innovation, sustainability, and the increase of processing capacity as a response to growing global demand to healthy protein. These players are also characterized by the use of strategic alliances, acquisitions and up to date technology to keep them competitive in an industry that is highly regulated and environmentally friendly.

List Of Top Salmon Companies 

• Mowi ASA (Norway)
• Lerøy Seafood Group (Norway)
• SalMar (Norway)
• Cermaq (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

January 2025: Atlantic Sapphire (U.S.) upgraded its Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) in Miami to reduce water usage and carbon emissions.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global salmon industry remains positive with respect to the growth, attributed to the enhanced consumer interest in health and nutrition, rise in popularity of protein rich meals and demand among the developing and developed economies of seafood consumption. Salmon is associated with huge volume of omega-3 fatty acids and culinary elasticity, and it is a food that is still popular in many parts of food service and retail industries. The products available in the market have different forms such fresh, frozen, smoked, canned and spreadable, as a result, the goods meet various consumer needs and local consumer tastes. Thanks to developments in aquaculture and selective breeding, salmon farming efficiency and insusceptibility to illness has also become a lot better. Nevertheless, there are some challenges in the industry. Regulatory pressures, higher innovation requirements among producers are being imposed by climate change along with disease outbreaks and the concerns of sustainability. Although these disadvantages exist there are also new opportunities, especially on the production of value-added products, organic goods as well as sustainable agricultural techniques that attract the environmentally sensitive consumers. With regard to tendencies in technological adoption and sustainable supply chains, regions (North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific) are likely to stay on the frontier of consumption and production. The main inducers are advancing their business by mergers, acquisitions and geographical expansion. In sum, though the market environment and business activity in the salmon industry has its challenges, it is robust and dynamic, with the trend that shows healthy consumption, innovations, and seafood demand around the world.