Surimi Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Frozen Surimi, Chilled Surimi, Fresh Surimi), By Application (Food Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Animal Feed, Pet Food), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Surimi Market Overview

The Surimi Market size was valued at USD 1.67 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.28 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2033.

The global surimi market plays a vital role in supplying processed seafood products for a range of industries. More than 3 million metric tons of surimi are produced annually worldwide, with Asia-Pacific accounting for over 65% of total production.

Japan remains one of the largest producers and consumers, processing more than 800,000 metric tons of surimi each year. Frozen surimi holds the largest market share, representing over 70% of global output. Chilled and fresh surimi segments are growing as demand for convenient ready-to-cook seafood rises in urban areas. More than 50 countries export and import surimi products, with key trade hubs including China, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea. More than 60% of surimi produced globally is used for seafood analogs like crab sticks, fish balls, and kamaboko.

The food industry accounts for over 80% of surimi consumption, but niche applications in pharmaceuticals, animal feed, and premium pet food are expanding steadily. The market employs more than 200,000 workers worldwide across fishing fleets, processing plants, and packaging facilities. With rising protein demand and sustainable fishing initiatives, the surimi market remains a significant segment in the global seafood supply chain.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Increasing global demand for convenient processed seafood boosts surimi production volumes.

COUNTRY/REGION: Asia-Pacific leads surimi production and consumption, with more than 65% of global output.

SEGMENT: Frozen surimi dominates, representing over 70% of total global supply.

Surimi Market Trends

The surimi market continues to expand as consumer demand for convenient, affordable seafood grows globally. Over 3 million metric tons of surimi are produced each year, with Japan, Thailand, and China among the top producers. Frozen surimi is the dominant product, making up more than 70% of global output due to its long shelf life and ease of transport. Chilled and fresh surimi segments are emerging fast, especially in urban supermarkets and ready-meal sectors. In 2023, more than 1.5 million metric tons of frozen surimi were traded globally through major seafood exporters. Processed seafood analogs like imitation crab sticks and fish cakes account for over 60% of surimi consumption worldwide. Convenience drives purchase behavior: over 80% of surimi is used in ready-to-cook or ready-to-eat meals. Surimi is now a popular source of affordable protein, especially in Asia-Pacific, where more than 2 million metric tons are consumed each year. Europe is showing stronger demand for sustainable seafood, with more than 200,000 metric tons imported annually for value-added processing. North America imports over 100,000 metric tons yearly, with demand boosted by sushi bars and frozen seafood aisles. Production technology is evolving, with more than 100 processing facilities upgrading equipment for better yield and quality. Companies increasingly invest in sustainable sourcing — over 30% of surimi now comes from fisheries certified for responsible harvesting. Surimi-based products are diversifying beyond traditional sticks and cakes: more than 500 new surimi snack products launched globally in 2023 alone, catering to on-the-go consumers. Protein-rich surimi is also gaining attention in the pet food segment, with more than 50,000 metric tons used annually for premium cat and dog food.

Surimi Market Dynamics

The Surimi Market Dynamics section explains the key factors influencing global supply, demand, and production trends for processed seafood products. This section outlines the main drivers fueling market growth, the restraints that limit steady supply, the new opportunities shaping product diversification, and the challenges faced by processors and exporters. Each dynamic is supported by real facts and figures to show how sustainability, raw material supply, cost pressures, and changing consumer habits affect millions of metric tons of surimi every year.

DRIVER

Rising global demand for affordable processed seafood.

The main driver behind surimi market growth is strong consumer demand for processed seafood that is easy to prepare and affordable. Over 3 million metric tons of surimi are processed annually, supplying more than 60% of the world’s seafood analogs like imitation crab and fish balls. Urban populations are fueling this trend — more than 50% of new surimi buyers live in cities where convenience is key. In Japan alone, more than 800,000 metric tons are produced each year to supply local supermarkets and export markets. Quick-service restaurants and sushi chains rely on surimi for menu variety, using more than 200,000 metric tons yearly across Asia and North America. This demand keeps fishing fleets and processing plants operating year-round, employing over 200,000 workers globally.

RESTRAINT

Supply chain vulnerability due to seasonal raw fish availability.

The surimi market faces supply constraints due to the seasonal nature of key fish species used for production. Alaskan pollock and Pacific whiting supply over 70% of the world’s surimi raw material. Fishing quotas and weather conditions can limit catch volumes by more than 15% in some years. In 2023, poor weather reduced catch volumes in parts of the North Pacific by over 10%, impacting raw material flow to major processors in Japan and South Korea. Overfishing and sustainability quotas also restrict catch sizes to protect fish stocks, adding pressure to balance supply and demand. These factors force processors to adjust production runs and maintain large cold storage facilities to stabilize supply across the year.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion into premium pet food and pharmaceutical applications.

New applications for surimi are emerging in premium pet food and pharmaceutical industries. More than 50,000 metric tons of surimi are now used for pet food products, targeting high-protein diets for cats and dogs. This segment grew by more than 20% in the last two years alone. Pharmaceutical applications use refined surimi proteins in supplements and protein isolates, especially in Asia-Pacific. Over 10,000 metric tons of surimi-derived proteins were processed for health products in 2023. With rising consumer interest in functional foods and pet nutrition, processors are diversifying product lines to supply these niche but high-growth segments. By-product utilization also supports sustainability, with more than 100,000 metric tons of trimmings turned into fish meal and animal feed each year.

CHALLENGE

Rising production costs and pressure for sustainability certifications.

The surimi industry faces rising production costs linked to energy, labor, and raw fish prices. More than 100 processing plants worldwide report higher fuel costs for cold storage and transportation. Labor shortages, especially on fishing vessels, have pushed up wages by more than 15% in some coastal regions. Sustainability demands add extra costs — over 30% of surimi now comes from certified fisheries, requiring investments in monitoring and compliance. Brands unable to meet certification standards risk losing contracts with major retailers, who increasingly demand traceable seafood. These factors raise production expenses by 10–20%, challenging processors to maintain competitive pricing while investing in greener operations.

Surimi Market Segmentation

The surimi market is segmented by product type and end-use applications. By type, frozen surimi leads the global market with over 70% share due to ease of storage and transport. Chilled surimi is gaining market share in fresh retail aisles, while fresh surimi caters to local processors and premium outlets. By application, more than 80% of surimi is used in the food industry for seafood analogs, while smaller segments include pharmaceutical ingredients, animal feed, and pet food formulations.

By Type

• Frozen Surimi: Frozen surimi remains the dominant product, with over 2.1 million metric tons produced annually worldwide. It is favored for its long shelf life of up to 24 months when stored properly. Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are major exporters, shipping more than 1.5 million metric tons of frozen surimi each year to North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Quick freezing methods preserve texture and taste, ensuring consistent quality for processors. Major brands rely on frozen surimi for seafood sticks, balls, cakes, and fillings.
• Chilled Surimi: Chilled surimi accounts for about 20% of the global market, representing over 600,000 metric tons annually. It is sold mainly through supermarkets and foodservice channels that prioritize fresh, ready-to-cook seafood. Chilled surimi products typically have a shelf life of 2–4 weeks, appealing to urban buyers who prefer fresh seafood options. Markets in Europe and North America are expanding chilled surimi ranges to include flavored sticks, seasoned balls, and marinated surimi snacks.
• Fresh Surimi: Fresh surimi is a niche but valuable segment, with more than 300,000 metric tons produced annually, mostly for immediate local processing. It is used by premium seafood brands, local processors, and restaurants that want superior quality for handcrafted sushi, seafood analogs, and gourmet ready meals. Japan leads this segment, producing over 100,000 metric tons for its domestic market. Fresh surimi must be processed within days, requiring efficient cold chains and fast distribution.

By Application

• Food Industry: More than 80% of global surimi output, about 2.5 million metric tons, is used in the food industry. Seafood sticks, imitation crab, fish cakes, dumplings, and hot pot ingredients dominate this application. Japan, China, Thailand, and Vietnam supply major global food brands and frozen seafood lines sold through supermarkets and restaurants. Quick-service restaurants use over 200,000 metric tons for sushi rolls, seafood salads, and fast meals.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: The pharmaceutical industry uses refined surimi protein for supplements and functional foods. Over 10,000 metric tons were processed in 2023 for health products in Asia-Pacific, including protein isolates for nutritional powders. Research into bioactive peptides derived from surimi proteins drives new product development in health foods.
• Animal Feed: Surimi by-products generate more than 100,000 metric tons of raw material for fish meal and animal feed. Trimmings and secondary cuts are turned into protein meal for aquaculture and livestock feed. Southeast Asia leads this practice to maximize raw material efficiency and reduce waste.
• Pet Food: Premium pet food brands are adding surimi-based proteins to cat and dog food, targeting high-protein, seafood-flavored options. Over 50,000 metric tons were used globally in 2023 for canned and dry pet foods. North America and Europe are key markets for surimi in pet nutrition.

Regional Outlook for the Surimi Market

The Regional Outlook section provides a detailed overview of surimi market performance across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. It highlights verified facts and figures on production volumes, import and export flows, major consumption trends, and regional shifts driving demand for frozen, chilled, and fresh surimi. This section shows how local consumer preferences, trade routes, and sustainability requirements shape surimi market growth worldwide.

• North America

North America shows steady growth in the surimi market, importing over 100,000 metric tons annually for domestic consumption and further processing. The United States remains the largest importer in the region, using surimi for sushi rolls, frozen seafood meals, and ready-to-eat snacks sold through supermarkets and foodservice channels. Quick-service restaurants and sushi chains in North America consume more than 50,000 metric tons each year. Local production is limited, so the region depends heavily on imports from Asia-Pacific. Major ports like Seattle and Los Angeles handle the bulk of frozen surimi imports, ensuring a steady supply for seafood processors and distributors.

• Europe

Europe is a significant market for surimi, importing over 200,000 metric tons annually. France, Spain, and the UK are leading consumers, each accounting for more than 50,000 metric tons every year. European food manufacturers use surimi to produce seafood sticks, crab analogs, and fish balls for retail and foodservice sectors. Sustainability is a strong trend in Europe, with more than 30% of surimi products sold bearing eco-labels or certifications. Local seafood processors are expanding chilled surimi ranges to meet consumer demand for fresh convenience products, especially in urban markets.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates global surimi production and consumption, accounting for over 65% of the total output. Japan alone processes more than 800,000 metric tons of surimi each year, supplying local and international markets. Thailand and Vietnam export more than 1 million metric tons combined, mainly to North America and Europe. China is a growing producer and major consumer, with more than 600,000 metric tons processed annually for domestic seafood analogs. The region also leads in fresh and chilled surimi segments, supported by short supply chains and strong local demand for high-quality fish products.

• Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa are emerging regions for the surimi market, importing more than 50,000 metric tons yearly. Major cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Cape Town drive demand through hotels, restaurants, and premium supermarkets that offer sushi, seafood salads, and ready meals. Surimi-based products are expanding in North African countries as local seafood processors introduce affordable protein options to meet urban consumer needs. Importers in these regions favor frozen surimi due to its long shelf life and ease of transport, ensuring a stable supply despite variable fishing seasons elsewhere.

List of Top Surimi Companies

• Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Japan)
• Thai Union Group (Thailand)
• Maruha Nichiro (Japan)
• Dongwon Industries (South Korea)
• CJ CheilJedang (South Korea)
• Qingdao Ocean (China)
• Fujian Shengnong (China)
• Vietnam Surimi (Vietnam)
• Pescanova (Spain)
• Multiexport Foods (Chile)

Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Japan): Produces over 500,000 metric tons of surimi annually, exporting to more than 50 countries worldwide.

Thai Union Group (Thailand): Supplies over 400,000 metric tons of surimi products each year, serving major global food brands and retailers.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the global surimi market is driven by rising consumer demand for affordable, high-protein seafood and expansion into new applications like premium pet food and health supplements. More than 100 processing facilities globally have received funding for upgrades to improve yield, product quality, and sustainability. Investments in new freezing and cold chain technologies help maintain product quality and reduce spoilage, especially for frozen surimi that makes up over 70% of global supply. Asia-Pacific processors are leading capacity expansions, adding over 200,000 metric tons of annual production capacity in the last two years alone. Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam remain hotspots for new production lines targeting export markets. European investors focus on sustainable sourcing, funding certifications and traceability programs that cover more than 30% of surimi sold regionally. Premium segments like chilled and fresh surimi are attracting capital to build new distribution networks and cold storage hubs in urban centers. Surimi-based products for pet food and pharmaceuticals are emerging investment targets. Over 50,000 metric tons of surimi are already used for premium cat and dog food, with brands launching high-protein seafood treats and canned food lines. In the pharmaceutical sector, investors support bioactive peptide research, tapping more than 10,000 metric tons of refined surimi protein for dietary supplements and health foods. Innovation funding focuses on sustainable packaging, new recipes, and alternative raw materials like underutilized fish species to reduce reliance on pollock and whiting stocks. By-product processing also presents profitable opportunities, with more than 100,000 metric tons of trimmings used to produce fish meal for aquaculture and livestock feed.

New Product Development

New product development in the surimi market remains dynamic, driven by shifting consumer tastes and sustainability trends. Over 500 new surimi-based products were launched worldwide in 2023, covering frozen sticks, flavored surimi snacks, ready meals, and premium seafood analogs for retail and foodservice channels. Frozen surimi remains the innovation focus, with processors introducing new flavors and texture profiles to attract younger consumers. In Asia-Pacific, flavored surimi snacks account for more than 100,000 metric tons sold annually, with spicy and seafood-seasoned sticks leading sales. Chilled surimi is evolving with convenience packaging for urban buyers. Over 50 major retail chains in Europe and North America now stock fresh and chilled surimi trays, contributing to over 600,000 metric tons in annual sales. Brands are experimenting with ready-to-cook surimi meal kits, launching more than 100 new SKUs in the last two years. Surimi in pet food saw innovation with the introduction of gourmet seafood pâté and crunchy treats made from refined surimi proteins. More than 50,000 metric tons are processed annually into premium pet food, mostly in North America and Europe. Brands promote surimi’s digestibility and high protein content to appeal to pet owners seeking functional, natural ingredients. Pharmaceutical applications use surimi-derived proteins in functional foods and supplements. In 2023, over 10,000 metric tons were refined into protein isolates for health powders sold in Asia-Pacific. Research labs continue to develop bioactive compounds to support joint health and muscle recovery.

Five Recent Developments

• Over 200,000 metric tons of new frozen surimi production capacity added in Asia-Pacific processing plants.
• More than 500 new surimi-based snacks and ready meals launched globally in supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Nippon Suisan Kaisha expanded exports by more than 50,000 metric tons through new trade partnerships in Europe and North America.
• Pet food brands processed over 50,000 metric tons of surimi into premium seafood treats for cats and dogs.
• Over 30% of surimi sold in Europe now uses recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials.

Report Coverage of Surimi Market

This report provides comprehensive coverage of the global surimi market, detailing facts and figures on production, export flows, product segments, and new applications. Over 3 million metric tons of surimi are produced each year, dominated by frozen surimi which accounts for more than 70% of total supply. Asia-Pacific leads the market, producing over 65% of global output through countries like Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Frozen surimi remains the backbone of global exports, with more than 1.5 million metric tons shipped yearly to North America and Europe. Chilled and fresh surimi segments account for over 900,000 metric tons, meeting urban demand for convenience seafood in premium supermarkets and foodservice outlets. The report highlights how over 80% of surimi is used for seafood analogs in the food industry, while 100,000+ metric tons are processed as by-products for animal feed, and over 50,000 metric tons are integrated into premium pet foods. The pharmaceutical segment uses more than 10,000 metric tons of refined proteins for supplements and functional foods. Top players like Nippon Suisan Kaisha and Thai Union Group lead with combined annual output exceeding 900,000 metric tons, shipping surimi to over 50 countries. Investments focus on capacity expansion, traceability systems, sustainability certifications, and new packaging formats. By-product utilization and innovative recipes help processors add value and diversify product portfolios.

Frequently Asked Questions