Fresh Seafood - Benelux

Benelux

Highlights

Revenue in the Fresh Seafood market amounts to US$890.40m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 2.38% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated United States (US$12bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$29.63 are generated in 2024.
In the Fresh Seafood market, volume is expected to amount to 17.29m kg by 2029. The Fresh Seafood market is expected to show a volume growth of 0.4% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Fresh Seafood market is expected to amount to 0.6kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Fresh Seafood market in Benelux has seen steady growth due to factors such as increasing consumer awareness of health benefits, convenience of online purchasing, and rising demand for sustainable seafood. However, the market's growth rate remains stagnant due to overfishing and environmental concerns.

Customer preferences: As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a growing demand for sustainably sourced and locally caught fresh seafood in the Benelux region. This trend is particularly driven by younger generations who prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly food choices. In addition, there is a rising interest in lesser-known fish species and a preference for whole, unprocessed seafood. This shift in consumer preferences is also reflected in the increasing popularity of seafood markets and direct-to-consumer sales from local fishermen.

Trends in the market: In the Benelux region, there is a growing demand for sustainably sourced seafood due to increasing consumer awareness about the environmental impact of traditional fishing methods. This has led to a rise in certifications for sustainable seafood, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label. Additionally, there is a trend towards online purchasing of seafood, with e-commerce platforms offering a wider variety of products and convenient home delivery. These trends indicate a shift towards more responsible and convenient seafood consumption, which presents opportunities for industry players to differentiate their products and reach a larger customer base. However, this also poses challenges for smaller players who may struggle to meet the stringent sustainability standards and invest in e-commerce capabilities.

Local special circumstances: In the Benelux region, the Fresh Seafood Market of the Fish & Seafood Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's rich history and cultural preferences. The Dutch, Belgian, and Luxembourgian populations have a strong tradition of consuming fresh seafood, leading to a high demand for locally sourced and sustainable options. Furthermore, the strict regulations and certifications in place for seafood production and trade ensure high-quality products for consumers. This combination of cultural preferences and regulatory measures creates a unique market dynamic in the Benelux region for the Fresh Seafood Market.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Fresh Seafood Market of the Fish & Seafood Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, and fiscal policies. Countries with strong economic growth and stable financial indicators tend to have higher demand for fresh seafood, as consumers have more disposable income to spend on premium products. Additionally, government policies and regulations regarding fishing and aquaculture can greatly impact the availability and price of fresh seafood in the market. Moreover, rising awareness about the health benefits of consuming seafood and the increasing popularity of seafood-based diets are also contributing to the growth of the Fresh Seafood Market in the Benelux region.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.