Fish & Seafood - South Africa

South Africa

Highlights

Revenue in the Fish & Seafood market amounts to US$1.99bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.43% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$97bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$32.67 are generated in 2024.
In the Fish & Seafood market, volume is expected to amount to 116.10m kg by 2029. The Fish & Seafood market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.3% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Fish & Seafood market is expected to amount to 1.7kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The Fish & Seafood market in South Africa is experiencing minimal growth due to various factors such as limited consumer awareness, high prices, and lack of availability. However, increasing health consciousness and the convenience of online services could drive future growth. The sub-markets of Fresh Fish, Fresh Seafood, and Processed Fish & Seafood are also impacted by these factors.

Customer preferences: The growing trend of health-consciousness among South African consumers has led to an increased demand for sustainably sourced and organic fish and seafood products. This is driven by a cultural shift towards more ethical and environmentally friendly consumption habits. Additionally, with the rise of busy lifestyles and a desire for convenience, there is a growing preference for pre-packaged, ready-to-eat seafood options.

Trends in the market: In South Africa, the Fish & Seafood market is experiencing a rise in demand for sustainably sourced products, as consumers become more environmentally conscious. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with an increasing focus on ethical and eco-friendly practices in the industry. With the rise of e-commerce, there is also a growing trend of online seafood delivery services, providing convenience for consumers and opening up new opportunities for market players. Additionally, there is a growing interest in alternative seafood options, such as plant-based or lab-grown seafood, which could potentially disrupt the traditional fish and seafood market. These trends have significant implications for industry stakeholders, who will need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and embrace sustainable and innovative practices to remain competitive in the market.

Local special circumstances: In South Africa, the Fish & Seafood market is heavily influenced by the country's vast coastline and diverse marine ecosystem. The abundance of seafood species, coupled with a strong fishing industry, has led to a wide variety of fresh, locally-sourced seafood products. Additionally, South Africa's cultural diversity has also influenced the market, with traditional seafood dishes from different ethnic groups playing a significant role in the local cuisine. The country's strict regulations on fishing practices and sustainable sourcing also contribute to the market dynamics, ensuring the availability of sustainable seafood options for consumers.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Fish & Seafood Market within The Food market in South Africa is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and other relevant financial indicators. The country's overall economic performance, as well as its trade policies and regulations, play a significant role in shaping the market for fish and seafood products. Additionally, consumer income levels and spending patterns, as well as demographic factors such as population growth and urbanization, also impact the demand for fish and seafood products in South Africa. Moreover, the country's investment in food processing and distribution infrastructure, as well as its export capabilities, also contribute to the growth of the Fish & Seafood Market within The Food market.

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.