Frozen fish products

The Growing Market of Frozen Fish Products: Insights from Food Processing Consultants

The frozen fish products sector has become a vital component of the global seafood industry, providing convenience and variety to consumers worldwide. From whole fish and fillets to value-added products, the frozen fish market is expanding. Here, we offer insights into the industry from the perspective of food processing consultants, delving into market trends, production processes, and key players.

Understanding Frozen Fish Products

Frozen fish products encompass a wide range of seafoods that are preserved through freezing. These products are commonly found in supermarkets, restaurants, and other food service establishments. They include:

Fish Fillets: Skin-on or skinless portions of fish, easily adaptable to various cooking methods like grilling, baking, or frying.
Fish Sticks: Breaded and pre-cooked fillets, popular as a quick meal for children.
Seafood Mixes: Combinations of shrimp, scallops, calamari, and more, often used in stews and paellas.
Breaded Fish: Fillets coated in breadcrumbs, ideal for a fast and easy meal.
Value-added Seafood Products: Pre-cooked options like fish burgers and cakes, suitable for sandwiches and wraps.

Market Dynamics and Growth

The market for frozen fish products is substantial and witnessing steady growth. Central to this growth are factors like increased consumer demand for seafood, the convenience offered by frozen products, and the expanded variety of products available.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the global frozen seafood market was valued at USD 26.66 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to USD 35.20 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 4.5%. This expansion underscores the importance for food industry consultants, particularly those in food technology consulting and food business consultancy roles.

Regional Insights and Distribution

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the frozen fish market, with more than 50% of the global market share, driven by rising seafood demand in countries such as China and India. Europe and North America follow closely behind.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the primary distribution channels, complemented by the rise in online retail and food service outlets like hotels and restaurants.

Commercial Production Processes

The commercial production of frozen fish products demands precision and expertise, often provided by food manufacturing consultants and food engineering consultants. The process involves:

Catching and Processing: Fish are captured using techniques like trawling or longlining, then sorted and processed by gutting or filleting.
Freezing: Methods such as air blast, plate, or individual quick freezing (IQF) are employed to preserve freshness.
Packaging: Frozen fish are packaged for distribution, labeled with relevant details like weight and freezing date.
Storage and Distribution: Stored in cold facilities before shipping to various retail and food service establishments.

Key Industry Players

Leading companies such as High Liner Foods, Nomad Foods, Trident Seafoods Corporation, and Thai Union Group drive the market. These players invest heavily in product innovation and expanding distribution networks to capture greater market share.

Conclusion

The frozen fish market offers significant opportunities for growth and innovation. Food manufacturing engineers and food factory design experts play crucial roles in enhancing production efficiency and meeting consumer demand. As the market grows, consultants in the food industry will continue to influence its trajectory by advising on best practices and technological advancements.