Molluscs Market

Molluscs Market Outlook from 2025 to 2035

The molluscs market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5% during the projection period between 2025 to 2035. The marker is estimated to reach USD 75.36 billion in 2025 and USD 122.76 billion in 2035.

In 2024, the global molluscs industry faced significant alterations driven by climatic issues as well as changes in consumer behaviour. Climate factors took a heavy toll on mollusc cultivation.

In northern Greece, for instance, sea temperatures reaching record highs of over 30°C caused mussel harvests to fall by 90%, with seed stock for the next season being completely wiped out. This catastrophe threatened the lives of about 100 families in Kymina, illustrating the direct effects of climate change on aquaculture.

Despite these issues, the industry demonstrated resilience due to rising consumer interest in healthy, nutritious seafood foods. The segment of frozen molluscs dominated the industry and generated more than 55% of the total revenue worldwide. This trend was a result of a developing trend among consumers preferring convenient, high-protein diets.

The industry for molluscs is expected to rise during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to maintain its lead, with an industry share of 60.07% in 2024. This expansion is expected to be spurred by increasing disposable income and growing demand for premium seafood products.

Metrics	Values
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 75.36 billion
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 122.76 billion
CAGR	5%

Market Analysis

The molluscs industry is fueled by growing seafood eating, heightened desire for high-protein diets, and innovation in sustainable aquaculture. Notable winners are aquaculture companies investing in climate-resilient farming and seafood distributors enjoying international demand, while conventional fisheries using old practices may be undermined. Long-term success depends on sustainability, governance, and technical innovation in cultivation and supply chain management.

Top 3 Strategic Imperatives for Stakeholders

Invest in Climate-Resilient Aquaculture

Invest in R&D for temperature-resistant mollusc species and adaptive aquaculture methods to mitigate climate-driven production risks. Establish real-time monitoring systems to detect environmental stressors early.

Align with Consumer Demand for Sustainability

Build green, traceable sourcing practices and industry sustainability efforts well to consumers. Fortify brand strength by attaining certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council).

Strengthen Global Supply Chain & Distribution

Extend collaborations with principal retailers and food service companies to maintain steady access to the marketplace. Maximize logistics networks using predictive analytics to make accurate forecasting for demand and inventory.

Top 3 Risks Stakeholders Should Monitor

Risk	Probability & Impact
Climate Change-Induced Production Losses	High - Severe
Regulatory Changes in Seafood Trade	Medium - High
Shifts in Consumer Preferences Toward Alternative Proteins	Medium - Moderate

1-Year Executive Watchlist

Priority	Immediate Action
Climate Resilience Strategy	Implement pilot projects for climate-adaptive mollusc farming.
Supply Chain Optimization	Establish direct supplier agreements to mitigate trade uncertainties.
Sustainability Branding	Launch consumer education campaigns on sustainable mollusc sourcing.

Fact.MR Survey with Molluscs Market Stakeholders

(Surveyed Q4 2024, n=450 stakeholder participants evenly distributed across aquaculture firms, seafood distributors, regulatory bodies, and consumers in the US, Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, and China)

Key Priorities of Stakeholders

• Sustainability Compliance: 84% of stakeholders identified adherence to sustainability and aquaculture regulations as a "critical" priority.
• Supply Chain Efficiency: 78% emphasized the need for improved cold storage and distribution networks to prevent spoilage and ensure product freshness.

Regional Variance:

• US: 72% highlighted traceability technology (blockchain-based tracking) to meet regulatory requirements, compared to 40% in Japan.
• Western Europe: 90% prioritized eco-friendly farming practices, compared to 60% in the US.
• Japan/South Korea: 66% focused on space-efficient mollusc farms due to land constraints, compared to 30% in the US.

Embracing Sophisticated Technologies

High Variance:

• US: 60% of aquaculture firms adopted IoT-based water quality sensors, largely driven by concerns over climate-induced habitat changes.
• Western Europe: 50% integrated automated mollusc sorting systems, with France (62%) leading due to strict EU regulations.
• Japan: Only 24% adopted automated feeding systems, citing high costs and minimal efficiency gains for small-scale farms.
• South Korea: 38% invested in AI-powered disease monitoring in urban aquaculture setups.

Convergent and Divergent Perspectives on ROI:

• 74% of US stakeholders found automation "worth the investment," whereas 36% in Japan continued using manual processing methods.

Material Preferences

Consensus:

• Concrete and Steel Tanks: Preferred by 68% of respondents for durability in high-yield aquaculture environments.

Variance:

• Western Europe: 54% opted for recyclable, eco-friendly materials, compared to 35% globally.
• Japan/South Korea: 43% preferred hybrid plastic-metal systems for cost efficiency and reduced maintenance.
• US: 71% stuck with steel-based infrastructure, but coastal farms in the Pacific Northwest showed a 27% shift toward composite materials for corrosion resistance.

Price Sensitivity

Shared Challenges:

• 86% of stakeholders cited rising feed and infrastructure costs as major concerns, with steel prices rising 28% and energy costs increasing 19%.

Regional Differences:

• US/Western Europe: 64% were willing to pay a 10–15% premium for automated processing and quality control features.
• Japan/South Korea: 76% preferred lower-cost models (<$8,000 per unit) with minimal automation.
• China: 49% sought government subsidies to offset rising operational costs.

Pain Points in the Value Chain

Producers:

• US: 56% struggled with skilled labor shortages in aquaculture operations.
• Western Europe: 50% faced challenges due to increasingly stringent sustainability certifications.
• Japan: 61% reported slow industry demand due to aging fisher populations and industry consolidation.

Distributors:

• US: 72% highlighted logistical delays due to reliance on overseas mollusc seed stock.
• Western Europe: 55% faced competition from lower-cost Southeast Asian imports.
• Japan/South Korea: 67% cited transportation inefficiencies due to limited cold-chain infrastructure in rural regions.

End-Users (Restaurants/Retailers):

• US: 46% cited "high fluctuation in mollusc supply" as a key issue.
• Western Europe: 41% struggled with rising compliance costs for eco-labeling.
• Japan: 60% complained about the lack of digital marketplace integration for direct farm-to-industry sales.

Future Investment Priorities

Alignment:

• 76% of global mollusc producers plan to invest in automation and smart aquaculture solutions.

Divergence:

• US: 63% in high-density mollusc farming innovations.
• Western Europe: 59% in carbon-neutral mollusc farming initiatives.
• Japan/South Korea: 50% in small-scale modular systems to optimize urban seafood farming.

Regulatory Impact

US: 70% said new seafood traceability laws (e.g., FDA’s FSMA Rule 204) were "disruptive but necessary."

Western Europe: 83% viewed EU’s updated aquaculture standards as a growth opportunity for premium molluscs.

Japan/South Korea: Only 35% felt regulations significantly impacted purchasing decisions, citing weaker enforcement mechanisms.

Conclusion: Variance vs. Consensus

High Consensus:

Sustainability compliance, supply chain efficiency, and price sensitivity are global concerns.

Key Variances:

• US: Emphasis on automation vs. Japan/South Korea: Preference for cost-efficiency in low-tech solutions.
• Western Europe is leading in sustainability vs. Asia: Focus on hybrid material and space-saving techniques.

Strategic Insight:

A "one-size-fits-all" strategy is ineffective. Regional adaptation (e.g., blockchain in the US, sustainable aquaculture in Europe, modular farms in Asia) is critical for industry penetration.

Government Regulations

Country	Impact of Policies and Regulations
India	The Export of Bivalve Molluscs (Quality Control, Inspection and Monitoring) Rules, 2003, mandates that fresh and processed bivalve molluscs intended for export are handled and processed under strict hygienic conditions. Exporters must obtain a Health or Veterinary Certificate from the competent authority, ensuring compliance with health requirements and standard specifications.
United States	The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires importers to perform risk-based activities to verify that imported food meets U.S. safety standards. For molluscs, the FSMA Final Rule on Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) mandates that importers ensure their foreign suppliers adhere to equivalent safety standards. Additionally, the Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance outlines requirements for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) in seafood processing.
European Union	The EU requires that live bivalve molluscs intended for export to its member states must be harvested from approved growing areas and by establishments listed in the EU's approved lists. U.S. establishments, for instance, must apply to be included in these lists and comply with EU regulations, including obtaining necessary certifications.
Australia	As of November 9, 2023, Australia mandates that consignments of bivalve molluscs and their products, excluding certain shelf-stable or dried items, must be accompanied by a recognized foreign government certificate upon arrival. This requirement ensures that imported molluscs meet Australia's safety standards.

Country-wise Analysis

United States

The nation's robust seafood demand, growing appetite for sustainable aquaculture, and increasing chains of restaurants specializing in seafood are fuelling expansion.

Regulatory schemes, including the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), put stringent control of quality into practice, which assures high-quality products. Molluscs, particularly oysters, scallops, and mussels, have a growing demand on account of their nutritional values and popularity with health-conscious consumers.

In addition, imports of fresh Canadian and Chilean molluscs of high quality complement locally produced ones. Direct-to-consumer seafood delivery services' growth and the increasing popularity of upscale seafood recipes further stimulate the industry.

Fact.MR opines that the United States molluscs sales will grow at nearly 5.8% CAGR through 2025-2035.

United Kingdom

Brexit has reconfigured the seafood trade industry, affecting the exports and imports of molluscs. Domestic demand is stable, but strict post-Brexit trade rules have presented difficulties for suppliers. The U.K. aquaculture industry is slowly growing, with a growing emphasis on sustainability.

Demand for locally produced shellfish, such as mussels and scallops, remains strong, fueled by upscale seafood restaurants and specialty food retailers.

Nevertheless, concerns about the environment and shifts in consumer attitudes towards sustainably produced seafood might fuel investment in enhanced aquaculture techniques and processing facilities.

Fact.MR opines that the United Kingdom molluscs sales will grow at nearly 3.5% CAGR through 2025-2035.

Germany

Germany's rising consumption of seafood, fueled by a health-aware growing population, fuels the molluscs industry expansion. Although the nation imports the majority of its molluscs, restaurant and retail demand for premium seafood is strong. Sustainability certification schemes, including MSC and ASC, influence consumers' buying choices. E-commerce platforms are becoming key distribution channels, with online delivery of seafood becoming popular.

Government initiatives to encourage sustainable aquaculture and fisheries activities are in line with consumer demand for ethically produced seafood.

Fact.MR opines that the Germany molluscs sales will grow at nearly 4.2% CAGR through 2025-2035.

France

France is still a key industry for molluscs due to its established seafood culture. Oysters, mussels, and scallops are popularly consumed, especially along the coastal areas.

Stable production is facilitated by the advanced aquaculture infrastructure of the country, and high product quality is guaranteed by stringent EU regulations. Seasonal demand peaks during festivals, also adding to demand.

Climate change and sea pollution are challenges, and sustainable farming methods are needed. French demand for fresh, locally produced seafood drives the industry even further, and investments in sustainable aquaculture practices are encouraged.

Fact.MR opines that the France molluscs sales will grow at nearly 4.0% CAGR through 2025-2035.

Italy

Italy's robust seafood tradition, especially near the coasts, is driving the industry of molluscs. Sales of clams, mussels, and squid remain strong, above all in conventional Mediterranean dishes.

The nation enjoys a mature farm-based mollusc production business, where home fisheries are supporting both national and foreign industries. Sustainable fishing measures and EU food safety guidelines implementation guarantee the product quality.

Moreover, Italy's dynamic seafood tourism industry further increases demand, with food service and restaurant sector operators being key drivers of growth in the industry. Investments into environmentally friendly aquaculture methodologies and sustainable seafood certifications also boost growth.

Fact.MR opines that Italy molluscs sales will grow at nearly 4.5% CAGR through 2025-2035.

Australia & New Zealand

The area is enhanced by unspoiled marine environments and high standards of sustainability. Australia's oyster and abalone sectors are major contributors, with New Zealand known for green-lipped mussel production. Increasing consumer interest in organic and sustainably produced seafood supports the industry.

The export industry, especially in Asia, continues to grow as a result of high standards of production. Government efforts to promote aquaculture expansion, combined with increasing demand for seafood-based nutrition, increase the industry's potential. Climate change and ocean acidification are still challenges that require adaptive farming methods.

Fact.MR opines that the Australia & New Zealand molluscs sales will grow at nearly 4.8% CAGR through 2025-2035.

China

China is the world's largest seafood consumer and producer, dominating the molluscs industry. Growing disposable incomes and urbanization drive premium seafood product demand, such as abalone, scallops, and clams.

Government initiatives favor the development of sustainable aquaculture, with the emphasis on curtailing overfishing and improving the efficiency of production.

Aquatic product distribution has been speeded up by e-commerce sites and enhancements in cold-chain logistics, making molluscs more convenient for consumers to access. Trends for health and wellness also contribute to increasing demand, with molluscs known for their protein and omega-3 levels.

Fact.MR opines that the China molluscs sales will grow at nearly 6.5% CAGR through 2025-2035.

South Korea

High per capita seafood consumption, fueled by South Korea's vibrant seafood culture, underpins the development of the molluscs industry. Oysters, clams, and squid feature prominently in the cuisine. The developed aquaculture sector of the country provides consistent supplies of quality molluscs.

Government campaigns for sustainable fisheries and environmentally friendly aquaculture match consumer calls for safe, traceable seafood products.

Besides that, seafood export to Japan and China continues to be robust, further fueling production expansion. Seafood sales online and doorstep delivery are increasing in popularity, widening industry access.

Fact.MR opines that the South Korea molluscs sales will grow at nearly 5.3% CAGR through 2025-2035.

Japan

Japan's seafood industry is well embedded in its culture, and molluscs such as scallops, squid, and abalone are very common. The high-quality seafood production in the country is guaranteed by its well-regulated fisheries sector, which is backed by sophisticated aquaculture methods.

Japan is a large exporter of high-end seafood, mostly to China and the United States. Sustainability issues have made it possible to invest heavily in environmentally friendly aquaculture solutions.

Moreover, increasing demand for convenience and ready-to-eat seafood products contributes to industry growth. Reduced domestic seafood consumption from young people is one challenge facing companies, which they are overcoming with innovative products.

Fact.MR opines that the Japan molluscs sales will grow at nearly 4.7% CAGR through 2025-2035.

Segmentation-wise Analysis

By Species

Demand for Crassostrea molluscs is expected to grow steadily due to the increasing consumer preference for nutrient-rich seafood, leading to a CAGR of 6.5% through 2025-2035. Thus, the CAGR for this segment is expected to touch 7.2%, as sustainable aquaculture practices enhance supply chain efficiencies to popularize Rudi tapes philippinarum molluscs.

Scallop molluscs, also expected to see strong demand from high-end restaurants and premium seafood industries, will sustain a CAGR of 6.8%. Similar stable consumption patterns will be observed for other regional delicacies such as mollusc species, growing even with a CAGR of 6.6%.

This segment is set to consolidate with the global industry, which is expected to progress steadily within increased seafood consumption coupled with modern farming techniques for molluscs.

By Form

This segment will prove to be the leading segment in the global molluscs industry due to its longer shelf life and steady demand for ready-to-cook seafood, and it will be growing at a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period.

Technological advancements in freezing methods that maintain flavor and texture will be a boon for the segment. Steady growth is anticipated for canned molluscs, with a CAGR of 6.5%, as shoppers look for low-cost and convenient seafood supplies.

Processed and preserved seafood consumption will boost the growth of the industry, and frozen variants will lead the statistics on account of high demand from the retail and food service industries. Growing investment in seafood processing infrastructure will further drive the continued expansion of both frozen and canned avenues.

By Distribution Channel

Among sales channels, hypermarkets and supermarkets are expected to dominate with a share of over 39% in molluscs sales, which is attributed to consumers' inclination towards one shop for fresh as well as frozen seafood, thus leading to a CAGR of 6.7% through 2035.

Convenience stores are expected to play a moderate role in this growth, expanding with a CAGR of 6.4% as they can be accessed easily and the impulse purchase factor is considered. Online channels will offer the largest growth, with a CAGR of 7.5%, supported by growing digital grocery adoption & home delivery services.

Other distribution channels, including specialty seafood stores and direct sales, will also grow at a stable CAGR of 6.6%. Distribution strategies in the molluscs industry will be considerably influenced by shifting consumer shopping preferences and growing omnichannel retailing.

Competitive Landscape

The global molluscs industry is extremely fragmented, resulting in an environment of competition since there are a lot of players present. Leading players are strengthening their industry positions by means of competitive pricing, product development, strategic alliances and expansion into new geographies. These actions are aimed at creating supply on time to meet increasing global demand for molluscan and related products.

ADAMA Ltd. Acquisitions Figure 5. ADAMA Ltd. Acquisitions within Last 10 Years 2 December 2022: ADAMA Ltd. has announced the acquisition of AgriNova New Zealand Ltd., which will expand its product portfolio and further strengthen its presence in the New Zealand industry. ADAMA has also introduced Gusto IRON, a ferric-phosphate-based molluscicide for slug control in the United Kingdom, in June 2020.

Market Share Analysis

• China continues to dominate the global molluscs industry with approximately 58-60% market share, primarily driven by its massive squid, octopus, and shellfish production
• Thailand holds roughly 8-9% of the industry, particularly strong in squid and cuttlefish exports
• Vietnam maintains approximately 6-7% industry share, with growing strength in clam and oyster production
• Spain controls about 5-6% of the global industry, leading European mollusc production with significant mussel farming operations
• Chile holds approximately 4-5% industry share, particularly dominant in the scallop segment
• Japan maintains roughly 3-4% of the industry, focusing on high-value species like abalone and specialty oysters
• The United States accounts for approximately 3-4% of global mollusc production, with strength in oysters and clams
• The remaining 10-12% is distributed among countries like South Korea, Italy, France, and New Zealand
• The Asia-Pacific region collectively controls over 70% of the global molluscs industry
• Wild-caught molluscs represent approximately 40% of the industry, while farm-raised production accounts for 60% and continues to grow

Key Companies

• Maruha Nichiro Corporation
• Nireus Aquaculture S.A.
• Cermaq ASA
• Eastern Fish Company
• Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
• Tassal Group Ltd.
• Blue Ridge Aquaculture
• Selonda Aquaculture S.A.
• Ulka Seafoods Pvt. Ltd.
• Avla Nettos Exports
• Aqunion (Pty) Ltd.
• Abagold Ltd.
• Craig Mostyn Group
• Omega Seafood Limited
• Glenbeigh Shellfish Limited
• Mida Food Distributors Inc.
• Vilsund Blue A/S
• Southern Ocean Mariculture Pty Ltd.
• ITOCHU Corporation
• Shingen Foods Co., Ltd.

Segmentation

By Species :

Crassostrea Molluscs, Ruditapes Philippinarum Molluscs, Scallop Molluscs, Other Molluscs Species

By Form :

Frozen Molluscs, Canned Molluscs

By Distribution Channel :

Molluscs Sales via Hypermarkets and Supermarkets, Molluscs Sales via Convenience Stores, Molluscs Sales via Online Channels, Molluscs Sales via Other Distribution Channels

By Region :

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa