Tuna Market Research Report

Global Tuna Market:

The global tuna market size reached USD 45.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 60.6 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.26% during 2025-2033. The increasing demand for healthy and protein-rich diets, with consumers gravitating towards seafood options, is one of the key growth-inducing factors in the market. At present, Indonesia holds the largest region by production due to abundant marine resources and export demand, while Japan holds strong domestic consumption fueled by tuna's cultural significance and popularity in traditional dishes like sushi and sashimi.

Tuna Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The rising global demand, particularly in countries such as the United States and Japan, where tuna is a staple in popular dishes like sushi and sashimi represents the major driver of the market. In line with this, the increasing awareness among consumers boosts demand for tuna as a lean protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This, along with steadily increasing health-conscious individuals across the globe is further contributing to the market growth.
• Key Market Trends: Sustainable fishing practices represent the key trend of the market as regulatory bodies and consumers push for eco-friendly options to preserve tuna populations. In addition to this, technological advancements in processing and packaging are also transforming the market, allowing for longer shelf life and enhanced product quality.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the tuna industry include Thai Union, Tri Marine, and Starkist, among many others.
• Geographical Trends: Indonesia accounts for the largest region in the market due to abundant marine resources and strong export demand, supporting high production levels. However, Japan witnessed high consumption in the market fueled by tuna’s cultural significance and its popularity in traditional cuisines, such as sushi and sashimi, alongside growing health awareness boosting the demand for omega-3-rich seafood.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The market faces several challenges like overfishing, leading to population decline and stricter regulatory controls to protect marine ecosystems. In line with this, the rising operational costs, environmental concerns, and supply chain disruptions further strain the industry. However, the market also offers various opportunities such as the growing demand for sustainable seafood and eco-certified products, driven by health-conscious consumers and environmental awareness. Expanding into value-added products, such as ready-to-eat tuna meals and snack packs, opens new avenues, catering to convenience-focused markets and promoting industry growth.
   

Tuna Market Trends:

Rising Expansion of Ready-to-Eat Tuna Meals

Ready-to-eat tuna meals cater to busy consumers who are looking for nutritious, quick, and healthy meal options that require minimal preparation. According to tuna market insights, these products are popular in on-the-go lifestyles, particularly in urban areas where time-pressed consumers seek convenient food solutions. For example, in June 2024, Frime S.A.U., a leading company in tuna sales and production, introduced its new ‘ready-to-eat’ segment. This new segment is the first and only marinated tuna that is not smoked and is suitable for raw consumption.

Premiumization of Tuna Products

People are becoming wiser and more willing to pay higher prices for superior quality tuna that offers sustainability credentials, enhanced flavor, and freshness. This trend is particularly evident in the growing demand for sashimi-grade tuna, which is prized for its quality and is often sourced from specific regions known for its superior tuna stocks. This is escalating the tuna market demand. For instance, in May 2024, Wanda Fish, a cell-based seafood maker, introduced its bluefin tuna toro sashimi. The company stated that this new cell-cultivated 3D tuna is high in omega-3 levels with a buttery sensation, making it the most tender and desired fish meat.

Increasing Focus on Eco-Friendly Packaging

There is a growing trend towards eco-friendly packaging solutions as environmental concerns become more prominent in the tuna industry. Consumers and manufacturers are seeking products that offer sustainable sourcing and come in packaging that minimizes environmental impact. For example, in June 2024, John West, a division of the seafood company Thai Union Group, launched its new ECOTWIST packaging for its tuna products. As per the tuna market highlights, this new packaging format is fully recyclable and designed to minimize waste.

Global Tuna Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the global tuna market forecast at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the species and type.

Breakup by Species:

• Skipjack
• Yellowfin
• Albacore
• Bigeye
• Bluefin
   

Skipjack holds the largest share in the global tuna market outlook

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the species. This includes skipjack, yellowfin, albacore, bigeye, and bluefin. According to the report, skipjack represented the largest market segmentation. 

Skipjack tuna is the most commonly harvested tuna species, known for its mild flavor and significant role in canned tuna products. The sustainably sourced skipjack tuna market highlights the industry's commitment to providing eco-friendly and quality seafood options to meet rising consumer demand.

Breakup by Type:

• Canned
• Frozen
• Fresh
   

Canned holds the largest share in the tuna market statistics

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes canned, frozen, and fresh. According to the report, canned represented the largest market segmentation. 

Canned tuna remains a convenient source of protein, valued for its long shelf life and versatility in meals. The premium canned tuna offers enhanced flavor and sustainability, which is targeting health-conscious consumers. This, along with increasing health-consciousness among consumers is driving the global tuna fish market toward growth.

Production Breakup by Region:

• Japan
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Taiwan P.C.
• Republic of Korea
• Spain
• Others
   

Indonesia represents the leading market segment 

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets based on production. This includes Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan P.C., Republic of Korea, Spain, and others. According to the report, Indonesia accounted for the largest market share for tuna production.

Indonesia dominates the global tuna market dynamics in terms of production region due to its vast maritime territory and favorable fishing conditions. The country's extensive fishing fleet and improvements in fishing practices contribute significantly to its dominance. As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia benefits from rich marine biodiversity, making it a key player in the industry. In line with this, the government's support to promote sustainable fishing and enhance the value chain is strengthening Indonesia's position as a leading producer. The rising government support is acting as one of the major tuna industry trends in Indonesia. The Indonesian government launched a new initiative to provide financial incentives and technical support to local fishing communities for adopting sustainable fishing practices. This program aims to reduce overfishing and improve the quality of tuna exports, further solidifying Indonesia's leadership in the global tuna market. This represents one of the global tuna market price trends.

Consumption Breakup by Region:

• Japan
• USA
• Republic of Korea
• China
• Taiwan P.C.
• European Union
• Others
   

Japan leads the market, accounting for the largest tuna market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets based on the consumption, which include Japan, USA, Republic of Korea, China, Taiwan P.C., European Union, and others. According to the report, Japan accounted for the largest market share.

According to the global tuna market overview, Japan represents the largest segment in terms of consumption, driven by a deeply ingrained seafood culture and a particular affinity for high-quality products, especially in sushi and sashimi. Japan stands out in the market due to its preference for premium varieties like bluefin and bigeye. The country's strong domestic demand is fueled by well-established distribution networks and a willingness to pay premium prices for top-quality tuna. Additionally, Japan's significant role as an importer of both processed and fresh tuna products further reinforces its leadership as the top consumption region.

Competitive Landscape:

The global tuna market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major tuna market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Thai Union
• Tri Marine
• Starkist
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Tuna Market Recent Developments:

• July 2024: Frime S.A.U., a leading company in tuna sales and production, introduced its new ‘ready-to-eat’ segment that is smoked and suitable for raw consumption.
• June 2024: John West, a division of the seafood company Thai Union Group, launched its new ECOTWIST packaging for its tuna products. This new packaging format is fully recyclable and designed to minimize waste.
• May 2024: Wanda Fish, a cell-based seafood maker, unveiled its bluefin tuna toro sashimi. The company stated that this new cell-cultivated 3D tuna is high in omega-3 levels with a buttery sensation, making it the most tender and desired fish meat.
• August 2024: Tuna Australia member Walker Seafoods Australia partnered with renowned chef Neil Perry to launch a new product line of preserved local tuna for sale in Australian supermarkets. Walker’s Tuna features sustainable Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified preserved Albacore tuna caught in the pristine waters off Mooloolaba.
• July 2024: Major European retailer Carrefour joined forces with the Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) to spearhead significant transformations within tuna supply chains. This powerful partnership is set to implement a dual approach, focusing on improving tuna fishing regulations and management while also ensuring best practices on all vessels supplying Carrefour.

Tuna Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC's industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the tuna market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global tuna market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the tuna industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.