Shark Meat Market

• The global Shark Meat Market was valued at approximately USD 1.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 1.6 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during the forecast period.

• Asia-Pacific dominated the market in 2024, primarily due to high consumption in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China, where shark meat is traditionally used in culinary dishes and processed food products.

• The processed shark meat segment accounted for the largest market share, valued at approximately USD 620 million in 2024, owing to the growing demand for frozen, canned, and value-added shark meat products in global seafood markets.

• Rising consumer interest in exotic seafood and increasing distribution through specialty restaurants and online seafood platforms are contributing to steady market expansion.

• Europe is expected to witness moderate growth through 2030, driven by niche demand in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal, where shark meat consumption continues despite sustainability concerns.

• Key market participants include Intersea S.A., Oceanic Fisheries Ltd., PT Dharma Samudera Fishing Industries, Iberconsa, and Thai Union Group PCL, focusing on processing efficiency, quality assurance, and compliance with international seafood trade standards.

• Challenges such as sustainability concerns, stringent fishing regulations, and declining shark populations may restrain long-term market growth and lead to increased demand for alternative protein sources.

• In August 2025, the Shark Meat Market was projected to reach approximately USD 2.5 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% through 2033. This growth is driven by increasing demand for exotic and specialty seafood products, particularly in emerging economies, and the rising popularity of online shopping platforms offering wider accessibility and convenience to consumers seeking shark meat.

• In September 2025, the Shark Meat Market was estimated at USD 2.6 billion globally, with significant trade spanning over 200 countries. However, the market faces challenges such as mislabeling and species substitution, with a study revealing that 93% of shark meat samples in the U.S. were ambiguously labeled, often concealing the fact that they come from endangered species. These issues not only threaten already declining shark populations but also pose serious health risks to consumers due to toxic metal levels found in some species.

In this report, the Shark Meat Market has been segmented by Product Type, Distribution Channel, End User, Application, Selling Proposition, and Geography. This structure enables a comprehensive view of supply–demand dynamics, pricing strategies, and compliance considerations across the value chain. The analysis emphasizes drivers such as culinary demand and export trade, challenges including sustainability and traceability, and region-specific nuances shaping procurement and retail strategies for near-term and long-term planning.

Shark Meat Market, Segmentation by Product Type

Segmentation by Product Type captures differences in cold-chain intensity, shelf life, and price realization that materially affect margins and market accessibility. Suppliers balance operational efficiency with quality preservation, while distributors calibrate inventory turns and waste reduction policies. Regulatory scrutiny and sustainability certification needs also vary by format, shaping partnerships, packaging technology adoption, and expansion pathways in both domestic and export-oriented channels.

Fresh Shark Meat

Fresh formats appeal to markets that value texture, provenance, and premium positioning, necessitating robust cold-chain logistics and rapid time-to-table. Retailers emphasize freshness cues, cut consistency, and traceability to address consumer concerns, while foodservice aligns procurement cycles with menu planning. Growth is supported by coastal distribution nodes and direct sales into specialty outlets, yet constrained by spoilage risk, handling costs, and tighter regulatory checks on species identification.

Frozen Shark Meat

Frozen formats extend shelf life, stabilize pricing, and widen geographic reach for import-export flows and inland markets. Processors leverage value-added capabilities (portioning, glazing, vacuum packing) to improve yield and reduce waste, aligning with retailer planograms and private label programs. Adoption benefits from containerized logistics and inventory smoothing, though players must manage perception gaps on quality and ensure labeling compliance to maintain consumer trust.

Shark Meat Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel

Distribution structure influences price discovery, branding control, and compliance accountability. Channels diverge in margin capture, last-mile costs, and the degree of data visibility for demand forecasting. As regulatory expectations around sustainability and chain-of-custody intensify, participants invest in supplier audits, digital documentation, and SKU rationalization to optimize sell-through and mitigate reputational risk across markets with varying consumer sentiment.

Direct Sales

Direct Sales enable suppliers and processors to maintain tighter control over specifications, negotiate bespoke contracts, and build traceable relationships with high-volume buyers. This route fits coastal communities, export hubs, and institutional procurement where reliability and custom cuts matter. While margins can be higher, the model requires disciplined quality control, formalized documentation, and service capabilities to meet buyer audits and cyclical demand spikes.

Retail Stores

Retail Stores expand consumer access through supermarkets, specialty fishmongers, and ethnic groceries with curated assortments. Success hinges on merchandising, clear species labeling, and shopper education on preparation methods, while retailers balance assortment breadth against shrink. Growth opportunities include private brands, frozen assortments for inland cities, and cross-category promotions, conditioned by adherence to local import rules and sustainability narratives.

Shark Meat Market, Segmentation by End User

Understanding End User profiles helps suppliers tailor cut types, packaging formats, and messaging to specific consumption occasions. Individual buyers respond to price, freshness, and recipe familiarity, whereas professional kitchens prioritize consistency, supply reliability, and labor-efficient prep. Procurement standards, storage capacity, and audit requirements differ across segments, shaping contract structures, service levels, and menu-driven demand patterns.

Individual Consumers

Individual Consumers purchase for at-home cooking, responding to cues around origin, quality, and culinary tradition in coastal and diaspora communities. Retailers and specialty stores succeed with clear labeling, portion packs, and guidance on preparation to address hesitancy. Demand is influenced by cultural preferences, perceived health attributes, and price sensitivity, with frozen options often serving entry-level buyers seeking convenience and longer storage.

Restaurants & Food Service Providers

Restaurants & Food Service focus on cut uniformity, consistent supply, and specifications that support menu engineering. Buyers value vendor reliability, traceability assurances, and HACCP-aligned handling that reduces back-of-house complexity. Growth is tied to regional cuisines, tourism corridors, and premium dining niches, balanced against reputational considerations and the need for transparent sourcing communications.

Shark Meat Market, Segmentation by Application

Applications frame how demand is realized across culinary and non-culinary uses, influencing processing methods, packaging, and marketing. Culinary channels emphasize taste profile, texture, and recipe adaptability, while supplement-oriented use cases center on extraction processes, labeling rigor, and nutritional claims. Stakeholders invest in QA systems and documentation to meet evolving regulatory expectations and retailer standards.

Culinary Uses

Culinary demand spans traditional dishes, grilled or curry preparations, and regional specialties where familiarity sustains baseline volumes. Processors optimize cut selection, de-skinning, and de-odorizing steps to enhance kitchen performance. Growth prospects hinge on menu innovation, diaspora demand, and retail education, while supply reliability, ethical sourcing narratives, and product knowledge remain critical to brand trust.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional Supplements involve derivative processing for oils and extracts positioned around specific nutrient attributes. This avenue requires stricter input qualification, traceability documentation, and alignment with health-claim regulations. Participants differentiate via standardized extraction, third-party testing, and transparent labeling, with channel development contingent on regulatory acceptance and responsible-sourcing assurances.

Shark Meat Market, Segmentation by Selling Proposition

The Selling Proposition axis reflects how brands articulate value around origin, sustainability, and logistics economics. Positioning influences price premiums, customer trust, and access to retailers with stringent sourcing policies. Clear communication, verified documentation, and supplier development programs are essential to maintain credibility and navigate evolving expectations on ethical procurement.

Organic & Sustainably Sourced Shark Meat

Organic & Sustainably Sourced emphasizes rigorous traceability, third-party audits, and adherence to sustainability standards in fisheries management and processing. Brands adopting this stance focus on transparent labeling and supplier partnerships that can withstand buyer scrutiny. Growth aligns with retailers and foodservice operators seeking responsible options, though the segment requires ongoing investment in certification upkeep and stakeholder education.

Locally Sourced vs Imported Shark Meat

Locally Sourced vs Imported frames trade-offs between freshness cues, lead times, and cost structures. Local sourcing supports shorter supply chains, responsive replenishment, and community narratives, while imports provide assortment breadth, stabilized pricing, and access to value-added frozen formats. Portfolio strategies often combine both routes, with messaging tailored to regional sentiment and buyer requirements.

Shark Meat Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Shark Meat Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

North America

North America features structured retail and foodservice networks with stringent labeling, traceability, and chain-of-custody expectations. Demand is shaped by coastal and ethnic markets, while distributors emphasize compliance, species identification, and sustainability narratives. Growth prospects depend on responsible sourcing assurances and education to support specialty assortments and menu innovation.

Europe

Europe operates under rigorous import and food safety regimes, with retailers prioritizing certification, transparent origin, and accurate species labeling. Coastal markets and tourism corridors sustain culinary interest, while buyers assess ESG claims and supplier audits closely. Portfolio strategies balance fresh and frozen offerings, with communication focused on responsible procurement and culinary authenticity.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific reflects diverse consumption traditions and significant processing capacity supporting regional and export flows. Supply chains blend local landings with cross-border trade, emphasizing cold-chain performance and value-added formats. Market development is influenced by price sensitivity, cultural preferences, and regulatory variance, making documentation and buyer education central to trust.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa shows opportunity in coastal cities and hospitality clusters, supported by import channels and specialty retail. Success depends on meeting halal or local compliance needs, ensuring cold-chain integrity, and aligning pack sizes with household and foodservice demand. Narrative emphasis on origin transparency and responsible sourcing helps address buyer concerns and drive sustainable growth.

Latin America

Latin America combines producing and consuming markets, with coastal hubs and traditional recipes anchoring demand. Processors leverage frozen formats for inland reach and export, while retailers balance price, freshness cues, and education to expand category penetration. Continued investment in handling practices, species labeling, and traceability will be pivotal to capture value responsibly.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Shark Meat Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers :

• Nutritional benefits
• Culinary traditions

• High protein content - High protein content is a significant factor driving the appeal of shark meat in the global market. Protein is a crucial macronutrient that supports numerous bodily functions, including muscle growth, repair, and overall cellular health. Shark meat is notably rich in protein, making it a valuable dietary option for those seeking to increase their protein intake. This high protein content is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to maintain a balanced diet, build muscle, or manage weight effectively.

  The abundance of protein in shark meat not only contributes to its nutritional value but also enhances its versatility in culinary applications. The meat's robust protein profile makes it suitable for various preparations, from traditional dishes to modern gourmet recipes. It can serve as a key ingredient in meals that require a substantial protein source, providing a flavorful alternative to other meats. Additionally, the protein in shark meat is complemented by other essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which further boost its appeal among health-conscious consumers.

  Despite its benefits, the high protein content of shark meat must be balanced with considerations of sustainability and environmental impact. As demand for protein-rich foods grows, it is crucial to ensure that shark meat is sourced responsibly to protect marine ecosystems and support conservation efforts. This balance between nutritional benefits and environmental responsibility is a key aspect of the ongoing development and regulation of the shark meat market.

Restraints :

• Sustainability concerns
• Overfishing

• Shark finning - Shark finning is a controversial practice where the fins of sharks are removed, often while the animal is still alive, and the remainder of the shark is discarded back into the ocean. This practice is driven by the high market value of shark fins, which are considered a delicacy in many Asian cuisines, particularly in dishes like shark fin soup. The fins are prized for their texture and are associated with status and luxury, leading to high demand and substantial profits.

  However, shark finning has severe environmental and ethical implications. Removing the fins from a live shark often leaves the animal unable to swim, leading to its death through suffocation, predation, or starvation. This practice contributes to the decline of shark populations, many of which are already vulnerable or endangered due to overfishing and habitat destruction. Sharks play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as apex predators, and their decline can disrupt the balance of oceanic ecosystems, affecting other marine species and the health of coral reefs.

  In response to the detrimental effects of shark finning, many countries and regions have implemented regulations and bans to curb the practice. International efforts are also underway to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect shark species. These measures aim to reduce the demand for shark fins and support conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of shark populations. As consumer awareness of the environmental and ethical issues surrounding shark finning grows, there is a shift toward more responsible sourcing and a preference for alternative products that do not contribute to the depletion of shark species.

Opportunities :

• Sustainable sourcing
• Farmed shark alternatives

• Market expansion in emerging regions - Market expansion in emerging regions represents a significant opportunity for the global shark meat market, driven by increasing consumer interest and rising economic development in these areas. Emerging regions, particularly in parts of Asia, Latin America, and Africa, are witnessing a growing middle class and a heightened demand for diverse food products, including shark meat. This demographic shift, coupled with increased disposable incomes, is contributing to the expansion of markets for both traditional and specialty seafood products.

  In Asia, countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are seeing growing consumption of shark meat due to their cultural preferences and increasing affluence. As these economies develop, there is greater access to a variety of seafood products, and shark meat is becoming more integrated into local diets and culinary traditions. This expansion is also driven by a burgeoning restaurant and food service industry that caters to both local and international tastes.

  Latin American countries are also experiencing growth in the seafood market, including shark meat. Increasing urbanization and improved economic conditions are boosting demand for diverse protein sources. As these regions become more connected to global trade networks, there is greater access to international markets and an influx of new seafood products, including shark meat.

  In Africa, while shark meat consumption is currently less widespread, there is potential for growth driven by rising urban populations and changes in dietary preferences. As infrastructure improves and economic conditions advance, the market for shark meat and other seafood products is likely to expand.ponsible sourcing, increased awareness, and regulatory measures will play crucial roles in balancing market expansion with environmental stewardship.

Shark Meat Market is becoming increasingly competitive as companies adopt focused strategies to strengthen supply chains and meet consumer demand. Leading participants emphasize collaboration, partnerships, and consistent innovation in processing and preservation. The competitive environment reflects steady growth, with established players and regional suppliers expanding their presence across diverse markets.

Market Structure and Concentration

The market displays moderate concentration, with top companies accounting for nearly 55% of total share. Larger players rely on integrated strategies in distribution and quality assurance, while smaller firms drive innovation through specialized offerings. Increased merger activity highlights structural transitions, reinforcing competitiveness and long-term growth across traditional and emerging consumption markets.

Brand and Channel Strategies

Brand strength and distribution networks remain vital for sustaining competitiveness. Companies enhance partnerships with wholesalers, retailers, and food service providers to expand reach. Strategic collaboration supports supply efficiency, while continued innovation in packaging and preservation ensures product credibility. These strategies enable stronger positioning and consistent expansion across multiple regional markets.

Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements

Over 40% of market participants are investing in processing improvements to maintain quality and sustainability. Emphasis on innovation and technological advancements enhances freshness and safety standards. Strategic partnerships accelerate modernization of supply chains, while ongoing expansion into eco-friendly processing supports sustainable growth and competitive differentiation in the industry.

Regional Momentum and Expansion

Regional demand is rising, with nearly 50% of growth linked to coastal economies and traditional consumption hubs. Companies adopt expansion strategies through regional partnerships and localized processing units. Strong collaboration with community suppliers ensures efficiency, while investment in infrastructure fosters innovation and supports continued growth across diverse regions.

The future outlook indicates intensifying competition as firms focus on sustainable sourcing, innovation, and adaptive strategies. Rising merger activity is expected to reshape market concentration, while continued expansion into new distribution formats enhances accessibility. With emphasis on collaboration and technological advancements, the market is positioned for sustained growth momentum.

Key players in Global Shark Meat Market include :

• Maruha Nichiro Corporation
• Thai Union Group
• Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Nissui)
• Mowi ASA
• Royal Greenland
• Pacific Seafood
• American Seafoods
• Ocean Quality AS
• ALL EASY GO FROZEN SEAFOOD CO., LTD
• Aquafin Trade, Inc.
• East Coast Seafood, LLC
• Sea to Table, Inc.
• Wenzhou Haideli Shark Products Co.
• Fujian Haoyuan Food Co. Ltd
• Talleys

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Market Share Analysis
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis