The global crab market size is estimated to reach USD 4.21 billion in 2030 and is anticipated to gow at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Crab product distribution is expanding across retail and food service channels. In the retail sector, there has been an increase in the availability of fresh, frozen, and canned crab products in supermarkets and specialty stores. The growth of online grocery shopping has also provided consumer easier access to crab products offering a wide range of seafood options. In the food service sector, the increasing demand for seafood dishes in restaurants, hotels, and catering services has fueled the market’s growth.
Fine-dining restaurants, in particular, have contributed to the crab’s popularity, offering gourmet dishes such as Alaskan king crab legs, crab bisque, and soft-shell crab. Moreover, the expansion of seafood-focused chains, such as Joe’s Crab Shack and Red Lobster, has increased the visibility of crab products on menus. Foodservice providers are also responding to consumer preferences for healthier dining options by offering more seafood dishes, including crab. With rising health consciousness and the perception of crab as a nutritious alternative to red meat, the foodservice sector is poised for further growth in crab consumption.
Manufacturers in the market are focusing on product innovation to meet evolving consumer preferences. In recent years, there has been a surge in new product launches, particularly in the premium and convenience categories. For instance, companies are developing pre-packaged crab meat for use in salads, sandwiches, and sushi, offering consumers a convenient way to enjoy crab without the hassle of preparation.
Frozen crab products, including pre-cooked crab legs and crab cakes, have gained popularity due to their ease of preparation and longer shelf life. Manufacturers are also introducing crab products with clean-label formulations, free from artificial additives and preservatives, to cater to health-conscious consumers. In addition, there has been a rise in organic and sustainably sourced crab products, further driving consumer interest.
Major players in the market include The J.M. Clayton Company, Phillips Foods, Inc., Blue Star Foods Corp., Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Nissui), High Liner Foods Inc., Trans-Ocean Products, Graham & Rollins, Inc., Handy Seafood Incorporated, King Crab Legs Company, Harbor Seafood. Various steps are adopted by these companies including global expansion, partnerships, acquisitions & mergers, development & launch of new products, and others to gain more share of the market.
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Asia Pacific is expected to grow with a CAGR of 3.7% from 2024 to 2030. The rise in disposable income and the growing middle class community in Asian countries have led to increased consumption of premium seafood, including crab. Furthermore, the demand for seafood in Asian cuisine, which often emphasizes fresh and live seafood, contributes to this region’s dominance.
Fresh crab market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.0% from 2024 to 2030 due to the increasing popularity of live seafood across the globe
The crab meat market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 3.8% from 2024 to 2030. The growing demand for protein-rich, low-fat foods has fueled the demand, as it is seen as a healthy and nutritious option. As consumers become more health-conscious, they are turning to seafood as a source of lean protein, and crab meat, in particular, is gaining popularity for its high nutritional value.
Sales of crab meat through retail channels are expected to grow with a CAGR of 3.6% over the forecast period. Retail channels such as supermarket chains often have well-established seafood sections that offer a variety of crab products, from live crabs to processed meat. The ability to purchase crab in different formats such as fresh, frozen, or canned-appeals to a wide demographic, from budget-conscious shoppers to those seeking premium seafood.
Grand View Research has segmented the global crab market based on the type, application, distribution channel, and region:
Crab Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Frozen
Fresh
Canned
Crab Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Whole-cooks
Meat
Others
Crab Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Foodservice
Retail
Crab Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia & New Zealand
South Korea
Central & South America
Brazil
Middle East & Africa
South Africa
List of Key Players in the Crab Market
The J.M. Clayton Company
Phillips Foods, Inc.
Blue Star Foods Corp.
Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Nissui)
High Liner Foods Inc.
Trans-Ocean Products
Graham & Rollins, Inc.
Handy Seafood Incorporated
King Crab Legs Company
Harbor Seafood
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