According to the Market Statsville Group (MSG), the Global Shellfish Farming Market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2033.

Shellfish farming is a form of aquaculture focused on the cultivation of various species of mollusks and crustaceans for human consumption. This method of seafood production involves the controlled breeding, rearing, and harvesting of shellfish in aquatic environments such as estuaries, coastal waters, or tanks and ponds. Shellfish farming provides a sustainable and efficient source of seafood, increasing global demand for shellfish. The farming process includes the collection of juvenile shellfish, either from wild stocks or through hatcheries where they are bred and raised to a suitable size. These juveniles are then placed in carefully managed underwater environments where they can feed on natural phytoplankton and grow.

The growing consumer preference for a healthy diet and growing demand for seafood as a source of protein and essential nutrients. Consumers demand shellfish, such as oysters and mussels, which are low in fat, rich in protein, and high in vitamins and minerals, thereby driving the market’s growth. Also, the concerns regarding overfishing and the depletion of wild seafood stocks have increased the demand for sustainable seafood alternatives. The growing consumers and government initiative towards the adoption of sustainable seafood is driving demand for shellfish farming with sustainable methods. The increasing population, rising disposable incomes, and changing dietary preferences are the factors augmenting the shellfish farming market over the forecast period. In addition, the surging trend of online food shows and rising demand for various cuisines of different tastes and cooking methods accelerate the demand for shellfish farming. The high-quality shellfish products, particularly from regions with stringent quality controls, can find lucrative export opportunities, further driving demand.

Shellfish Farming Market Segmental Analysis, 2023-2033

Based on type, the market is divided into freshwater shellfish farming and marine shellfish farming. By type, the freshwater shellfish farming segment is dominating the market’s share in 2023. Freshwater environments offer a wide range of shellfish species, including freshwater mussels, crayfish, and freshwater prawns. The growing demand for freshwater resources across the coastal areas creates a lucrative growth demand for the market. Further, its lower environmental impact compared to marine-based operations is another factor that contributes to the market growth. In many regions, government agencies and environmental organizations take the initiative for freshwater shellfish farming to improve water quality, boosting the market’s growth.

Based on the regions, the global shellfish farming market has been segmented across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. The Asia Pacific region dominated the market share in 2023. The surging consumption of seafood and driving demand for diverse culinary across the region is driving the market’s growth. Further, the region's rapidly growing population has led to increased demand for seafood as it is rich in protein and nutritional sources is driving the market’s growth. Countries such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand, are major exporters of shellfish products in other parts of the world, driving demand for increased production, thereby fostering the market’s growth in the region.

Shellfish Farming Market Key Players, 2023

The Major key players in the global shellfish farming market are:

• Alaska Shellfish Farms 
• Baja Shellfish Farms 
• Baywater Shellfish 
• Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
• Chatham Shellfish Company
• Cuttyhunk
• Fishers Island Oyster Farm
• Hoopers Island Oysters
• Niantic
• Orca Bay Foods
• Penn Cove Shellfish
• Taylor Shellfish
• Westcott Bay Shellfish Company
• France Naissain Group
• Murder Point Oyster
• Huitres Favier Earl
• Fanny Bay Oysters
• HuîtresHélie
• Farm Suzuki

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, NaturalShrimp agreed to merge with Yotta and will change its name to NaturalShrimp Inc. This business with Yotta will accelerate its efforts for commercialization and expand the production of fresh gourmet-grade shrimp at indoor farming facilities in the US.
• In January 2023, Silver Bay Seafoods acquired Orca Bay Foods, a value-added seafood product maker. This partnership will offer a unique opportunity for fishermen to offer their primary processing plant and the secondary processor to connect more directly with consumers.
• In August 2022, Hoopers Island Oyster Co. launched a new oyster restoration division, that operates via environmental organizations and watermen associations to offer oysters for both restoration projects and future fisheries.
• In July 2021, Yumbah acquired Cameron of Tasmania, expanding its extensive portfolio including mussels and oysters to cater to the growing Australian market.

Report Scope of the Global Shellfish Farming Market

This market research study categorizes the shellfish farming market-based on type, and application area at the regional and global levels.

By Type Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Freshwater Shellfish Farming
• Marine Shellfish Farming

By Application Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Food Service
• Wholesaler
• Processing Factory
• Retail
• Others

By Region Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Poland
  • Russia
  • The Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Czech Republic
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Singapore
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Northern Africa
  • Rest of MEA