Middle East & Africa Frozen Fish and Seafood Market Outlook, 2028

The frozen fish and seafood market is expanding throughout the Middle East and Africa as a result of many changes. For instance, the development of aquaculture as a result of government-implemented policies to promote aquaculture as a means of expanding fish and seafood production in the region the construction of cold storage facilities has enhanced the storage and preservation of fish and seafood items in the region. Furthermore, an increasing number of consumers, particularly the wealthy, consume fish and seafood on a daily basis. In keeping with the growing health and wellness trend of prioritising seafood as a healthier source of protein than red meat and even white meat, the region's frozen fish and seafood sector has plenty of prospects. The risk of chronic disease, combined with increased health awareness, is driving higher demand for frozen fish and seafood. The MEA frozen fish and seafood industry is being driven by a significant growth in minerals, high-quality protein, and fatty acids. The growing preference for ready-to-eat foods due to a hectic lifestyle is also fueling industry expansion. Increased spending on nutrient-dense foods is expanding the frozen fish and seafood business in the Middle East and Africa. Advances in freezing and storage technology have enhanced the quality and taste of frozen seafood. These advancements help maintain the nutritional value and texture of the seafood, making it a more appealing choice for consumers. The MEA region may have limited access to fresh seafood due to geographical factors, distance from coastal areas, or inadequate transportation infrastructure. Frozen seafood provides a viable alternative, allowing consumers to access a wide variety of seafood regardless of their location. The frozen seafood market in the MEA region has expanded its product offerings. Along with traditional fish varieties, a wide range of value-added and processed seafood products are now available, including fillets, shrimps, prawns, and seafood mixes. This diversification caters to different culinary preferences and increases consumer interest in frozen seafood. According to the research report, “Middle East and Africa Frozen Frozen Fish and Seafood Market Outlook, 2028", published by Bonafide Research, the market is expected to reach market size of USD 4.2 Billion by 2028. In the MEA region, the food service business, which includes restaurants, hotels, and catering organisations, is a major consumer of frozen fish and seafood. Because of its ease, consistent quality, and extended shelf life, these restaurants rely on frozen fish for their menus. Furthermore, the processing and packaging business is critical in the preparation of frozen fish and seafood items for the market. Cleaning, filleting, freezing, packaging, and labelling are all processes used in this business to ensure the quality, safety, and presentation of frozen seafood products. Raw materials for the frozen fish and seafood sectors are supplied by the fishing and aquaculture industries. They entail capturing or growing fish and other seafood species, which are then processed and frozen for distribution and consumption. The cold chain and logistics business is in charge of ensuring a temperature-controlled supply chain for frozen fish and seafood. It entails transporting, storing, and distributing frozen seafood items while ensuring their quality and integrity from manufacture to consumption. The MEA region is home to a diverse range of fish and seafood species due to its extensive coastline, rivers, and lakes. This leads to a wide variety of frozen fish and seafood products available, including local species that may be less common in other regions. Halal certification is an important consideration in the MEA region, where the majority of the population follows Islamic dietary guidelines. Frozen fish and seafood products in the region often carry halal certifications, indicating that they comply with Islamic dietary requirements and are permissible for consumption.

Spices and seasonings play a significant role in MEA cuisine, including the preparation of frozen fish and seafood. Traditional spice blends, such as ras el hanout, baharat, or za'atar, may be used to enhance the flavors of frozen seafood products. These spices add depth and complexity to dishes, providing a distinct regional taste. Grilling and barbecuing are prevalent cooking methods in the MEA region, and they are often applied to frozen fish and seafood. Traditional festivals and celebrations in the MEA region often feature seafood dishes. During religious festivals like Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, special seafood-based dishes may be prepared using frozen seafood. These dishes contribute to the festive atmosphere and are enjoyed by families and communities. Soups and stews are common in the MEA region, and seafood-based versions are particularly popular. Traditional seafood soups and stews, such as Moroccan harira or Egyptian fish sayadiyah are prepared using frozen fish and seafood. These dishes combine aromatic spices, herbs, and vegetables to create hearty and flavourful meals. According to product type, the market is segmented into Shrimp, Salmon, Tuna, Tilapia, Pangasius, and Catfish. The shrimp is leading the market of frozen fish and seafood market in MEA. Shrimp has garnered a high demand and consumer preference due to its taste, texture, and overall culinary experience. The succulent and tender meat of shrimp appeals to a broad consumer base, including seafood enthusiasts and those looking to try new flavors. Shrimp has become a sought-after ingredient in MEA cuisine, both in traditional and contemporary dishes. Shrimp is relatively abundant and widely available in the MEA region. It can be sourced from local waters as well as imported from other regions. The availability of frozen shrimp throughout the year ensures that consumers can access it regardless of seasonal fluctuations. Additionally, the expanding retail infrastructure and distribution networks in the region make frozen shrimp easily accessible to consumers. Shrimp has garnered a high demand and consumer preference due to its taste, texture, and overall culinary experience. The succulent and tender meat of shrimp appeals to a broad consumer base, including seafood enthusiasts and those looking to try new flavors. Shrimp has become a sought-after ingredient in MEA cuisine, both in traditional and contemporary dishes. South Africa is leading the market in MEA. South Africa has a well-developed fishing industry, with access to rich fishing grounds along its coastline. The country has a diverse range of fish and seafood species, including hake, sardines, rock lobster, and various shellfish. This abundance of local seafood resources allows South Africa to produce and export a significant quantity of frozen fish and seafood products. Furthermore, South Africa places a strong emphasis on quality standards and food safety regulations. The frozen fish and seafood industry in the country adheres to these regulations, ensuring that products meet high-quality and safety standards. This commitment to quality and safety enhances the reputation and competitiveness of South African frozen fish and seafood in the regional market. South Africa has invested in modern processing and freezing facilities, enabling efficient and high-quality production of frozen fish and seafood products. These facilities utilize advanced freezing technologies, such as blast freezing, to maintain the freshness, texture, and nutritional value of the seafood. The availability of modern infrastructure contributes to the competitiveness of South African products.

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Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

Considered in this report • Geography: Middle East and Africa • Historic year: 2017 • Base year: 2022 • Estimated year: 2023 • Forecast year: 2028 Aspects covered in this report • Middle East and Africa Frozen Frozen Fish and Seafood market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Country-wise Frozen Frozen Fish and Seafood market analysis • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation Countries Covered in the report: • UAE • Saudi Arabia • Israel • South Africa

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By Product Type: • Shrimp • Salmon • Tuna • Tilapia • Pangasius • Catfish • Others By End User: • Residential • Commercial By Sales Channel: • Supermarket /modern retail/ hypermarket • Independent Retailers / Departmental /convenience store • On-line Shop The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience: This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Frozen Fish and Seafood industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.