Seafish has published the UK’s only annual report that provides a comprehensive analysis of seafood data from catch to plate, highlighting the performance of the entire seafood supply chain.

The UK Seafood in Numbers 2024 report consolidates data from catching, processing, trade, food service, and retail sectors, offering an insightful snapshot of the industry’s overall performance.

As part of its suite of insight reports, Seafood in Numbers provides an accurate picture of how various segments of the seafood industry are performing.

For those seeking a more granular analysis, additional reports such as the Economics of the UK Fishing Fleet Report, Seafood Processing Survey, Seafood Supply Chain Report, and the Seafood Trade Report are also available.

Positive Trends in the Seafood Industry

This year’s Seafood in Numbers report presents an encouraging landscape for several sectors within the seafood industry, showcasing substantial growth in both import and export returns while identifying new opportunities for development at home and abroad.

According to Jennifer Robson, Head of Economics, Insight and Advice at Seafish:

“Our latest Seafood in Numbers data indicates significant growth in key areas, including imports and exports. The UK is home to over 60 commercial species of fish and shellfish, alongside some of Europe’s most diverse fishing grounds. However, it is noteworthy that the bulk of seafood consumed domestically is imported, with import values approximately 4.5 times greater than the value of seafood landed in the UK.”

Robson continued, “The UK is a key player in seafood processing and export, with a substantial quantity of its catch shipped abroad while the majority is imported for domestic consumption. This dynamic showcases an industry influenced by our rich maritime heritage, international trade, and the evolving tastes of both local and global markets.”

Key Statistics from the Report

The report highlights several important statistics:

• In 2024, the UK exported nearly half a million tonnes of fish and shellfish valued at £1.98 billion, marking a 13% increase from 2023. Salmon and mackerel were the primary contributors to this export value. Key destinations included the EU, the US, and China, with demand from Asia on the rise.
• Imports also saw an uptick to £3.8 billion, a 2% increase. Notable imports included tuna, cod, and prawns, primarily sourced from China, Norway, and Iceland.
• In 2024, the UK fishing fleet landed 716,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish, valued at £1.15 billion, dominated by mackerel, herring, and haddock. Aquaculture, particularly salmon farming, significantly contributed with a value exceeding £1.2 billion.
• In the domestic arena, seafood retail sales reached £4.65 billion, while food service servings increased by 5%, spurred by growth in dining sectors such as pubs, travel, and workplaces. The UK processing industry, employing over 17,000 individuals across 340 facilities, remains a vital aspect of the seafood sector.

Seafish offers a publicly accessible tool for sourcing these data analyses, including comprehensive insights on the UK fleet, trade, and processing.

A free webinar to launch this year’s Seafood in Numbers report will be held on 20 November.

Click here to register for the webinar.

For access to the complete report, visit: Seafood in Numbers | Seafish

Image credit: Seafish