Seafish has published the UK’s only annual report that analyzes seafood data across the entire supply chain, from catch to plate. The UK Seafood in Numbers 2024 report—created by Seafish, the public body dedicated to supporting the UK seafood industry—aggregates data from catching, processing, trade, food service, and retail. This offers a comprehensive snapshot of performance throughout the seafood supply chain.
Seafood in Numbers is part of a suite of insightful reports developed by Seafish to accurately depict how various sectors within the industry are performing. Users can delve deeper into specific areas with reports such as the annual Economics of the UK Fishing Fleet Report, Seafood Processing Survey, Seafood Supply Chain Report, and the Seafood Trade Report.
This year’s Seafood in Numbers presents an optimistic outlook for several sectors of the seafood industry. It reveals an industry experiencing robust import and export returns, while also identifying new opportunities both domestically and internationally.
Jennifer Robson, Head of Economics, Insight and Advice at Seafish, stated: “Our latest Seafood in Numbers data shows growth in key areas including importing and exporting. While the United Kingdom is home to over 60 commercial species of fish and shellfish, and boasts some of Europe’s most diverse fishing grounds, the majority of seafood consumed domestically is imported. The value of these imports is nearly 4.5 times higher than the value of the seafood landed in the UK.”
“In addition, the UK is a significant player in seafood processing and export, sending considerable quantities of its catch overseas while importing much of what is consumed at home. This dynamic reflects a complex industry shaped by our rich maritime heritage, international trade, and the evolving preferences of both domestic and global markets.”
“Seafood in Numbers is our flagship report, giving a snapshot of the performance of various segments within the seafood supply chain. It serves as an excellent starting point for anyone seeking a high-level overview of the industry’s performance. Our additional focused reports provide a deeper dive into individual sectors.”
“By delivering detailed data at multiple levels, we enable businesses and stakeholders interested in seafood production and supply to make evidence-based decisions. Furthermore, we help illuminate the significance of seafood to the UK’s economy and communities.”
The report highlights several key findings:
- 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. This growth was primarily driven by salmon and mackerel, which constituted the majority of the export value. The EU, the US, and China remained key destinations, while demand from Asia continued to rise.
- Imports also increased, reaching £3.8 billion—a 2% rise. Tuna, cod, and prawns were among the most imported species, with China, Norway, and Iceland serving as the UK’s leading suppliers.
- The UK fishing fleet landed 716,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish in 2024, valued at £1.15 billion. Key catches included mackerel, herring, and haddock, with landings into UK ports valued at £828 million. Aquaculture, particularly salmon farming, continued to play a critical role, contributing more than £1.2 billion in value.
- In the domestic market, seafood retail sales surged to £4.65 billion, while foodservice servings increased by five percent, driven by growth in pubs, travel, and workplace dining. The UK processing sector, employing over 17,000 people across 340 sites, remains a cornerstone of the seafood industry.
Seafish has also created a publicly available tool for sourcing this data, which contains further analysis of the UK fleet, trade, and processing.
A free webinar is scheduled for 20 November to launch this year’s Seafood in Numbers.
To register for the webinar, click here.
Access the new report here: Seafood in Numbers | Seafish
