Crab Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The crab market is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period, driven by increasing awareness of the nutritional benefits of crab meat, such as its high protein, vitamin, and mineral content, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties. Factors like rising per capita seafood consumption, higher incomes, and urbanization are expected to boost demand. The food service industry plays a crucial role in this market, with its expansion influenced by technological advancements, menu customizations, and a growing preference for healthy, gluten-free options.

Market Size of Crab Industry

Crab Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Market Size (2024) USD 12.49 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 15.49 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.40 %
Fastest Growing Market North America
Largest Market Asia-Pacific

Major Players

Crab Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Crab Market Analysis

The Crab Market size is estimated at USD 12.49 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 15.49 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Crabs come under crustaceans in seafood segments and are one of the major seafood consumed globally. Crabs such as red king crab, blue king crab, opilio, and tanner contain significant protein, vitamin, and mineral content. Crab meat has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce blood pressure and enhance bone and mental health. Such factors and the growing awareness about the health benefits of crab meat are expected to encourage its consumption in the coming years.

Furthermore, the food service industry is the major end-user of crabs. The rise of the food service industry directly affects the global crab market. The food service industry worldwide is multiplying because of new technology, innovations, and customizations in menus. In addition, the inclination toward healthy and nutritious foods and increasing demand for gluten-free diets are expected to support the market’s growth.

Moreover, the demand for frozen crabs is rising in households as they are available year-round, irrespective of the season. They can be used to prepare snacks like crab cakes, crab bisque, crab salad, and crab-stuffed mushrooms at home with minimum cooking. For instance, in 2023, South Korea imported 33.7 thousand metric tons of frozen crab, which was 26.7% more compared to 26.6 thousand metric tons in 2022.

Crab Industry Segmentation

A crab is a decapod crustacean with a hard shell; the meat of a crab is eaten as food.

The crab market is segmented into type (blue crab, Chinese mitten crab, gazami crab, and other types) and form (frozen, canned, and other forms). The market is also segmented by geography, covering more than 16 countries worldwide. The report offers market estimation and forecast in value (USD) and volume (metric tons).

By Type
Blue Crab
Chinese Mitten
Gazami Crab
Other Crab Types
By Form
Frozen
Canned
Other Forms
By Geography
North America
United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe
France
Belgium
Germany
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Indonesia
Philippines
Vietnam
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America
Argentina
Brazil
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa
South Africa
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East and Africa
Need A Different Region Or Segment?
Customize Now

Crab Market Size Summary

The crab market is poised for significant growth over the forecast period, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits of crab meat, which is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. The demand for crabs is supported by rising per capita seafood consumption, higher incomes, and urbanization, which are all contributing to the inelastic nature of demand relative to prices. The food service industry plays a crucial role as a major end user, with its expansion fueled by technological advancements, menu customizations, and a growing inclination towards healthy, gluten-free diets. Mud crabs, known for their high flesh content and rapid growth, are particularly in demand, with live crabs being sought after in the global market. The health benefits of crab, including anti-inflammatory properties and contributions to bone and mental health, are expected to further boost consumption and production worldwide.

North America stands out as the fastest-growing region in the global crab market, with the United States and Canada contributing significantly to the market share. The increase in seafood landings and the rising demand for imported crabs among health-conscious consumers have enhanced the role of seafood in the American diet. The market is characterized by high fragmentation, with numerous international and regional players competing for market share. Companies like Bumble Bee Foods, LLC, and Supreme Crab & Seafood, Inc. are key players in the supply and trade of frozen and canned crabs. Recent developments, such as the opening of a new processing hub in India and the launch of a new crabbing vessel in Russia, highlight the dynamic nature of the market. These factors, combined with the growing consumer preference for sustainable seafood, are expected to accelerate the growth of the crab market in the coming years.

Explore More

Crab Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Market Drivers

      1. 1.2.1 Rising Awareness About the Nutritional Benefits of Crabs

      2. 1.2.2 Growing Exports with the Rise in Seafood Consumption

      3. 1.2.3 Rising Initiatives by Government

    3. 1.3 Market Restraints

      1. 1.3.1 Growing Inclination of Consumers Toward Plant-based Meat

      2. 1.3.2 Climate Change Impeding the Growth of Crab Production

    4. 1.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.4.1 Threat of New Entrants

      2. 1.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

      3. 1.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      4. 1.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Type

      1. 2.1.1 Blue Crab

      2. 2.1.2 Chinese Mitten

      3. 2.1.3 Gazami Crab

      4. 2.1.4 Other Crab Types

    2. 2.2 By Form

      1. 2.2.1 Frozen

      2. 2.2.2 Canned

      3. 2.2.3 Other Forms

    3. 2.3 By Geography

      1. 2.3.1 North America

        1. 2.3.1.1 United States

        2. 2.3.1.2 Canada

        3. 2.3.1.3 Mexico

        4. 2.3.1.4 Rest of North America

      2. 2.3.2 Europe

        1. 2.3.2.1 France

        2. 2.3.2.2 Belgium

        3. 2.3.2.3 Germany

        4. 2.3.2.4 Netherlands

        5. 2.3.2.5 United Kingdom

        6. 2.3.2.6 Rest of Europe

      3. 2.3.3 Asia-Pacific

        1. 2.3.3.1 China

        2. 2.3.3.2 Indonesia

        3. 2.3.3.3 Philippines

        4. 2.3.3.4 Vietnam

        5. 2.3.3.5 India

        6. 2.3.3.6 Japan

        7. 2.3.3.7 Australia

        8. 2.3.3.8 Rest of Asia-Pacific

      4. 2.3.4 South America

        1. 2.3.4.1 Argentina

        2. 2.3.4.2 Brazil

        3. 2.3.4.3 Rest of South America

      5. 2.3.5 Middle East and Africa

        1. 2.3.5.1 South Africa

        2. 2.3.5.2 United Arab Emirates

        3. 2.3.5.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa

Crab Market Size FAQs

The Crab Market size is expected to reach USD 12.49 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.40% to reach USD 15.49 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Crab Market size is expected to reach USD 12.49 billion.

Crab Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)