Herring Market Trends and Forecast
The future of the global herring market looks promising with opportunities in the residential and restaurant markets. The global herring market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the rising demand for healthy seafood, the growing popularity of sustainable fishing, and the increase in global seafood consumption.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, atlantic herring is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
• Within the end use category, the restaurant is expected to witness higher growth.
• In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
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Emerging Trends in the Herring Market
The international herring market is undergoing emerging trends that are a reflection of evolving consumer tastes and the overall seafood industryÄX%$%Xs development. The trends are transforming the market as consumers increasingly seek out health benefits, sustainability, and product innovation. Five major trends influencing the herring market are outlined below:
• Sustained Demand for Sustainable Seafood: As consumers become more conscious of environmental sustainability, there is increasing demand for sustainably harvested herring. Schemes such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification are also gaining popularity, ensuring that herring is being harvested from fisheries with good management practices. Concerns of sustainability are encouraging both consumers and producers to switch towards eco-friendly fishing techniques in order to conserve fish stocks and marine habitats. This trend is opening doors for herring producers to connect with eco-friendly markets while promoting the long-term sustainability of the industry.
• Health-Conscious Consumer Behavior: Health-conscious consumers are increasingly opting for herring due to its abundant omega-3 fatty acids, rich protein content, and other health benefits. With greater awareness about the role of omega-3s in heart and brain well-being, herring is now being positioned as a superfood. This trend is not as evident in other parts of the world, but for regions such as Europe and North America, consumers are seeking protein-filled substitutes to red meat. The emphasis on nutritional values will see the demand for herring grow in health-oriented food products, including salads, snack bars, and ready-to-eat meals.
• Product Innovation and Diversification: The market for herring is witnessing a growing number of product innovations and diversifications. Classic herring products like smoked and pickled herring are being complemented by new products like frozen fillets, herring burgers, and snacking products based on herring. Retailers and foodservice operators are placing new herring products on the market to appeal to younger, convenience-oriented consumers who do not want to sacrifice health. These developments are broadening herringÄX%$%Xs market beyond the traditional seafood consumers, making it a more attractive ingredient in a range of food products, such as convenience foods and gourmet meals.
• Increasing Demand for Convenience and Ready-to-Eat Foods: With increasingly hectic lifestyles among consumers, convenience foods are increasingly popular. Herring, which traditionally has been eaten in processed versions such as pickled or smoked, is now increasingly being offered in more convenient, ready-to-eat forms. Retailers are launching pre-packaged herring fillets, ready-to-eat herring salads, and snack herring items to suit time-pressed consumers. This trend is especially prevalent in countries such as Europe, where the consumption of herring is already popular, yet is also gaining momentum in other markets such as North America and Japan. Convenience is set to propel total market growth.
• E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Sales: E-commerce and online shopping for groceries have created new distribution channels for herring products. Online orders for herring and other seafood products are now easily accessible, and home delivery is becoming popular. It is due to the ease of online shopping, the wider variety of herring products, and access to sustainably produced options. The expansion of direct-to-consumer platforms is poised to increase the availability of herring products, and reach more consumers who are health-oriented and convenience-loving.
Rising trends in the herring industry, such as sustainability, health awareness, innovation, convenience, and e-commerce expansion, are transforming the way consumers consume and engage with herring. These trends mirror the global food industryÄX%$%Xs overall change toward more sustainable, health-oriented, and convenient foods. As these trends keep unfolding, the herring market will expect sustained growth, diversification, and innovation globally.
Recent Development in the Herring Market
Recent trends in the herring market both reflect regional changes and industry-wide developments. These key trends underscore developments in consumer demand, technology, and market expansion. The herring sector is responding to these trends, with new products and methods of distribution meeting changed consumer requirements.
• Expansion of Sustainable Herring Fisheries: The surging demand for seafood harvested sustainably is propelling the expansion of herring fisheries that focus on environmentally friendly fishing methods. Strict sustainability standards and certifications are increasingly being put in place by many countries to ensure fishermen catch herring in ways that help preserve the environment. The trend not only benefits the planet but is also drawing environmentally friendly consumers who are willing to pay extra for products harvested sustainably. Sustainability certification, such as the MSC, is emerging as a significant market differentiator.
• Increased Popularity of Herring as a Health Food: Increasingly, the health value of herring, and its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, are being highlighted in marketing efforts, which has helped to increase the popularity of the fish as a health food. With consumers looking to increase their omega-3 consumption for heart and brain well-being, herring is finding its way into diets, particularly in retail markets such as the U.S. and Europe. This health-oriented trend is opening new market opportunities for herring-derived products, including omega-3 supplements and functional foods.
• Technological Improvements in Herring Processing: Technological advances in herring processing are enhancing product quality, shelf life, and cost-effectiveness. New technologies, including new freezing methods, vacuum packaging, and automated processing, are making sure that herring products are fresh and rich in nutritional value. The new technologies are enabling manufacturers to produce more cost-effective, quality herring products, further propelling market expansion. These technologies are also making it possible for producers to provide herring in several formats, such as fillets, burgers, and snack products, according to different consumer demands.
• Diversification of Herring-Based Products: The herring market is being diversified by new product formats, including herring burgers, herring snacks, and pre-packed herring salads. This diversification of products is being pursued to appeal to younger convenience-oriented consumers who may not have thought of herring as an affordable and versatile food choice before. These new products are placing herring on the map as a convenient, on-the-go meal choice, driving its increasing popularity in the international market.
• Growth of E-Commerce Platforms: As online shopping has picked up pace, e-commerce platforms are emerging as a viable distribution channel for herring products. Retailers are also offering herring on a growing number of online platforms, enabling consumers to shop from the comfort of their homes. It is especially significant in markets where herring is not a conventional staple since it broadens access to herring products for more consumers. E-commerce is also poised to have a considerable impact on the development of the herring market in the future.
The recent trends in the herring market demonstrate noteworthy changes towards sustainability, health, and convenience. These trends are stimulating growth and creating new opportunities for manufacturers and retailers. Ongoing emphasis on product diversification, technological advancements, and e-commerce development will help maintain the dynamism and responsiveness of the herring market to consumersÄX%$%X expectations.
Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Herring Market
There are a number of strategic growth opportunities in the herring market based on changing consumer needs, advances in technology, and sustainability issues. With health-conscious consumers opting for sustainable foods, herring has evident opportunities to grow in various global markets. Herring firms can leverage these changes by emphasizing product innovation, enhancing production efficiency, and responding to consumer trends for convenience, sustainability, and nutrition. The following five most important growth opportunities can assist enterprises in riding the changing market trend:
• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Sourcing: Sustainability has emerged as a key driver of consumer choice, and businesses operating in the herring business can capitalize on this trend by using sustainably sourced herring from certified, environmentally friendly fisheries. Increased consumer demand for sustainable seafood is forcing businesses to move towards greener approaches, including lower carbon emissions, sustainable packaging, and better fishing practices. Aligning with environmental certifications, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), may be used to build brand value and resonate with environmentally oriented consumers. By emphasizing sustainable sourcing, herring manufacturers may differentiate themselves within the competitive seafood industry.
• Innovation in Processed Herring Products: Product innovation is pivotal for reaching new consumer groups. Herring is conventionally marketed in formats such as pickled, smoked, or canned, but with more and more potential to get creative with new product forms, including ready-to-eat herring fillets, herring burgers, and snackable herring items. Making herring available in more convenient, healthier forms has the potential to attract young consumers and working families who might not conventionally recognize herring as a versatile food. These technologies can make herring an affordable, convenient, and healthy option that can be integrated into contemporary, active lifestyles.
• Health and Nutritional Emphasis: The worldwide trend toward healthful eating offers a primary opportunity for the herring market. Herring is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, premium protein, and significant vitamins, making it a valuable part of healthful diets. As consumers seek more and more functional foods with health benefits, it is possible to position herring as a superfood that offers cardiovascular support, brain function benefits, and overall wellness. Touting the nutritional value of herring in every form, from omega-3 supplements to health bars and fortified snacks, will appeal to health-oriented consumers and open up the market to more than just traditional seafood fans.
• Growth in Emerging Markets: Asia and AfricaÄX%$%Xs emerging markets are great growth prospects for the herring industry. The low consumption in these areas is currently offset by the emerging middle class, urbanization, and rising interest in seafood, creating opportunities for development. To increase demand, consumers can be informed about the health benefits of herring, and new products can be created for regional markets. For example, in Asia, where omega-3-rich fish are becoming increasingly popular, bringing in herring as a cheap yet healthy alternative might appeal to consumers seeking out healthy foods. These markets offer untapped growth opportunities.
• E-Commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Sales: Online sales are disrupting the food industry, and the herring industry is no different. Online grocery shopping, direct-to-consumer sites, and home delivery are becoming more mainstream. Herring manufacturers and retailers may capitalize on this trend through the provision of products through e-commerce platforms, extending them to a wider reach, including health-conscious people and marketplaces where herring is not well known. Through investments in robust online selling platforms, individualized customer experiences, and subscriptions, herring brands will be able to increase sales and improve consumer loyalty.
The herring industry has many opportunities for growth, including sustainability, innovation, health-oriented products, emerging economies, and e-commerce. The firms that position their strategies around these trends, and make sure their products deliver to consumers what they want in terms of convenience, sustainability, and nutrition, will be optimally situated to thrive in the competitive seafood marketplace. These opportunities are most likely to define the future growth path of the market and increase the popularity of herring among various global consumers.
Herring Market Driver and Challenges
The herring market has several technological, economic, and regulatory drivers that push or restrain its development. The key drivers are consumer demand for sustainable, healthy seafood, improvements in processing technologies, and consumer taste changes. Still, challenges like volatile supply chains, sustainability issues, and competition from alternative protein sources can restrain market growth. Knowledge of these drivers and challenges will assist businesses in navigating the changing market scenario and seizing growth opportunities. The following are the five prime drivers and three prime challenges confronting the herring market:
The factors responsible for driving the herring market include:
1. Consumer Demand for Sustainable Seafood: Increased demand for sustainably produced seafood among consumers is a prime driver in the herring market. As consumers become more environmentally aware, they increasingly demand products with eco-label certifications regarding sustainable sourcing. Herring, which is usually caught through responsible fishing practices, is in accordance with the need for sustainable seafood. Fisheries adopting sustainable fishing and traceability in the supply chain can respond to this emerging market segment. As environmental issues influence consumer behavior, herring producers who emphasize sustainability will gain from increased market demand.
2. Health-Conscious Consumer Trends: Growing recognition of the health value of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and key vitamins is fueling demand for herring. As people pay more attention to health, weight control, and cardiovascular well-being, they will be more willing to add nutrient-rich foods such as herring to their diets. The omega-3 richness of the fish, along with its potential to boost brain and heart wellness, makes it a favorite among healthy-hedonist consumers. Consequently, herring demand is growing with increasing consumers looking for protein-rich, heart-healthy substitutes for conventional meat sources.
3. Technological Innovation in Processing and Storage: Improved processing technologies for herring are increasing the quality, shelf life, and overall consumption appeal of the fish. Innovative processing technologies like high-pressure processing, vacuum packing, and flash freezing are enhancing product preservation without affecting nutrient retention. These technological innovations are enabling producers to provide fresher and more convenient herring products that suit contemporary consumer tastes. Apart from this, automated processing and quality control systems are optimizing production and providing consistent quality, which boosts production efficiency and enables companies to grow better.
4. Diversification of Product Offerings: Diversification of herring products is a main impetus in market growth. Classic herring products, such as pickled and smoked, are being augmented with new items such as frozen fillets, herring burgers, and ready-to-eat snack foods. This introduces a way in which herring can gain wider appeal among consumers by appealing to consumers of convenience foods, healthy alternatives, and new tastes. Diversification of the product is particularly necessary for appealing to younger generations of consumers who are less likely to be aware of traditional herring products.
5. Growing Global Seafood Consumption: As more people around the world consume seafood, the worldwide demand for different species of fish, such as herring, is on the rise. With urbanization and increasing incomes, more individuals are adding seafood to their diets, particularly in developing countries. The expanding international demand for fish as a healthy and low-cost protein is driving the herring market, especially in countries where seafood is not traditionally consumed. As customers resort to seafood for its health value and sustainability, herring is emerging as a viable choice for domestic and international markets.
Challenges in the herring market are:
1. Supply Chain Disruptions: The herring industry relies heavily on a steady and predictable supply of fish from sustainable fisheries. Supply chain disruptions in the form of variability in fish catch rates, impacts of climate change on fish stocks, and geopolitical considerations can influence production and availability. Furthermore, trade restrictions, duties, and transportation issues can complicate global trade, resulting in price fluctuations and shortfalls in products. The capacity to reduce these risks through diversified purchasing and strategic alliances will be essential for producers of herring to have a consistent supply chain.
2. Regulatory and Environmental Restraints: The herring sector is regulated by numerous environmental rules and quotas intended to maintain fish stocks and ensure sustainability. Though such regulations are necessary to guarantee the long-term sustainability of herring stocks, they also restrict the quantity of fish a producer can harvest yearly. Stringent regulatory policies like fishing quotas and sustainability certificates inflate the cost of production to producers. Compliance with these environmental standards, while remaining profitable, is a challenge for the sector, particularly as competition from other fish increases.
3. Competition from Alternative Protein Sources: Plant-based and cell-based proteins are a threat to the herring market because consumers increasingly seek alternatives to animal protein. Although herring is nutritious and sustainable, it is increasingly competing with plant-based fish substitutes and other animal proteins. Herring market companies need to be innovative and highlight the nutritional and environmental advantages of herring to compete with these alternatives. The movement towards plant-based diets and protein diversification may have an impact on the market share of conventional seafood products such as herring.
The market for herring is motivated by increasing consumer demand for sustainable, healthy, and convenient seafood products. The nutritional value of herring and improved processing technology are driving the market forward. Difficulties in supply chain interruptions, regulatory limitations, and competition from substitute proteins can restrict the potential of the market. By meeting these difficulties through innovation, sustainability, and health-focused trends, producers of herring can overcome the changing environment and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
List of Herring Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies herring companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the herring companies profiled in this report include-
• Nergård
• Iceland Seafood International
• Barry Group
• Cornelis Vrolijk
• Gold Star
• TSIALIOS
• Zila Laguna
Herring Market by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global herring market by type, food type, end use, and region.
Herring Market by Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Atlantic Herring
• Pacific Herring
• Others
Herring Market by Food Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Pickled Herring
• Smoked Herring
• Others
Herring Market by Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the Herring Market
The international herring market is undergoing drastic changes, boosted by evolving consumer sentiments, expanding health awareness, and environmental sustainability. With herring being a healthy, sustainable, and versatile fish, demand is rising across most nations. These trends demonstrate rising interest in protein-loaded, omega-3-rich foods that match health-focused trends and eco-friendly seafood demand. With changing market conditions across nations such as the United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan, the herring industry is transforming with region-specific developments in production, processing, and distribution. The following are some recent developments across these countries that reflect these market changes.
• United States: Demand for herring in the United States has been consistently increasing owing to growing consumer interest in omega-3 fatty acids and sustainable seafood. With more Americans focusing on healthy diets, herring, rich in nutrients, is increasing in popularity. The domestic U.S. market is experiencing greater imports of herring, particularly from European countries, as production locally continues to be limited. Smoked and canned herring are among the popular products of herring that are increasingly being used as easy, healthy snacks. Also, the sustainability issues are compelling U.S. foodservice operations and retailers to buy herring from sustainably certified fisheries, in response to the increasing trend towards ethical consumerism.
• China: The Chinese herring market is changing, although it is taking its time relative to other markets, as a result of its traditional emphasis on other forms of seafood such as shrimp and tilapia. Yet, herring is starting to become popular as Chinese consumers more and more recognize the health benefits of fish with high omega-3 fatty acid content. Encouragement from the government on healthier eating, coupled with rising demand for high-end seafood, is promoting this. China is now importing more herring, particularly from Norway, to satisfy domestic demand. Additionally, herring products such as pickled herring and herring roe are gradually finding their way into Chinese kitchens, offering consumers new food experiences.
• Germany: Germany is one of the strong European markets for herring, and the country has a centuries-old history of eating the fish, particularly in the form of smoked and pickled herring. Recent trends suggest a growing emphasis on sustainably caught herring, with German consumers increasingly environmentally aware. GermanyÄX%$%Xs own consumers are also increasingly demanding herring, with GermanyÄX%$%Xs interest in healthy consumption, especially foods containing omega-3s, driving demand. Retailers are launching innovative herring solutions, such as ready-to-eat products and convenience items. GermanyÄX%$%Xs seafood industry is also adopting technology to enhance the shelf life and quality of herring products to international and domestic standards.
• India: In India, demand for herring is less extensive, but an increasing number of people are becoming aware of its health benefits, particularly in the urban middle class. The herring market is gradually developing, mainly in coastal areas where fish is already commonly consumed. IndiaÄX%$%Xs fishery industry is seeking to diversify its product offerings more and more, and herring, referred to as "peavey" locally, is being marketed as a healthy and low-cost fish alternative. Yet, there is still a lagging behind in the market, and herring can only be expected to increase its popularity if there is more promotion through campaigns and product development targeting health-conscious Indian consumers.
• Japan: Japan has seen a modest rise in the consumption of herring, especially in conventional forms such as pickled or preserved herring. Although herring is less widely popular than tuna or mackerel in Japan, the movement toward more sustainable and healthier diets is fueling demand for the fish. HerringÄX%$%Xs omega-3 value and use in popular Japanese foods, such as "herring soba," are becoming major selling features. Japanese food processors are also exploring new herring products, such as snackable pieces of herring fillet and convenient, ready-to-eat meals, targeting busy, health-aware consumers.
Features of the Global Herring Market
Market Size Estimates: Herring market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: Herring market size by type, food type, end use, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: Herring market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different types, food types, end uses, and regions for the herring market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the herring market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for herring market?
Answer: The global herring market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2031.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the herring market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the rising demand for healthy seafood, the growing popularity of sustainable fishing, and the increase in global seafood consumption.
Q3. What are the major segments for herring market?
Answer: The future of the herring market looks promising with opportunities in the residential and restaurant markets.
Q4. Who are the key herring market companies?
Answer: Some of the key herring companies are as follows:
• Nergård
• Iceland Seafood International
• Barry Group
• Cornelis Vrolijk
• Gold Star
• TSIALIOS
• Zila Laguna
Q5. Which herring market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, atlantic herring is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
Q6. In herring market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q7. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the herring market by type (atlantic herring, pacific herring, and others), food type (pickled herring, smoked herring, and others), end use (residential, restaurants, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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