Overview:

The global market for frozen sardines registered sales valued at USD 10,559.8 million in 2024. Projected to reach USD 10,887.1 million in 2025, representing a year-over-year expansion of 3.1%. Throughout the forecast period spanning from 2025 to 2035, forecasts indicate a steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.5%, with sales anticipated to climb to USD 15,489.9 million by the conclusion of 2035.

Historically utilized for canning and within the food service industry, frozen sardines are witnessing increased consumer interest driven by their nutritional profile and extended shelf stability. As a commendable source of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and protein, they align with contemporary consumer preferences for economical and healthful aquatic food choices.

Advancements in cold chain logistics and freezing technologies are instrumental in preserving the quality of sardines during transit over considerable distances. Key exporting nations include China, Vietnam, and Morocco, while demand is undergoing substantial growth in regions like North America and Europe, largely attributed to a heightened awareness regarding sustainably sourced aquatic products.

The availability of ready-to-cook frozen sardine items has broadened their appeal across a diverse consumer base, encompassing individual households, restaurant establishments, and large-scale food processors. Prominent entities such as Marine Harvest (Mowi ASA), Leroy Seafoods, Xiamen Taiseng Seafoods, and Lyons Seafoods are capitalize on these market dynamics by offering value-added products like deboned fillets or pre-seasoned frozen sardines.

Heightened environmental consciousness and support for aquatic resource management are guiding consumers of frozen sardines toward selections that have been responsibly harvested and certified.

The frozen sardine market is poised for consistent expansion over the coming years. Its standing as a provider of cost-effective, highly nutritious aquatic protein, combined with increasing focus on sustainability, will continue to support growth across both established and developing economies.

A comparative assessment of the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) trajectory over half-year intervals for the base year (2024) and the current year (2025) within the worldwide frozen sardine sector provides valuable insights. This analysis highlights key shifts in performance metrics and patterns of revenue generation, offering a reliable projection of growth opportunities for stakeholders in the forthcoming year.

The initial half, referred to as H1, encompasses the period from January through June. The latter half, H2, covers the months from July through December.

The industry is anticipated to achieve moderate growth, projected at a 3.5% CAGR in the first half (H1) from 2025 to 2035, while transitioning into a consistent, average growth phase in the latter half (H2) of this decade. Comparatively, the sector demonstrated an expansion of 20 basis points (BPS) in the first half and 10 BPS in the second half relative to 2024, indicating a gradual upward trend.

Market structure reveals a set of dominant companies with significant revenue and market presence, identified as Tier 1 players. These entities possess substantial brand recognition and invest heavily in advanced cold chain logistics, ethical aquatic harvesting methods, and introducing new offerings to expand their reach globally. Leroy Seafoods is a prominent example with a robust supply network facilitating the delivery of frozen sardines to supermarkets, food manufacturing companies, and the food service sector across Europe and Asia.

Another significant participant is Marine Harvest (Mowi ASA), which, while historically strong in salmon, has broadened its aquatic product portfolio and is enhancing its frozen sardine approach by implementing improvements in packaging solutions and establishing international retail alliances.

In addition to these, Tier 1 companies like Kingsun Foods and Xiamen Taiseng Seafoods demonstrate considerable export capacities, integrated supply networks, and established client relationships across key markets including North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Tier 2 encompasses companies with revenues below the Tier 1 group but maintaining a strong presence in regional and specific overseas markets. Lyons Seafoods, based in the UK, has become a notable name in the UK and EU frozen seafood sector through its dedication to responsible sourcing and producing high-quality private label items.

Similarly, Shishi Zhengyuan Aquatic Product is recognized for its diverse range of frozen sardine product types and is progressively gaining entry into high-demand areas in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These businesses compete based on operational efficiency, consistency, and building brand loyalty within specific geographic areas to attract retail and wholesale buyers, particularly within the value-conscious segment.

Tier 3 participants typically include smaller or newer entrants navigating their way within the frozen sardine market. Characterized by a limited international presence, they aim for rapid expansion through innovative marketing approaches, digital platforms, and focused export collaborations.

TLC Thai Lien and Makefood International serve as illustrative examples, concentrating on specific export destinations such as Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia, regions experiencing a rapid increase in the need for economically priced, protein-rich food sources. Although these companies do not yet possess the global scale of Tier 1 players, their agility in tailoring products and navigating regulatory systems is leading to increasing visibility.