Dry-Packed Scallops Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Frozen Scallops, Dehydrated Scallops, Pre-cooked Scallops), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialist Stores, Online, Others), By Region, By Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.41 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.77%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.57 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Dry-Packed Scallops Market will grow from USD 2.41 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.57 Billion by 2031 at a 6.77% CAGR. Dry-packed scallops are premium seafood products shucked and packaged without the addition of water or sodium tripolyphosphate, ensuring they retain their natural moisture and distinct flavor profile. The market is primarily supported by the growing consumer preference for clean-label protein sources and the culinary advantages of untreated scallops, which offer superior searing properties compared to processed alternatives. Furthermore, the increasing demand for high-quality, sustainable seafood in the food service sector continues to drive industry value.

Despite this positive trajectory, the market encounters significant challenges regarding supply chain stability and strict harvest quotas designed to prevent overfishing. These regulatory limits can restrict volume and induce price volatility within the global supply chain, directly impacting availability for major distributors. According to the New England Fishery Management Council, in 2024, the projected landings for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery were set at 27.4 million pounds to balance commercial demand with long-term stock conservation.

Key Market Drivers

The rising consumer demand for chemical-free and all-natural seafood is fundamentally reshaping the dry-packed scallops market as shoppers increasingly scrutinize product labels for additives like sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). Health-conscious buyers prioritize dry scallops because they are processed without water-retaining chemicals, ensuring the protein remains nutrient-dense and free from artificial bulking agents that dilute flavor. This trend is strongly reflected in retail behavior; according to FMI - The Food Industry Association, March 2024, in the 'Power of Seafood 2024' report, 66% of seafood consumers prioritize nutrition and health when choosing their primary seafood store, a preference that directly benefits the clean-label dry scallop category.

Concurrently, the expansion of the fine dining and premium foodservice sectors propels market growth, as chefs rely on the superior searing capabilities of dry scallops to create high-value culinary experiences. Unlike wet scallops, which release excess moisture during cooking, dry-packed variants allow for the precise caramelization essential in gourmet plating, sustaining their status as a staple in luxury dining. The economic scale of this premium trade is evident globally; according to SeafoodSource, February 2025, in the 'Japan posts food export record in 2024' article, Japanese scallop exports increased to JPY 69.5 billion in 2024 as producers pivoted to supply high-demand markets like the United States. Additionally, the domestic value remains robust; according to NOAA Fisheries, April 2024, the U.S. commercial Atlantic sea scallop fishery was valued at $360 million in 2023, underscoring the significant capital generated by this premium resource.

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Key Market Challenges

Strict harvest quotas and regulatory limits represent a significant barrier to the growth of the global dry-packed scallops market. These conservation measures, while necessary for the long-term sustainability of fishery stocks, inherently restrict the volume of raw material available for processing and distribution. As a result, the industry faces a structural inability to scale supply in response to rising global demand, leading to inventory shortages and supply chain instability. This volume cap forces buyers to contend with unpredictable availability, making it challenging to secure long-term contracts with major retail and food service partners.

The impact of these constraints is evident in recent fishery management adjustments which have further tightened supply. According to the New England Fishery Management Council, in late 2024, the annual projected landings for the 2025 fishing year were estimated to be approximately 18 million pounds. This figure represents a contraction in supply that directly limits the revenue potential of market participants. Such regulatory tightening hampers the industry's capacity for volume growth, forcing companies to manage scarcity rather than expanding their market share.

Key Market Trends

The strategic diversification of global sourcing is rapidly reshaping supply chains as stakeholders navigate geopolitical trade barriers and harvest quota volatility. Producers are aggressively redirecting raw material from restricted markets, such as China, to alternative processing hubs in Southeast Asia to ensure inventory stability for the global market. This pivot allows the industry to circumvent regional bottlenecks and maintain a consistent supply of product to major distributors. According to Haidong Seafood, June 2024, in the 'Japanese Scallop Exports on the Rise' article, this structural shift caused Japan’s scallop exports to Vietnam to surge by 736% in February 2024, significantly offsetting the volume lost due to established trade bans. By cultivating these new trade corridors, companies are effectively insulating the dry-packed scallop market from single-origin dependency and regulatory risks.

Concurrently, the expansion of direct-to-consumer and e-commerce distribution channels is being driven by a fundamental rise in home-based culinary engagement. As consumers increasingly seek restaurant-quality ingredients for domestic preparation, dry-packed scallops are gaining traction in retail and online marketplaces due to their superior searing capabilities and lack of added moisture. This channel shift allows producers to bypass traditional intermediaries and market premium, "chef-ready" proteins directly to households. This transition is substantiated by consumer behavior data; according to FMI - The Food Industry Association, March 2024, in the 'Power of Seafood 2024' report, home-cooked seafood constituted 59% of total seafood consumption in 2024, an increase from 53% the previous year. Consequently, suppliers are optimizing cold-chain logistics to capitalize on this growing demand for high-grade seafood delivered to the doorstep.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment is currently positioned as the fastest-growing distribution channel within the Global Dry-Packed Scallops Market, driven by the rapid expansion of direct-to-consumer digital platforms. This growth is primarily attributed to significant advancements in cold chain logistics, which enable suppliers to ship temperature-sensitive, premium seafood directly to households without compromising quality or freshness. Furthermore, e-commerce interfaces provide consumers with detailed product transparency, including sourcing origins and sustainability credentials, which fosters trust in purchasing perishable goods remotely. The convenience of home delivery combined with access to a wider variety of specialized scallop products continues to accelerate this segment's expansion.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific stands as a leading region in the Global Dry-Packed Scallops Market, primarily driven by the extensive aquaculture capabilities of China and Japan. These nations possess robust production infrastructures that ensure a consistent supply of premium, chemical-free scallops, which are distinct from water-added alternatives. The region’s dominance is further reinforced by high domestic consumption, fueled by rising disposable incomes and a strong cultural preference for high-quality seafood. Additionally, stringent quality standards maintained by Japanese fisheries cooperatives enhance the global reputation and export competitiveness of the region's dry-packed products.

Recent Developments

• In July 2025, Mark Foods, a seafood importer and processor based in New York, announced the acquisition of Bristol Seafood, a company renowned for its premium dry-packed scallops and value-added marine products. The transaction, expected to close in August 2025, was designed to expand Mark Foods' product portfolio and production capacity while integrating Bristol Seafood’s expertise in the scallop category. The deal stipulated that Bristol Seafood’s brand and leadership team would remain in place, with its Chief Executive Officer joining Mark Foods to oversee category management for premium species.
• In December 2024, Atlantic Sustainable Catch, the parent company of Northern Wind, acquired the processing and sales divisions of Atlantic Capes Fisheries, a move that significantly consolidated operations within the scallop industry. This strategic acquisition was driven by the need to secure a stable supply of scallops amidst diminishing quotas in the U.S. Northeast fishery. By combining resources, the companies aimed to optimize processing capabilities and maintain a consistent offering of high-quality, dry-packed scallops to their customers despite the challenging regulatory environment and reduced landing limits.
• In November 2024, Hirose Suisan Co., Ltd., a seafood processor based in Hokkaido, Japan, unveiled plans to double its scallop processing capacity through the construction of a new facility. The expansion was initiated to meet the surging international demand for frozen scallop meat, particularly from markets in the United States and Asia, following shifts in global trade dynamics. The company, traditionally known for surimi, strategically pivoted to position scallops as a core business component, investing in advanced equipment to produce premium scallop products for export.
• In August 2024, Superior Foods Company released a market update recommending the use of specific dry, fresh sea scallops as a viable alternative to larger sizes which were facing significant supply shortages. The company highlighted that environmental factors and quota reductions had severely impacted the availability of U-10 and U-12 scallops, prompting a shift toward 10-20 count dry-packed scallops which offered more stable pricing and supply. This strategic product focus aimed to assist foodservice operators in navigating the volatile Atlantic sea scallop market while maintaining quality standards.

Key Market Players

• Northern Wind Seafood, LLC
• HK JEBN Limited
• PanaPesca USA Corporation
• Seacore Seafood Inc
• Robert Wholey Co.
• Ocean Spray Seafood, Inc.
• Stavis Seafoods
• Maruha Nichiro Corporation
• Mazzetta Company, LLC
• Young’s Seafood Limited

By Product Type	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Frozen Scallops Dehydrated Scallops Pre-cooked Scallops	Hypermarkets/Supermarkets Specialist Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Dry-Packed Scallops Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Dry-Packed Scallops Market, By Product Type:

• Frozen Scallops
• Dehydrated Scallops
• Pre-cooked Scallops

• Dry-Packed Scallops Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Specialist Stores
• Online
• Others

• Dry-Packed Scallops Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE