India Fish Market, By Product Type (Fresh, Frozen, Processed, Canned), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2021-2031F

Market Overview

India Fish Market was valued at USD 22.95 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 28.62 Billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 3.80% during the forecast period. The India fish market is experiencing significant growth, supported by increasing domestic consumption, rising health awareness, and a strong export sector. Fish is a major source of affordable protein for millions, and the demand is growing steadily due to urbanization, changing dietary habits, and a preference for healthier food options. The expansion of aquaculture and inland fisheries, supported by government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is enhancing production and sustainability. Additionally, improvements in cold chain infrastructure, fish processing, and logistics are boosting market efficiency, making fish more accessible across urban and rural regions in India. The study titled “Fish Consumption in India: Patterns and Trends,” jointly released by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and WorldFish, reveals that 72.1% of India’s population—approximately 966.9 million people—consume fish. This insight, based on 15 years of data from key government sources including the National Family Health Survey, highlights the deep-rooted and growing dietary preference for fish across the country.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Protein-Rich and Healthy Diets

The growing awareness among Indian consumers about the benefits of a balanced and nutritious diet is one of the foremost drivers of the fish market. Fish is widely recognized as a healthy, low-fat, and high-protein food that is also rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. With increasing health consciousness and a rising burden of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions, consumers are actively shifting their diets toward more wholesome options. Fish, being an easily digestible and nutrient-dense protein source, has gained favor across various demographics, including urban households, fitness-conscious youth, and aging populations.

Moreover, changing lifestyles and food preferences have led to increased consumption of ready-to-cook and processed fish products. As a result, demand for both freshwater and marine fish varieties is growing not only in traditional fish-eating states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Assam but also in emerging markets such as Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. According to the study “Fish Consumption in India: Patterns and Trends,” Tripura records the highest proportion of fish consumers in the country at 99.35%, underscoring a deeply rooted dietary preference. States in the Northeastern and Eastern regions, along with Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa, report over 90% fish-consuming populations, reflecting a strong cultural affinity towards fish. In terms of daily fish consumption, Kerala leads with 53.5% of its population consuming fish every day, followed by Goa (36.2%), West Bengal (21.90%), Manipur (19.70%), Assam (13.10%), and Tripura (11.50%), highlighting the regular and significant role fish plays in diets across these regions.

Expansion of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries

India is the second-largest fish-producing country globally, and a significant share of this output comes from aquaculture and inland fisheries. The availability of vast inland water resources, including rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and ponds, provides a strong foundation for aquaculture development. The government and private sector have increasingly focused on modernizing aquaculture practices to boost productivity and sustainability. This includes the adoption of advanced breeding technologies, improved feed formulations, better disease management, and efficient water use techniques. According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, India stands as the third-largest fish producing nation globally, contributing approximately 8% to global fish production. The country also ranks second in aquaculture production. In the fiscal year 2021–22, India's total fish production reached 16.24 million tonnes, of which 4.12 million tonnes came from marine fisheries, while 12.12 million tonnes were contributed by the aquaculture sector, highlighting the significant role of inland and farmed fisheries in driving overall production growth.

Additionally, integrated farming systems combining fish culture with agriculture or poultry farming are gaining traction, especially among small and marginal farmers seeking to diversify income sources. The adoption of cage and pen culture, biofloc technology, and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) has helped improve yields and optimize space utilization. With proper training, capacity-building, and access to institutional credit, more farmers are entering aquaculture, thereby contributing significantly to the fish supply in domestic and export markets.

Growth in Export Demand and Cold Chain Infrastructure

India is a leading exporter of fish and seafood, especially frozen shrimp and other value-added marine products. Export demand, particularly from the United States, European Union, China, and Southeast Asia, has spurred large-scale investments in seafood processing, packaging, and logistics. The establishment of marine food processing units compliant with international food safety standards has strengthened India's position in the global seafood trade. Furthermore, the development of efficient cold chain infrastructure — including refrigerated transportation, cold storage, and value-added services — has improved the quality and shelf life of fish products. This infrastructure is essential not only for exports but also for supplying fresh and frozen fish to domestic retail markets. Online grocery platforms and quick commerce services are also leveraging cold chain systems to expand their seafood offerings, catering to the demand for convenience and hygiene among urban consumers. These developments are collectively driving the India fish market forward by ensuring quality, availability, and broader reach.

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Key Market Challenges

Disease Outbreaks and Environmental Risks in Aquaculture

While aquaculture has become a key driver of fish production in India, it is increasingly facing challenges related to disease outbreaks, water pollution, and environmental degradation. Intensified fish farming, particularly in areas with limited ecological planning, has led to overcrowded ponds, poor water management, and unsanitary conditions, which make fish more susceptible to infections and diseases such as white spot syndrome and bacterial gill disease. The use of unregulated feed, chemicals, and antibiotics also exacerbates the problem and can lead to long-term environmental damage and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains. Furthermore, climate change-related factors such as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and salinity variations are affecting aquaculture productivity, especially in coastal and low-lying regions. These issues not only threaten fish health and output but also increase the cost of production due to the need for treatment and disease management. Developing biosecure aquaculture systems, enforcing regulatory standards, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices are essential to overcoming this challenge.

Fragmented Market Structure and Price Volatility

India's fish market is highly fragmented, with a long supply chain involving fishers, intermediaries, wholesalers, and retailers, often leading to inefficiencies, inconsistent quality, and unpredictable pricing. The dominance of informal and unorganized players in the value chain makes it difficult to ensure standardized practices, traceability, and transparent price discovery. Fishers and small-scale farmers often lack bargaining power and market access, forcing them to sell their produce at lower prices to middlemen. Seasonal fluctuations in fish catch due to breeding bans, weather conditions, or environmental changes further contribute to price volatility, which negatively impacts both producers and consumers. Moreover, despite the rise in domestic demand, there are limited organized retail and e-commerce platforms offering fish and seafood, particularly in tier-2 and rural markets. Strengthening fish cooperatives, improving digital market access, and investing in streamlined logistics and marketing networks are crucial steps needed to enhance market efficiency and price stability in the sector.

Key Market Trends

Rising Consumption of Value-Added and Processed Fish Products

Another significant trend is the increasing preference for value-added and ready-to-cook fish and seafood products among urban and semi-urban consumers. With changing lifestyles, rising disposable incomes, and a growing demand for convenience foods, packaged fish items such as fish fillets, fish fingers, marinated fish, and frozen shrimp are gaining popularity. The demand for hygienically processed and attractively packaged products is particularly high in metropolitan areas and among working professionals. This trend is encouraging the growth of domestic seafood processing units that comply with food safety and quality standards. In addition, the expansion of modern retail formats like supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online grocery platforms is making these value-added products more accessible to a broader consumer base. As foodservice outlets and restaurants also expand their seafood menus, the demand for processed fish products is expected to rise steadily in both B2B and B2C channels.

Increased Government Focus on Blue Economy and Sustainability

India’s government is increasingly aligning fisheries development with its larger blue economy vision, which aims to sustainably harness ocean and inland water resources for economic growth. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is one of the flagship programs promoting holistic fisheries development, targeting increased production, modernization of infrastructure, and enhanced value addition. Key areas of focus include developing fishing harbors, promoting cage culture and seaweed farming, building cold chain infrastructure, and supporting fish farmer producer organizations (FFPOs). Additionally, policies are encouraging the use of sustainable fishing practices, minimizing post-harvest losses, and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. Emphasis is also being placed on biodiversity conservation, reducing overfishing, and supporting marine spatial planning. These initiatives are creating a more organized and policy-supported framework for fish production, ensuring long-term growth while preserving environmental health. As sustainability becomes a core concern for both consumers and businesses, government-driven programs are playing a pivotal role in shaping future trends.

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

The fresh segment dominated the India fish market due to strong consumer preference for freshly caught or harvested fish, particularly in coastal and inland regions. Fresh fish is considered healthier, tastier, and more authentic compared to frozen or processed alternatives. Traditional wet markets and local fish vendors remain the primary distribution channels, supported by daily supply from nearby fisheries and aquaculture farms. Cultural food habits, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, further fuel demand for fresh fish. Despite the growth of packaged and frozen seafood, the fresh segment continues to lead due to its deep-rooted popularity and availability.

Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment remains the dominating channel in the India fish market, primarily driven by strong consumer reliance on traditional retail outlets, local fish markets, and neighborhood vendors. These markets offer customers the ability to personally inspect freshness, negotiate prices, and access region-specific varieties. Wet markets are especially popular in semi-urban and rural areas, where infrastructure for cold storage and e-commerce delivery is limited. Additionally, cultural habits and daily cooking practices contribute to the preference for in-person purchases. While online platforms are growing in popularity, especially in metros, offline channels continue to lead due to accessibility, trust, and convenience.

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Regional Insights

The South region dominated the India fish market due to its extensive coastline, abundant inland water bodies, and strong fish-eating culture. States like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka are major contributors to both capture fisheries and aquaculture production. Andhra Pradesh, in particular, leads in inland fish farming, especially shrimp cultivation, due to favorable climatic conditions and government support. The high per capita fish consumption, presence of established fish markets, and robust cold chain infrastructure further strengthen the region’s market leadership. Additionally, South India plays a key role in fish exports, processing, and domestic distribution, reinforcing its dominant position.

Recent Developments

• In Feb 2023, Skretting India has inaugurated a state-of-the-art shrimp and fish feed factory in Mangrol, Surat. The facility spans 20,000 m², with three production lines producing 50,000 MT per year for domestic and export markets.

• In April 2025, Biokraft Foods, in collaboration with ICAR‑CICFR, has unveiled India’s first 3D‑bioprinted cultivated rainbow trout fillets. Developed using native cell lines and bioink, this antibiotic‑free, year‑round seafood aims to enhance sustainability and biodiversity.

Key Market Players

• Nekkanti Sea Foods Limited
• Avanti Frozen Foods Private Limited
• Devi Sea Foods Limited
• Falcon Marine Exports Ltd.
• BMR Group
• Sandhya Marines Ltd.
• Apex Frozen Foods Limited
• Ananda Aqua Exports Private Limited
• Crystal Sea Foods Private Limited
• Citrus Alpha Marine LLP

Report Scope:

In this report, the India Fish Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• India Fish Market, By Product Type:

o   Fresh

o   Frozen

o   Processed

o   Canned

• India Fish Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Offline

o   Online

• India Fish Market, By Region:

o   North

o   South

o   East

o   West

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the India Fish Market.

Available Customizations:

India Fish Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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