Crayfish Market Size 2024-2028

The crayfish market size is projected to increase by USD 2.26 billion at a CAGR of 6.15% between 2023 and 2028.  The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by various factors. The increasing demand for aquaculture-based fish varieties, particularly in regions with a high preference for seafood, is a primary catalyst. Aquaculture methods for crayfish production have become more affordable, making it an attractive option for farmers and investors. Additionally, the health benefits associated with crayfish consumption, such as high protein content and rich nutritional value, have contributed to its popularity. This trend is expected to continue, as the market expands both domestically and internationally.

Market Overview

The market shows an Accelerate CAGR during the forecast period.

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Market Dynamics

The market presents a vibrant landscape, where freshwater crustaceans like the Red Swamp Crayfish and Virile crayfish thrive in lakes, ponds, swamps, and marshes across the Midwest. These crayfish, ranging in colors from green to dark brown and sandy hues, are prized in freshwater aquariums and as pets. Aquaculture plays a pivotal role, supporting crayfish farmers and sellers in meeting demands for proteins rich in vitamins and minerals. As veganism grows, crayfish offer a sustainable protein source, enhancing their export potential. Varieties such as the Ringed crayfish and Rusty crayfish highlight the diversity and opportunity within the market. With increasing awareness and consumption, the crayfish market is poised for continued growth, driven by both domestic and international markets.

Key Market Driver

Affordable aquaculture methods are notably driving market growth. The most common method of farming is in cultivated forage ponds or in double-crop rotation systems, especially in rice fields. Crayfish cultivation in rice fields is expected to boost the growth of the market as many farmers are turning to farming in their farmlands to earn an extra income. 

Good quality water sources are another important factor in farming. Any land chosen for cultivation must have a clay content of above 20%. Also, other important factors needed to carry out farming effectively include the appropriate equipment, harvest bait, labor, electricity, and fuel. Accordingly, all the necessary equipment and supplies are locally sourced and do not require huge investments for new people entering farming. This is one of the major reasons why more agriculture farmers are opting to enter the market. 

Accordingly, more farmers are attracted to the crayfish industry because the farming method is affordable and does not require high levels of investment. Such factors are expected to fuel the growth of the market during the market growth analysis period.

Significant Market Trends and Analysis

The growth of organized retailing in the market is an emerging trend. The growth of organized retailing has ensured the effectiveness of the supply chain and logistics in the crustacean (including crayfish) industry. Large retail chains such as Walmart, Inc. (Walmart), Costco Wholesale Corp. (Costco), and Tesco PLC (Tesco), among others, sell different varieties of processed and packaged fish in both online and offline stores. These retail giants are driving high sales volumes of processed crustaceans. Moreover, these large retailers can secure high-profit margins by reducing their external production costs. 

Different processed varieties are increasingly being sold in large retail chains. For instance, Walmart provides both in-store purchases and online sales of different products and processed varieties such as tail meat, whole seasoned, frozen cooked, and balls through its own brands as well as other private labels. Additionally, restaurants and quick-service restaurants (QSR) in China and the US are increasingly using the product in their cuisine. Accordingly, the varieties are reaching end-consumers through large retailers, online retailers, and food chains, among others. Such factors are expected to fuel the growth of the market during the market research and growth period.

Major Market Challenge

Lack of marketing and capital is the major challenge in the market. The market structure of the market in various countries, such as China, the US, and Australia, is fragmented. Also, the market faces various marketing challenges due to the lack of regional and international efforts. Various vendors that operate in the market in focus are mid-to small-sized. These vendors mostly form small cooperative groups in their localities and, therefore, are able only to undertake limited marketing and promotional activities. The lack of marketing and promotional activities leads to low consumer awareness of locally produced products. Hence, the low focus on marketing and promotional activities of locally produced varieties hinders the supply of these varieties beyond the local fish markets.

In addition, mid-to-small-sized vendors cannot focus on increasing their production volumes owing to the lack of capital. Accordingly, focusing on expanding their business to capitalize on market demand is challenging for such small- and medium-sized players. This further creates problems in the supply of varieties to consumers.

Market Segmentation

By Distribution Channel 

The market share growth of the farmed crayfish segment will be significant during the forecast period. Most of the varieties sold in the market are of the farmed variety. Farmed varieties are mostly meant for the export market. Farming makes it possible to meet the demand of consumers for processed varieties such as tail meat. Additionally, more rice farmers are entering the farmed market intending to earn additional income or because of crop rotation.

The farmed crayfish segment accounted for USD 4.59 billion in 2018.

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Due to the increased demand for fish protein from aquaculture consumers across the world, farmers are focusing more on farmed varieties to sustain in the market. Some common varieties of farmed are red swamp crawfish, Red Claw, noble, Marron crayfish, and common yabby. The market segment will witness growth during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 40% to the growth of the global market during the market forecast period

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The products that are farmed in North America are used for both the domestic and international markets. The major growth factors in the region are technological innovations and geography/location. As the falling production from wild fisheries is leading to a shortfall in the supply of fish, regional consumers are increasingly opting for crustaceans to satisfy their craving for fish. Additionally, North America is witnessing higher consumption of frozen and processed forms of fish varieties. Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into the market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market forecasting growth and analysis.

• Mah Protein Inc. - The company's main business includes the export, import, processing, packaging, and distribution of seafood products. The company offers crayfish which has omega-3 fatty acids, thus helping to promote mental health.

The  market growth and forecasting report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about Key companies, including:

Acadia Crawfish Co. LLC, Alfocan SA, American Seafoods Group LLC, Bocage Crawfish, Cajun Crawfish Co., Day Boat Seafood LLC, Domstein AS, Fruge Seafood Co., Happy Crab Seafood, Harlons LA Fish, Kenney Seafood, Live Aquaponics, Louisiana Crawfish Co., Louisiana Seafood Co., Mackay Reef Fish Pty Ltd., Mah Protein Inc., Riceland Crawfish, Seven star ocean fisheries, and Siam Canadian Group Ltd.

The market analysis and report of market growth and trends, and of qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.

• Type Outlook
  • Farmed Crayfish
  • Wild Crayfish
• Distribution Channel Outlook
  • Offline
  • Online
• Region Outlook
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Europe
    • The U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

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Market Analyst Overview

The market is a dynamic sector influenced by a variety of factors. These freshwater crustaceans, found in ponds, lakes, swamps, and marshes with sandy-colored shells ranging from green to dark brown, are popular for their taste and nutritional benefits. As seafood consumption rises, particularly among youngsters with urban lifestyles, crawfish are increasingly featured in fast-food chains and stocked by independent retailers. The competitive environment in frozen crustaceans drives exports, capitalizing on emerging trends and prevailing opportunities in different geographies. Their fat content contributes to their reputation for tastiness, making them a favored choice in global culinary scenes. With such attributes, the crawfish market continues to evolve, supported by innovations and growing consumer demand worldwide.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market  trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market across North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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