Oyster and Clam Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global Oyster and Clam Market is Segmented By Oyster Type (Slipper Oyster, Pacific Cupped Oyster, American Cupped Oyster, Others), By Clam Type (Hard Clam, Taca Clam, Stimpson Surf, Atlantic Surf, Others), By Category (Fresh, Canned, Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

Oyster and Clam Market Size

The Global Oyster and Clam Market reached US$ 109.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 147.1 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The market is expanding due to the increasing adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices by oysters and clam producers. They are responding to consumer preferences for environmentally responsible seafood sourcing. Additionally, rising consumer awareness of the nutritional advantages offered by oysters and clams, which are rich in essential nutrients, is contributing to the growing market demand.

For instance, on April 24, 2023, NOAA approved $2.2 million for the restoration of Elkhorn Slough. The initiative to restore the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve received this additional funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Management Office, in collaboration with the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. The primary goal of this initiative is to rejuvenate various species across the entire coastal landscape, encompassing coastal grasslands, tidal salt marshes, eelgrass beds, and native oyster habitats.

Asia-Pacific is a major producer of oysters and clams, which is contributing to the significant growth of the global market. Major Asia countries are China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam have wide aquaculture operations and expanding the market. The region serves as a significant consumption center for oysters and clams. Local culinary preferences, drive high demand for these seafood products in the Asia-Pacific market.

Oyster and Clam Market Scope

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Oyster and Clam Market Dynamics

Increasing Demand for Seafood

The growing recognition of the health advantages associated with seafood, such as its role as a lean protein source, and supplier of omega-3 fatty acids is motivating consumers to integrate oysters and clams into their dietary habits. Furthermore, the versatility of seafood, including oysters and clams, in terms of culinary preparations, appeals to a broader audience, thereby stimulating market expansion.

The rising popularity of global cuisine has led to an increased demand for dishes featuring oysters and clams sourced from various regions worldwide. This trend further amplifies the demand for these seafood products. Oysters and clams are also gaining favor among consumers due to their perception of environmentally sustainable seafood choices. This aligns with the growing consumer concern regarding the sustainability of their food sources.

Rising Trend of Health-Consciousness

The surge in health-consciousness among consumers is fueling a heightened desire for seafood offerings perceived as healthier choices. Oysters and clams, renowned for their abundance of vital nutrients are gaining favor among health-conscious individuals. This escalating demand for oysters and clams is poised to trigger an expansion in the market, and open doors for new entrants to join the market and facilitate the growth of existing businesses.

A discernible trend toward premiumization emerges within the market as the appetite for oysters and clams continues to grow. Consumers are willing to invest in top-tier, and health-centric seafood products and become a driving force behind this facet of market expansion. It's worth noting that the appeal of health-conscious eating extends across diverse demographics, encompassing individuals of various age groups and lifestyles is poised to foster sustained growth within the oyster and clam market.

Rising Environmental Concerns

Heightened environmental awareness often leads to increased scrutiny of seafood sourcing practices. Compliance with standards can be costly and impact the market by reducing the availability of oysters and clams. Concerns about the preservation of coastal and marine habitats where oysters and clams thrive can lead to conservation efforts and restrictions on harvesting in certain areas. This results in limited access to prime harvesting locations, affecting the supply side of the market.

Environmentally conscious consumers choose to reduce their consumption of oysters and clams for alternatives that have a lower perceived environmental impact can influence demand within the market. Sustainability initiatives and compliance with environmental standards often require investments in eco-friendly practices, which can increase production costs. These higher costs lead to elevated prices for oysters and clams, potentially affecting consumer demand.

Oyster and Clam Market Segment Analysis

The global oyster and clam market is segmented based on oyster type, clam type, category, and region.

Growing Availability and Versatile Culinary Applications of Slipper Oysters

The slipper oyster segment held the largest share of the global oyster and clam market. Slipper oysters are readily available and abundant in various coastal regions worldwide, contributing to their significant market growth. Slipper oysters are garnering a higher demand due to their unique taste, texture, and flavor profile, which resonate with consumer preferences. This is leading to increased consumption and market growth.

Slipper oysters are versatile and are prepared in various culinary styles, making them appealing to a broad consumer base and contributing to their market dominance. The popularity of slipper oysters is creating opportunities for their export to international markets, further expanding their market growth. Continuous innovation in slipper oyster products, such as value-added offerings and convenient packaging, is catering to evolving consumer demands and solidifying their position in the market.

Oyster and Clam Market Geographical Share

Increasing Production Quantities, Consumption Trends, and Aquaculture Investments in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific accounted for a substantial portion of global oyster and clam production. The region's favorable climate conditions and aquaculture practices are propelling oyster and clam market dominance in the region. Consumers in these region countries including China, Japan, and South Korea, have a long-standing tradition of consuming oysters and clams in various culinary forms. These established consumption patterns are leading to a significant demand within the market.

According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture, oyster exports from the U.S. to China saw a growth of more than 18% from January to November 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The trade value also increased to $238,670, up from $233,203 in the previous year.

Oysters and clams hold a prominent place in the culinary heritage of many Asian-Pacific cultures. This cultural significance is further bolstering consumption and integration into regional cuisines. Continued investment in aquaculture practices, including sustainable farming and harvesting techniques, is helping maintain and expand production levels, ensuring a steady supply to meet domestic and international market demands.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The market faced disruptions in the supply chain due to lockdowns and restrictions, leading to challenges in harvesting, processing, and distribution of oysters and clams. With many restaurants and food service establishments temporarily closed or operating at limited capacity, the demand for oysters and clams from the hospitality sector significantly declined, impacting the market negatively.

However, while food service demand declined, the market saw an uptick in retail sales, as consumers shifted towards cooking more at home. This helped offset some of the losses in the hospitality sector. The market adapted by increasing online sales channels, allowing consumers to purchase oysters and clams directly from suppliers, mitigating the impact of restaurant closures.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The conflict disrupted trade routes and logistics, causing significant disruptions in the oyster and clam market's supply chain. These disruptions led to delays in shipments and sporadic availability of these seafood products in the market. Both Russia and Ukraine were significant exporters of oysters and clams. As a result of the conflict, export restrictions and trade disruptions from these countries disrupted the global supply chain, causing fluctuations in prices in the market.

Supply chain disruptions and export restrictions resulted in increased production and transportation costs. These elevated costs were passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for oysters and clams in the market. To ensure a stable supply of oysters and clams, seafood importers and buyers sought alternative sourcing options due to geopolitical uncertainties in the region. This led to shifts in the market dynamics as new sourcing relationships were established.

By Oyster Type

• Slipper Oyster
• Pacific Cupped Oyster
• American Cupped Oyster
• Others

By Clam Type

• Hard Clam
• Taca Clam
• Stimpson Surf
• Atlantic Surf
• Others

By Category

• Fresh
• Canned
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• On April 12, 2023, Matunuck Oyster Bar extended its aquaculture operations in Potter Pond, and it's revealed an even more significant project in the pipeline—a new $2.4 million shellfish hatchery and research center located a stone's throw away from their highly acclaimed restaurant.
• On July 20, 2020, Hoopers Island Oyster Co., headquartered in Cambridge, Maryland, U.S.A., introduced new oyster handling equipment tailored for high-production shellfish processors: the Hydraulic Bin Tipper and the Outfeed Tumbler Conveyor. As a leading provider of comprehensive aquaculture equipment, Hoopers Island Oyster Co. developed these latest innovations in direct response to industry challenges related to service, safety, and production, as identified by Hoopers and other oyster growers.

Oyster and Clam Market Companies

The major global players in the oyster and clam market include Clearwater Seafoods, Taylor Shellfish Farms, High Liner Foods, Pangea Shellfish Company, Mazetta Company, LLC, Royal Hawaiian Seafood, Island Creek Oysters, Pacific Seafood, Ward Oyster Company, and Woodstown Bay Shellfish Ltd.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global oyster and clam market segmentation based on oyster type, clam type, category, and region, as well as understand critical commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous oyster and clam market-level data points with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of critical products of all the major players.

The global oyster and clam market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 60 figures, and 186 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies