The global lobster market size was valued at USD 8.8 billion in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.50% during 2025–2034. The market is driven by rising global seafood consumption, increasing demand from premium hospitality sectors, and expanding international trade routes. The growing production of fish meal and fish oil is one of the key factors fuelling the growth of the lobster market. Fish meal and fish oil are important ingredients in the production of lobster feed, which is used to feed farmed lobsters.
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As the global production of fish meal and fish oil increases, the availability of high-quality lobster feed has also increased, which has helped to boost the growth of the lobster farming industry. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Agriculture Outlook, in terms of product weight, it is anticipated that production of fishmeal and fish oil from whole fish will rise in 2029 by 5.6% and 9.2%, respectively, over the baseline period. The price of fishmeal and fish oil, along with the predicted growth in catch fisheries production, are the main factors driving this increase.
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Growth Drivers
The growing consumption of fish in Asia is fueling the growth of the lobster market by driving up demand for high-end seafood products, particularly among consumers with high levels of disposable income. By 2029, Asia will consume 75% more fish than it does now, despite not having the fastest growth rate because it is by far the biggest consumer of the fish. As a result, the lobster market is likely to continue to expand in the coming years, as the Asian market continues to grow and evolve. Lobster is a high-value seafood product that has traditionally been harvested from the wild.
However, with the increasing demand for lobster, many producers have turned to aquaculture to meet this demand. Aquaculture is expected to produce 58% of the fish used for human consumption by 2029, up from 53% in 2017–19. Aquaculture allows for the controlled cultivation of lobsters, which can be raised in large quantities and harvested at specific times to meet market demand. This has led to a more consistent supply of lobster throughout the year, rather than just during the traditional lobster season.
The market is primarily segmented based on species, weight, product type, distribution channel and region.
By Species |
By Weight |
By Product Type |
By Distribution Channel |
By Region |
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American Lobster segment is projected to experience a faster growth rate for the growth in the study period. These species are highly prized for their succulent meat, and there is a high demand for them in the US, Canada, and other markets. This demand is driven by consumers' preference for the taste, texture, and quality of American lobsters. The American lobster industry has adopted sustainable fishing practices, including size limits, trap limits, and escape vents, to ensure the long-term health and viability of lobster populations. This has helped to maintain a steady supply of lobsters, which has further fueled demand.
The 0.5 - 0.75 lbs segment is expected to witness a larger market share for the lobster market. These lobsters are smaller in size and therefore more affordable compared to larger lobsters. This makes them more accessible to a wider range of consumers who may not be able to afford larger lobsters. Smaller lobsters are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as lobster rolls, pasta dishes, and salads. This versatility makes them a popular choice for restaurants and home cooks alike. Smaller lobsters are generally considered to be healthier as they have a lower fat content compared to larger lobsters. This makes them a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers who want to enjoy lobster without consuming too many calories. The 0.5 - 0.75 lbs lobsters are more abundant in the market, and their availability is more consistent compared to larger lobsters. This makes them a more stable and reliable option for consumers and businesses.
Whole lobster segment is expected to have a larger revenue share for the lobster market. These lobsters are typically sold at a higher price point compared to lobster meat or other lobster products. This is because consumers are willing to pay a premium for the experience of eating a whole lobster, which is seen as a luxury and indulgent item. Whole lobsters are considered a premium product and are often associated with luxury dining experiences, such as fine dining restaurants and special occasions. This premium status further adds to the demand and price of whole lobsters.
Food service segment is expected to have a higher growth rate for the lobster market. Restaurants and food service providers are the primary buyers of lobster products, and the demand for lobster in the food service industry is increasing. This is driven by consumer demand for high-quality seafood products, including lobster, in restaurants and other food service outlets. With the increasing popularity of seafood and the growing demand for unique and high-quality ingredients, many restaurants are adding lobster dishes to their menus. This diversification of menus is driving the demand for lobster in the food service industry.
Atlantic lobster to aquaculture ventures, the lobster industry is firmly anchored by the North America lobster market, with Canada lobster market leading the value chain. Provinces such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland together account for over 50% of Atlantic lobster export volumes, while the United States—particularly the New England region—claims another 20–25% share of the global value pool. The combination of prime wild‑caught lobster fisheries, high export compliance, and strong domestic consumer demand—especially around holidays and seafood restaurants—makes this region the current market heavyweight.
Yet, the fastest‑growing entry is the Southeast Asia lobster market, where countries like Thailand and Vietnam have seen imports and domestic aquaculture expand by 15–20% per year. Rising tourism, growing disposable incomes, and evolving fine‑dining cultures have made lobster an increasingly accessible and desirable menu item. Parallel to this import‑led surge, farm‑raised lobster operations are steadily taking root. Seafood producers in Vietnam and Thailand have introduced hatcheries and grow‑out farms that not only reduce reliance on wild sources but have also gradually replaced up to 30% of locally demanded lobster with aquaculture‑origin supply.
A case in point is Thailand’s lobster import volumes, which have doubled over the last five years, supported by new cold‑chain distribution networks in Bangkok and Phuket to serve high‑end hotels and seafood markets. Meanwhile, in mainland China and Hong Kong, lobster consumption per capita is increasing at a steady 12% annual pace, prompting importers to double down on live lobster shipment logistics and restaurant supply frameworks. Even oceanic freight companies report a 40% surge in live lobster shipping containers between North America and Southeast Asia since 2021.
While Atlantic lobster exports from Canada are now growing at a moderate 2–3% annually, the explosive double‑digit momentum in Southeast Asia is reshaping the global lobster landscape. The market is transitioning from traditional wild‑caught dominance to a hybrid of international trade inflows and regional farming operations. Canada remains the anchor in production and supply, but Southeast Asia—with Thailand at the forefront—is rapidly turning into the flavor rich hub for next‑generation lobster consumers.
Some of the major players operating in the global market include Boston Lobster, Clearwater Sea-foods, East Coast Sea-food, Geraldton Fishermen’s, High Liner Foods, PESCANOVA ESPANA, Supreme Lobster, Tangier Lobster & Thai Union Manufacturing.
Report Attributes |
Details |
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 9.55 billion |
Revenue forecast in 2034 |
USD 20.18 billion |
CAGR |
8.50% from 2025 - 2034 |
Base year |
2024 |
Historical data |
2020 - 2023 |
Forecast period |
2025 - 2034 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 |
Segments covered |
By Species, By Weight, By Product Type, By Distribution Channel, By Region |
Regional scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
Key companies |
Boston Lobster, Clearwater Seafoods, East Coast Seafood, Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative, High Liner Foods Incorporated, PESCANOVA ESPAÑA, Supreme Lobster, Tangier Lobster & Thai Union Manufacturing Company. |
key companies in lobster market are Boston Lobster, Clearwater Sea-foods, East Coast Sea-food, Geraldton Fishermen’s, High Liner Foods, PESCANOVA ESPANA.
The global lobster market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.50% during the forecast period.
The lobster market report covering key segments are species, weight, product type, distribution channel and region.
key driving factors in lobster market are growing consumption of fish in Asia.
The global lobster market size is expected to reach USD 20.18 billion by 2034.