Frozen Hake

Global Frozen Hake Market to Reach US$1.8 Million by 2030

The global market for Frozen Hake estimated at US$1.3 Million in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$1.8 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Atlantic Hake, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 5.7% CAGR and reach US$1.1 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Pacific Hake segment is estimated at 3.9% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$367.7 Thousand While China is Forecast to Grow at 8.3% CAGR

The Frozen Hake market in the U.S. is estimated at US$367.7 Thousand in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$364.8 Thousand by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 8.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% and 5.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.3% CAGR.

Global Frozen Hake Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Frozen Hake Gaining Popularity in Global Seafood Markets?

Frozen hake is experiencing rising demand in international seafood markets due to its favorable nutritional profile, mild flavor, and versatility in both culinary and commercial applications. As a lean white fish rich in protein and low in fat, hake is particularly attractive to health-conscious consumers looking for alternatives to more calorie-dense meats. Its firm, flaky texture and subtle taste allow it to adapt easily to a wide range of cuisines—from battered and fried fillets in European fish-and-chip shops to spiced curries in South Asia and grilled preparations in Latin America. The freezing process enables year-round availability of hake, even in regions far from the source, while preserving the fish`s texture, freshness, and nutritional integrity. Countries like Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Argentina, and Namibia are major producers and exporters of frozen hake, supplying both whole fish and value-added portions such as skinless fillets and loins to retail, foodservice, and institutional buyers. With consumers increasingly seeking convenience, frozen hake fits well into busy lifestyles, offering easy storage, long shelf life, and minimal preparation time. Moreover, the global seafood industry’s growing focus on traceability, sustainable harvesting, and certification—such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) labeling—is further boosting consumer confidence in frozen hake products. As frozen seafood continues to gain parity with fresh in terms of perceived quality and convenience, hake is carving out a strong position as a preferred choice in the frozen white fish segment.

How Are Consumer Preferences and Culinary Trends Driving Demand for Frozen Hake?

Shifting consumer preferences toward healthy, convenient, and sustainably sourced food options are playing a pivotal role in driving the demand for frozen hake across global markets. With rising awareness of the health benefits of seafood—including omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and essential micronutrients—hake is gaining recognition as a nutritious choice suitable for a wide demographic, including children, elderly populations, and athletes. Culinary trends are also favoring hake due to its adaptability; it serves as an excellent base for a variety of cooking methods such as baking, poaching, steaming, and grilling. Home cooks and chefs alike appreciate hake’s mild flavor, which pairs well with a wide array of herbs, spices, sauces, and global flavor profiles. In the ready-meal and frozen entrée market, hake is increasingly used in portion-controlled, seasoned fillets and breaded formats that cater to the demand for quick, wholesome meals. Consumers seeking sustainable and ethical seafood options are also more likely to choose hake sourced from certified fisheries practicing responsible catch methods. Retailers and e-commerce platforms are responding to these preferences by offering hake products in resealable, environmentally friendly packaging with clear labeling of origin, catch method, and nutritional information. As flexitarian and pescatarian diets gain traction, hake continues to benefit from its positioning as an affordable, nutritious, and easy-to-cook protein, appealing to both traditional seafood consumers and newcomers to fish-based meals.

What Role Do Supply Chains and Sustainability Play in the Frozen Hake Industry?

Efficient global supply chains and sustainability commitments are key factors supporting the growth and resilience of the frozen hake market. The fish is primarily caught in the South Atlantic and Southeast Pacific Oceans, with key producers including Namibia, South Africa, Argentina, and Chile—all of which have invested heavily in infrastructure to process, freeze, and export hake quickly after catch to preserve quality. Modern factory trawlers equipped with onboard freezing capabilities allow hake to be processed within hours, ensuring a product that retains its flavor and nutritional value even after long-distance transportation. Cold chain logistics, including advanced freezing techniques, temperature-controlled containers, and quality assurance protocols, play a crucial role in maintaining product integrity from ocean to plate. Additionally, many hake-exporting countries are working with international organizations and industry groups to implement and enforce quotas, closed seasons, and gear restrictions that protect hake stocks and marine ecosystems. This has led to several fisheries achieving certification by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), reinforcing their credibility in sustainability-conscious markets like the European Union and North America. Importers, retailers, and foodservice providers are increasingly prioritizing suppliers with transparent sourcing and traceability systems, aligning their procurement strategies with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. As sustainability becomes both a consumer expectation and a regulatory requirement, frozen hake stands out as a responsibly sourced seafood option that balances environmental stewardship with global demand.

What Market Dynamics Are Driving the Global Expansion of the Frozen Hake Sector?

The growth in the frozen hake market is driven by multiple interlinked market dynamics, including global dietary trends, trade expansion, pricing competitiveness, and advances in food processing technology. Rising global seafood consumption, especially in emerging markets where income levels and urbanization are increasing, is expanding the customer base for affordable and nutritious frozen fish. Hake, typically priced lower than cod and haddock, offers a cost-effective alternative for large-volume buyers such as school lunch programs, airline catering services, and institutional kitchens. Trade liberalization agreements and bilateral partnerships among key producing and importing countries have reduced tariffs and streamlined export-import procedures, encouraging wider distribution of frozen hake in regions such as Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Technological innovations in portioning, glazing, packaging, and value addition are helping processors diversify product offerings and cater to niche markets such as organic, gluten-free, and allergen-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, private label brands and supermarket chains are leveraging frozen hake to expand their own seafood lines with affordable, high-margin products that appeal to mainstream shoppers. Seasonal volatility in wild-caught whitefish species and pressure on overfished stocks like Atlantic cod are also pushing buyers to consider hake as a sustainable and stable substitute. Digital retail platforms and direct-to-consumer seafood subscription services are further improving access and visibility of frozen hake products, especially in post-pandemic consumer behavior shifts. With these favorable market conditions in place, frozen hake is well-positioned for sustained global growth as a reliable, versatile, and sustainable source of whitefish protein.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Frozen Hake market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Species (Atlantic Hake, Pacific Hake, Other Species); Form (Frozen Hake Fillets, Frozen Whole Hake, Other Forms); Distribution Channel (Supermarkets / Hypermarkets, Local Distributors, Online Channels)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 34 Featured) -

• Altamar Foods Corp
• Aqualine Seafoods Ltd.
• Breakers Fish Co. Ltd.
• Canadian Fishing Company
• Dalian East Coast Aquatic Products Co., Ltd.
• Fisher Bay Seafood Ltd.
• Holmes Seafood Ltd.
• I&J Holdings Company (Pty) Ltd.
• Independent Seafood Canada Corp
• Kingsun Foods Co., Ltd.
• Mowi ASA
• Newsan Food (Newsan S.A.)
• Nord West
• Nordic Group
• Qingdao SunnyWell Import & Export Co., Ltd.
• Sea Harvest Group
• Seacore Seafood Inc.
• Select Seafoods
• Solander Gourmet Seafood
• The Stickleback Fish Company Ltd.

AI INTEGRATIONS
We`re transforming market and competitive intelligence with validated expert content and AI tools.

Instead of following the general norm of querying LLMs and Industry-specific SLMs, we built repositories of content curated from domain experts worldwide including video transcripts, blogs, search engines research, and massive amounts of enterprise, product/service, and market data.

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR
Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by increasing the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

Please note: Reports are sold as single-site single-user licenses. Electronic versions require 24-48 hours as each copy is customized to the client with digital controls and custom watermarks. The Publisher uses digital controls protecting against copying and printing is restricted to one full copy to be used at the same location.

The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the report. Upon ordering an electronic version, the Publisher will provide a link to download the purchased report.

Prior to fulfillment of an order, the client will be required to sign a document detailing the purchase terms for a publication from this publisher. Show more