Trend Forecast | Indonesia Fish and Seafood Market Outlook 2025
Indonesia, the world’s second-largest seafood producer, is heading into a pivotal year. While traditional wet markets and fresh catch still dominate, 2025 will mark a clear shift toward processed and value-added seafood products. From canned tuna to frozen fillets, this trend is about more than convenience—it’s about survival in a market shaped by export demands, urban lifestyles, and climate uncertainty.
The Trend in One Line
Indonesia fish and seafood market will experience a major transition from fresh to processed formats in 2025, driven by export dynamics, changing consumer behavior, and supply chain innovation.
Signals Supporting It
1. Rising Export-Oriented Processing Capacity
Indonesia’s fishery industry is scaling up value-added production to meet global demands. Major players are investing in processing units, especially in Eastern Indonesia, to cater to international standards. According to the Ken Research report, processed seafood exports are witnessing stronger growth than fresh equivalents—especially in categories like frozen tuna, shrimp, and canned sardines.
2. Domestic Demand for Ready-to-Cook (RTC) and Ready-to-Eat (RTE)
The urban Indonesian consumer is shifting toward time-saving products. RTC seafood items like frozen cutlets, marinated fillets, and microwaveable shrimp are gaining shelf space in modern retail stores and e-commerce platforms like Tokopedia and Shopee.
3. Climate Pressure on Wild Catch
Erratic weather patterns, overfishing, and declining marine stocks are making wild-caught fresh seafood riskier and less consistent. Processed products offer longer shelf life and stable pricing, making them a safer bet for distributors and retailers alike.
4. Government Push for Fish Processing Zones
The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is promoting integrated fish processing zones in regions like Bitung and Ambon. These initiatives aim to boost processed fish production by offering infrastructure, tax breaks, and export facilitation.
Implications for Stakeholders
👉 Brands
Local and global brands need to move beyond fresh catch and develop frozen, canned, and marinated SKUs tailored for both export and urban Indonesian markets. Branding around sustainability, traceability, and health will be key to winning consumer trust.
👉 Consumers
Urban millennials and Gen Z in Indonesia are becoming health-conscious but time-poor. Processed seafood—if marketed as clean-label and preservative-free—can bridge the gap between health, taste, and convenience.
👉 Investors
This is a golden moment for venture capitalists and institutional investors looking to back cold-chain infrastructure, seafood processing units, or D2C frozen seafood brands. Margins are higher and volatility lower in processed goods compared to fresh seafood logistics.
👉 Retailers
Hypermarkets, e-commerce platforms, and quick-commerce (q-commerce) apps should ramp up their processed seafood portfolios. Shelf-life extension means better inventory rotation and less waste—an operational win.
How to Prepare: Strategic Steps for 2025
1. Invest in Cold Chain & Logistics
For startups and SMEs, the entry barrier into frozen seafood is logistics. Cold storage, temperature-controlled transport, and efficient last-mile delivery are essential investments.
2. Build Export-Ready Product Lines
Focus on certifications (HACCP, BRC, FDA) and packaging standards that allow Indonesian processors to export to Europe, the US, and Japan, where processed seafood demand is surging.
3. Market to the Urban Middle Class
Use storytelling around sustainability, ocean health, and traceability to attract conscious consumers. QR code-based supply chain tracking can be a differentiator in premium processed seafood.
4. Collaborate with Government Schemes
Tap into incentives offered under Indonesia’s marine industry modernization schemes—especially for setting up processing units in the Eastern regions.
Final Word
Indonesia fish and seafood industry isn’t shrinking—it’s evolving. While wet markets and daily catches will remain part of local culture, the next big wave is processed. With frozen fillets, canned mackerel, and export-grade shrimp taking center stage, 2025 will be a year where convenience, quality, and cold chain infrastructure define market leadership.
