Global Krill Fishery Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Krill Fishery Market Size

• The global krill fishery market size was valued at USD 453.90 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 680.90 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the increasing global demand for krill-derived products such as krill oil, krill meal, and krill pet food, driven by their high nutritional value, rich omega-3 content, and applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and aquaculture feed
• Furthermore, rising consumer awareness of health benefits, preventive healthcare, and sustainable sourcing is establishing krill products as a preferred choice for both human and animal nutrition. These converging factors are accelerating the adoption of krill-based solutions, thereby significantly boosting the industry's growth

Krill Fishery Market Analysis

• Krill-based products, including oil, meal, and protein extracts, are increasingly vital ingredients in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, functional food, and aquafeed industries due to their bioactive compounds, high absorption rates, and health-promoting properties
• The escalating demand for krill products is primarily fueled by the growing health-conscious population, rising interest in functional foods and dietary supplements, expansion of the aquaculture industry, and increasing investments in sustainable harvesting and processing practices
• North America dominated the krill fishery market with a share of 42.3% in 2024, due to high consumer awareness of nutritional supplements and growing demand for omega-3-rich products
• Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in the krill fishery market during the forecast period due to rising health awareness, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing population of health-conscious consumers in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea
• Euphausia superba segment dominated the market with a market share of 63.2% in 2024, due to its wide availability in Antarctic waters and high content of omega-3 fatty acids and phospholipids. Krill harvested from this species is preferred for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and functional food applications due to its superior quality and consistent composition. The market also benefits from established sustainable harvesting practices for Euphausia superba, certified by organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council, which boosts consumer confidence and regulatory compliance. In addition, the versatility of products derived from this species, including krill oil, meal, and protein extracts, strengthens its market dominance

Report Scope and Krill Fishery Market Segmentation  

Krill Fishery Market Trends

“Increasing Demand for Krill Oil in Supplements”

• The global krill fishery market is witnessing substantial growth owing to the surging demand for krill oil in dietary supplements. Krill oil is gaining strong consumer acceptance due to its high bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of phospholipids, which enhances absorption and delivers superior health benefits compared to conventional fish oils
• For instance, Aker BioMarine has positioned itself as a pioneer in sustainable Antarctic krill harvesting, supplying krill oil to major supplement brands across the United States and Europe. The company’s Superba Krill Oil is widely recognized in the nutraceutical market, serving as a key ingredient in premium dietary supplements
• Growing awareness among consumers about the advantages of omega-3 for heart, brain, and joint health is accelerating the incorporation of krill oil into various functional foods, beverages, and capsules. Many supplement manufacturers are reformulating their product lines to include this marine-derived ingredient, appealing to health-conscious individuals seeking superior nutrient forms
• In addition, research-backed endorsements of krill oil’s effectiveness in reducing cholesterol levels, supporting cognitive performance, and decreasing inflammation are contributing to its expanding application base. Academic institutions and research bodies continue to highlight the unique bioactive compounds in krill oil, reinforcing consumer trust in these products
• The ongoing trend of preventive healthcare and clean-label nutrition further supports the rising integration of krill oil into dietary products. Manufacturers are increasingly promoting naturally sourced marine ingredients to capture the growing demand for transparent and science-backed nutrition
• This increasing inclination toward premium marine-sourced supplements is expected to remain a major factor fueling growth within the krill fishery market. As consumers prioritize high-quality nutrient sources, the demand for sustainably harvested krill oil is projected to strengthen globally, enhancing value creation across the entire supply chain

Krill Fishery Market Dynamics

Driver

“Rising Consumer Awareness of Omega-3 Benefits”

• The growing global emphasis on preventive health management and nutritional supplementation is significantly boosting consumer awareness regarding the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Krill oil provides a cleaner and more bioavailable alternative to conventional fish oils, addressing the needs of modern health-conscious consumers
• For instance, companies such as Rimfrost AS and Enzymotec Ltd. have introduced krill-based products enriched with phospholipids to improve omega-3 absorption efficiency. These companies are expanding their production capacities and forming partnerships with major nutraceutical brands to cater to rising consumer demand
• Consumers are increasingly recognizing the role of omega-3 fatty acids in supporting cardiovascular, cognitive, and immune health. Educational campaigns by healthcare providers and supplement brands are playing a vital role in encouraging regular omega-3 consumption through krill oil supplements
• Sustained marketing efforts emphasizing clinical evidence and quality certifications are enhancing krill oil’s credibility compared to traditional omega-3 sources. This is pushing more consumers toward premium-grade marine-based supplements
• Overall, the broadening awareness about the multifunctional benefits of omega-3 and the preference for high-quality, naturally derived sources are expected to drive the upward trajectory of the global krill fishery market in the coming years

Restraint/Challenge

“Limited Supply and Sustainability Concerns”

• The limited harvesting capacities in the Antarctic region and stringent regulatory frameworks for krill fishing are major challenges hampering consistent supply within the global market. The need to ensure ecological balance and protect marine biodiversity restricts expansion in krill harvesting volumes
• For instance, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has implemented strict quota systems on krill harvesting to prevent overexploitation. Key players such as Aker BioMarine and PescaChile must adhere to these quotas, which often limit their yield despite growing global demand
• Sustainability concerns have prompted buyers and brands to scrutinize sourcing certifications and fishing practices. Companies must invest heavily in eco-friendly harvesting technologies and traceability frameworks to maintain compliance and protect brand reputation
• Logistical challenges related to operating in extreme Antarctic conditions further constrain krill catch volumes and raise operational costs. Seasonal dependencies and climate change effects on marine ecosystems can also cause fluctuations in krill stock availability
• Ensuring long-term sustainability will remain crucial for market stability. Collaborations between regulatory authorities, research bodies, and industry players are vital to balancing conservation efforts with commercial objectives, sustaining growth while protecting marine biodiversity

Krill Fishery Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product and species.

• By Product

On the basis of product, the Krill Fishery market is segmented into krill oil, krill meal, and krill pet food. The krill oil segment dominated the market with the largest market revenue share of 51.4% in 2024, driven by its high nutritional value, rich omega-3 content, and growing consumer awareness regarding cardiovascular and cognitive health. Health-conscious consumers and nutraceutical companies increasingly prefer krill oil due to its superior absorption compared with traditional fish oil and its sustainable sourcing from certified fisheries. The market also sees strong demand for krill oil owing to the expansion of dietary supplement markets in North America and Europe and the availability of diverse product formats such as capsules, soft gels, and liquid concentrates. In addition, krill oil’s incorporation in functional foods and beverages further reinforces its dominance in the market.

The krill meal segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate of 18.9% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rising demand in aquaculture and animal feed industries. For instance, leading aquafeed manufacturers such as Cargill and Aker BioMarine are increasingly incorporating krill meal as a protein-rich and nutrient-dense ingredient for farmed fish and livestock. Its benefits in enhancing growth performance, immunity, and feed efficiency contribute to expanding adoption in commercial farming operations. The growth is further supported by increasing investments in sustainable aquaculture practices and the push for alternative marine protein sources.

• By Species

On the basis of species, the Krill Fishery market is segmented into Euphausia superba and Euphausia pacifica. The Euphausia superba segment dominated the market with the largest market revenue share of 63.2% in 2024, driven by its wide availability in Antarctic waters and high content of omega-3 fatty acids and phospholipids. Krill harvested from this species is preferred for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and functional food applications due to its superior quality and consistent composition. The market also benefits from established sustainable harvesting practices for Euphausia superba, certified by organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council, which boosts consumer confidence and regulatory compliance. In addition, the versatility of products derived from this species, including krill oil, meal, and protein extracts, strengthens its market dominance.

The Euphausia pacifica segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing demand in the Asian aquaculture and feed industries. For instance, companies in Japan and South Korea are utilizing Euphausia pacifica for high-quality krill oil and meal, targeting both human health supplements and premium aquafeed markets. Its adaptability to regional harvesting and processing methods allows manufacturers to cater to local and export demands efficiently. The growth is further enhanced by rising investments in sustainable harvesting technology and expanding applications in specialized animal nutrition products.

Krill Fishery Market Regional Analysis

• North America dominated the krill fishery market with the largest revenue share of 42.3% in 2024, driven by high consumer awareness of nutritional supplements and growing demand for omega-3-rich products
• Consumers in the region highly value krill oil for its superior absorption and health benefits, supporting widespread adoption in dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals
• This demand is further strengthened by high disposable incomes, a health-conscious population, and well-established distribution networks, positioning krill products as a preferred choice for both individual and commercial applications

U.S. Krill Fishery Market Insight

The U.S. krill fishery market captured the largest revenue share in North America in 2024, fueled by the increasing consumption of omega-3 supplements and functional nutrition products. Rising health awareness and the focus on preventive healthcare are encouraging consumers to choose krill-based products over traditional fish oils. In addition, the presence of major nutraceutical companies, research investments, and growing e-commerce channels for dietary supplements are significantly contributing to the market’s expansion.

Europe Krill Fishery Market Insight

The Europe krill fishery market is projected to expand at a notable CAGR throughout the forecast period, driven by strong consumer preference for natural health supplements and stringent quality regulations. Increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the popularity of functional foods are fostering demand for krill products. European consumers are also attracted to sustainable and traceable sources of krill, further boosting adoption across nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and animal feed applications.

U.K. Krill Fishery Market Insight

The U.K. krill fishery market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, driven by growing health consciousness and the increasing use of krill oil in dietary supplements. Consumers are focusing on preventive health, cardiovascular wellness, and cognitive benefits, prompting higher adoption of krill-based products. The U.K.’s established retail infrastructure and e-commerce growth are expected to continue supporting market expansion.

Germany Krill Fishery Market Insight

The Germany krill fishery market is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by rising awareness of nutritional supplements and sustainable sourcing practices. Germany’s emphasis on health, wellness, and environmental sustainability promotes the adoption of krill oil, meal, and pet food. The integration of krill-based products in functional foods and feed solutions is also increasing, meeting the demand for innovative and eco-conscious nutrition solutions.

Asia-Pacific Krill Fishery Market Insight

The Asia-Pacific krill fishery market is poised to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period of 2025 to 2032, driven by rising health awareness, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing population of health-conscious consumers in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. The region’s expanding nutraceutical and aquafeed industries are fueling demand for krill oil and krill meal. Furthermore, APAC’s role as a key source for krill harvesting and processing ensures greater accessibility and competitive pricing, enhancing adoption across residential, commercial, and feed applications.

Japan Krill Fishery Market Insight

The Japan krill fishery market is witnessing strong growth due to high consumer preference for marine-based supplements and functional foods. Japanese consumers emphasize preventive health, cognitive wellness, and cardiovascular benefits, increasing the popularity of krill oil and meal. The integration of krill products into both human and animal nutrition markets, combined with advanced processing and sustainable harvesting, is supporting market expansion.

China Krill Fishery Market Insight

The China krill fishery market accounted for the largest revenue share in Asia-Pacific in 2024, attributed to growing awareness of health supplements, rapid urbanization, and rising middle-class incomes. China is emerging as a major consumer and exporter of krill-based products, with demand spanning dietary supplements, functional foods, and animal feed. Government support for sustainable fisheries, coupled with the availability of affordable krill products and strong domestic manufacturers, is further propelling market growth.

Krill Fishery Market Share

The krill fishery industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Superba Krill (U.S.)
• ConnOils LLC (U.S.)
• Orochem Technologies Inc. (U.S.)
• NutraCode LLC (U.S.)
• Jedwards International, Inc. (U.S.)
• Omega Protein Corporation (U.S.)
• China National Fisheries (Group) Corporation (China)
• ALFA LAVAL (Sweden)
• AKER BIOMARINE ANTARCTIC AS (Norway)
• Schiff Vitamins (U.S.)
• neptunecorp (U.S.)
• Norwegian Fish Oil AS (Norway)
• NutriGold (U.S.)
• RIMFROST AS (Norway)
• Qingdao Kangjing Marine Biotechnology Co., Ltd (China)
• NWC Naturals Inc. (U.S.)
• Ergomax (Israel)
• Daeduck FRD Inc. (South Korea)
• Enzymotec Ltd (Israel)
• Olympic Seafood AS (Norway)

Latest Developments in Global Krill Fishery Market

• In May 2025 Aker QRILL Company announced the launch of the Krill Science Hub, a digital platform providing access to peer-reviewed research on Antarctic krill ecosystems. This initiative enhances transparency, credibility, and consumer trust in krill-based products, supporting the company’s sustainability positioning. By disseminating scientific evidence, the platform helps address regulatory and environmental concerns, encourages informed product development, and reinforces confidence among stakeholders in both the nutraceutical and aquaculture industries
• In January 2025 Aker QRILL Company signed an agreement with Tersan Shipyard to purchase and rebuild a vessel almost completed in 2023 for use as its fourth krill-fishing vessel in the Antarctic. This strategic expansion of fleet capacity strengthens the company’s supply-chain resilience, allowing it to meet the rising global demand for krill-derived products in aquaculture, animal feed, and nutraceutical applications. The additional vessel also positions the company to secure a larger share of the krill supply, enhance operational efficiency, and support sustainable harvesting practices, reinforcing its leadership in the krill market
• In July 2024 Aker BioMarine announced the sale of its Feed Ingredients business for USD 590 million, classifying the segment as discontinued operations. This divestment allows the company to sharpen its focus on human nutrition and consumer health applications, particularly krill oil products. By reallocating resources to higher-margin nutraceutical and dietary supplement markets, the company is better positioned to innovate, expand product offerings, and capture a larger share of the growing global krill oil market
• In April 2024 Aker BioMarine signed a partnership declaration with its largest Chinese customer, granting them a licence for the Kori® krill oil brand in China. This partnership accelerates market penetration in one of the fastest-growing nutraceutical markets, leveraging local distribution networks and brand recognition. It allows the company to tap into rising consumer awareness of omega-3 benefits, expand its regional revenue, and strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific market while fostering long-term business collaboration
• In March 2024 Aker BioMarine launched a new algae-based omega-3 ingredient, FloraMarine, designed for B2B use with a high DHA concentration. This product launch diversifies the company’s portfolio beyond krill-derived ingredients, enabling it to cater to the growing plant-based omega-3 market and mitigate supply risks associated with krill harvesting. The introduction of FloraMarine strengthens the company’s innovation pipeline, addresses evolving consumer preferences for sustainable and vegetarian alternatives, and enhances competitiveness in the broader omega-3 ingredient market

SKU-58878