Seafood Prices Climb Across the Board

Finfish and shellfish prices averaged over $10 per pound in December 2025, according to retail data analysis.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Heading into 2026, prices for finfish and shellfish have been trending higher, averaging more than $10 a pound in December 2025, according to Circana retail sales data analysis. Price inflation for fresh, frozen and shelf-stable seafood picked up in the second half of 2025 after holding mostly steady throughout 2024 and the first half of the year.

Why it matters

The rising seafood prices reflect broader inflationary pressures in the food industry, with consumers facing higher costs for a protein source often touted for its health benefits. However, Alaska seafood has outperformed the overall category, benefiting from consumer demand for sustainable, transparent and clean-label protein options.

The details

Circana data shows frozen seafood dollar sales were up year-over-year, though volume was down. Fresh seafood sales totaled $744 million in December 2025, indicating declines in both dollars and pounds sold. In the full-year view, dollar sales did gain year-over-year, though pounds fell 0.5% behind 2024. Finfish grew in dollars and pounds sold throughout 2025, while shellfish sales fell in December and in the full-year view. Salmon remained the top-selling fresh/refrigerated seafood category, posting $4.1 billion in sales for 2025 with gains in both dollars and pounds.

  • In December 2025, seafood prices averaged over $10 per pound.
  • Seafood price inflation picked up in the second half of 2025 after holding steady earlier in the year.

The players

Circana

A retail sales data analysis firm that tracks trends in the seafood industry.

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)

A public-private partnership between the state of Alaska and the Alaska seafood industry that serves as the official marketing organization for Alaska seafood.

Greg Smith

Communications Director at ASMI.

John Burrows

Seafood Technical Director at ASMI.

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What they’re saying

“Consumers want protein that's clean, trustworthy and climate conscious, and Alaska seafood, which is always wild, checks these boxes.”

— Greg Smith, Communications Director, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (provisioneronline.com)

“Sustainability is the entire operation in Alaska. It's a legal foundation, and it's a major advantage that we have for both buyers and consumers. Sustainability is mandated by law. It's written specifically and explicitly into our state constitution, and that's a driver of quite a few of the state's actions as far as natural resources and especially for fisheries.”

— John Burrows, Seafood Technical Director, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (provisioneronline.com)

What’s next

The FDA's updated 'healthy' claim rule, which went into effect in early 2025 and will be fully compliant by February 2028, is expected to further boost consumer demand for seafood products that meet the new nutrient profile requirements.

The takeaway

Rising seafood prices reflect broader inflationary pressures, but Alaska seafood has outperformed the overall category by appealing to consumer demand for sustainable, transparent and clean-label protein options. The industry's focus on environmental stewardship and innovation in product forms positions it well to meet evolving consumer preferences.