India Shrimp Market Outlook 2025-2034: Farming, Species, Products, Channels & Regional Trends

India Shrimp Market

India has long been a key player in the global shrimp industry, with its vast coastal regions, expanding aquaculture practices, and growing export market. As of 2024, the India shrimp market reached a volume of 0.93 million metric tons (MMT), making it one of the largest producers globally. The market is poised for significant growth, with a projected CAGR of 9.60% during the forecast period of 2025–2034. By 2034, the market is expected to reach a volume of approximately 2.33 MMT. This expansion is being driven by increasing demand for shrimp both domestically and internationally, improvements in farming techniques, and rising consumer preference for seafood.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key segments of the Indian shrimp market, from farming environments to species, product categories, sales channels, and regional dynamics, as well as the factors shaping its future.

Market Segmentation by Environment

Farming

Shrimp farming is the backbone of India’s shrimp industry, with the vast majority of shrimp production coming from aquaculture operations. Farming is typically conducted in coastal areas, where brackish water is ideal for shrimp cultivation. The major shrimp-producing states in India include Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The farming methods used range from traditional extensive systems, where shrimp are raised in open ponds, to more advanced intensive systems, where shrimp are farmed in controlled, high-density environments.

Key drivers of growth in the shrimp farming sector include advancements in farming technology, improvements in water quality management, and better feed formulations. However, challenges remain in terms of disease outbreaks, such as white spot syndrome, and environmental impacts that affect the sustainability of shrimp farming.

Processing

Processing is another vital aspect of India’s shrimp market. India is not only a major shrimp producer but also a leading exporter of processed shrimp. Processing typically involves freezing, peeling, cooking, and sometimes breading shrimp, all of which add value and extend the shelf life of the product. The majority of shrimp processing units are located in coastal states, with significant processing hubs in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

The demand for processed shrimp, especially value-added products, is growing both in domestic and export markets. India has been leveraging its processing capacity to meet international food safety standards, and its shrimp exports have gained popularity in markets like the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

Market Segmentation by Species

India farms several species of shrimp, each catering to different market needs and preferences.

Penaeus Vannamei (Pacific White-Leg Shrimp)

Penaeus vannamei, also known as the Pacific white-leg shrimp, is the dominant species farmed in India, accounting for a significant portion of the country's shrimp production. This species is preferred for its fast growth rate, disease resistance, and adaptability to different farming conditions. As a result, Penaeus vannamei is the most widely cultivated species and forms the bulk of both domestic consumption and exports.

Penaeus Monodon (Black Tiger Shrimp)

Penaeus monodon, or the black tiger shrimp, is a premium species known for its larger size and distinct flavor. While it represents a smaller portion of India’s shrimp production compared to Penaeus vannamei, it is highly prized in the international market, especially for high-end culinary applications. However, the production of black tiger shrimp is more complex and costly, which limits its widespread adoption compared to vannamei.

Macrobrachium Rosenbergii (Giant Freshwater Prawn)

The giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is another shrimp species farmed in India. Though it is less commonly cultivated than the marine species, it has niche demand, particularly in local markets. These prawns are mainly produced in freshwater ponds and are highly valued for their large size and unique taste.

Others

Other lesser-known species also contribute to India’s shrimp market, but they occupy a relatively small share of production. These include species such as Penaeus japonicus and Fenneropenaeus indicus, which may be farmed in smaller volumes or for specific regional or international markets.

Market Segmentation by Product Category

Shrimp products in India are available in various forms to meet the diverse needs of both domestic and international markets.

Peeled Shrimp

Peeled shrimp, which have had their shells removed, are among the most popular products in the market. The peeling process is typically done by hand or through automated machines, depending on the scale of the operation. Peeled shrimp are particularly popular in export markets, as they save time and labor for consumers.

Shell-On Shrimp

Shell-on shrimp, which are sold with their shells intact, remain a traditional product in India, catering to both local and international consumers. This category is favored by those who prefer the authentic experience of peeling shrimp themselves, and it is often used in regional cuisines or as a bulk commodity for export.

Cooked Shrimp

Cooked shrimp, which are either fully cooked or partially cooked, represent a high-value product in the market. The convenience of ready-to-eat shrimp makes them highly attractive to both the retail and foodservice sectors, driving demand in urban areas and international markets.

Breaded Shrimp

Breaded shrimp, which are coated with breadcrumbs and often deep-fried, are a growing segment in India’s value-added shrimp products. These products appeal to consumers looking for convenience and flavor, and they are commonly sold in supermarkets, restaurants, and foodservice outlets.

Others

Other shrimp products include marinated shrimp, flavored shrimp, and shrimp in sauces. These products appeal to a variety of consumer preferences, particularly in the growing retail and foodservice sectors. Innovations in packaging and flavor profiles have helped expand the variety of shrimp products available.

Market Segmentation by Sales Channel

India’s shrimp market is served through multiple sales channels, each contributing to the growth and distribution of shrimp products.

Traditional Retail / Fish Markets

Traditional retail, including local fish markets, remains a dominant channel for shrimp sales in India. Here, fresh and live shrimp are sold to consumers directly, making it a key part of the market in smaller towns and rural areas.

Modern Retail

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are increasingly becoming popular sales channels for shrimp products, particularly value-added items such as cooked, peeled, and breaded shrimp. As India’s urban population grows and disposable incomes rise, modern retail channels are expected to play a larger role in the distribution of shrimp.

Online Channels / E-commerce

E-commerce is a rapidly growing channel for shrimp sales, particularly in urban areas. With the increasing popularity of online grocery shopping, consumers are now able to order fresh or frozen shrimp products directly to their homes. This channel is expected to see significant growth over the forecast period.

Foodservice / HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, Catering)

The foodservice industry is another key driver of demand for shrimp. Hotels, restaurants, and catering services (HORECA) are major consumers of shrimp products, especially cooked, peeled, and breaded varieties. As the hospitality sector in India grows, this channel is expected to continue expanding.

Export Channel

India is one of the largest exporters of shrimp globally, with major markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Export of processed shrimp, particularly frozen and value-added products, represents a significant portion of the market. The strong demand for Indian shrimp in international markets will continue to be a key factor driving growth.

Regional Analysis

India’s shrimp market is highly regional, with production concentrated in several key coastal states. Andhra Pradesh leads the country in shrimp production, followed by West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. These states have the ideal coastal conditions and farming infrastructure to support large-scale shrimp production. However, other regions, such as Kerala and Maharashtra, are also seeing growing shrimp farming activity.

Regional differences affect species selection, farming practices, and processing capabilities. For example, Andhra Pradesh primarily focuses on Penaeus vannamei, while West Bengal has a stronger emphasis on black tiger shrimp. Additionally, certain regions are more focused on export, while others cater primarily to the domestic market.

Competitive Landscape

India’s shrimp market is highly competitive, with numerous local and regional players involved in farming, processing, and exporting shrimp. Key players include large integrated shrimp farming operations, medium-sized processing units, and smaller family-run farms. The market is also influenced by global players in the shrimp export industry, who set the standards for processing and export quality.

Increased focus on sustainability, certification, and traceability has driven competition in the processing sector, with companies striving to meet international standards such as Global GAP and HACCP certification.