U.S. seafood retail sales increased in both dollar value and volume across fresh, frozen and shelf-stable categories in September, offering encouraging signs for the industry despite persistent inflation and rising household expenses.
According to data from Circana analyzed by 210 Analytics, fresh seafood sales rose 5.8% year over year to $666 million, while volume increased 4.8%. Frozen seafood sales climbed 9.4% to $642 million, with volume up 1.5%. Shelf-stable seafood sales increased 14.8% to $305 million, while volume grew 2.3%.
Several shellfish categories posted particularly strong results. Fresh shrimp sales increased 14% in value and 22.4% in volume. Fresh lobster volume surged 36.6%, while fresh crab sales rose 13.4% in value and 12.5% in volume. Frozen shrimp also performed well, with dollar sales up 12.7% and volume increasing 4%.
Canned and shelf-stable products continued to attract consumers. Sardine sales increased nearly 37% in value to $38.9 million, while ambient salmon sales rose 22.4% to $28.1 million. Tuna remained the leading shelf-stable seafood product by dollar sales, reaching $208 million.
The gains came despite higher seafood prices, declining consumer confidence and increased energy costs. Shelf-stable seafood prices rose 12.3% year over year, while frozen seafood prices increased 7.6%. September’s results also benefited in part from comparisons with a weaker September 2025, when seafood prices were rising and demand was softening.
The results suggest renewed momentum for seafood at retail, although economic pressures remain a concern for consumers and the industry. Continued attention to pricing, product availability and consumer demand will be important as seafood businesses approach the coming months.