Note: This report includes forecasting data that is based on baseline historical data.
Market snapshot
In 2020, the United States (US) was the world's largest importer of oysters with imports valued at US$74.3 million. Canada was the third oysters supplier in the US with a market share of 22.0% in 2020. The prospect for Canadian oysters in the global market is promising as it was among the top-10 oyster suppliers for most of the top-10 global importers.
Canada was the fifth largest oysters exporter in the world from 2016 to 2020. In 2020, Canada exported a total of US$19.2 million oysters to the world. The top five markets over the 2016-2020 period were the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam. In 2020, 84.9% of Canada's export supply was destined towards the US, with a CAGR of −8.4% from 2016 to 2020. Exports to Singapore have increased over the last five years at a CAGR of 12.1%, while exports to Hong Kong have increased by a CAGR of 14.5% over the same period. Due to the logistic disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic (FAO fisheries division, 2021; Aquaculture North America, 2020), Canadian oysters exports declined significantly in 2020 compared with 2019, however the numbers have rebounded in the first seven months of 2021 already surpassing all of 2020.
According to Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD), there were 56 new launches of oysters products across the world between 2016 and 2020. And 46 of them were targeted to the top-five markets: South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Canada and China. The top claims (may contain more than one claim per package) were : convenience, natural, positioning ethical & environmental and suitable for. The top five parent companies were Ha Long, Samsam Products Emart, La Maison BeauSoleil and Jungang Seafood. The top ingredients identified were oyster, white sugar, salt, monosodium glutamate and waters.
World's top 10 importers of oysters
In 2020, the US was the world's largest importer of oysters with imports valued at US$74.3 million. Canada was the third oysters supplier in the US with a market share of 22.0% in 2020. The prospect for Canadian oysters in the global market is promising as it was among the top-10 oyster suppliers for most of the top-10 global importers.
| Importer | Imports value in 2020 | 1st supplier (market share %) | 2nd supplier (market share %) | Canada ranking (market share %) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 74.3 | China (40.9) | South Korea (23.5) | 3rd (22.0) |
| Hong Kong | 53.2 | Japan (26.2) | South Korea (18.5) | 4th (12.0) |
| Japan | 38.8 | South Korea (84.1) | China (13.2) | 6th (0.04) |
| France | 31.8 | Ireland (77.2) | United Kingdom (12.2) | 8th (0.1) |
| China | 26.6 | France (69.7) | Ireland (8.6) | 8th (0.8) |
| Italy | 19.1 | France (86.5) | Netherlands (7.3) | N/O |
| Canada | 17.3 | United States (47.9) | China (42.6) | N/O |
| Netherlands | 14.3 | France (59.4) | Ireland (26.5) | 15th (0.02) |
| Belgium | 14.3 | Netherlands (79.6) | France (19.2) | 5th (0.2) |
| Taiwan | 10.8 | Japan (43.2) | Vietnam (31.7) | 10th (0.2) |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, as of August, 2021 N/O: not offered Note: HS codes for oysters include 030711, 030712, 030719 , 160551 and 030710 |
||||
Canadian oysters exports
Canada was the fifth largest oysters exporter in the world from 2016 to 2020. In 2020, Canada exported a total of US$19.2 million oysters to the world. The top five markets over the 2016-2020 period were the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam. In 2020, 84.9% of Canada's export supply was destined towards the US, with a CAGR of −8.4% from 2016 to 2020. Exports to Singapore have increased over the last five years at a CAGR of 12.1%, while exports to Hong Kong have increased by a CAGR of 14.5% over the same period. Due to the logistic disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic (FAO fisheries division, 2021; Aquaculture North America, 2020), Canadian oysters exports declined significantly in 2020 compared with 2019, however the numbers have rebounded in the first seven months of 2021 already surpassing all of 2020.
| Markets | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | *CAGR % 2016-2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World | 25,268,546 | 27,449,489 | 27,510,668 | 32,900,298 | 19,222,968 | −6.6 |
| United States | 23,155,003 | 24,462,934 | 23,401,477 | 28,235,423 | 16,326,481 | −8.4 |
| Singapore | 880,400 | 1,046,937 | 1,189,172 | 1,652,975 | 1,389,389 | 12.1 |
| Hong Kong | 472,215 | 684,512 | 1,376,937 | 1,397,555 | 812,630 | 14.5 |
| China | 585,832 | 690,789 | 745,823 | 804,261 | 221,937 | −21.6 |
| Vietnam | 84,487 | 332,384 | 377,091 | 394,177 | 306,956 | 38.1 |
| Malaysia | 18,169 | 90,795 | 184,802 | 176,763 | 52,835 | 30.6 |
| Belgium | 0 | 0 | 42,772 | 68,302 | 16,038 | N/C |
| Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 6,752 | 25,908 | 26,035 | 29,948 | 25,004 | 38.7 |
| Norway | 0 | 0 | 14,386 | 68,634 | 15,649 | N/C |
| France | 25,366 | 34,555 | 14,403 | 10,675 | 8,831 | −23.2 |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, as of August, 2021 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate N/C: Not calculable Note: HS codes for oysters include 030711, 030712, 030719 , 160551 and 030710 |
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Product launch analysis - fish food products that have oyster in the product name
According to Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD), there were 56 new launches of oysters products across the world between 2016 and 2020. And 46 of them were targeted to the top-five markets: South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Canada and China. The top claims (may contain more than one claim per package) were : convenience, natural, positioning ethical & environmental and suitable for. The top five parent companies were Ha Long, Samsam Products Emart, La Maison BeauSoleil and Jungang Seafood. The top ingredients identified were oyster, white sugar, salt, monosodium glutamate and waters.
| Product attributes | Yearly launch count | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
| Yearly product launches | 5 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 10 |
| Top five markets | |||||
| South Korea | 1 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Vietnam | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Hong Kong, China | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Canada | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| China | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Top five claims | |||||
| Convenience | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Natural | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Positioning | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Ethical and environmental | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Suitable for | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Top five companies (parent) | |||||
| Ha Long | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Samsam Products | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Emart | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| La Maison BeauSoleil | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Jungang Seafood | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Top three launch types | |||||
| New packaging | 39 | 36 | 25 | 31 | 33 |
| New variety/range extension | 23 | 29 | 33 | 36 | 9 |
| New product | 34 | 7 | 15 | 22 | 13 |
| Top five flavours (including blend) | |||||
| Unflavoured/plain | 3 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 6 |
| Oyster | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Pork | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Smoke | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Lemon | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Top five ingredients | |||||
| Oyster | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 5 |
| White sugar | 2 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Salt | 3 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| Monosodium gutamate | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Waters | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Source: Mintel, 2020 | |||||
Product examples
Normandy Oyster from Isigny
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Cultimer |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cultimer |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | France |
| Store name | E.Leclerc |
| Store type | Mass merchandise / hypermarket |
| Date published | January 2019 |
| Launch type | New variety / range extension |
| Price in local currency | €15.90 |
| Price in US Dollars | 18.08 |
Cultimer Isigny l'Huître de Normandie (Normandy Oyster from Isigny) has been raised in France in the open sea. This 3-size product retails in a 2 kilogram pack containing 24 units and bearing a QR code.
Tongyeong Oyster
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Samsam Products |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsam Seafood Dongpirang |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | South Korea |
| Store name | www.kurly.com |
| Store type | Internet / mail order |
| Date published | October 2020 |
| Launch type | New product |
| Price in local currency | KRW4770.00 |
| Price in US Dollars | 4.17 |
Samsam Seafood Dongpirang Tongyeong Oyster is now available. This product contains plumpy oysters which are grown in the clean sea of Tongyeong, South Korea, said to be Korea's favourite area for oysters. It retails in a 200 gram pack.
Salted Oysters with Chilli Pepper
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Gwangcheon |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gwangcheon |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | South Korea |
| Store name | Hyundai |
| Store type | Department store |
| Date published | December 2016 |
| Launch type | New variety / range extension |
| Price in local currency | KRW19600.00 |
| Price in US Dollars | 16.68 |
Gwangcheon Salted Oysters with Chilli Pepper is made with Korean oysters. This premium product retails in a 500 gram jar.
Smoked Oysters
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Natori |
|---|---|
| Brand | Natori |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | Japan |
| Store name | Yodobashi Online Store |
| Store type | Internet / mail order |
| Date published | July 2019 |
| Launch type | New variety / range extension |
| Price in local currency | JPY540.00 |
| Price in US Dollars | 4.98 |
Natori Smoked Oysters have been added to the range. This product comprises oysters from Setouchi which have been smoked over cherry tree wood. It retails in a 34 gram pack containing conveniently individually wrapped units which can be shared out, eaten individually over a few days, or taken out on trips. Launched in spring 2019. Recommended retail price not available.
Hiroshima Oyster in Oil
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Kokubu Group |
|---|---|
| Importer | Kyoto Japanese Food |
| Brand | K&K |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | Hong Kong, China |
| Store name | Ztore |
| Store type | Internet / mail order |
| Date published | February 2021 |
| Launch type | New product |
| Price in local currency | HKD71.90 |
| Price in US Dollars | 9.27 |
K&K Hiroshima Oyster in Oil is now available. The product retails in a 60 gram pack.
Seasoned Oyster
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Kumachu International Food Co. |
|---|---|
| Importer | Kumachu International Food Co. |
| Brand | Bapman |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | Hong Kong, China |
| Store name | Yata |
| Store type | Department store |
| Date published | September 2020 |
| Launch type | New variety / range extension |
| Price in local currency | HKD128.00 |
| Price in US Dollars | 16.52 |
Bapman Seasoned Oyster is now available. The limited edition product retails in a 200 gram pack.
Taishan Oyster
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Nuo Wen Jie Trading |
|---|---|
| Brand | Carson's Private Banque |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | China |
| Store name | Taste |
| Store type | Supermarket |
| Date published | May 2017 |
| Launch type | New product |
| Price in local currency | CNY48.00 |
| Price in US Dollars | 6.95 |
Carson's Private Banquet Tai Shan Ming Hao (Taishan Oyster) is ready to eat. This product retails in a 120 gram pack.
Oyster Sashimi
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Zhou Wei Food |
|---|---|
| Brand | Zhou Wei Bian Chu |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | China |
| Store name | Hualian supermarket |
| Store type | Supermarket |
| Date published | November 2016 |
| Launch type | New product |
| Price in local currency | CNY27.50 |
| Price in US Dollars | 3.99 |
Zhou Wei Bian Chu Ci Shen Mu Li Rou (Oyster Sashimi) is microwavable. This product does not require rinsing, and retails in a 300 gram pack bearing a QR code.
Cheese Grilled Oyster
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Ha Long |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ha Long |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | Vietnam |
| Store name | Saigon Co.op |
| Store type | Supermarket |
| Date published | July 2020 |
| Launch type | New variety / range extension |
| Price in local currency | VND73200.00 |
| Price in US Dollars | 3.15 |
Hasubi Hau Nuong Pho Mai (Cheese Grilled Oyster) is now available. The microwavable product retails in a 200 gram pack bearing heating instructions.
Japanese Oyster
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | A.K. Koh Enterprise |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dragon Horse Brand |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | Malaysia |
| Store name | Aeon |
| Store type | Supermarket |
| Date published | January 2016 |
| Launch type | New variety / range extension |
| Price in local currency | MYR38.88 |
| Price in US Dollars | 9.04 |
Dragon Horse Brand Japanese Oyster is now available. The product retails in a 250 gram can.
Frozen Half Shell New Zealand Oysters
Source: Mintel, 2021
| Company | Biomarine |
|---|---|
| Importer | Siam Makro Public |
| Brand | Kaipara Oysters |
| Category | Fish products |
| Market | Thailand |
| Store name | Makro |
| Store type | Club Store |
| Date published | February 2019 |
| Launch type | New product |
| Price in local currency | THB430.00 |
| Price in US Dollars | 13.73 |
Kaipara Oysters Frozen Half Shell New Zealand Oysters are said to be carefully hand-selected half-shell oysters from Kaipara Harbour in New Zealand. The ready-to-eat product features a large, deep-cupped shell and is said to provide aroma and flavour that encapsulates the pristine Kaipara Horbour waters with the smell of fresh ocean spray. It has a creamy-textured meat that has notes of citrus and a fresh cucumber finish. This organic product retails in a 300 gram pack featuring a QR code.
For more information
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Resources
- Aquaculture North America, 2020, Oyster farmers struggling as COVID-19 continues to impact restaurant industry
- FAO Fisheries Division, 2021, World bivalve market heavily impacted by COVID-19
- Global Trade Tracker, 2021
- Mintel, GNDP products, 2021
Customized Report Services – Export opportunities for Canadian oysters
Global Analysis Report
Prepared by: Zhiduo Wang, Market Analyst
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