Deeply Processed Products Continue to Expand
Regarding white fish consumption trends in 2026, deeply processed products are expected to continue increasing their share in overall consumption. In major markets such as the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, demand for convenient, easy-to-prepare products suitable for both home consumption and foodservice remains strong.
Breaded white fish products, semi-processed items, and ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook products are increasingly being introduced into modern retail channels, restaurant systems, and fast-food chains. This trend reflects a clear shift from raw fish materials toward higher value-added products that meet consumer expectations for time-saving and convenience.
Shift from Wild-Caught Fish to Farmed Fish
Alongside the growth in processed product consumption, the supply of wild-caught fish continues to face pressure from scientific recommendations and resource management policies. In the North Atlantic region, several fish stocks are assessed as being in a vulnerable condition. Notably, scientific advice has recommended zero catch for North Sea cod in 2026. Following negotiations, coastal states agreed on a total allowable catch equal to only 44% of the 2025 level, approximately 14,000 metric tons, due to spawning stock biomass falling below safe biological limits.
These adjustments highlight the increasing limitations on wild-caught fish supply, while demand for white fish remains relatively stable. In this context, farmed fish continue to play a crucial role thanks to their production controllability, stable volumes, and more predictable pricing.
International Certification and Sustainability Requirements
Along with the shift from wild capture to aquaculture, international certifications and traceability are becoming standard requirements in white fish trade. Certifications such as ASC, BAP, and Global G.A.P help ensure product quality, food safety, and access to major markets including the EU, Japan, and North America.
At the same time, investments in farming and processing technologies enable better environmental control, feed optimization, and improved product consistency. In processing, value-added and convenience-oriented product lines allow farmed white fish to better meet the expectations of modern consumers.
Pangasius in the White Fish Trade: Focus on Value-Added Processing
Within the farmed white fish segment, pangasius is showing a clear shift toward value-added and deeply processed products, alongside traditional product categories. In pangasius processing, Vietnam’s export value of value-added pangasius products under HS code 16 reached approximately USD 48 million during the first 11 months of 2025, representing a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
At the same time, frozen pangasius fillets remain the core export product, particularly in markets such as the European Union and Brazil. As a farmed species, pangasius benefits from stable supply, quality control, traceability, and predictable costs, providing a solid foundation for the expansion of deeply processed product lines.
Entering 2026, pangasius is expected to continue serving the mainstream white fish segment while expanding its presence in the convenience and value-added categories, in line with consumption trends in key importing markets.
