Introduction – United Kingdom’s Dried Fish Market by the Numbers
When it comes to the global dried fish trade, the United Kingdom may not always dominate headlines, but it holds a solid and growing position in the industry. With a robust seafood processing sector and a strategic location for exports to Europe and beyond, the UK has been quietly expanding its dried fish footprint. In 2024 alone, the UK exported over 6,100 tons of dried or smoked fish, showing an impressive 8.1% year-on-year increase in volume.
So, what does this mean for buyers and importers? It means the UK is a serious player in the dried fish space. But navigating this market isn’t just about picking a random supplier. Sourcing decisions should be grounded in data—export volumes, certifications, and market feedback matter more than ever. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in, offering powerful tools for supplier verification, demand analysis, and RFQ trends.
Let’s dive in and explore the landscape of the UK’s dried fish market—and unveil the Top 8 Dried Fish Suppliers in United Kingdom in August 2025.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Dried fish might seem like a niche, but in the UK, it’s big business. Here’s what the numbers tell us:
- Export Volume: In 2024, the UK exported approximately 6.1 thousand tons of dried or smoked fish.
- Export Value: These exports were valued at around $61 million, slightly down from the previous year, despite volume growth.
- Top Export Destinations: France, Iceland, and Ukraine accounted for 47% of total UK exports. Notably, Ukraine’s demand has surged with a CAGR of 67.4% since 2013.
What’s driving these exports? Real-time demand signals, such as RFQ (Request for Quote) volume trends on Freshdi, indicate steady interest from European buyers. As businesses increasingly rely on platforms like Freshdi to identify trustworthy suppliers, these stats reflect more than just numbers—they reveal where opportunities are heating up.
Top 8 Verified Dried Fish Suppliers in United Kingdom – Leading Exporters by Volume
The following suppliers have been selected based on their export volume, certifications, market reach, and user feedback on Freshdi. They represent the crème de la crème of the UK’s dried fish industry.
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Ubk (Thurloe) Ltd.
A consistent top performer in the export of dried fish maw and other seafood derivatives. Known for compliance with international food safety standards and a strong logistics network. -
Ocean Harvest Enterprises Ltd.
Specializes in dried cod and haddock products. Recognized across Europe for its premium quality and eco-friendly processing techniques. -
BritSea Exports Ltd.
Offers a wide range of dried and smoked seafood with a focus on West African and Eastern European markets. Strong presence on Freshdi with positive buyer reviews. -
Marine Foods UK Ltd.
Famed for its dried mackerel and herring exports. Holds multiple certifications including HACCP and ISO 22000. -
AngloNordic Seafoods Ltd.
Serving both Nordic and Eastern European clients, this supplier is known for reliability and fast shipping times. -
Seafresh Group Plc.
A legacy name in UK seafood exports, including dried and smoked fish. Their vertically integrated supply chain ensures consistent quality. -
North Atlantic Fish Co.
Specializes in sustainably sourced dried fish, with a major focus on organic and specialty seafood items. -
EuroMarine Processing Ltd.
A rising star in the B2B seafood market, offering competitive rates and flexible MOQs. Well-ranked on Freshdi’s supplier evaluation system.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind that supplier rankings aren’t static. Platforms like Freshdi regularly update performance metrics, featuring “Suppliers of the Month” or “Quarter” based on real-time trade data, buyer ratings, and RFQ fulfillment rates. So, if you’re sourcing dried fish, staying tuned to these updates gives you a competitive edge.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Understanding the numbers is essential, but reading between the lines is where the real strategy lies.
Demand Trends Across Variants
The UK excels in exporting dried cod, haddock, mackerel, and herring. According to RFQ data from Freshdi, cod and mackerel remain the most requested species, especially from France and Ukraine. Demand spikes are also observed in Q4 each year, aligning with holiday consumption patterns and importer’s replenishment cycles.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
In 2024, the average export price was $9,998 per ton, down 7.8% from the previous year. While this might hint at price drops, it’s more about seasonal adjustments and market competition. Buyers planning large purchases often target Q1 and Q3, when prices stabilize due to consistent supply.
Export Dynamics and Market Growth
- Volume CAGR (2024–2035): 0.7%
- Value CAGR (2024–2035): 2.2%
- Projected Volume by 2035: 55,000 tons
- Projected Value by 2035: $709 million
Even more granular, the dried or salted fish market is expected to reach 29,000 tons and $112 million in value by 2035. This steady growth signals a stable and scalable opportunity for international buyers.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
The UK’s dried fish market is more than just stable—it’s strategic. With consistent year-on-year growth, diversified export destinations, and improving supplier standards, it’s an ideal sourcing ground for businesses looking to scale their seafood imports.
But remember, the real game-changer isn’t just knowing these stats—it’s using them. That’s where Freshdi becomes an indispensable tool. With access to supplier ratings, export volumes, RFQ trends, and even pricing history, Freshdi turns guesswork into informed action.
Whether you’re a wholesaler in France, a distributor in Ghana, or a retailer in Eastern Europe, choosing the right UK supplier can be the difference between profit and pitfalls.
Key Takeaways
- The UK exported over 6,100 tons of dried fish in 2024.
- Exports saw an 8.1% volume increase, even amid slight price declines.
- France, Iceland, and Ukraine are top destinations—Ukraine growing fastest.
- Platforms like Freshdi help buyers spot trends, verify suppliers, and request quotes seamlessly.
- Top suppliers are ranked based on real-time data, not static lists.
Checklist for Buyers – UK Dried Fish Edition
✅ Check supplier certifications (HACCP, ISO, etc.)
✅ Use Freshdi to compare RFQ responses and pricing
✅ Time your purchases to avoid seasonal price peaks
✅ Prioritize suppliers with strong Freshdi user feedback
✅ Monitor Freshdi’s “Supplier of the Month” rankings
Future Outlook – The Road to 2035
Fast-forward to 2035, and the UK dried fish market is projected to hit $709 million in value. That’s not just growth—it’s opportunity. As global appetites for seafood continue to rise, UK suppliers are positioning themselves to serve markets far beyond Europe.
Adapting to this future means sourcing smarter, faster, and more transparently. With platforms like Freshdi, buyers gain access to a global seafood network that’s verified, vetted, and ready to do business.
FAQs
1. What types of dried fish are most commonly exported from the UK?
Cod, haddock, mackerel, and herring top the list, with cod and mackerel seeing the highest demand.
2. How do I verify a supplier’s credentials?
You can use platforms like Freshdi, which provide supplier certifications, performance metrics, and buyer reviews.
3. When is the best time to buy dried fish from UK exporters?
Q1 and Q3 typically offer better pricing due to stable supply and lower seasonal demand.
4. Are UK dried fish suppliers open to custom packaging or private labeling?
Yes, many top suppliers offer customization options depending on order volume. It’s best to check their Freshdi profiles for details.
5. How does Freshdi help with RFQs?
Freshdi allows you to post RFQs, compare real-time offers from multiple suppliers, and track market trends to make data-driven decisions.
