The sector is being driven by a passion for sushi and ‘ready-to-eat’ products.
Fish and shellfish continue to become more expensive on Italian dining tables. Yet despite this, the market continues to grow: particularly in the ready-to-eat segment. A look at Istat’s consumer price tables reveals that price rises have been evident in recent months too: in April, the ‘fish and seafood’ category recorded a 3% increase compared to 2025, with salmon showing the same rise, whilst prawns recorded a 3.7% increase. Even more striking are the long-term figures: a 32.8 per cent increase for fish and fish products between 2015 and 2025, whilst fresh or frozen seafood saw price rises of 40 per cent. Over the past ten years ,fish has therefore become a significantly more expensive product for Italian households, caught between inflation, rising energy costs, higher transport costs and tensions in international supply chains…
Of course, there is no analysis distinguishing between growth in value and growth in volume, but this is the trend. Below: the sushi corner and fish counter at a Pewex supermarket in Rome.
Drafted on 28 May, updated on 29 May 2026
