NAICS 3117

Seafood Product Preparation & Packaging

Seafood product preparation and packaging (NAICS 3117): Processing, freezing, canning, and packaging of fish and shellfish for retail and foodservice distribution.

Published by VantaInsights Research·Methodology·Data Sources· AI-drafted
Built on data from Census Bureau CBP Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal Reserve FRED SEC EDGAR

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 3117 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
29K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
516
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$1.8B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$60,776
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$14.6B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Seafood product preparation and packaging (NAICS 3117) encompasses establishments engaged in the processing and packaging of seafood products for human consumption. This includes activities such as cleaning, filleting, freezing, canning, smoking, and packaging fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms. The industry represents a critical link in the seafood supply chain, transforming raw catches into consumer-ready products distributed through retail and foodservice channels. As a specialized segment of food manufacturing, this industry supports both domestic consumption and international trade, with operations ranging from small regional processors to large multi-facility operations serving national and global markets.

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Industry Trends

MSC

Increasing demand for sustainable seafood sourcing is driving processors to implement traceability systems and obtain third-party certifications such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) to meet consumer and retailer requirements.

02

Advanced automation technologies including robotic filleting, technology-enabled quality inspection, and automated packaging systems are being adopted to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance food safety consistency.

03

Growth in value-added seafood products including ready-to-eat meals, pre-marinated preparations, and specialty ethnic products is expanding beyond traditional frozen and canned offerings to capture premium market segments.

04

Enhanced food safety protocols and real-time monitoring systems are becoming standard practice in response to regulatory requirements and high-profile foodborne illness incidents affecting consumer confidence.

05

Rising operational costs from labor, energy, and compliance with environmental regulations are prompting consolidation among smaller processors and investment in process optimization and waste reduction initiatives.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

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Seafood Product Preparation & Packaging
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Seafood Product Preparation & Packaging

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 3117? ▾
NAICS 3117 is the federal classification for seafood product preparation and packaging establishments. This industry group includes businesses that clean, fillet, freeze, can, smoke, dry, salt, or otherwise process raw seafood into finished products ready for distribution. It is a specialized segment within the broader food manufacturing industry (NAICS 311).
What types of seafood products are processed in this industry? ▾
The industry processes a wide variety of seafood including finfish (salmon, cod, pollock, tilapia), shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters, clams), and other aquatic organisms. Products are prepared in multiple formats including fresh-frozen, canned, smoked, dried, salted, and specialty prepared meals for retail and foodservice distribution.
How do food safety regulations impact seafood processors? ▾
Seafood processors must comply with FDA regulations under the Seafood HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) program, which mandates documented safety protocols and preventive controls. Additionally, processors must adhere to state and local health department requirements, labeling regulations, and increasingly stringent requirements from major retailers and foodservice customers regarding traceability and allergen management.
What is the relationship between wild-caught and farm-raised seafood processing? ▾
NAICS 3117 processors handle both wild-caught seafood from commercial fishing operations and farm-raised aquaculture products. The processing requirements differ based on species, source, and intended end product, with processors often specializing in specific types or maintaining separate processing lines to manage different supply sources and quality standards.
How are imports affecting the US seafood processing industry? ▾
Imported seafood represents a substantial portion of products processed domestically, with many US processors performing value-added activities on frozen raw materials sourced internationally. This creates import-dependent supply chains while also exposing the industry to tariffs, trade policy changes, and compliance with country-of-origin labeling requirements.

Related Industries

Bakeries & Tortilla Manufacturing 3118Other Food Manufacturing 3119Grocery & Related Product Merchant Wholesalers 4244Farm Product Raw Material Merchant Wholesalers 4245Restaurants & Other Eating Places 7225

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