Investing in Blue Foods 2026

Innovation in supply chains Tackling fragmentation, spoilage and traceability gaps to improve efficiency and market access Inefficient supply chains remain a bottleneck across blue food systems, particularly in Africa and other emerging markets. Fragmented logistics, unreliable transport and limited cold storage lead to major post-harvest losses, with up to 35% of aquatic food value lost globally before reaching consumers. Small-scale producers also struggle with poor traceability, limited buyer connections and inadequate working capital. These challenges reduce profitability and restrict access to export and premium markets that demand verified sourcing. Innovations in this space are reducing spoilage, improving traceability, expanding cold storage and building last-mile logistics suited to remote and smallholder contexts. Bundled digital tools, IoT tracking and decentralized infrastructure are helping increase efficiency, affordability and inclusion across the value chain (see Case study 4). Up to 35% of aquatic food value is lost globally before reaching consumers. CASE STUDY 4 Technology and business model innovation for supply chains 1 Solar-powered cold rooms by ColdHubs (Nigeria)61 In many African regions, poor electricity supply and lack of cold storage cause high post-harvest spoilage. ColdHubs deploys solar-powered, walk-in cold rooms at landing sites and local markets, where users pay daily storage fees. This decentralized model provides affordable refrigeration without grid dependency. ColdHubs has cut spoilage by more than 50%, improved food safety and increased incomes, particularly for women-led processors. It operates across Nigeria and is recognized as a scalable, climate- resilient storage solution for perishable blue foods.2 Control tower logistics platform by FishLog (Indonesia)62 Disjointed logistics and poor coordination across fragmented value chains lead to high transport costs and delivery delays for small and medium enterprises. FishLog’s control tower platform integrates transport management, inventory visibility and logistics data into one digital system. It also offers embedded finance tools, including working capital, insurance and contract tracking, to help smaller operators participate more effectively. The platform improves delivery reliability, reduces waste and increases inclusion by connecting producers and traders through transparent, finance- enabled logistics coordination. Innovation in circularity and waste Closing loops and unlocking new value through smarter waste utilization, nutrient cycling and eco-friendly inputs Fish processing and farming generate large volumes of waste. Up to 50% of fish biomass is discarded and nutrient-rich effluents often go untreated, leading to pollution and lost value. Packaging adds to the sector’s plastic and carbon footprint through widespread use of polystyrene and single-use plastics, many of which are now restricted in export markets.Innovation is increasingly focused on circular models that recover waste, recycle nutrients and replace harmful materials with regenerative alternatives. From fish trimmings upcycled into protein and collagen to closed-loop water and nutrient systems, these approaches help producers cut loss, reduce emissions and create new revenue streams. In Africa, where waste management and infrastructure are limited, locally adapted solutions such as insect-based waste conversion and mobile nutrient reuse show strong potential (see Case study 5). Up to 50% of fish biomass is discarded and nutrient-rich effluents often go untreated, leading to pollution and lost value. Investing in Blue Foods: Innovation and Partnerships for Impact 20