Investing in Blue Foods 2026

The blue foods opportunity and its potential for Africa1 Blue foods – fish, shellfish, crustaceans, seaweed and other aquatic organisms from marine, freshwater and brackish systems – include both aquaculture (farmed) and wild capture (harvested) sources. They are a critical and expanding pillar of the global food system, producing over 200 million tonnes (Mt) annually,1 nourishing 3 billion people and supporting 800 million livelihoods,2 with demand expected to double by 2050 (see Figure 1).3Since 1960, per capita apparent fish consumption has more than doubled to about 20-21 kg per year on average,4 driven by aquaculture – the world’s fastest-growing food sector – now providing over half of global supply.5 While wild fisheries have plateaued amid stock depletion, blue foods remain vital for food security, nutrition and income, especially in low- and middle-income countries where they are often the most affordable animal protein.1.1 Blue food systems are significant and expanding 200 million tonnes of blue foods produced globally, per yearBlue foods represent a powerful opportunity to deliver on global food system goals, with especially strong potential for Africa. Fisheries and aquaculture, global production (2009-2022) FIGURE 1 Blue food systems are significant and expanding Global demand for blue foods is expected to double by 2050 2009 2012 2015 2018 2022 Aquaculture Capture fisheries163Mt170Mt198Mt211Mt223Mt 73 (45%)90 (55%) 80 (47%)90 (53%) 92 (46%)106 (54%) 96 (46%)115 (54%) 92 (41%)131 (59%)2009-2022 CAGR +2.4%Million tonnes (Mt) Note: Capture fisheries refer to the harvesting of wild, naturally occurring fish and other aquatic organisms from marine or freshwater environments. Source: Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).6 Investing in Blue Foods: Innovation and Partnerships for Impact 6