Vietnam Squid & Octopus: Rise In South Korea, Japan And The Demand For Easy Retail-Ready Packaging
Vietnam’s squid & octopus exports reached $603.92 million in the first nine months of 2026, marking a strong 14.9% increase year-over-year. Global buyers are actively shifting toward pre-cleaned, ready-to-cook, and retail-tray packaged formats. Discover how our ready-to-cook processing solutions streamline B2B supply chains and lower operational costs.
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Quick Market Summary: Strong Demand In 2026
In the first nine months, Vietnam shipped more squid and octopus than in the same period of 2025, with octopus growing fastest (Source: Vietnam Customs Department, via VASEP)
🐙 Octopus +18.9%
Whole Cleaned Squid
Key Market Trends Across Top Buying Countries
South Korea #1 buyer
$234.03M imports · 38.8% share · +19.3% YoY
Preference: Pre-cleaned baby octopus, sliced octopus and flower-cut squid for hotpot, Korean BBQ and stir-fry menus.
Japan #2 market
$136.26M imports · 22.6% share · +13.6% YoY
Preference: Precise weight portions, clean skinning and vacuum-sealed retail trays that go straight to supermarket freezers.
United States 🔥 Fast growing
$25.18M imports · +11.6% YoY
Preference: Distributors are swapping whole raw cephalopods for kitchen-ready IQF squid rings and cut tentacles to cut back-of-house labor.
September: +82.4% ($3.98M)
Why Retail-Ready Packaging Matters for B2B?
Whole or uncleaned seafood means more prep labor and more waste for restaurants and stores. Ready-to-use products fix both.
Kitchen-ready processing
✅ Flower-cut squid & cleaned tubes
Pre-scored and pre-cleaned. Expands when cooked, so portions look larger.
✅ Cut octopus & seafood mix
Portioned for quick thawing, BBQ grilling or cold salads.
Retail-ready & private label (OEM)
✅ Tray packs & skin packs
Sturdy clear trays ready for freezer display.
✅ Foodservice pouches
Easy-open bags for fast kitchen prep.
✅ Clear net weight guarantee
Transparent glazing, no hidden ice weight.
Why should you choose Meksea to supply?
From landing to shelf, built for B2B buyers.
Raw material freshness
Processed and IQF-frozen right after landing to lock in sweet flavor and firm texture.
Global certifications
Facilities run under strict BRC, IFS, HACCP, BAPC, SGS, ÁC, HALAL standards.
Custom OEM
Your logo, barcode and local allergy warnings printed on bags or trays.
Wide range & mixed containers
Squid, octopus, cuttlefish, seafood mix and other seafood products in many secs and pack sizes. Combine several items in one container.
