Wholesale Fish Prices - Buy Fish in Bulk
Discover wholesale fish prices and buy fish in bulk for your business or personal use. Get the best deals on fresh, high-quality fish from trusted suppliers. Order in bulk today!
200+ buyers trust Torg for sourcing
Fish is a staple in diets across the globe, prized for its nutrition, versatility, and flavor. Whether you're a seafood restaurant, a grocer, a catering company, or a food processor, buying fish in bulk can significantly reduce costs and ensure consistent supply. But what are the actual wholesale prices for fish? And how do they compare to what consumers pay at the store? Here's everything you need to know before making your next bulk purchase.
What Are the Current Wholesale Fish Prices?
Wholesale fish prices vary greatly depending on species, freshness, origin, processing (whole vs filleted), and season. As of 2025, here’s a general idea:
- White fish (cod, haddock): £3.50 – £6.00 per pound
- Salmon (farm-raised): £5.00 – £8.00 per pound
- Tuna (fresh or frozen): £7.00 – £12.00 per pound
- Shellfish (e.g., prawns, mussels): £4.00 – £10.00 per pound
- Exotic or imported fish (e.g., sea bass, snapper): £10.00 – £18.00 per pound
These prices reflect bulk purchases directly from fishmongers, distributors, or seafood wholesalers. They can vary based on order volume, freshness level, and whether the product is wild-caught or farmed.
Factors Affecting Wholesale Fish Prices
1. Species and Market Demand
Popular species like cod, salmon, and tuna often carry higher prices due to strong consumer demand. Limited availability of certain fish, especially endangered species, pushes prices up, with higher prices reflecting both scarcity and the rising cost of ethical sourcing, sustainability practices, and regulations on overfishing.
2. Fishing Season and Availability
Fish prices are highly seasonal. During peak fishing seasons, wild-caught fish become more abundant and cost-effective. However, when fish are out of season, limited supply and harsher catching conditions increase the price, especially for wild-caught species, while farmed fish may remain more stable in price year-round.
3. Source: Wild-Caught vs Farmed
Wild-caught fish typically cost more than farmed fish due to their scarcity, higher labor costs, and sustainability concerns. Wild-caught fish often have a richer nutritional profile and are more highly valued, but they come with added costs for ethical sourcing and preservation. Farmed fish are cheaper, easier to source, and widely available.
4. Processing and Packaging
Fish that is sold as whole or in its basic form tends to be more affordable, while processed fish—such as filleted, skinned, or portioned fish—requires more labor and additional packaging. Vacuum-sealing and flash-freezing are common practices for maintaining quality, but they add to the overall price due to increased handling and storage costs.
5. Transportation and Storage
Transportation costs significantly affect the price of fish. Fresh fish, which requires rapid transport via air freight, incurs higher shipping costs compared to frozen fish, which can be shipped by sea and stored for longer periods. Cold chain logistics are vital to maintaining product quality but add to the overall cost of delivering fresh seafood to wholesalers.
Top International Wholesale Fish Suppliers
1. The Fish Society
The Fish Society is the UK’s premier online fishmonger, specializing in top-tier frozen fish and seafood. With a focus on quality and flavor, they freeze their products at peak freshness—preserving superior taste compared to standard defrosted supermarket fish. Their impressive catalog includes high-grade fish fillets, shellfish, smoked delicacies, caviar, and curated recipe kits tailored for gourmet cooking. Trusted by home cooks and chefs alike, The Fish Society combines convenience with exceptional sourcing, making them a standout supplier for premium wholesale seafood in the UK and beyond.
2. NordeFood
NordeFood is an Estonian-based food supplier recognized for its sustainable approach and diverse product range. Their fish and seafood portfolio includes both fresh and frozen selections, sourced responsibly and processed under strict quality controls. In addition to fish, the company also provides ecological grass-fed beef, wild game meats, and ready-to-eat meals—making them a one-stop supplier for food service, retail, and industrial clients. Their emphasis on environmental stewardship and consistent product excellence positions them as a trusted wholesale partner across Northern and Eastern Europe.
3. Urk-Export B.V.
Based in the Netherlands, Urk-Export B.V. delivers high-quality fish to wholesalers and supermarkets across Europe with impressive speed and precision. Known for their 24-hour delivery system, they ensure products remain as fresh as possible from catch to client. Their portfolio includes a variety of species such as Salmon, Sea Bass, Red Gurnard, Mackerel, and more—all sustainably sourced and processed to meet EU food safety standards. Their commitment to freshness, consistency, and customer service makes Urk-Export a preferred partner for reliable fish distribution.
4. Royal Iceland Europe Sp. z o.o.
Royal Iceland Europe Sp. z o.o. specializes in premium seafood sourced from the unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic. With a strong focus on quality control, they offer a wide range of specialty items such as Masago, Tobiko, Shimesaba, Cod Roe, UNI, Mackerel, Sea Cucumber, Whelk, and Atlantic Rock Crab. Their diverse offerings cater to sushi restaurants, gourmet seafood retailers, and international distributors. Known for adhering to stringent food safety standards, Royal Iceland provides both consistency and innovation in the European seafood market.
5. Nord Capital
Nord Capital is a leading Polish producer and distributor of frozen fish, seafood, and ready-to-eat meals. With a focus on freshness and quality assurance, the company serves both domestic and international markets with a wide array of fish products. Their lineup appeals to a broad customer base, from food service providers to retail chains, and includes popular species along with ready-made seafood dishes. Their well-integrated supply chain and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a dependable partner in the frozen fish industry.
6. Vimida OÜ
Vimida OÜ is one of Estonia’s top fish processing companies, boasting over 60 years of experience in crafting premium-quality seafood. Specializing in both fresh and frozen fish products, Vimida offers a wide selection that includes cold-smoked and lightly salted salmon and trout, along with delicacies such as Gravlax. Their consistent focus on quality and freshness has earned them a strong reputation among European buyers. Ideal for gourmet retailers and foodservice partners seeking artisanal Baltic seafood, Vimida delivers tradition and excellence in every product.
7. Mooijer Volendam B.V.
Mooijer Volendam is a Dutch institution in the world of seafood and oriental cuisine, backed by nearly a century of experience. With a commitment to quality and affordability, Mooijer supplies a broad range of smoked and frozen fish, shrimp, seafood salads, and Asian food items. Their smoked fish offerings, in particular, are celebrated for their rich flavor and artisanal preparation. Mooijer’s longstanding reputation and diverse catalog make them a go-to supplier for wholesalers and hospitality businesses across Europe.
8. Christian Goedeken Jr. GmbH
Christian Goedeken Jr. GmbH delivers refined seafood solutions for the hospitality and retail sectors. Known for their upscale offerings, the company provides an array of products including gourmet fish fillets, seafood terrines, sushi, and finger foods—all produced with a focus on convenience, freshness, and presentation. With decades of experience and a dedication to culinary quality, Christian Goedeken is an excellent choice for premium seafood buyers looking for versatile, ready-to-serve options.
9. VG Gandel GmbH (VICI Group)
Part of the globally recognized VICI Group, VG Gandel GmbH is a trusted name in the seafood industry, particularly known for its expertise in surimi production. The company’s extensive product range spans salmon, herring, seafood dumplings, pancakes, pizzas, and more—designed to meet a wide array of culinary needs. With strong commitments to sustainability, food safety, and international taste trends, VG Gandel delivers reliable, high-quality seafood products to retailers and foodservice providers across the globe.
10. Royal Greenland Vertriebs GmbH
Royal Greenland is a leading global seafood supplier with a reputation built on sustainable sourcing and product excellence. Their offerings include premium fresh fish, shrimp, shellfish, and a renowned line of smoked fish products. Sourced primarily from the icy, clean waters of the North Atlantic, Royal Greenland ensures top-grade seafood that meets rigorous environmental and quality standards. Their global reach and long-standing industry presence make them a reliable partner for wholesalers focused on sustainable, high-quality seafood.
Wholesale Fish Prices vs Retail Fish Prices
Wholesale buyers typically pay 25–50% less than retail consumers. For example:
- A 1kg portion of fresh salmon might retail at £15, while wholesalers may get it for £8–£10.
- Cod fillets in stores can cost £10–£12/kg, but wholesalers might pay £5–£7/kg.
Retail prices factor in VAT, handling, display costs, and final consumer packaging—none of which are concerns for bulk buyers dealing in crates or vacuum-packed quantities.
Fish Consumer Trends
1. Health-Driven Demand
Consumers are increasingly turning to fish due to its high omega-3 content and lean protein benefits. This shift towards health-conscious eating has led to a surge in demand for fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. The growing awareness of fish's heart-healthy benefits is making it a popular choice in diets worldwide.
2. Sustainability Concerns
With increasing awareness about overfishing and environmental impacts, consumers are prioritizing sustainably sourced seafood. Many buyers now seek fish with eco-certifications like the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) label, ensuring that their purchases come from fisheries committed to protecting marine ecosystems. Sustainability is becoming a key factor in purchasing decisions.
3. Frozen Over Fresh
Advancements in freezing technology have made frozen fish a viable alternative to fresh options. Consumers are more willing to buy frozen fish due to its extended shelf life, competitive pricing, and convenience. For wholesale businesses, this trend has helped meet the growing demand for bulk orders and long-term storage without sacrificing quality.
4. Ethnic and Fusion Cuisine Growth
The popularity of ethnic dishes like sushi, poke bowls, and global seafood recipes has created a demand for specific fish species such as yellowtail, tilapia, and eel. This fusion of culinary traditions has broadened the appeal of fish across various cultures, prompting restaurants and food suppliers to stock a wider variety of seafood for diverse menus.
5. Home Chefs and Bulk Buys
With more consumers cooking at home, particularly during the pandemic, bulk buying frozen fish has become a popular choice. Home chefs are turning to wholesale sources for better pricing and the convenience of bulk purchases. Online platforms and cash-and-carry outlets are capitalizing on this trend by offering deals on bulk fish to attract budget-conscious home cooks.
FAQs
1. Why is fish so expensive in the UK?
Fish prices in the UK are influenced by several factors, including high import taxes, declining wild fish stocks, strict sustainability regulations, and a heavy reliance on foreign fishing fleets. All these elements drive up costs at every level of the supply chain.
2. How much per pound of fish?
Wholesale fish prices vary depending on the species, processing, and source. On average, expect to pay between £3.50 and £12 per pound when buying in bulk.
3. What is the most economical way to buy fish?
The most cost-effective method is purchasing whole fish in bulk, especially if it's frozen. This approach offers better value per pound and reduces waste through versatile use of all fish parts.
4. Why buy whole fish?
Whole fish generally comes at a lower price per kilo. It also gives buyers full control over filleting and preparation, while providing extra value from bones and heads, which are perfect for making stocks or broths.
5. Do wholesale fish prices change daily?
Yes, wholesale fish prices are dynamic. They can fluctuate daily due to factors like catch volume, weather conditions, seasonal availability, fuel prices, and overall supply chain logistics.
6. Is there a minimum order for wholesale fish in the UK?
Typically, there is. Most UK fish wholesalers require a minimum order of 5–10kg per species, or a minimum total order value, particularly for delivery-based purchases.