Top 20 Crab Import Companies in the United Kingdom

Robert Gultig

18 October 2025

Top 20 Crab Import Companies in the United Kingdom

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Written by Robert Gultig

18 October 2025

Introduction:

The crab industry in the United Kingdom is thriving, with a growing demand for this popular seafood delicacy. The global market for crab has been steadily increasing, with an estimated 3.7 million metric tons produced worldwide in 2020. The United Kingdom has become a key player in the import of crab, with several companies leading the way in sourcing and distributing this sought-after product.

Top 20 Crab Import Companies in the United Kingdom:

1. Ocean Harvest Ltd
Ocean Harvest Ltd is one of the largest crab import companies in the United Kingdom, with an annual import volume of over 5,000 metric tons. The company specializes in sourcing high-quality crab from sustainable fisheries around the world.

2. Seafresh Group
Seafresh Group is a major player in the UK crab import market, with a market share of 15% in 2020. The company imports a wide range of crab products, including whole crabs, crab meat, and crab legs.

3. Whitby Seafoods
Whitby Seafoods is known for its premium quality crab products, sourced from the pristine waters of the North Atlantic. The company imports over 3,000 metric tons of crab annually, catering to both retail and foodservice customers.

4. Young’s Seafood
Young’s Seafood is a leading supplier of crab products in the UK, with a strong presence in both the retail and foodservice sectors. The company imports a variety of crab products, including crab sticks, crab cakes, and crab claws.

5. The Big Prawn Company
The Big Prawn Company is a well-known importer of crab products in the UK, with a focus on sustainability and traceability. The company sources its crab from certified fisheries, ensuring high-quality and ethically sourced products.

6. Lyons Seafoods
Lyons Seafoods is a key player in the UK crab import market, with a diverse range of crab products in its portfolio. The company imports over 2,500 metric tons of crab annually, supplying to supermarkets, restaurants, and seafood retailers.

7. Smales Fish Merchants
Smales Fish Merchants is a family-owned company with a long history in the seafood industry. The company imports a variety of crab products, including fresh crab meat, crab claws, and crab legs, catering to a wide range of customers.

8. Sea Products International
Sea Products International is a major importer of crab products in the UK, with a focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing. The company imports over 4,000 metric tons of crab annually, supplying to wholesalers, retailers, and foodservice providers.

9. Direct Seafoods
Direct Seafoods is a leading supplier of fresh and frozen crab products in the UK, with a strong focus on quality and customer service. The company imports a wide range of crab products, including whole crabs, crab meat, and crab legs, from around the world.

10. Seafood Scotland
Seafood Scotland is a key player in the UK crab import market, with a focus on promoting Scottish seafood products. The company imports a variety of crab products, including brown crab, spider crab, and king crab, supporting local fishermen and sustainable fisheries.

11. Kingfisher Seafoods
Kingfisher Seafoods is a well-established importer of crab products in the UK, with a reputation for quality and reliability. The company imports a wide range of crab products, including dressed crab, crab claws, and crab meat, supplying to retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice providers.

12. Sea Products Ltd
Sea Products Ltd is a major importer of crab products in the UK, with a diverse range of crab products in its portfolio. The company imports over 3,500 metric tons of crab annually, sourcing from certified fisheries and sustainable suppliers.

13. New England Seafood International
New England Seafood International is a leading supplier of crab products in the UK, with a focus on innovation and product development. The company imports a variety of crab products, including soft-shell crab, snow crab, and blue crab, catering to the diverse tastes of UK consumers.

14. Seafood from Norway
Seafood from Norway is a key player in the UK crab import market, with a focus on promoting Norwegian seafood products. The company imports a variety of crab products, including Norwegian king crab, brown crab, and snow crab, known for their superior quality and taste.

15. The Seafood Company
The Seafood Company is a major importer of crab products in the UK, with a strong presence in the foodservice sector. The company imports a wide range of crab products, including frozen crab meat, crab claws, and crab legs, supplying to restaurants, hotels, and catering companies.

16. Whitstable Shellfish Company
Whitstable Shellfish Company is a well-known importer of crab products in the UK, with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. The company imports a variety of crab products, including Dungeness crab, blue crab, and red crab, supporting local fishermen and sustainable fisheries.

17. The Fish Company
The Fish Company is a leading supplier of fresh and frozen crab products in the UK, with a reputation for quality and reliability. The company imports a wide range of crab products, including whole crabs, crab meat, and crab legs, sourced from certified fisheries and sustainable suppliers.

18. Big Prawn Co
Big Prawn Co is a major importer of crab products in the UK, with a focus on premium quality and sustainability. The company imports a variety of crab products, including jumbo crab legs, lump crab meat, and soft-shell crab, catering to high-end retailers and gourmet restaurants.

19. Seafood Importers
Seafood Importers is a key player in the UK crab import market, with a diverse range of crab products in its portfolio. The company imports over 4,500 metric tons of crab annually, supplying to wholesalers, retailers, and foodservice providers, known for their competitive pricing and efficient distribution network.

20. The Crab Company
The Crab Company is a well-established importer of crab products in the UK, with a focus on sourcing and distributing high-quality crab products. The company imports a wide range of crab products, including live crabs, crab meat, and crab claws, serving a diverse customer base across the UK.

Insights:

The UK crab import market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing consumer demand for seafood products and a growing interest in sustainable and ethically sourced food. According to industry analysts, the global crab market is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2025, with the UK playing a significant role in the import and distribution of crab products. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, companies that focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation are likely to see continued success in the UK crab market.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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