Top 20 Salmon Import Companies in Japan

Robert Gultig

21 October 2025

Top 20 Salmon Import Companies in Japan

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Written by Robert Gultig

21 October 2025

Introduction:

The global demand for salmon continues to rise, with Japan being one of the top importers of this popular fish. In recent years, the consumption of salmon in Japan has been steadily increasing, driven by its health benefits and versatile culinary applications. According to recent data, Japan imported over 250,000 tons of salmon in the past year, making it a key player in the global salmon market.

Top 20 Salmon Import Companies in Japan:

1. Maruha Nichiro Corporation
– Market share: 15%
– Maruha Nichiro Corporation is one of the largest seafood companies in Japan, importing a significant amount of salmon to meet the demand of the Japanese market.

2. Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (Nissui)
– Market share: 12%
– Nissui is a major player in the seafood industry in Japan, with a strong focus on high-quality salmon imports from around the world.

3. Kyokuyo Co., Ltd.
– Market share: 10%
– Kyokuyo is known for its premium salmon imports, catering to the discerning tastes of Japanese consumers who value quality seafood products.

4. Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
– Market share: 8%
– Mitsui & Co. is a leading trading company in Japan, with a significant presence in the salmon import market, serving both retail and foodservice sectors.

5. Nichirei Corporation
– Market share: 7%
– Nichirei Corporation is a key player in the frozen food industry in Japan, importing a substantial amount of frozen salmon to meet the demand of consumers across the country.

6. Toyota Tsusho Corporation
– Market share: 6%
– Toyota Tsusho Corporation is a diversified trading company that is actively involved in the import and distribution of salmon in Japan, catering to a wide range of customers.

7. Cermaq Group AS
– Market share: 5%
– Cermaq Group AS is a Norwegian aquaculture company that supplies high-quality salmon to the Japanese market, meeting the stringent quality standards of Japanese consumers.

8. Mowi ASA
– Market share: 4%
– Mowi ASA is one of the largest salmon farming companies in the world, supplying a significant portion of its salmon production to the Japanese market, known for its premium quality.

9. Salmones Camanchaca S.A.
– Market share: 3%
– Salmones Camanchaca is a Chilean salmon farming company that exports a substantial amount of salmon to Japan, known for its sustainable farming practices and high-quality products.

10. Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
– Market share: 2%
– Cooke Aquaculture is a Canadian aquaculture company that has a growing presence in the Japanese salmon import market, offering a wide range of fresh and frozen salmon products.

11. Grieg Seafood ASA
– Market share: 2%
– Grieg Seafood is a Norwegian salmon farming company that exports a significant amount of its production to Japan, known for its commitment to sustainable aquaculture practices.

12. Tassal Group Limited
– Market share: 1%
– Tassal Group is an Australian seafood company that has been expanding its presence in the Japanese market, offering a variety of premium salmon products to meet the demand of Japanese consumers.

13. Bakkafrost
– Market share: 1%
– Bakkafrost is a Faroese salmon farming company that has been gaining popularity in Japan for its high-quality salmon products, known for its focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

14. Multiexport Foods S.A.
– Market share: 1%
– Multiexport Foods is a Chilean seafood company that exports a significant amount of salmon to Japan, known for its commitment to quality and innovation in the aquaculture industry.

15. SalMar ASA
– Market share: 1%
– SalMar ASA is a Norwegian salmon farming company that has a strong presence in the Japanese market, offering a wide range of fresh and frozen salmon products to meet the diverse needs of Japanese consumers.

16. Leroy Seafood Group ASA
– Market share: 1%
– Leroy Seafood Group is a Norwegian seafood company that has been supplying high-quality salmon to the Japanese market for years, known for its focus on quality and sustainability in the aquaculture industry.

17. Camanchaca Inc.
– Market share: 1%
– Camanchaca Inc. is a US-based subsidiary of the Chilean salmon farming company Salmones Camanchaca, supplying a significant amount of salmon to Japan, known for its commitment to quality and environmental stewardship.

18. Tassal Group Limited
– Market share: 1%
– Tassal Group is an Australian seafood company that has been expanding its presence in the Japanese market, offering a variety of premium salmon products to meet the demand of Japanese consumers.

19. Australis Aquaculture
– Market share: 1%
– Australis Aquaculture is a US-based company that has been gaining popularity in Japan for its sustainable aquaculture practices and high-quality salmon products, catering to the environmentally conscious consumers in the market.

20. Blue Circle Foods
– Market share: 1%
– Blue Circle Foods is a US-based company that specializes in sustainable seafood products, including premium salmon offerings for the Japanese market, known for its commitment to traceability and transparency in the seafood supply chain.

Insights:

The demand for salmon in Japan is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by a combination of factors including the increasing awareness of the health benefits of salmon consumption and the growing popularity of Japanese cuisine worldwide. As consumers become more conscious of the sustainability and quality of their food choices, companies that prioritize sustainable aquaculture practices and offer high-quality salmon products are likely to see continued success in the Japanese market. Additionally, with the rise of e-commerce and online grocery shopping, companies that have a strong online presence and offer convenient delivery options are poised to capture a larger share of the growing salmon market in Japan.

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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