The fish leather market size is expected to observe an upward growth trajectory on account of the rising demand for leather and leather products in fashion. Fish skin leather is a by-product of the seafood industry with recycling and environmental properties. The material, due to its higher durability and wear-resistant characteristic, finds application in clothing, footwear, wallets, and many other products. Leather is one of the most widely traded commodities in international markets.
The leather products industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, with an estimated value of approximately USD 100 billion annually. As per the statistics published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), currently, fish leather accounts for less than 1% of the total global leather sales. Today, people are favoring exotic leathers due to their aesthetic appeal, unique natural patterns, and strength properties.
The use of the different kinds of exotic leathers from various animal sources has increased the demand for fish leather. The growing population and surging spending power have led to an increase in fish consumption, which is further driving the market growth. Leather products and raw-materials are increasingly becoming available in the developing world.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2021 |
| Study Period | 2017-2029 |
| Forecast Period | 2023-2031 |
| CAGR | 2.9% |
| Market Size | |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | Europe |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Environment & Regulatory Landscape and Trends |
| Geographies Covered |
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Presently, the fashion industry is going through a significant change in its sustainable standards, aiming to have a cleaner sector. Fish leather is a niche product in the fashion industry and is currently in its infancy stage. The use of fish skins for making leather has a very minimal impact on the environment as the process is natural, biodegradable, and renewable. Consumers, particularly the millennials, are demanding products made from fish leather due to its eco-friendly nature.
The leather is tanned using eco-friendly substances made from tree barks, which makes the process chemical-free. The product has plenty of advantages, such as it is tear-resistant and is nine times stronger than other leather skins. Moreover, the fish leather is procured from non-endangered species, such as salmon, carp, bass, Nile perch, unlike the crocodile and snake skins. Apart from the atmospheric pollution, fish leather also reduces water pollutions as most fish canneries dispose of the fish skins in the water bodies, ending up polluting water.
Today, there is a significant rise in the working populace, resulting in a huge increase in disposable income levels. In addition to this, the high exposure to social media and the internet engagement rate of the people are positively influencing the demand for fish leather-based products. Social media influence and increased focus on aesthetics is driving the demand for leather products. The fashion brands are largely influencing customers through social media advertisements and fashion blogs. Higher internet penetration rates, particularly in the developing regions, have driven the demand for luxury leather products.
E-commerce retail plays an important role in determining the growth rate of fish leather in the coming years. A considerable portion of the revenue is generated through online retail sales and partnering with popular e-retailers. Companies seeking high profits and revenues are channelizing efforts and focusing on improving their digital presence. Moreover, consumers now are opting for online shopping, owing to the ease of buying and offers provided by the e-commerce players. Additionally, the one-day delivery options and easy returns of products have built a platform for the growth of the fish leather products market.
In the past few years, fish leather has gained traction among consumers and fashion brands. There is an upward trend in the use of fish skin leather as an alternative in the production of various leather products. Further, young designers across the globe are expanding their product range and collections through the adoption of fish leather. Due to the distinctive patterns of the scale, the designers can explore the uniqueness of several fashion products.
Most international designers prefer fish leather for its rarity and multi-color complexion that come in handy in designing bags and shoes. Popular brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Dior are incorporating fish leather in their work and embracing fish leather as a sustainable alternative to classic leather. The innovation of washable salmon leather opens up new growth avenues for the fish leather market in the coming future.
European region leads the fish leather market during the forecast period. The presence of the elite target audience of top luxury fashion brands and the higher purchasing power has facilitated the demand for fish leather products. Changing lifestyle and an increase in spending on fashionable products is projected to increase the demand for fish leather. Moreover, the presence of the leading fashion brands in the European countries and growing applications of fish leather in fashion products is fostering the product market. The players are sourcing fish leathers in large volumes for their new collections and fashion shows.
Increased collaborations and partnerships among the fashion brands and leather producers present ample business opportunities in Europe. Iceland and Italy are the frontrunners in the European region, strongly supported by the presence of leading players and the strong fashion industry in the countries. Many small local fashion brands are attracted to fish leather for its unique benefits and characteristics.
Top-quality leather sourcing has become expensive and scarce. Most of the luxury fashion brand owners are finding alternatives and demanding fish leather, as it is cheaper than its counterparts. Further, the availability of advanced technology for manufacturing processes is strengthening the regional fish leather market.
Asia-Pacific presents lucrative growth opportunities for the players in the fish leather market during the forecast period. China, Japan, and India are the prime countries driving the demand for fish leather. Usually, the tanneries in the developing world have been hindered by shortcomings in the supply of raw-materials, hides, and skins. The emergence and burgeoning demand for fish leather globally have changed the leather production sector in the region. The large-scale fishing activities in some of the countries have significantly increased the availability of raw materials.
China is recording the fastest growth rate in the fish leather market, owing to the changing demographics and the growing middle-class populace. The soaring economy and population of the country have further increased the demand for leather products. The rise of influencers in China and India has contributed to a spike in demand for luxury leather products, especially among the growing Chinese millennials. Another factor fuelling the demand for fish leather is social media. As there is growth in the personal luxury goods market of China, upward growth is expected in the regional fish leather market.
The salmon fish segment holds the highest market share. Fish skin, particularly the larger fishes, offers leather that can be used in making shoes, handbags, clothing, belt, footwear, and many other products. The most commonly used species for leather production are salmon, shark, and perch. Growing demand and consumption of salmon fish, particularly in the developed region, is contributing to the easy raw-material availability. Salmon skin leather is the most popular product in the fish leather industry, owing to its smooth and refined texture.
Most designers prefer salmon skin as it is available in a broad range of colors and can even be produced in white color. The leather producers source the salmon skins from the farms. Salmon is a regularly consumed fish, which means a massive amount of skin is available for the manufacturing of leather. Due to the large availability of the salmon skin, new tanneries are being developed and set up in countries such as India, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
