Summary

The global sushi market has experienced fluctuations, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sushi restaurants in Japan faced an 18.7% decline in sales in 2020, dropping to 1,264 billion yen (about $10.7 billion). Similarly, the U.S. market underwent a downturn in restaurant sales in 2020 but saw a subsequent recovery the following years. Despite the health crisis, the number of Japanese restaurants in the U.S. continued to grow, surpassing the 30,000 mark by 2022. Meanwhile, the U.S. sushi restaurant market was estimated at approximately $30.7 billion in 2021. In terms of sushi demand in the U.S., salmon emerged as the most popular fish, and the rise of take-out and delivery amidst the pandemic bolstered the market's resilience. Lastly, California's rice production, central to sushi preparation, signifies the $5 billion value of the industry, with the region's unique climatic and soil conditions contributing to the high-quality rice used in sushi nationwide..American Appetite for Sushi: Analysing the Demand In the United States, sushi has clearly pierced through the fabric of culinary culture, establishing itself as a choice cuisine among diverse demographics. The American demand for sushi is characterized by a substantial preference for certain types of fish, a reflection of seasonal search trends, and the adoption of sushi consumption through various formats like take-out and food delivery services. Starting with fish preferences, salmon emerges as the definitive frontrunner in the sushi domain, becoming the most consumed fish in sushi offerings. Interest in sushi spikes during July, with a recurrent drop observed in the autumn. Sushi's popularity is especially noted along the West Coast and in Hawaii, indicating a regional skew in the consumption patterns. The prevalence of food delivery and take-out has been a significant factor, especially during the health crisis. In the early part of 2021, around 70% of the U.S. population had reported using food delivery services. With Americans consuming between 25 and 35% more packaged food than fresh food, the convenience of sushi delivery has likely contributed to its sustained demand. The U.S. market for food delivery apps has seen impressive growth over the years with revenues increasing annually by 20 to 30%. This demand is well-reflected in the robust presence of Japanese restaurants in the United States, with numbers climbing over the 30,000 mark in 2022, lending an insight into the dynamic sector of the restaurant industry. The buoyancy of this sector is also evident in the employment surge within the broader restaurant industry with monthly employment growth remaining consistent throughout 2021. Underpinning the demand for sushi is a dependable supply chain for its key ingredients. The United States has maintained a steady catch of salmon and tuna, with salmon catches averaging around 550 to 650 million pounds and tuna catching up at a pace of 275 to 325 million pounds annually. Imports for these fish have mirrored this stability, with salmon imports showing a continuous increase over the years. The sushi market landscape in the United States is a vibrant canvas of consumer preferences, seasonal trends, and a response to evolving eating habits enhanced by the convenience of modern delivery services. With an unwavering demand for sushi, the United States continues to pave the way for a competitive and flourishing market for this Japanese culinary art form..### Key Players in the Sushi Market Landscape The sushi market has grown significantly over the years, with various players contributing to its expansion in different capacities. From fish distributors to restaurant chains and sushi distributors, the market features companies that have distinguished themselves in the industry. **Trident Seafoods** is a major player when it comes to fish distribution. As one of the largest vertically-integrated seafood companies in North America, they are responsible for supplying a substantial amount of the fish used in sushi, thanks to their comprehensive fishing operations and processing services. Next, there's **Pacific Seafoods**, another heavyweight in the distribution of quality seafood including the fish that finds its way to sushi rice. With their commitment to sustainable practices and sourcing, Pacific Seafoods is an essential supplier that ensures restaurants have consistent access to fresh ingredients. Diving into the restaurant and sushi distribution segment, we find **Genji**, which has established itself as a purveyor of premium sushi. Their offerings reach customers through various retail outlets, with a focus on providing sustainable and all-natural products that appeal to health-conscious consumers. The US market also enjoys a taste of international flair with **Yo! Sushi**, a European chain making waves across the pond. They bring a unique dining experience with conveyor belt service that transports an array of sushi delights directly to patrons’ tables. **Wasabi Sushi & Bento** represents another European brand that has crossed over to the US, offering a combination of grab-and-go sushi and bento boxes to the American consumer looking for quick, yet authentic, Japanese cuisine. Among American dining chains, **Benihana** is a familiar name, not just for its sushi but also for its theatrical teppanyaki-style cuisine. Their restaurants are a staple for an interactive and entertaining dining experience that complements the food being served. On the more upscale side of the spectrum is **Zuma**, a high-end international chain known for its sophisticated take on Japanese cuisine. Zuma's ambiance and culinary excellence set the bar high for sushi and other Japanese dishes, making it the go-to place for a luxury dining experience. The combination of these entities - fish distributors, restaurant chains, both American and international, and specialty sushi distributors - create a rich tapestry that makes the sushi market both diverse and vibrant. Each player contributes its own flavor to the market, ensuring that lovers of sushi have access to a wide range of options, from the conventional maki roll in a supermarket kiosk to an extravagant platter in a high-end restaurant.
Get all the information you need
to understand this market

Detailed content

Inforamtion

  • Number of pages : 30 pages
  • Format : Digital and PDF versions
  • Last update : 20/03/2022
Update Details

Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and scope of the study

Sushi is a Japanese dish made of vinegar rice (shari) and another ingredient (neta) which is usually raw fish.

There are different types of sushi, but the main ones are:

  • Makis - Sushi wrapped in a roll-shaped seaweed
  • Temaki - similar to maki in preparation, but shaped like a cone
  • Nigiri - a slice of raw fish on an oval shaped rice ball

The global market is booming, driven by the dynamism of Japanese restaurants in all regions of the world. Growth is particularly driven by Asia and North America, which have the largest number of Japanese restaurants.

The United States has a mature market, where more than half of the population has already tried sushi. The market is growing but at a moderate pace, and the average American eats sushi 2.13 times a year. [Tastewise] Today, there are approximately 30,000 sushi restaurants in the United States.

Finally, the effect of COVID-19 on the industry is mixed; restaurants in states that have implemented mobility restrictions have suffered tremendously from declining sales.

1.2 The global market

Sushi is strongly embedded in Japanese culture, which has a positive impact on the revenues the industry generates. These revenues were slightly affected by the crisis between **** and ****, losing *% of their value (***).

Sales of sushi stores Japan, ****-****, in thousands of billion yen Source: ****

In ****, there were approximately ***,*** Japanese restaurants outside ...

1.3 The American market

The decline in total U.S. restaurant sales in **** due to the health crisis was followed by a good recovery the two following years.

U.S. restaurant sales United States, ****-****, USD billion Source: ****

Given that the number of Japanese restaurants was around **,*** in ****, and the number of restaurant and food ...

2 Analysis of the demand

2.1 Specificities of the American demand

The Tastewise website, which has a majority of American users, allows us to observe trends in sushi consumption in the United States. We can see that salmon is the most popular fish in terms of quantity of sushi consumed.

Top raw ingredients and combinations United States, ****, in % Source: ****

Indeed, the interest ...

2.2 Popularity of food delivery and take-out

The health crisis has led to an increase in the popularity of take-out food. In fact, **% of the U.S. population would have had food delivered to them by early ****. It is also interesting to note that Americans eat **% more packaged food than fresh food and that more than one in ...

3 Market structure

3.1 A dynamic sector

The number of Japanese restaurants in the US is **,*** in ****. The following graph shows that despite a small decline in **** surely related to the health crisis, the number of Japanese restaurants in the US resumed its growth from **** to exceed the **,*** restaurant mark the following year.[***] Japanese restaurants in the US United ...

3.2 Supply of fish used in American sushi

As we saw in the demand section, salmon and tuna are the most consumed fish in U.S. sushi restaurants.

It is possible to observe the details of the American supply of fresh or frozen salmon and tuna not intended for canning. First of all, we note that in terms of ...

3.3 California rice production

Most of the rice used in sushi in the United States comes from California and more specifically from the Sacramento area.

Indeed, the rice industry in California was valued at $* billion and employed around **,*** people in ****. The president of the California Rice Commission stated that the rice in sushi consumed throughout ...

4 Analysis of the offer

4.1 Typology of the offer

In the United States, consumers have a diverse selection of sushi to choose from. Makis: sushi in the form of a roll wrapped in seaweed Temaki: similar to maki, in the form of a cone Nigiri: a slice of raw fish placed on an oval-shaped rice ball California roll : a maki ...

4.2 Average price per type of sushi

The price of sushi varies depending on the distribution channel, the type of sushi and the additional ingredient (***). In addition, restaurants usually offer platters or packages with an assortment of sushi which again increases the price range at which sushi is sold.

Sold by a chain or a supermarket kiosk, a ...

5 Regulation

5.1 Regulations concerning the sale of sushi in the United States

FDA legislation on raw fish

While the FDA does not provide specific guidance on the fish used for sushi, strict rules exist for the handling and storage of raw fish, detailed in the "Parasite Destruction Guarantee".

Following the capture of a fish, the following guidelines must be followed:

Freeze and store ...

6 Positioning of the actors

6.1 Segmentation

  • Trident Seafoods
  • Pacific Seafood
  • Yo! Sushi
  • Wasabi
  • Genji Inc.
  • Benihana
  • Zuma

List of charts

  • Restaurant and foodservice sales in the United States
  • Sushi restaurant market in the United States
  • Number of Japanese restaurants by geographical area
  • Sales of sushi stores
  • Main ingredients and combinations
Show more Hide

All our studies are available online in PDF format

Take a look at an example of our research on another market!

Do you have a question about this study?   +44 238 097 0676

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Trident Seafoods
Pacific Seafood
Yo! Sushi
Wasabi
Genji Inc.
Benihana
Zuma

Choosing this study means :

Access to more than 35 hours of work

Our studies are the result of over 35 hours of research and analysis. Using our studies allows you to devote more time and added value to your projects.

Benefit from 6 years' experience and over 1,500 industry reports already produced

Our expertise enables us to produce comprehensive studies in all sectors, including niche and emerging markets.

Our know-how and methodology enable us to produce reports that offer unique value for money.

Access to several thousand articles and paid-for data

Businesscoot has access to all the paid economic press as well as exclusive databases to carry out its market research (over 30,000 articles and private sources).

To enhance our research, our analysts also use web indicators (semrush, trends, etc.) to identify market trends and company strategies. (Consult our paying sources)

Guaranteed support after your purchase

A team dedicated to after-sales service, to guarantee you a high level of satisfaction. +44 238 097 0676

A digital format designed for our users

Not only do you have access to a PDF, but also to a digital version designed for our customers. This version gives you access to sources, data in Excel format and graphics. The content of the study can therefore be easily retrieved and adapted for your specific needs.

Our offers :

the sushi market | United States

89 €
  • What are the figures on the size and growth of the market?
  • What is driving the growth of the market and its evolution?
  • What is the positioning of companies in the value chain?
  • Data from several dozen databases

5 reports pack (-15%) USA United States

75.6 € / study
378 € instead of 445 € -15%
  • 5 reports at €75.6 excluding VAT per study to choose from our American catalogue for 12 months
  • Save 15% on additional studies purchased
  • Choose to be refunded any unused credit at the end of the 12-month period (duration of the pack)

See the terms and conditions of the pack and the refund of unused credit.

Updates

Our customer references

They have consulted our studies Discover the opinions (+500)

Malcolm Vincent
Linkedin logo

Malcolm Vincent

Astoria Finance

Gregoire de Castelnau
Linkedin logo

Gregoire de Castelnau

Stags Participations

Timothé Huignard
Linkedin logo

Timothé Huignard

PWC

Paul-Alexis Kebabtchieff
Linkedin logo

Paul-Alexis Kebabtchieff

BCG

Aymeric Granet
Linkedin logo

Aymeric Granet

Publicis Consultant

interviews & case studies All interviews and case studies (45)

La pépite Interview

BFM Business

Paul-Alexis Kebabtchieff

Boston Consulting Group

Marie Guibart

Kea Partners

Elaine, Durand

Crédit Agricole, Information & Veille

Philippe Dilasser

Initiative & Finance

Anne Baudry

Metro

Amaury Wernert

Kroll (Duff & Phelps)

Smart Leaders Interview

B-Smart

Do you have a question ?
Our team is at your disposal at   +44 238 097 0676