The US scallop market faces significant challenges in 2026, according to Peter Handy, chief operations officer at major seafood wholesaler Mark Foods. The outlook indicates that scallops will become scarcer, smaller in size, and more expensive for buyers. This troubling forecast suggests supply constraints that will impact both wholesale and retail seafood markets. The combination of reduced availability and diminished product quality points to potential difficulties for restaurants, retailers, and consumers who rely on this popular shellfish. The price increases are expected to reflect these supply-side pressures, making scallops less accessible in the coming year. Industry stakeholders will need to adjust procurement strategies and pricing models to accommodate these anticipated market changes.
Original source: US scallops to be even fewer, smaller, more expensive in 2026