Processors of wild Alaska pollock are looking for new ways to expand markets of pollock surimi (imitation crab) in India.
The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) on Monday, Feb. 23, issued a request for proposals to study that market potential. The research, to be funded in part by a grant GAPP received from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Emerging Markets Program, would identify barriers and opportunities for the consumption of surimi seafood made from wild Alaska pollock.
Proposals from market research firms with experience in India's food and seafood markets, including the current surimi/surimi seafood market, are due to GAPP by March 23.
Wild Alaska pollock and its surimi, are in growing demand in India, where it is valued as a sustainable, nutritious and affordable protein option. The pollock's firm, mild texture makes it ideal for use in curries, specifically pan-fried masala dishes. The surimi is used in fusion cooking, sushi bakes, and snacks.
"The U.S. Alaska pollock industry has experienced strong growth over the past several years in the demand for our surimi block by surimi seafood processors in India," said GAPP CEO Craig Morris. "Currently, much of that U.S. surimi block exported to India is processed there into finished surimi seafood items such as imitation crab for reexport back to the United States."
Data provided by GAPP on surimi exports to India show a dramatic rise in volume and value, from 22 metric tons valued at $71,034 in 2010 to 3,374 metric tons valued at $8.5 million in 2025. No wild Alaska pollock was exported to India before 2010, GAPP officials said.
The focus of the study would be to identify opportunities for the finished surimi product produced in India to stay there.
"Our overarching goal of this research is to create even more demand for the surimi block the U.S. Alaska pollock industry produces by these surimi seafood manufacturers in India," Morris said.
While India has long been an intriguing market for wild Alaska pollock, the lack of an established presence in the marketplace and concerns over cold chain logistics have so far limited exports of Alaska pollock produced and consumed within the country, Morris said.
