Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Size, Share & Growth By 2033

Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Overview

The Canned Tuna and Sardines Market size was valued at USD 14467.16 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 23889.51 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2033.

The global canned tuna and sardines market is experiencing dynamic shifts due to consumer demand for ready-to-eat, protein-rich food products. In 2024, over 4.3 million metric tons of canned seafood products were consumed globally, with tuna and sardines accounting for more than 70% of this volume.

Canned tuna alone represented nearly 2.9 million metric tons, while canned sardines contributed around 1.2 million metric tons. Japan, the United States, and Spain are leading consumers of canned tuna, while countries such as Portugal and Morocco dominate in sardine consumption. The rising health consciousness among consumers has led to increased intake of omega-3-rich seafood, contributing to the increased sales of these canned products.

Approximately 68% of global canned tuna is sourced from skipjack tuna, and 24% from yellowfin tuna. Major players like Thai Union Group and Dongwon are expanding their processing facilities to meet this growing demand. Increasing shelf-life and advancements in canning technologies are further accelerating market growth. Over 61% of the canned tuna and sardine products are sold through retail channels, with the remaining distributed through institutional sales.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising consumer preference for protein-rich, shelf-stable seafood options.

COUNTRY/REGION: Asia-Pacific, with over 1.7 million metric tons of consumption in 2024.

SEGMENT: Canned Tuna, comprising over 68% of total canned seafood consumption.

Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Trends

One of the most prominent trends in the canned tuna and sardines market is the increasing inclination toward convenience foods. In 2023, more than 72% of urban households in North America and Europe reported consuming canned seafood at least once a week. Health-centric marketing around omega-3 content and low-fat protein sources has also fueled growth, with over 64% of new product launches in 2024 highlighting health benefits. Sustainability is another key trend shaping the market. More than 58% of consumers in Europe prefer canned seafood products with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. As a response, companies like Wild Planet and American Tuna are promoting sustainably sourced products, with certified offerings growing by 19% year-over-year. Packaging innovation is also gaining traction, with over 22% of new products in 2024 adopting easy-open lids or resealable containers. Flavored variants are rapidly increasing in popularity. Chili-infused sardines and tuna in olive oil saw a 15% surge in sales in 2023. Premiumization of canned products, including organic and gourmet labels, is growing, especially in Japan, France, and South Korea. Online retail is expanding, with e-commerce accounting for 14% of canned seafood sales in 2024, up from 9% in 2022. Subscription-based seafood boxes are being adopted, especially in urban regions across the US and UK.

Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Dynamics

The canned tuna and sardines market is primarily driven by the rising global demand for protein-rich and convenient food options. In 2024, more than 61% of working professionals in urban areas across Europe and North America reported consuming canned seafood regularly due to its long shelf life and ease of preparation. Tuna contains approximately 26 grams of protein per 100 grams, while sardines offer 25 grams, in addition to essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

DRIVER

Rising demand for protein-rich convenience foods

The main driver propelling the canned tuna and sardines market forward is the growing consumer demand for healthy, high-protein, ready-to-eat food options. In 2024, approximately 61% of working professionals in metropolitan areas across Europe and North America preferred canned seafood due to its convenience and long shelf life. Tuna provides about 26 grams of protein per 100 grams, while sardines offer 25 grams, along with calcium and vitamin D. This aligns well with consumer dietary preferences that are leaning toward protein-enriched and low-carb food regimes. Furthermore, the growing awareness of the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in both tuna and sardines, is positively impacting purchasing decisions globally.

RESTRAINT

Overfishing and sustainability concerns

The primary restraint in the canned tuna and sardines market is the ecological concern surrounding overfishing. According to global fisheries data, over 33% of tuna species are classified as overfished as of 2023. Environmental watchdogs have raised alarms regarding illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing practices, leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory hurdles. Fishing quotas and import restrictions imposed by the European Union have limited the volume of exports from countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia. In addition, sustainability certifications increase operational costs, with compliance costs for MSC certification reaching up to $45,000 per facility. These issues are creating supply constraints and pricing pressures, thereby limiting market growth potential.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in emerging economies and digital retail channels

Emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa present significant growth opportunities for canned tuna and sardines. In 2024, India saw a 17% increase in canned seafood imports, driven by urbanization and rising disposable incomes. Nigeria and South Africa collectively imported over 135,000 metric tons of canned fish products. E-commerce is another strong growth avenue. With 62% of consumers in India and Brazil expressing interest in ordering canned seafood online, brands are investing in digital platforms and mobile apps to cater to this demand. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are also expanding their presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, enhancing accessibility to canned products.

CHALLENGE

Volatile raw material prices and geopolitical disruptions

The canned tuna and sardines market faces challenges related to price volatility of raw materials and disruptions in the supply chain. The average global price of skipjack tuna rose by 12% in 2023 due to lower catch rates and stricter marine regulations. Freight costs also increased by 18% due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in shipping lanes like the Suez Canal and South China Sea. Packaging material costs, particularly tinplate and aluminum, surged by 16% due to global shortages. These cost pressures are squeezing manufacturer margins and creating unpredictability in pricing strategies, especially for mid-sized players and private label brands.

Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Segmentation

The canned tuna and sardines market is segmented based on type and application. By type, the two main categories are canned tuna and canned sardines. By application, the segmentation includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retailers, and other distribution formats.

By Type

Canned Tuna: Canned tuna dominates the market with over 2.9 million metric tons sold in 2024. Skipjack tuna comprises 68% of this volume, followed by yellowfin tuna at 24%. Chunk light tuna is the most preferred variant in the U.S., accounting for 43% of retail sales, while solid white albacore leads in Canada and Australia. Flavored tuna, including lemon pepper and spicy chili, saw a 13% increase in sales. Japan and Italy are among the largest per capita consumers, each exceeding 3.5 kilograms annually.
Canned Sardines: The canned sardines segment recorded a consumption volume of 1.2 million metric tons in 2024. Portugal, Morocco, and the Philippines are leading producers, with Portugal alone exporting over 85,000 metric tons. Oil-packed sardines constitute 62% of global sales, while tomato sauce variants account for 28%. In Latin America, sardines are a staple protein source, with Brazil recording consumption growth of 8% in 2023. Flavored sardines are growing in demand, especially smoked and herb-infused varieties.

By Application

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Supermarkets and hypermarkets represent the dominant distribution channel for canned tuna and sardines, accounting for over 61% of global sales volume in 2024. Large chains across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific have significantly increased shelf space for both private-label and premium canned seafood brands.
Convenience Stores: Convenience stores accounted for approximately 18% of global canned tuna and sardines distribution in 2024. These outlets are especially popular in densely populated urban areas across Asia, including South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, where consumers seek quick meal solutions.
Online Retailers: Online retailers have rapidly expanded their share in the canned seafood market, contributing 14% of total sales in 2024, up from 9% in 2022. The growth is driven by increased internet penetration and shifting consumer behavior toward digital platforms, especially in regions like India, China, and the United States. In India, online canned seafood orders increased by 23% year-over-year in 2024.
Others (Specialty Stores and Foodservice Channels): Other distribution formats, including specialty seafood stores, gourmet shops, and foodservice channels like restaurants and institutional catering, contribute around 7% of total canned tuna and sardines market sales. In France and Italy, gourmet shops offering premium canned sardines in artisanal packaging reported a 12% increase in unit sales in 2024.

Regional Outlook for the Canned Tuna and Sardines Market

In 2024, the global distribution of canned tuna and sardines consumption highlights stark regional preferences and production strengths. In 2024, regional demand for canned tuna and sardines demonstrated clear consumption trends and production strengths across global markets.

North America

North America saw significant demand with over 920,000 metric tons of canned tuna and sardines consumed, largely driven by the U.S., where tuna accounts for 88% of canned seafood purchases. Canada contributed 140,000 metric tons, with solid white albacore being the most favored variant. Major retailers expanded shelf space for premium canned tuna and sardines, and sustainable labeling drove 28% of new purchases.

Europe

Europe maintained a high consumption level at 1.3 million metric tons in 2024. Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the UK led regional demand. Portugal consumed over 3.8 kilograms of canned sardines per capita. The region also has high certification rates, with over 60% of products bearing sustainability labels. Germany and France reported a 14% growth in flavored tuna variants.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific led global consumption with over 1.7 million metric tons in 2024. Japan alone consumed more than 720,000 metric tons of canned tuna, while Thailand and the Philippines dominated production. South Korea showed a 16% annual increase in online sales of canned seafood. India’s urban consumption rose by 17%, driven by changing dietary patterns and rising middle-class populations.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region accounted for around 510,000 metric tons of canned tuna and sardines in 2024. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nigeria, and South Africa were major markets. Nigeria imported over 82,000 metric tons, mostly sardines in tomato sauce. Retail expansion, especially in supermarkets, drove 11% year-on-year growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

List of Top Canned Tuna and Sardines Companies

Dongwon
Bumble Bee Foods
Thai Union Group (TUF)
Crown Prince, Inc.
Natural Sea
Wild Planet
American Tuna
Century Pacific Food
Frinsa del Noroeste
Hagoromo
Bolton Group
Grupo Calvo
Camil Alimentos
Goody
Al Alali

Thai Union Group (TUF): Thai Union accounted for over 17% of global canned tuna production in 2024, with more than 600,000 metric tons processed across Thailand, Europe, and the U.S.

Dongwon: The South Korea-based conglomerate produced over 250,000 metric tons of canned tuna and sardines in 2024, serving both domestic and international markets.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Significant investment is flowing into the canned tuna and sardines market, especially in production automation, sustainability, and digital sales infrastructure. In 2023, Thai Union invested $100 million in upgrading its processing plant in Ghana to increase capacity by 25% and enhance traceability systems. Dongwon allocated $60 million toward expanding cold chain logistics across Southeast Asia to support export-driven demand. Private labels are gaining traction. In Europe, private label canned tuna brands grew by 12%, capturing shelf space in leading supermarket chains. In the U.S., investments in flavor innovation led to a 9% increase in shelf-stable seafood snacks. Companies like Wild Planet and American Tuna raised $15 million collectively in 2023 to improve sustainable sourcing and packaging. Startups are also entering the market. Plant-based canned tuna alternatives attracted over $22 million in venture capital funding in 2024, especially from U.S.- and Germany-based investors. These products are targeting vegan and vegetarian consumer segments. Blockchain-based traceability tools have seen a 14% implementation increase across major processing facilities in Asia-Pacific. Furthermore, investments in e-commerce fulfillment have nearly doubled. Companies are building dedicated online storefronts and using AI to personalize customer offerings. Retailers are forming strategic alliances with logistics partners to reduce delivery times to under 24 hours in urban zones. This digital transformation presents immense opportunities to penetrate untapped markets.

New Product Development

Innovation in the canned tuna and sardines market is robust, with companies focusing on packaging, flavor enhancements, and alternative protein sources. In 2023, over 430 new canned seafood products were launched globally. Of these, 37% were tuna variants and 24% were sardines. Products featuring organic certifications grew by 19% year-over-year. Wild Planet introduced a new line of lightly salted, oil-free tuna in pouches instead of cans, reducing packaging weight by 23% and improving portability. Bumble Bee Foods released a gourmet sardine line featuring Mediterranean herbs and extra virgin olive oil, targeting high-income demographics. Crown Prince launched a no-salt sardine variant catering to low-sodium diets, which saw 11% higher trial purchases in pilot retail locations. Innovation is not limited to flavor; new sustainable packaging using 100% recyclable aluminum and plant-based labels have gained market traction. Thai Union developed a smart-label can that allows consumers to scan a QR code and trace the source vessel and fishing method. Digital product personalization is also rising. Brands are testing customization options where consumers can select their preferred oil type, seasoning, and fish cut online. Subscription-based bundles with recipe cards and cooking accessories are being explored by startups across North America.

Five Recent Developments

Thai Union inaugurated a new production line in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, increasing capacity by 70,000 metric tons in 2023.
Dongwon signed a trade agreement with UAE retailers in 2024 to distribute over 45,000 metric tons of canned tuna annually.
American Tuna launched a blockchain-verified sourcing system for all its products in late 2023.
Frinsa del Noroeste introduced recyclable paper packaging for sardine products, reducing plastic use by 90%.
Century Pacific Food began exporting canned sardines to 17 new markets in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Report Coverage of Canned Tuna and Sardines Market

This report covers a comprehensive analysis of the global canned tuna and sardines market, exploring production trends, consumption patterns, distribution strategies, and technological innovations. The report evaluates market segmentation by type and application, offering in-depth insights into product-specific demand. For example, canned tuna accounted for over 68% of the total 4.3 million metric tons consumed globally in 2024, while sardines maintained strong regional demand in Europe and Africa. The coverage spans all major regions, with specific data from North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. It analyzes regional variations such as Japan's 720,000 metric ton tuna consumption and Nigeria's 82,000 metric ton sardine imports. Market dynamics including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges are supported by quantitative data such as catch volumes, import-export statistics, and retail penetration percentages. The report highlights strategic movements of key players, including Thai Union's 17% market share and Dongwon's international expansion. It also includes a thorough evaluation of investment trends, especially in automation, sustainability, and e-commerce integration. New product innovations like gourmet sardine variants and blockchain traceability are mapped, reflecting changing consumer preferences.