Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Canned Tuna, Canned Sardines) , Applications (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retailers, Others) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034

Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Size

The Global Canned Tuna and Sardines Market size was valued at USD 13.00 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 13.75 billion in 2025, and is expected to hit approximately USD 14.53 billion by 2026, surging further to USD 22.64 billion by 2034. This remarkable expansion reflects a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% throughout the forecast period 2025–2034. The steady growth of the canned seafood industry is driven by the rising demand for protein-rich, shelf-stable, and ready-to-eat meal options, coupled with urbanization, sustainability initiatives, and expanding international trade in processed fish products.

In the U.S., the Canned Tuna and Sardines Market is witnessing solid momentum, with growing consumer preference for convenient, high-protein, and sustainably sourced seafood. The U.S. accounts for nearly 27% of global consumption in 2025, supported by a strong retail network of supermarkets, club stores, and online grocery platforms. Health-conscious consumers increasingly choose tuna and sardines for their omega-3 content, low fat, and long shelf life. Brands emphasize traceability, MSC certifications, and eco-friendly packaging to meet sustainability mandates. The country’s demand growth is reinforced by clean-label products, private-label expansions, and marketing of premium flavored tuna variants in ready-to-eat formats.

Key Findings

• Market Size – Valued at USD 13.75 Billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach USD 22.64 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%.
• Growth Drivers – 48% attributed to rising protein demand, 35% to sustainable sourcing initiatives, 28% to convenience trends, 24% to product diversification, and 20% to digital grocery expansion.
• Trends – 42% of market activity relates to clean-label launches, 38% to eco-friendly packaging, 32% to premium flavored variants, 28% to private-label expansion, and 22% to ready-to-eat seafood innovation.
• Key Players – Dongwon, Bumble Bee Foods, Thai Union Group (TUF), Crown Prince, Inc., and Wild Planet.
• Regional Insights – Asia-Pacific 38%, North America 27%, Europe 23%, and Middle East & Africa 12%, collectively accounting for the total global share in 2025.
• Challenges – 30% tied to raw material price volatility, 25% to overfishing concerns, 20% to logistics costs, 15% to labeling compliance, and 10% to packaging waste management.
• Industry Impact – 40% improvement in traceability, 32% in supply-chain efficiency, 25% in consumer awareness, 20% in product shelf life, and 15% reduction in waste footprint.
• Recent Developments – 38% rise in sustainable tuna certifications, 33% in new product flavors, 25% in e-commerce sales, 22% in recyclable packaging rollouts, and 18% in strategic mergers.

Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Trends

The Canned Tuna and Sardines Market is undergoing a transformation driven by sustainability, convenience, and nutrition-based innovation. More than 60% of canned seafood products launched since 2023 focus on clean-label formulations with reduced sodium and natural oils. Premiumization is reshaping the category, as brands introduce gourmet options infused with olive oil, herbs, or exotic spices to attract millennials and health-conscious consumers. Globally, 45% of canned fish manufacturers are shifting toward sustainable tuna species and certified fishing zones, while 33% have invested in recyclable aluminum packaging.

Plant-based competitors have spurred diversification, leading to hybrid canned seafood alternatives combining real fish with pea or soy protein. Demand through online grocery platforms has surged by 50% between 2022 and 2025, supported by pandemic-driven consumption patterns and e-commerce logistics expansion. Nutritional awareness about omega-3 and lean protein benefits continues to drive category growth, particularly in North America and Asia. Additionally, global campaigns advocating responsible fishing—such as MSC and Friend of the Sea certifications—have elevated transparency standards. The introduction of digital QR-trace codes on packaging now covers nearly 40% of global canned tuna exports, ensuring traceability from ocean to shelf. These trends collectively reinforce the market’s pivot toward sustainability, digitalization, and product innovation.

Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Dynamics

Market dynamics in the Canned Tuna and Sardines sector are shaped by evolving dietary preferences, eco-conscious production practices, and innovations in preservation technology. Rising per-capita seafood intake in developing economies, combined with affordability and portability advantages, enhances the appeal of canned seafood. Governments and trade bodies are promoting sustainable fishing quotas, which improve long-term resource management and price stability. Technological advances in canning, vacuum sealing, and cold sterilization enhance freshness retention and nutritional integrity, widening the product’s global consumer base.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of Sustainable and Premium Seafood Lines

Global canned seafood brands are investing in certified sustainable tuna and sardine fisheries, meeting eco-labeling standards that account for 45% of total exports. Premium segments featuring organic oils, gourmet flavorings, and traceable supply chains have expanded by over 35% since 2023, appealing to consumers prioritizing ethical sourcing and transparency.

DRIVERS

Rising Global Demand for Protein-Rich and Convenient Foods

Over 60% of global consumers now prioritize protein intake in daily diets, driving demand for canned tuna and sardines as affordable, nutrient-rich options. Increasing workforce urbanization, longer shelf stability, and portability have accelerated household and institutional consumption by 22% since 2022.

Market Restraints

"Supply Chain Volatility and Raw Material Price Fluctuations"

The Canned Tuna and Sardines Market faces pricing and sourcing challenges driven by fluctuating fish stocks, fuel costs, and trade tariffs. Catch quotas and international sustainability mandates have constrained tuna availability by 15% in certain regions, leading to raw material cost hikes of up to 20%. Manufacturers encounter transportation delays, especially for exports from Southeast Asia and Africa, disrupting inventory cycles. Volatile aluminum prices further elevate packaging costs, prompting firms to adopt lightweight cans and alternative materials to mitigate impact.

Market Challenges

"Overfishing, Regulatory Pressures, and Competition from Fresh Alternatives"

Overfishing of tuna and sardine species remains a critical ecological concern, influencing long-term supply security. Stricter EU and U.S. regulations around origin labeling, dolphin-safe certifications, and catch documentation increase compliance costs. Moreover, the growing appeal of fresh and frozen fish alternatives—enhanced by cold-chain infrastructure—poses competitive pressure on canned segments. To counter this, brands focus on storytelling, traceability, and sustainable sourcing to preserve consumer trust and brand differentiation in mature markets.

Segmentation Analysis

The Canned Tuna and Sardines Market is segmented by type and application. Type-wise, the market is categorized into Canned Tuna and Canned Sardines. Tuna dominates due to its widespread availability, versatility, and consumer preference in ready-to-eat meals, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total share. Sardines maintain steady demand in emerging economies due to affordability and nutritional density. Application-wise, supermarkets and hypermarkets hold the majority share, while online retail channels show the fastest growth, reflecting changing consumer purchasing habits. The market’s structure emphasizes balanced growth across both developed and developing regions, driven by retail innovation, private-label introductions, and expanded distribution networks.

By Type

Canned Tuna

Canned Tuna dominates the market owing to its high protein content, versatility, and longer shelf life. It represents the preferred choice in urban markets for sandwiches, salads, and meal kits. Health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein drive its adoption among fitness-conscious consumers.

Canned Tuna held the largest share in the global market, accounting for USD 8.66 Billion in 2025, representing 63% of the total. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2034, driven by innovations in sustainable fishing, premium flavor offerings, and global retail penetration.

Canned Sardines

Canned Sardines remain a staple protein source across Asia, Africa, and Europe, valued for affordability and high calcium and vitamin D content. The segment is characterized by localized brands and strong retail distribution in coastal regions.

Canned Sardines accounted for USD 5.09 Billion in 2025, representing 37% of the total market, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% through 2034. Growth is driven by increasing exports from Morocco and the Philippines and rising consumption in Europe’s Mediterranean region.

By Application

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

This segment remains dominant, accounting for 52% of sales due to strong visibility, brand promotion, and multi-brand assortments. Supermarkets leverage promotions and private-label options to enhance affordability and loyalty.

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets held USD 7.15 Billion in 2025, growing steadily with increased shelf-space allocations and promotional tie-ins with sustainable seafood initiatives.

Convenience Stores

Convenience Stores accounted for 28% of total market share, appealing to on-the-go consumers seeking portioned packs. Expansion in urban centers and developing nations sustains demand for quick meal solutions.

Valued at USD 3.85 Billion in 2025, this channel benefits from impulse purchasing behavior and regional convenience chains integrating seafood snack packs.

Online Retailers

Online Retailers represent the fastest-growing channel, capturing 15% of market share in 2025, driven by the surge in digital grocery adoption post-pandemic. Subscription-based seafood boxes and brand-owned e-shops enhance engagement.

Valued at USD 2.06 Billion in 2025, online sales are growing rapidly as traceable sourcing and doorstep delivery attract eco-aware buyers.

Others

The “Others” segment (5%) includes small grocers, institutional food suppliers, and vending distributors. It maintains a steady customer base in niche and regional markets.

Valued at USD 0.69 Billion in 2025, it continues to see moderate expansion through wholesale and foodservice partnerships.

Canned Tuna and Sardines Market Regional Outlook

The Global Canned Tuna and Sardines Market valued at USD 13.00 Billion in 2024 is projected to reach USD 13.75 Billion in 2025 and expand to USD 22.64 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.7%. Regional distribution for 2025 totals 100%: Asia-Pacific (38%), North America (27%), Europe (23%), and Middle East & Africa (12%). Each region demonstrates unique demand factors, from premium consumption in Western markets to mass nutrition demand in emerging economies.

LIST OF KEY Canned Tuna and Sardines Market COMPANIES PROFILED

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the Canned Tuna and Sardines Market are accelerating toward sustainable sourcing, automated processing, and cold-chain modernization. Major players allocate 25–30% of capital toward eco-certified fisheries and canning facilities with reduced carbon footprints. Southeast Asian producers such as Thailand and the Philippines are receiving FDI inflows to expand export capacities, while Europe invests in plant modernization for recyclable packaging. Blockchain-based traceability is gaining traction, now integrated into 20% of global exports. The growing preference for private labels offers opportunities for regional processors to co-develop with major retailers. Investors also target product diversification through flavored, organic, and single-serve packaging formats that enhance convenience and retail turnover.

NEW PRODUCTS Development

New product development in the canned seafood industry focuses on nutrition, sustainability, and packaging innovation. Companies are launching low-sodium, high-protein, and organic oil-based variants catering to health-conscious demographics. Flavored offerings such as lemon-pepper tuna, Mediterranean sardines, and chili-infused varieties have captured 35% of the premium segment. Packaging innovations, including easy-peel lids and recyclable aluminum cans, are being adopted by over 40% of global producers. Brands like Wild Planet and Bumble Bee Foods have introduced traceable QR-coded packaging, enhancing consumer confidence. E-commerce platforms now feature personalized seafood bundles, enabling data-driven inventory management for producers. Overall, innovation in clean-label formulations and packaging sustainability continues to redefine growth trajectories.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Thai Union Group announced expansion of its “SeaChange® 2030” sustainability roadmap, increasing certified tuna sourcing by 25%.
• In 2024, Bumble Bee Foods partnered with Walmart to launch new protein snack kits featuring canned tuna blends.
• In 2025, Dongwon introduced 100% recyclable steel cans in its premium sardine line, reducing carbon emissions by 18%.
• In 2025, Bolton Group launched MSC-certified canned tuna in olive oil, targeting Mediterranean retail markets.
• In 2025, Century Pacific Foods announced a collaboration with Nestlé Philippines to co-distribute sustainable tuna packs in ASEAN markets.

REPORT COVERAGE

This Canned Tuna and Sardines Market report provides a detailed assessment of global industry performance from 2024 to 2034, including market sizing, segmentation, and growth projections. It covers market divisions by Type (Canned Tuna and Canned Sardines) and by Application (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retailers, Others). Regional coverage spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, collectively accounting for USD 13.75 Billion in 2025. Methodology integrates bottom-up demand analysis, trade statistics, certification data, and pricing indices for accurate forecasting. The study also reviews sustainability programs, packaging innovations, and digital transformation initiatives reshaping distribution strategies. Key competitors analyzed include Thai Union Group, Dongwon, Bumble Bee Foods, Bolton Group, and Century Pacific Food, highlighting product portfolios, investments, and strategic developments that define competitive positioning in the global canned seafood landscape.