Canned Tuna Market Insights 2026, Analysis and Forecast to 2031

By: HDIN Research Published: 2026-01-30 Pages: 106
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Canned Tuna Market Summary

The canned tuna market is a cornerstone of the global shelf-stable protein sector, currently undergoing a significant transition toward sustainability-led premiumization and supply chain vertical integration. Once a low-margin commodity, canned tuna is being revitalized by "clean-label" innovations, such as the shift from oil-filled cans to flavored pouches and the widespread adoption of MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certifications. The industry is characterized by massive consolidation, with major Asian traders acquiring iconic Western brands to control the entire value chain—from "hook to shelf." Global demand is increasingly driven by the rising cost of fresh animal proteins and a consumer focus on the high Omega-3 and protein density of tuna. The global canned tuna market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 10.0–23.0 billion in 2026, with compound annual growth rates (CAGR) projected to accelerate to 2.5%–8.1% through 2031.

Application and Distribution Channel Analysis
Supermarkets & Hypermarkets This remains the primary distribution channel, holding approximately 65%–70% of market share. Large retailers are increasingly collaborating with brands to launch "private-label" sustainable lines, which now account for a significant portion of volume in the European and North American markets.

Online Distribution Recognized as the fastest-growing channel (10.5%–14.0% CAGR). The non-perishable and stackable nature of canned tuna makes it ideal for bulk purchasing via e-commerce. Digital platforms are also the primary outlet for specialized, premium brands like Conservas Ortiz and American Tuna.

Specialty Stores & Others Expanding at a steady 3.0%–6.5%. This segment focuses on high-end, "artisanal" canned seafood (Ventresca, Bonito del Norte) and the growing "foodservice" demand for large-format canned tuna used in salads and sandwiches in the commercial sector.

Product Type Analysis and Trends
Skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) The volume leader, accounting for over 50% of the market. Due to its high reproductive rate and lower mercury levels, skipjack is the primary species for mass-market "light" tuna. It is increasingly the focus of FAD-free (Fish Aggregating Device) sustainability programs.

Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) Projected as the fastest-growing type (~5.5%–9.0% CAGR). Yellowfin is positioned as a "premium" alternative to skipjack, favored for its firmer texture and richer flavor. It is the dominant species in the growing "gourmet pouch" and "lightly seasoned" categories.

Others (Albacore, Bigeye, Bluefin) Albacore ("White Tuna") remains a staple in North America, while ultra-premium Bluefin is seeing growth in the specialized "canned sashimi-grade" niche in Japan and high-end European markets.

Key Market Players and Strategic Consolidation
The competitive landscape is defined by the dominance of three global giants and recent high-value European acquisitions.

Thai Union Group PCL: The world’s largest producer, owning brands such as Chicken of the Sea, John West, and Mareblu. In 2024, Thai Union reported its third-highest revenue ever, driven by a 7.1% surge in ambient seafood sales. The company is currently executing its "SeaChange® 2030" strategy, aiming for 100% electronic or human observer monitoring of its tuna supply chain by 2026.

FCF Co., Ltd. (Bumble Bee): In 2020, the Taiwanese tuna trader FCF acquired Bumble Bee Foods for $928 million following the latter's bankruptcy. By 2025, FCF has successfully integrated Bumble Bee into its global sourcing network, focusing on 100% MSC certification for its longline tuna fisheries.

NewPrinces S.p.A. (formerly Newlat Food): In a landmark July 2024 deal, the Italian group Newlat acquired the Princes Group from Mitsubishi Corporation for £700 million. In April 2025, the company rebranded to NewPrinces S.p.A., creating a pan-European leader in canned seafood and ambient food.

Bolton Group & Wild Planet: In 2021, Italy’s Bolton Group acquired Wild Planet Foods, the U.S. leader in pole-and-line sustainable tuna. This move, combined with Bolton's ownership of Rio Mare and Tri Marine, has solidified its position as the global benchmark for ethically sourced canned tuna.

Regional Market Distribution
Europe: The largest market (~35% share), led by Italy, Spain, and France. European consumers have the highest per-capita consumption and the strictest requirements for traceability and sustainable labeling.

North America: A mature market where growth is driven by pouch formats and "flavored" tuna kits. The U.S. remains the world's largest individual market for canned albacore and skipjack.

Asia-Pacific: The fastest-growing region. Led by Century Pacific (Philippines) and Dongwon (South Korea), the region is seeing a shift toward western-style canned tuna consumption as a convenient, high-protein alternative to fresh fish.

Market Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities: The rise of "Functional Tuna"—cans fortified with extra Vitamin D or specific oils—appeals to the health-conscious "biohacking" community. Additionally, Blockchain Traceability (QR codes on cans) is becoming a standard feature to build consumer trust regarding labor practices on fishing vessels.

Challenges: Price Volatility of raw tuna (driven by climate-affected catch rates) and rising tinplate costs for cans are pressuring manufacturer margins. Furthermore, the market faces increasing competition from "Alt-Tuna" (plant-based seafood), which is beginning to gain traction in the European retail sector.
Chapter 1 Report Overview

1.1 Study Scope 1

1.2 Research Methodology 2

1.2.1 Data Sources 2

1.2.2 Assumptions 4

1.3 Abbreviations and Acronyms 5

Chapter 2 Executive Summary

2.1 Global Canned Tuna Market Overview 7

2.2 Market Segment by Type 8

2.3 Market Segment by Distribution Channel 9

Chapter 3 Market Dynamics and Industry Trends

3.1 Growth Drivers 11

3.2 Market Restraints and Challenges 13

3.3 Industry Opportunities and Emerging Trends 15

3.4 Impact of Health Consciousness and Convenience Trends 17

Chapter 4 Global Canned Tuna Market by Type

4.1 Skipjack 19

4.2 Yellowfin 22

4.3 Others (Albacore, Bigeye, etc.) 25

Chapter 5 Global Canned Tuna Market by Distribution Channel

5.1 Supermarkets & Hypermarkets 28

5.2 Specialty Stores 31

5.3 Online Retail 33

5.4 Others (Convenience Stores, Institutional Sales) 35

Chapter 6 Global Canned Tuna Market by Region

6.1 North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) 37

6.2 Europe (Spain, Italy, UK, France, Germany) 41

6.3 Asia-Pacific (Thailand, Philippines, China, Japan, Taiwan (China), Vietnam) 45

6.4 South America (Brazil, Ecuador, Peru) 49

6.5 Middle East & Africa (UAE, South Africa, Egypt) 51

Chapter 7 Supply Chain and Production Process Analysis

7.1 Value Chain Analysis 53

7.2 Raw Material Sourcing and Sustainable Fishing Practices 55

7.3 Canned Tuna Manufacturing Process 57

Chapter 8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Global Canned Tuna Market Concentration Ratio 59

8.2 Global Top Players Ranking by Revenue 61

8.3 Mergers, Acquisitions, and Expansion Plans 63

Chapter 9 Key Market Players Analysis

9.1 Thai Union Group PCL 65

9.1.1 Enterprise Introduction 65

9.1.2 SWOT Analysis 66

9.1.3 Sustainable Sourcing and R&D Investment 67

9.1.4 Operating Data Analysis 68

9.2 FCF Co., Ltd. 69

9.2.1 Enterprise Introduction 69

9.2.2 SWOT Analysis 70

9.2.3 Global Supply Chain Strategy 71

9.2.4 Operating Data Analysis 72

9.3 Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd. 73

9.3.1 Enterprise Introduction 73

9.3.2 SWOT Analysis 74

9.3.3 Marketing and Brand Strategy 75

9.3.4 Operating Data Analysis 76

9.4 American Tuna, Inc. 77

9.4.1 Enterprise Introduction 77

9.4.2 SWOT Analysis 78

9.4.3 Niche Market Positioning 79

9.4.4 Operating Data Analysis 80

9.5 Century Pacific Food, Inc. 81

9.5.1 Enterprise Introduction 81

9.5.2 SWOT Analysis 82

9.5.3 Product Innovation and Packaging 83

9.5.4 Operating Data Analysis 84

9.6 Conservas Ortiz S.A. 85

9.6.1 Enterprise Introduction 85

9.6.2 SWOT Analysis 86

9.6.3 Traditional Processing Techniques 87

9.6.4 Operating Data Analysis 88

9.7 NewPrinces S.p.A. 89

9.7.1 Enterprise Introduction 89

9.7.2 SWOT Analysis 90

9.7.3 European Market Expansion Strategy 91

9.7.4 Operating Data Analysis 92

9.8 Bolton Group 93

9.8.1 Enterprise Introduction 93

9.8.2 SWOT Analysis 94

9.8.3 Brand Portfolio Analysis 95

9.8.4 Operating Data Analysis 96

9.9 Chicken of the Sea International 97

9.9.1 Enterprise Introduction 97

9.9.2 SWOT Analysis 98

9.9.3 North American Marketing Strategy 99

9.9.4 Operating Data Analysis 100

9.10 Jim Pattison Group 101

9.10.1 Enterprise Introduction 101

9.10.2 SWOT Analysis 102

9.10.3 Diversified Business Impact 103

9.10.4 Operating Data Analysis 104

Chapter 10 Conclusion and Recommendations

10.1 Strategic Market Entry Insights 105

10.2 Future Growth Hotspots 106
Table 1. Global Canned Tuna Market Revenue by Type (2021-2031) 19

Table 2. Global Canned Tuna Market Revenue by Distribution Channel (2021-2031) 28

Table 3. North America Canned Tuna Revenue by Country (2021-2031) 38

Table 4. Europe Canned Tuna Revenue by Country (2021-2031) 42

Table 5. Asia-Pacific Canned Tuna Revenue by Country (2021-2031) 46

Table 6. Thai Union Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 68

Table 7. FCF Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 72

Table 8. Dongwon Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 76

Table 9. American Tuna Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 80

Table 10. Century Pacific Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 84

Table 11. Ortiz Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 88

Table 12. NewPrinces Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 92

Table 13. Bolton Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 96

Table 14. COSI Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 100

Table 15. Jim Pattison Canned Tuna Revenue, Cost and Gross Profit Margin (2021-2026) 104

Figure 1. Research Methodology Flowchart 3

Figure 2. Global Canned Tuna Market Size Forecast (2021-2031) 8

Figure 3. Global Canned Tuna Market Share by Type in 2026 20

Figure 4. Global Skipjack Market Revenue and Growth Rate (2021-2031) 21

Figure 5. Global Yellowfin Market Revenue and Growth Rate (2021-2031) 24

Figure 6. Global Canned Tuna Market Share by Distribution Channel in 2026 29

Figure 7. Global Online Retail Segment Growth Trend (2021-2031) 34

Figure 8. North America Canned Tuna Market Revenue Forecast (2021-2031) 39

Figure 9. Europe Canned Tuna Market Revenue Forecast (2021-2031) 43

Figure 10. Asia-Pacific Canned Tuna Market Revenue Forecast (2021-2031) 47

Figure 11. Canned Tuna Industry Value Chain Map 54

Figure 12. Global Top 5 Canned Tuna Players Market Share in 2026 62

Figure 13. Thai Union Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 68

Figure 14. FCF Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 72

Figure 15. Dongwon Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 76

Figure 16. American Tuna Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 80

Figure 17. Century Pacific Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 84

Figure 18. Ortiz Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 88

Figure 19. NewPrinces Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 92

Figure 20. Bolton Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 96

Figure 21. COSI Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 100

Figure 22. Jim Pattison Canned Tuna Market Share (2021-2026) 104

Research Methodology

  • Market Estimated Methodology:

    Bottom-up & top-down approach, supply & demand approach are the most important method which is used by HDIN Research to estimate the market size.

1)Top-down & Bottom-up Approach

Top-down approach uses a general market size figure and determines the percentage that the objective market represents.

Bottom-up approach size the objective market by collecting the sub-segment information.

2)Supply & Demand Approach

Supply approach is based on assessments of the size of each competitor supplying the objective market.

Demand approach combine end-user data within a market to estimate the objective market size. It is sometimes referred to as bottom-up approach.

  • Forecasting Methodology
  • Numerous factors impacting the market trend are considered for forecast model:
  • New technology and application in the future;
  • New project planned/under contraction;
  • Global and regional underlying economic growth;
  • Threatens of substitute products;
  • Industry expert opinion;
  • Policy and Society implication.
  • Analysis Tools

1)PEST Analysis

PEST Analysis is a simple and widely used tool that helps our client analyze the Political, Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Technological changes in their business environment.

  • Benefits of a PEST analysis:
  • It helps you to spot business opportunities, and it gives you advanced warning of significant threats.
  • It reveals the direction of change within your business environment. This helps you shape what you’re doing, so that you work with change, rather than against it.
  • It helps you avoid starting projects that are likely to fail, for reasons beyond your control.
  • It can help you break free of unconscious assumptions when you enter a new country, region, or market; because it helps you develop an objective view of this new environment.

2)Porter’s Five Force Model Analysis

The Porter’s Five Force Model is a tool that can be used to analyze the opportunities and overall competitive advantage. The five forces that can assist in determining the competitive intensity and potential attractiveness within a specific area.

  • Threat of New Entrants: Profitable industries that yield high returns will attract new firms.
  • Threat of Substitutes: A substitute product uses a different technology to try to solve the same economic need.
  • Bargaining Power of Customers: the ability of customers to put the firm under pressure, which also affects the customer's sensitivity to price changes.
  • Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Suppliers of raw materials, components, labor, and services (such as expertise) to the firm can be a source of power over the firm when there are few substitutes.
  • Competitive Rivalry: For most industries the intensity of competitive rivalry is the major determinant of the competitiveness of the industry.

3)Value Chain Analysis

Value chain analysis is a tool to identify activities, within and around the firm and relating these activities to an assessment of competitive strength. Value chain can be analyzed by primary activities and supportive activities. Primary activities include: inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing & sales, service. Support activities include: technology development, human resource management, management, finance, legal, planning.

4)SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis is a tool used to evaluate a company's competitive position by identifying its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The strengths and weakness is the inner factor; the opportunities and threats are the external factor. By analyzing the inner and external factors, the analysis can provide the detail information of the position of a player and the characteristics of the industry.

  • Strengths describe what the player excels at and separates it from the competition
  • Weaknesses stop the player from performing at its optimum level.
  • Opportunities refer to favorable external factors that the player can use to give it a competitive advantage.
  • Threats refer to factors that have the potential to harm the player.
  • Data Sources
Primary Sources Secondary Sources
Face to face/Phone Interviews with market participants, such as:
Manufactures;
Distributors;
End-users;
Experts.
Online Survey
Government/International Organization Data:
Annual Report/Presentation/Fact Book
Internet Source Information
Industry Association Data
Free/Purchased Database
Market Research Report
Book/Journal/News

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