Canned Tuna Market By Product Type (Canned Skipjack Tuna, Canned Yellowfin Tuna, Canned Albacore Tuna, Canned Bigeye Tuna, Canned Bluefin Tuna), By Flavoring & Additives (Plain Tuna, Flavored Tuna, Spicy Tuna, Organic & Natural Additives), By Processing Type (Canned in Oil, Canned in Brine, Canned in Water, Canned in Sauce, Smoked Canned Tuna), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retailers, Specialty Seafood Stores, Others), By End-User (Household, Foodservice, Pet Food Manufacturers, Others), Global Market Size, Segmental Analysis, Regional Overview, Company Share Analysis, Leading Company Profiles, and Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035.

Industry Outlook

The Canned Tuna Market accounted for USD 21.2 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 34.77 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 4.6% between 2025 and 2035. Canned tuna refers to projected trends, growth factors, and challenges that can affect the global canned tuna market environment. With increasing consumer demand for convenient protein foods, the market is likely to witness moderate growth, wherein the key players will focus on product innovation, sustainability, and environmentally friendly packaging. The increasing health consciousness and changing dietary preferences toward seafood further propel market growth. However, challenges may arise over issues of overfishing, regulatory restrictions, and volatile raw material prices.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Rising health consciousness among consumers is increasing the demand for protein-rich canned tuna

One of the key drivers of demand for protein-packed canned tuna is the increased health consciousness among consumers. Since people are starting to understand the benefits of a high-protein diet, they are now searching for food that is nutritious and convenient. Canned tuna is a source of protein, fatty acids (omega-3), and practically no fat, and has become a perfect choice among health-conscious consumers, fitness lovers, and all those concerned about weight management diets. The development in preference for wholesome and ready-to-eat meals is driving the market growth, as these consumers look for low-cost and sustainable protein sources.

Fish consumption, including that of tuna, is increasing because people have begun to view seafood as essential in their daily diet. International member states should continue to look for nutritional strategies that include the protection of special groups with protein. Governments and health institutions have always been asserting the need for proteins against malnutrition, well-being, etc. This change in the consumer base of canned tuna, with the increasingly available top-quality and sustainable options, is leading to the notion that canned tuna is a staple food worldwide.

Expanding global seafood trade networks are enhancing the availability of canned tuna worldwide

The huge growth in the world's seafood trade market has increased the availability of canned tuna globally. It is the consumer-induced rise in demand for easy-to-prepare protein foods and improved methods for preservation without loss of nutritional value that has caused this effect. Thus, canned tuna has become widespread in homes as one ingredient for many recipes, most often combined with spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits.

The National Fisheries Institute indicates that nearly 88% of all U.S. families have consumed canned tuna, which reflects how widespread this food is. In this way, it highlights the pervasiveness of canned tuna in the American diet and the size of the trade networks for a food that is far more popular. Its affordability and long shelf life contribute to its popularity, especially in places where fresh fish may be more difficult to find. As consumer preferences evolve, the variety of canned tuna products continues to grow, offering a greater range of flavors and options.

Strict government regulations on fishing quotas and sustainability impact canned tuna production

The canned tuna market is restrained by strict government policies related to fishing quotas and sustainability. Many countries and international organizations restrict tuna catch to prevent overfishing and maintain biodiversity. Generally, it includes seasonal bans, restricted fishing zones, and the use of sustainable methods, e.g., pole-and-line or FAD-free, for fishing. The application of these rules reduces the total tuna available for production and can cause price fluctuations.

Certifications under sustainability, like MSC, and traceability standards imposed by the government also add to the operational costs of the canned tuna businesses. The companies will invest in sustainable sourcing and monitoring systems and eco-friendly packaging to comply with the regulations. These will, however, conserve fish stocks and marine biodiversity and challenge manufacturers as regards cost, supply chain efficiency, and consumer affordability of tuna products.

Growing consumer preference for convenient and ready-to-eat seafood products is driving canned tuna sales

Sales of canned tuna products are constantly increasing due to the availability of ready-to-eat seafood and greater convenience. Ready-to-eat tuna can help people with busy schedules and the growing number of employed people who are searching for meals that take less time to prepare. It is comparable to long-lasting protein dishes that are usually kept in households. Salads and casseroles are just two of the many recipes that commonly use canned tuna.

This trend has been supported by the European Union, the United States, and Japan as the topmost canned tuna-consuming countries identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The data thus signify a global trend toward easily accessible seafood with changes in global dietary habits that tend toward convenience without compromising nutrition. Thus, the canned tuna market anticipates healthy returns with future growth as human needs for convenience continue to outbalance their needs for nutritional quality.

Increasing popularity of sustainable and ethically sourced seafood is boosting demand for responsibly caught canned tuna

With increased consumer awareness regarding environmental and ethical issues, this rising demand for sustainably sourced seafood presents great scope to the canned tuna market. Consumers are seeking products that meet high quality, are harvested to impact life features at sea and on land minimally and are fair to workers. This shift in consumer preference will push producers to adopt sustainable fishing techniques and pursue the necessary certifications under which their professional ethics can be validated.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) further reported a substantial increase in certified sustainable seafood production in support of this trend. This implies that there is a growing hunger on the part of consumers for well-sourced products. This has sparked further changes toward sustainability in the seafood industry, indicating that companies investing in this area of sustainability will be well-placed in the market for this upward-spiraling segment.

Industry Experts Opinion

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Pavo and Heidi Walker to bring sustainably caught, locally preserved tuna to Australian consumers. This initiative not only supports local fisheries but also offers a high-quality product that aligns with our commitment to sustainability.”

• Neil Perry, Chef and Restaurateur.

“Safe Catch Tuna stands out for its rigorous mercury testing and commitment to sustainability, making it our top recommendation for consumers seeking quality and safety in canned tuna.”

• Jennifer Zyman, Food & Wine Editor.

Segment Analysis

Based on the product type, the Canned Tuna market has been classified into Canned Skipjack Tuna, Canned Yellowfin Tuna, Canned Albacore Tuna, Canned Bigeye Tuna, and Canned Bluefin Tuna. The canned skipjack tuna segment is the most important in the canned tuna market, and it is mainly because of its affordability, untainted flavor, and accessibility. As skipjack tuna can be harvested sustainably and in greater abundance compared to other tuna species that mostly have a longer harvesting cycle, it is for mass-market appeal, especially for household consumption and food service operations. Big, canned tuna brand names favor the skipjack species due to its cost efficiency for mass-market consumption. Besides, it has low mercury levels, allowing it to be a safer option to eat often. This segment remains a catalyst for global market growth throughout Asia, Europe, and North America.

Based on the Flavoring & Additives, the Canned Tuna market has been classified into Plain Tuna, Flavored Tuna, Spicy Tuna, Organic & Natural Additives. In the canned tuna market, the Plain Tuna segment stands strong and significant. Its ability to be changed according to the desire of the user is an important reason why it is so generic. It is contained within salads, sandwiches, and other recipes and therefore is seen as a staple in the consumer and foodservice segments. It appeals most to health-conscious consumers, as sometimes fewer additives and preservatives are required in plain tuna. Demand for protein fills easily prepared ready-to-eat increases the market salience of plain tuna. Moreover, because of its simplicity in consumption, plain tuna evokes trust and brand loyalty among consumers. This segment is still the engine powering most sales across global markets.

Regional Analysis

The Asia-Pacific canned tuna market is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing sectors due to increased seafood consumption and urbanization. They also play key roles as major consumers and producers, for instance, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia. Another factor increasing health consciousness and requiring convenient protein sources drives the market towards expansion. One of its premier exporters is Thailand, which has supplied global markets. Increasing retail and e-commerce channels are improving the accessibility and therefore the trading sales. Concerned with sustainability, regulations are shaping the trends in this industry. Overall, the region is critical to the international arena in the canned tuna market as it seeks to maintain and grow its balance between growth and size.

The North American canned tuna market is the largest sector due to significant consumption in the U.S. and Canada. Canned tuna is the second most consumed seafood product in the U.S., with consumption figures of around 1 billion pounds having been noted for every year. Canned tuna is in demand mainly because it offers convenience and nutrition, which is an asset preferred by people in this region. Further, a very strong supply chain and availability of such products in all channels of retail add to the market's growth. Among all regions, North America has a large market, but some areas experience higher growth rates, following which the established consumption pattern and infrastructure keep North America in the leadership position.

Competitive Landscape

The canned tuna market is highly competitive, with the key players driving the market dynamics like Dongwon Industries, FCFC Co., Ltd., Thai Union Group, Century Pacific Food, Inc., Bolton Group, and American Tuna. Thai Union, one of the largest seafood companies in the world, is in the process of consolidating its presence through acquisitions and sustainability efforts. Dongwon Industries, under the brand name “StarKist,” is a formidable competitor. FCFC is known for its high-quality offerings. Century Pacific Food has adopted eco-friendly and sustainable practices on an expanding assortment. In conjunction, Bolton Group keeps pushing for product innovation, while American Tuna is heavily focused on ethical sourcing. Trends emerging lately indicate that consumers increasingly demand sustainably sourced and traceable products, and brands are becoming more transparent and environmentally responsible.

Canned Tuna Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

To explore in-depth analysis in this report - Request Free Sample Report

Recent Developments:

• In March 2023, the Netherlands-based brand Seasogood began selling its plant-based canned tuna alternatives in Spain. Offered in four flavors—natural, tomatoes, olive oil, and lemon & black—this eco-friendly and flavorful option provided tuna lovers with a truly sustainable alternative.
• In January 2023, Vgarden Ltd. emerged as a prominent food tech company with a 100% plant-based canned tuna alternative. The product, designed to resemble the look, texture, and taste of traditional canned tuna, catered to the growing demand for sustainably sourced food.

Report Coverage:

By Product Type

• Canned Skipjack Tuna
• Canned Yellowfin Tuna
• Canned Albacore Tuna
• Canned Bigeye Tuna
• Canned Bluefin Tuna

By Flavoring & Additives

• Plain Tuna
• Flavored Tuna
• Spicy Tuna
• Organic & Natural Additives

By Processing Type

• Canned in Oil
• Canned in Brine
• Canned in Water
• Canned in Sauce
• Smoked Canned Tuna

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retailers
• Specialty Seafood Stores
• Others

By End-User

• Household
• Foodservice
• Pet Food Manufacturers
• Others

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Dongwon Industries
• FCF Co., Ltd.
• Thai Union Group
• Century Pacific Food, Inc.
• Bolton Group
• American Tuna
• Safe Catch
• Wild Planet Foods
• Ortiz Conservas
• Tonnino
• Ocean's
• Clover Leaf Seafoods
• Trader Joe's
• Bumble Bee Foods, LLC
• StarKist Co.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)