Canned Tuna Market– Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Tuna Species (Skipjack Canned Tuna, Albacore Canned Tuna, Yellowfin Canned Tuna, Bluefin Canned Tuna, and Others), By Flavor (Lemon, Spicy, Tomato, Picante, Clover Leaf, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Food Specialty Stores, Online, and Others), By Region 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 21.64 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.27%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	Europe
Market Size (2031)	USD 27.81 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Canned Tuna Market will grow from USD 21.64 Billion in 2025 to USD 27.81 Billion by 2031 at a 4.27% CAGR. Canned tuna is a processed seafood product consisting of cooked tuna fish that has been hermetically sealed in metal containers with oil, brine, or water to ensure preservation. The market is primarily propelled by the product’s extended shelf life, high protein content, and affordability, which position it as a staple convenience food for diverse consumer demographics.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, in 2024, the global tuna trade volume increased by 28 percent compared to the previous year due to rising demand for canned tuna. Despite this growth, the industry faces a significant challenge regarding sustainable sourcing and overfishing, as regulatory pressures and environmental concerns regarding stock levels can disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs for manufacturers.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing consumer demand for convenient and ready-to-eat meal solutions acts as a primary catalyst for market expansion, driven by rapid urbanization and the fast-paced lifestyles of modern households. Canned tuna serves as an essential pantry staple, offering a high-protein, shelf-stable format that requires minimal preparation, making it highly attractive to time-constrained consumers. This reliance on processed seafood for quick meals is reflected in substantial trade volumes; according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, February 2025, in the '2024 Seafood Export Report', the country's canned tuna exports rose by 17 percent in 2024, reaching a total value of USD 299 million due to sustained international orders. The versatility of the product, which is easily incorporated into salads, sandwiches, and pasta, ensures its continued dominance in the shelf-stable food category.

Simultaneously, the rising preference for sustainably sourced and eco-certified seafood is significantly reshaping industry practices and supply chain transparency. Informed consumers and retailers are increasingly prioritizing products that carry credible eco-labels, compelling manufacturers to adhere to strict sourcing standards to maintain market access. According to the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, March 2025, in the 'Status of the Stocks' report, approximately 87 percent of the global commercial tuna catch is now sourced from stocks at healthy levels of abundance, demonstrating the sector's commitment to environmental stewardship. This shift toward responsible sourcing is particularly impactful in European markets; according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, in 2025, exports of tuna to Portugal surged by 313 percent, underscoring the robust demand for compliant and high-quality seafood products in regions with stringent import regulations.

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Key Market Challenges

The challenge of sustainable sourcing and overfishing presents a substantial barrier to the stability and expansion of the Global Canned Tuna Market. As environmental concerns intensify, regulatory bodies enforce stricter catch limits and compliance standards to prevent the depletion of marine resources. These necessary interventions create volatility in the supply chain, as manufacturers face unpredictable fluctuations in raw material availability. Consequently, the irregularity in fish landings forces processors to contend with unstable procurement prices, directly impacting their operational margins and hampering their ability to maintain consistent production levels to meet global demand.

This precarious supply situation is underscored by recent data highlighting the severity of stock depletion. According to the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, in 2024, approximately 10 percent of the global commercial tuna catch originated from overfished stocks. This statistic indicates that a significant portion of the raw material supply relies on vulnerable ecosystems, increasing the likelihood of future regulatory crackdowns. Such dependency on compromised stocks compels companies to incur higher costs related to traceability and certification, further straining the industry’s financial growth potential without guaranteeing long-term volume security.

Key Market Trends

Manufacturers are increasingly diversifying their product portfolios through the proliferation of seasoned and flavor-infused tuna variants to combat commoditization and appeal to flavor-conscious consumers. By moving beyond standard oil and brine formulations, companies are introducing culinary-inspired options like spicy chili, lemon pepper, and basil-infused varieties that position tuna as a premium, standalone snack rather than just a basic ingredient. This strategic pivot towards higher-margin offerings is yielding measurable financial results; according to Thai Union, February 2025, in the '2024 Annual Review', sales in the company's value-added category increased by 5.2 percent year-over-year in 2024, driven largely by the strong performance of these innovative, ready-to-eat product lines.

Simultaneously, the industry is undergoing a structural transition from traditional metal cans to flexible pouch packaging, influenced by logistical efficiency and enhanced consumer usability. Flexible pouches offer a lightweight, shelf-stable alternative that eliminates the need for draining, thereby addressing modern preferences for on-the-go consumption while reducing freight costs for exporters. This packaging shift is gaining substantial traction in major global markets; according to Atuna, August 2025, in the 'US Pouch Importers Anticipated Effects Of Upcoming Tariffs' report, the United States recorded a 12 percent growth in tuna pouch imports during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year, signaling a sustained move away from rigid containers.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment is currently recognized as the fastest-growing distribution channel within the global canned tuna market. This rapid expansion is primarily attributed to the non-perishable nature of canned tuna, which renders it highly suitable for bulk purchasing and efficient shipping via e-commerce platforms. Furthermore, consumers are increasingly utilizing digital marketplaces to access a wider assortment of products, including premium and sustainably sourced options that may not be available in physical retail stores. Consequently, the convenience of home delivery and the inherent durability of the product continue to drive the accelerated adoption of online purchasing globally.

Regional Insights

Europe holds the leading position in the global canned tuna market, driven by high per capita consumption and a robust processing sector in countries like Spain and Italy. The region’s dominance is supported by strict safety and sustainability standards mandated by the European Commission, which encourages the import of compliant, certified products. Furthermore, established distribution networks and a strong consumer preference for convenient, protein-rich foods ensure consistent market demand. These factors collectively secure Europe's status as the primary destination for global tuna trade.

Recent Developments

• In August 2025, Bumble Bee Seafoods debuted a new product line called "Snackers," consisting of single-serve canned tuna available in various pre-mixed flavors like Thai Chili, Lemon Pepper, and Hickory Smoke. The Chief Executive Officer of the company explained that the launch aimed to provide a convenient, affordable, and high-protein snacking solution that did not require draining. Data cited by the company indicated that a significant majority of consumers still preferred canned formats over pouches, prompting this innovation. The new 3-ounce cans were designed to be eaten directly from the container, catering to the evolving snacking habits of younger demographics.
• In September 2024, Rio Mare, a prominent brand under the Bolton Group, introduced a new product line known as "Tuna Slices," designed to offer a premium and convenient seafood experience. The product featured hand-cut tuna fillets that were vacuum-packed to preserve freshness and texture, eliminating the need for draining before consumption. Available in varieties such as olive oil and a version with lime and ginger, the launch targeted modern consumers seeking healthy, ready-to-eat protein options. The company highlighted that the tuna used was sourced from fisheries certified for sustainability, aligning with the group's commitment to responsible sourcing practices.
• In August 2024, the sustainable seafood company Wild Planet announced a strategic collaboration with health-focused brands Simple Mills and Chosen Foods to release a limited-edition product. The companies jointly launched a "Wild Tuna Snack Pack" that combined Wild Planet's sustainably caught skipjack tuna with almond flour crackers from Simple Mills and a dressing from Chosen Foods. The Vice President of Marketing at Wild Planet noted that the partnership was driven by consumer demand for convenient, high-quality, and nutritious snacking options. The ready-to-eat kit featured tuna seasoned with dill pickle and lemon, catering to the growing market for clean-label, on-the-go meals.
• In June 2024, the United Kingdom-based seafood brand John West, which is part of the Thai Union Group, launched a sustainable packaging innovation named "EcoTwist" for its canned tuna products. The company replaced traditional plastic shrink wrap with a patent-pending aluminum "SmartStrip" that holds the stacked cans together, a design intended to significantly reduce packaging waste. The Managing Director of the brand stated that this new format eliminated excess material and saved over 400 tonnes of steel annually due to a redesigned lighter can. This development was described as a major step in the company's strategy to minimize environmental impact across its supply chain.

Key Market Players

• Frinsa Del Noroeste S.A
• Century Pacific Group, Inc.
• Jesús Alonso, S.A.
• Thai Union Group PCL.
• FCF Co., Ltd
• CALVO DISTRIBUCIÓN ALIMENTARIA SLU
• Wild Planet Foods, Inc.
• PT. Aneka Tuna Indonesia
• American Tuna, Inc
• Ocean Brands GP.

By Tuna Species	By Flavor	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Skipjack Canned Tuna Albacore Canned Tuna Yellowfin Canned Tuna Bluefin Canned Tuna and Others	Lemon Spicy Tomato Picante Clover Leaf and Others	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Food Specialty Stores Online and Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Canned Tuna Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Canned Tuna Market, By Tuna Species:

• Skipjack Canned Tuna
• Albacore Canned Tuna
• Yellowfin Canned Tuna
• Bluefin Canned Tuna
• and Others

• Canned Tuna Market, By Flavor:

• Lemon
• Spicy
• Tomato
• Picante
• Clover Leaf
• and Others

• Canned Tuna Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Food Specialty Stores
• Online
• and Others

• Canned Tuna Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE