The Canned Tuna Market size was estimated at USD 8.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Canned Tuna Market

Market Summary

The canned tuna market is a significant and mature segment within the global food and beverages industry, characterized by its long shelf life, affordability, and high protein content. This market is primarily driven by the widespread availability of tuna as a source of lean protein and its convenience as a ready-to-eat food product. Major production and consumption are observed across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with key players engaging in extensive fishing, processing, and distribution operations. The industry has seen a shift towards sustainable and dolphin-safe fishing practices due to increasing environmental concerns and stricter regulations. Product innovation, such as flavored tuna pouches and value-added products, is also gaining traction to meet evolving consumer preferences for health and convenience.

Key Highlights

The canned tuna market is distinguished by several key factors that underline its stability and potential for growth. The product's non-perishable nature makes it a staple in household pantries and emergency food supplies globally. Health and wellness trends have further bolstered demand, as tuna is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients. The market is highly competitive, with leading companies like Thai Union Group, Bumble Bee Foods, and StarKist Co. dominating through strong brand recognition and extensive distribution networks. Recent highlights include a growing consumer inclination towards products with transparent sourcing, ethical certifications like MSC, and offerings in alternative packaging formats beyond traditional cans, which are reshaping market dynamics.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

Key drivers propelling the canned tuna market include rising health consciousness among consumers, increasing demand for convenient and protein-rich food options, and the product's cost-effectiveness compared to other protein sources. The expansion of retail channels, particularly hypermarkets, supermarkets, and online grocery platforms, has significantly improved product accessibility. Opportunities are emerging from the development of new product variants, such as low-sodium, flavored, and premium tuna products, catering to niche consumer segments. However, the market faces restraints including growing concerns over overfishing, mercury content in tuna, and the environmental impact of fishing practices. Fluctuations in raw material supply and stringent government regulations on fishing also pose challenges to consistent market growth.

Concentration Insights

The global canned tuna market exhibits a high level of concentration, with a few major players holding a substantial share of the overall market. Thai Union Group, through its brand Chicken of the Sea, along with Bumble Bee Foods and StarKist Co., are the dominant forces, leveraging their extensive production capacities, established brand equity, and global distribution networks. This concentration is a result of significant capital requirements for fishing fleets and processing facilities, as well as the economies of scale needed to compete effectively. While these giants lead the market, there are numerous regional and local players that cater to specific geographic markets or specialize in sustainable and artisanal products, creating a competitive landscape with both global and niche participants.

Type Insights

The canned tuna market is segmented based on the type of tuna and the form it is packaged in. The primary types include skipjack, albacore, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna. Skipjack is the most commonly used species due to its abundance and smaller size, making it ideal for canning. Albacore, often marketed as "white meat" tuna, is typically sold at a premium price point due to its milder flavor and lighter color. In terms of form, products are available in solid, chunk, flaked, and grated varieties, packed in water, oil, or brine. There is a growing segment of value-added products, such as tuna salad kits and flavored tuna pouches, which offer greater convenience and are gaining popularity among younger demographics and busy consumers.

Application Insights

Canned tuna finds application across a diverse range of consumption scenarios, primarily driven by its versatility. The primary application is direct human consumption, where it is used as a key ingredient in sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and pasta dishes. Its role as a affordable source of protein makes it a staple in food service industries, including restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services. Furthermore, canned tuna is a critical component of food aid programs and emergency relief supplies due to its long shelf life and nutritional value. A growing application is in the pet food industry, where tuna is used as a flavor enhancer and protein source in premium pet food products, although this represents a smaller segment of the overall market.

Regional Insights

The consumption and production of canned tuna are distributed unevenly across the globe. Asia-Pacific stands as the largest producer, with countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines being major hubs for processing and export, thanks to their proximity to rich fishing grounds. North America and Europe represent the largest consumption markets, where canned tuna is a well-established pantry item. In these regions, demand is fueled by busy lifestyles and the popularity of healthy eating. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging as growth markets, with increasing urbanization and rising disposable incomes driving the adoption of convenient packaged foods. Regional preferences also vary, with some markets favoring tuna in oil and others preferring tuna in water.

Company Insights

The competitive landscape of the canned tuna market is defined by a handful of multinational corporations. Thai Union Group is the world's largest producer of canned tuna, owning major brands like Chicken of the Sea and John West. Bumble Bee Foods, another industry leader, is known for its extensive product portfolio and strong presence in North America. StarKist Co. is a key player, recognized for its brand leadership and innovation in packaging. Other significant companies include Dongwon Industries, which has a strong foothold in the Asian market, and Bolton Group, which operates the Rio Mare brand in Europe. These companies compete on factors such as brand reputation, product quality, sustainability pledges, and price, while also investing in marketing and new product development to maintain their market positions.

Recent Developments

The canned tuna market has witnessed several important developments reflecting evolving industry trends. A major focus has been on sustainability, with leading companies committing to 100% pole-and-line or FAD-free catch methods to address bycatch concerns and earn eco-certifications. There has been a surge in product innovation, including the launch of tuna products in retort pouches for easier consumption and reduced packaging waste. Companies are also expanding their offerings to include flavored tunas, meal kits, and protein packs to attract health-conscious millennials. Furthermore, strategic mergers and acquisitions continue to occur as companies seek to consolidate market share and expand their geographic reach. Investments in traceability technology to provide consumers with information about the origin of their tuna have also become a key differentiator.

Report Segmentation

This comprehensive market research report on the canned tuna industry provides a detailed analysis segmented across multiple dimensions to offer a holistic view. The segmentation includes type, categorizing the market by species such as skipjack, albacore, yellowfin, and bigeye. It is further broken down by distribution channel, covering hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others. The application segment analyses usage in direct consumption, food service, and other industrial uses. Geographically, the report provides in-depth insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. This multi-faceted segmentation allows stakeholders to identify specific growth pockets, understand consumer behavior patterns, and assess the competitive environment in each distinct segment of the global market.

FAQs

What are the health benefits of canned tuna? Canned tuna is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids which support heart and brain health, and essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins. It is a nutritious and convenient option for a balanced diet.

How long does canned tuna last? When stored properly in a cool, dry place, unopened canned tuna typically has a shelf life of two to five years from the date of manufacture, as indicated by the "best by" date on the can. After opening, it should be refrigerated and consumed within three to four days.

Is canned tuna cooked? Yes, the tuna found in cans is pre-cooked during the canning process. The fish is cleaned, cooked, and then sealed in the can, often with added water, oil, or brine. This means it is safe to eat directly from the can without further preparation.

What is the difference between light and white tuna? "Light tuna" typically refers to canned tuna made from smaller species like skipjack, which has a stronger flavor and a darker color. "White tuna" usually refers to albacore tuna, which has a milder flavor, a firmer texture, and a lighter, whiter color. White tuna is often priced at a premium.

Which companies are the biggest producers of canned tuna? The global canned tuna market is highly concentrated, with the biggest producers being Thai Union Group (brands include Chicken of the Sea, John West), Bumble Bee Foods, and StarKist Co. These companies dominate the market through large-scale operations and widespread brand recognition.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Canned Tuna Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Canned Tuna Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Canned Tuna Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Canned Tuna Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Canned Tuna Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Canned Tuna Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Canned Tuna Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Canned Tuna Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Canned Tuna Market
• Canned Tuna Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Canned Tuna Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Canned Tuna Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Canned Tuna Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Canned Tuna Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Canned Tuna Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Canned Tuna Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Canned Tuna Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

Report Customization

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