Canned Tuna Market Size to Climb USD 34.56 Billion in 2025

Canned Tuna Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2034

The Canned tuna market size is projected to expand from USD 34.56 billion in 2025 to USD 45.49 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. This market is set to experience steady growth in the coming years, supported by rising demand for convenient, protein-rich food options and increasing consumer preference for long-shelf-life seafood products.

Last Updated: 19 November 2025 Category: Meat Products and Seafood Industry Insight Code: 5923 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Canned Tuna Market Size Analysis & Forecast 2025 to 2034

The Canned tuna market size reached at USD 33.52 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to increase from USD 34.56 billion in 2025 to an estimated USD 45.49 billion by 2034, witnessing a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The market growth is fueled by increased consumer awareness of its health benefits, such as high protein and omega-3 content, along with its convenience and versatility as a food option.

Canned Tuna Market Size 2025 to 2034

Key Highlights

  • By region, Europe dominated the global market with the largest share in 2024.
  • By region, the Middle East & Africa is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
  • By species/product type, the skipjack segment held the major market share in 2024.
  • By species/product type, the yellowfin segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By product style / type, the light tuna segment contributed the biggest market share in 2024.
  • By product style / type, the white / albacore tuna segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By packaging format, the metal cans segment dominated the market in 2024. 
  • By packaging format, the pouches / tetra / flexible packaging segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the projected period. 
  • By distribution channel, the hypermarkets & supermarkets segment held the major market share in 2024.
  • By distribution channel, the online / e-commerce segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR between 2025 and 2034.

Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 3.1%
Market Size in 2025 USD 34.56 Billion
Market Size in 2026 USD 35.63 Billion
Market Size by 2034 USD 45.49 Billion
Largest Market Europe
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

What is the Canned Tuna Market? 

The canned tuna market involves the production, distribution, and consumption of tuna preserved in cans or pouches for retail and food service. This segment includes various tuna species (such as skipjack and yellowfin), packaging types (metal cans and pouches), and sales channels (supermarkets, specialty stores, online). Canned tuna is valued for its high protein content, long shelf life, convenience, and nutritional benefits (like omega-3s and vitamins). Market trends are influenced by consumer preferences for ready-to-eat foods, concerns about sustainability, and limitations in the global seafood supply. 

Canned Tuna Market Outlook 

  • Market Growth Overview: The canned tuna market is expected to grow at a rapid pace between 2025 and 2034, driven by the expansion of the foodservice and retail industries and rising demand for convenient food options. Restaurants, catering services, and fast-service outlets are increasingly using canned tuna in versatile dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and meal kits, driven by its affordability, versatility, and ease of use, further supporting market growth.
  • Sustainability Trends: The sustainability movement is shifting consumer preferences toward ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products. As awareness increases about the environmental impact of overfishing, bycatch, and unsustainable fishing methods, more consumers are choosing sustainably sourced canned tuna, often certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This surge in demand is encouraging manufacturers to adopt more eco-friendly fishing practices, such as using more selective fishing gear and sourcing tuna from well-managed fisheries. Additionally, concerns about sustainability are driving innovations in packaging, with companies increasingly opting for recyclable or biodegradable materials to cut waste.
  • Global Expansion: The market is growing worldwide due to rising consumer demand for convenient, affordable, and protein-rich food options, alongside an increasing focus on sustainability and health benefits such as omega-3s. Emerging regions, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, present significant growth opportunities driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and increasing demand for both traditional and sustainable seafood options.
  • Startup Ecosystem: The startup ecosystem within the market is thriving, with a strong focus on sustainability, health, and ethical sourcing to address key challenges in the traditional market. For instance, Israeli startup Wanda Fish is pioneering the development of cultivated bluefin tuna, aiming for regulatory approval in the U.S. in the coming years, which could revolutionize the industry by offering a sustainable alternative to wild-caught tuna. Additionally, startups in the market are improving transparency and ensuring health safety, while venture capital firms like Aqua-Spark are funding these innovations. Major tuna producers like Thai Union and Bumble Bee are also embracing these new trends by collaborating with alternative protein startups, expanding their product lines, and helping drive the industry's evolution toward more sustainable and health-conscious options.

Key Technological Shift in the Canned Tuna Market 

The canned tuna sector is advancing through technological innovations like vacuum sealing, advanced sterilization, and AI-driven inspection, which enhance product quality, shelf life, and efficiency. These advancements, along with automation in manufacturing processes, not only reduce production costs but also improve packaging, distribution, and overall market reach, enabling businesses to offer a broader range of ready-to-eat canned products while adhering to sustainability and food safety regulations.

Trade Analysis of Canned Tuna Market: Export and Import Statistics 

  • Global export and import statistics reveal that the leading three exporters of Canned Tuna are the U.S., Vietnam, and Ecuador. The U.S. dominates global Canned Tuna exports with 28,173 shipments, followed by Vietnam with 17,240 shipments, and Ecuador with 14,482 shipments.
  • In 2023, the top global canned tuna exporters were Thailand (USD 2.08 billion), Ecuador (USD 1.188 billion), China (USD 832.24 million), Spain (USD 792.49 million), and the Netherlands (USD 313.75 million). 
  • The U.S. remained the largest tuna importer worldwide, with an import value of USD 1.18 billion (13.48%), while Italy, Spain, France, and Germany combined accounted for USD 2.82 billion, representing 32.2% of global tuna imports. Thailand accounted for 38.14% of the U.S. tuna import market and also held significant import shares in Japan and Australia, at 57.1% and 77.6%, respectively. 

Canned Tuna Market Regional Insights 

Why did Europe Dominate the Canned Tuna Market?

Europe dominated the canned tuna market by holding the largest share in 2024. This is mainly due to the increased consumer demand for more convenient and healthier ready-to-eat meals. The market is further fueled by an increasing preference for nutritious seafood, especially high-protein fish, as well as rising awareness about sustainable fishing practices, prompting greater investment in high-quality raw ingredients and the expansion of retail networks to meet the needs of busy, health-conscious consumers. Moreover, the growing demand for ready-to-eat seafood products that suit the busy lifestyle of urban residents is driving more investment in premium raw ingredients. 

Germany Canned Tuna Market Analysis 

In Germany, the market is experiencing several key trends, including a growing preference for sustainable, responsibly sourced products, driven by rising consumer awareness of environmental issues and overfishing. There is also a rising demand for healthier, high-protein, and convenient ready-to-eat food options, as busy lifestyles make quick meals more appealing. Additionally, innovations in packaging, such as easy-open cans and environmentally friendly materials, are gaining traction, as consumers prioritize both convenience and sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

Middle East and Africa: The Fastest-Growing Region 

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for convenient, long-lasting, and nutritious food options, particularly in urban areas with busy lifestyles and limited refrigeration. Canned tuna's affordability, extended shelf life, and versatility make it a staple in many households, while rising health consciousness boosts the demand for its lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, product innovations, including convenient packaging and a wider variety of flavors, cater to diverse consumer preferences and further fuel market expansion in the region.

UAE Canned Tuna Market Analysis 

The canned tuna market in the UAE is experiencing strong growth, driven by its convenience, health benefits (rich in protein and omega-3s), and affordability compared to fresh fish. As a key part of the broader canned seafood industry, the market benefits from the UAE's diverse population and growing health awareness. In 2023-2024, the UAE imported 92 shipments of tuna from 22 international suppliers to 21 buyers, reflecting a 5% increase in imports from the previous year, signaling sustained market expansion.

What Factors are Driving the Growth of the Canned Tuna in North America?

The market in North America is driven by increasing consumer awareness of health-conscious diets, driving higher consumption of tuna, which is rich in protein and omega-3s. Additionally, the rising demand for ready-to-eat and convenient seafood options aligns with consumers' busy lifestyles, making canned tuna an ideal choice for portable and nutritious meals, further boosting market growth.

The U.S. is a major contributor to the market due to its high demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meals and increasing consumer focus on health and wellness. Tuna, with its high protein content and omega-3 benefits, aligns with growing trends for healthier food options. Additionally, the U.S. market is bolstered by its strong retail infrastructure, e-commerce growth, and consumer interest in sustainable, ethically sourced seafood, further driving demand for canned tuna products.

What Makes Asia Pacific a Notably Growing Area?

Asia Pacific is expected to experience notable growth in the upcoming period, fueled by rising seafood demand and increasing disposable incomes. Shifting dietary preferences, a growing need for convenient protein sources, and the fast-paced urban lifestyle are driving consumers toward ready-to-eat canned options. The region's strong tuna fishing and processing industries, particularly in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, also support market growth by ensuring a steady supply of canned tuna.

China Canned Tuna Market Analysis 

The market in China is driven by evolving consumer tastes and a growing awareness of the health benefits associated with seafood. Culinary trends in China are shifting, with an increasing interest in global cuisines that incorporate canned tuna, leading to its use in diverse dishes like salads and pasta. As consumers become more adventurous with their food choices, the versatility of canned tuna is gaining popularity, further fueling market growth.

What Potentiates the Growth of the Canned Tuna Market in Latin America?

The market in Latin America is witnessing steady growth, driven by a growing demand for convenient, protein-rich, and nutritious food options. Urbanization, coupled with changing lifestyles and an increased focus on health, is leading to a shift toward ready-to-eat and shelf-stable products, especially in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. As consumers adopt busier routines, canned tuna offers a practical solution that fits their need for quick and healthy meals.

Brazil Canned Tuna Market Analysis 

Brazil leads the market in Latin America due to its strong cultural affinity for seafood, with canned tuna being a staple in many traditional and contemporary Brazilian dishes. The country's growing urbanization, hectic lifestyles, and increasing focus on convenience, health, and protein-rich diets further fuel the demand for canned tuna as a quick, affordable, and nutritious food option. Additionally, Brazil’s large retail and foodservice sectors provide widespread accessibility to canned tuna, reinforcing its dominant market position in the region.

Segmentation Analysis

Species/Product Type Insights 

Why did the Skipjack Segment Dominate the Canned Tuna Market? 

The skipjack segment dominated the market in 2024 because of its widespread availability, affordability, and appropriateness for light tuna items, which are favored by buyers. Its lower mercury content compared to other tuna varieties makes it a healthier and more sustainable choice for frequent consumption, enhancing its appeal, particularly among health-conscious shoppers. The need for easy, ready-to-eat meals has increased, and canned skipjack tuna aligns seamlessly with this trend.

The Yellowfin Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period. 

Driven by its superior quality, prized for its firm texture and rich flavor, making it perfect for gourmet and upscale products. This demand is backed by rising health awareness, an emphasis on protein-rich foods, and a shift towards convenience and sustainably sourced seafood. 

The others segment, which include Albacore and Bigeye, is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period because of distinct qualities that attract various consumer segments, ranging from everyday affordability to premium tastes. Both species are considered more valuable than skipjack tuna, attracting a market that seeks more than just the typical canned offering.

Product Style/Type Insights 

How did the Light Tuna Segment Dominate the Canned Tuna Market?

The light tuna segment held the dominant market share in 2024 due to several factors such as affordability, high protein content, lower mercury levels, and versatility in various recipes. Light tuna appeals to consumers as a low-fat, nutritious protein option that is also budget-friendly and adaptable for a wide range of dishes, from simple sandwiches to elaborate casseroles.

The White/Albacore Tuna Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR During the Forecast Period. 

Albacore white tuna has a milder flavor and lighter color, often regarded as higher quality and closer to fresh fish. Consumers who prioritize health and have higher disposable incomes tend to choose white tuna, seeing it as a more premium option.

Packaging Format Insights 

Which Packaging Format Held the Largest Share of the Canned Tuna Market?

The metal cans segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024. Metal cans offer a complete barrier against oxygen, moisture, and light, which are key factors in food spoilage. Their strength allows them to withstand high temperatures during the sterilization process. For many years, canned tuna in metal containers has become a staple in homes worldwide, thanks to its reliability and convenience.

The Pouches/Tetra/Flexible Packaging Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate in the Market During the Forecast Period. 

Primarily driven by rising consumer preferences for convenience, portability, and sustainability, as well as logistical and production benefits for producers. The adaptable material provides a 360-degree surface for high-quality graphics and branding, enhancing shelf visibility and product differentiation compared to conventional cans.

Distribution Channel Insights

What Made Hypermarkets & Supermarkets the Dominant Distribution Channel in the Canned Tuna Market?

The hypermarkets & supermarkets segment dominated the market while holding the largest share in 2024. This is mainly due to their convenience, extensive product range, and competitive pricing. These retail formats provide a convenient shopping experience, enabling consumers to effortlessly buy canned tuna with their other groceries. They also offer a wide range of brands and varieties, often at reduced prices due to bulk-purchasing advantages and special deals.

The Online/E-commerce Segment is Observed to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period. 

Online platforms enable consumers to purchase items from home and receive deliveries at their doorstep, making it perfect for staple products such as canned tuna. Digital platforms offer a wide variety of products, including specialty and sustainably sourced options, enabling consumers to effortlessly compare brands and prices. Digital platforms enable brands to market directly to consumers, enhancing profit margins and fostering stronger customer connections. 

Recent Developments in the Canned Tuna Market

Dongwon F&B

  • Launch: In October 2025, South Korea’s leading canned food producer, Dongwon F&B, introduced its popular canned tuna products on Amazon in November, and expanded the market into the U.S. The company initially offered its Gochu Tuna and Super Tuna varieties online, and will launch vegetable, curry, and “Dongwon Matcham” tuna depending on sales performance. (Source: The Metal Packager)

Bumble Bee Seafoods

  • Launch: In August 2025, Bumble Bee Seafoods launched a new range, Bumble Bee Snackers, featuring single-serving cans of flavored and unflavored wild-caught tuna designed for busy consumers. The selection features Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoke, Sweet Heat, Thai Chili, Tuna Salad, and regular Chunk Light Tuna. (Source: Foodbev Media)

Top Companies in the Canned Tuna Market 

  • Thai Union Group PCL: Thai Union Group PCL is a prominent player in the canned tuna sector, recognized as the largest global producer of shelf-stable tuna products, with popular brands such as Chicken of the Sea and John West. The firm has also invested in innovation and research, such as its Global Innovation Incubator in Thailand, to explore new methods for processing and packaging tuna. 
  • Bumble Bee Foods, LLC: Bumble Bee Foods, LLC is a key competitor in the canned tuna industry, being the largest branded shelf-stable seafood firm in North America. The business provides an extensive range of canned and pouched seafood, featuring tuna, salmon, and sardines, marketed under brands such as Bumble Bee, Brunswick, Snow's, and Beach Cliff (in the US), as well as Clover Leaf (in Canada). 
  • Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF): Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF) is the top canned food manufacturer in the Philippines and the biggest canned tuna producer in the nation, featuring well-known brands such as Century Tuna and 555. It captures a leading share of the domestic market and is a significant exporter of private-label (OEM) canned tuna and coconut products to global markets, including the United States and the Middle East. 
  • Grupo Calvo: Grupo Calvo (currently known as Nauterra) is a significant entity in the worldwide canned tuna sector, recognized as Spain's top brand and maintaining robust market standing through its brands such as Gomes da Costa in Brazil and Nostromo in Italy. 

Other Key Players

  • Frinsa del Noroeste (Frinsa) (Spain)
  • Jealsa (Jealsa Group) (Spain)
  • Wild Planet Foods (USA, sustainable segments)
  • Aneka Tuna Indonesia (Indonesia)
  • American Tuna (USA)
  • Ocean Brands GP (USA)
  • Bolton Group (Italy)
  • StarKist Co. (USA)
  • Dongwon Industries (South Korea)
  • Crown Prince, Inc. (USA)
  • Natural Sea
  • John West/Princes (UK)
  • Stark Seafoods
  • Carson’s / Rio Mare (part of Bolton Group)
  • Pacific Seafood
  • Tuna Ventures / Local / Artisanal Brands

Segment Covered in the Report

By Species/Product Type 

  • Skipjack 
  • Yellowfin 

By Product Style/Type 

  • Light Tuna 
  • White / Albacore Tuna 
  • Flavored vs Unflavored 
  • Unflavored
  • Flavored

By Packaging Format 

  • Metal Cans 
  • Pouches / Tetra / Flexible Packaging 

By Distribution Channel 

  • Hypermarkets & Supermarkets 
  • Specialty Stores / Gourmet Retail 
  • Online / E-commerce 
  • Foodservice / Institutional (sandwiches, catering, ready meals) 

By Region 

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
  • Latin America
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  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The canned tuna market was valued at USD 33.52 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily from 2025 to 2034 at a CAGR of 3.1%, driven by convenience food demand, protein-rich diets, and expansion of retail and e-commerce channels.

Europe leads in consumption, while Middle East & Africa show the fastest projected CAGR due to urbanization and affordability needs. Asia Pacific also offers strong opportunities due to growing seafood consumption and processing capacity.

Consumers are shifting toward sustainably sourced, MSC-certified, low-mercury, and premium tuna variants. Ready-to-eat flavored tuna, flexible pouches, and clean-label products are also rapidly gaining traction.

Yellowfin tuna and white/albacore tuna are growing fastest due to premium positioning, better texture, and higher perceived quality. Flexible pouches are the fastest-growing packaging segment due to portability and lower logistics costs.

Automation, AI-based inspection, vacuum sealing, and advanced sterilization are improving safety, quality, and shelf life while reducing production costs, enabling scalability and wider product innovation.

Key players include Thai Union, Bumble Bee Foods, Century Pacific, Grupo Calvo (Nauterra), StarKist, and Dongwon Industries, all leveraging large-scale fisheries, global distribution, and innovation pipelines.

Stricter global regulations on fishing quotas, bycatch reduction, labeling accuracy, and food safety are reshaping sourcing strategies and increasing compliance costs but they also strengthen industry credibility.

The future is shaped by eco-friendly packaging, cultivated tuna startups, value-added flavors, protein-rich meal kits, and AI-enabled quality control creating strong opportunities for investment in sustainable seafood technologies.