Canned Tuna Market Poised for Robust Growth Through 2035: Innovation, Sustainability, and Premiumization Drive Industry Expansion

The global canned tuna market, currently valued at USD 11.15 billion in 2025, is on track to reach USD 17.83 billion by 2035, registering a steady CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period. As consumers increasingly seek convenient, protein-rich, and shelf-stable food options, canned tuna continues to assert itself as a key player in the global protein market. With usage spanning salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and meal kits, canned tuna remains an accessible and versatile staple for households, restaurants, and foodservice operators worldwide.

Full Market Report available for delivery. For purchase or customization, please request here – https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-14896

Market Dynamics Fueling Growth

The rising popularity of canned tuna is influenced by several factors, including increased seafood consumption, competitive pricing, and economic considerations such as inflation and cost-conscious consumer behavior. Manufacturers are responding to these trends by differentiating products and innovating with flavored tuna pouches, gourmet fillets, and protein-rich snack packs. Market leaders such as Thai Union Group, Bolton Group, Starkist, Dongwon Industries, and Bumble Bee Foods are leveraging sustainability strategies, mergers, and technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge.

Eco-conscious packaging initiatives, including BPA-free cans and recyclable pouches, are redefining industry standards, while consumers increasingly favor low-mercury, high-omega-3, and clean-label options. Premium products, organic-certified lines, and pole-and-line-caught tuna are gaining traction in mature markets like Japan, the United States, and Europe. Simultaneously, retailers’ private-label brands are posing competitive pressure, prompting established manufacturers to emphasize transparency, branding, and sustainability certifications.

Navigating Regulatory and Supply Chain Challenges

The global supply chain for canned tuna is navigating stringent regulatory frameworks, including EU and U.S. restrictions on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Leading companies are turning to blockchain technology and sustainable sourcing partnerships to enhance traceability and safeguard market share. Digital and e-commerce channels are also gaining prominence, with consumers increasingly purchasing bulk tuna, variety packs, and ready-to-eat meal kits online.

Asia-Pacific continues to dominate production due to robust fishing infrastructure and cost advantages, while North America and Europe remain key markets for premium and value-added products. The combination of nutritional benefits, convenience, and sustainability is expected to drive growth in both established and emerging markets.

Key Market Segments and Consumer Preferences

Product Type: Canned light tuna is projected to command a 50% market share in 2025, largely due to its affordability, mild flavor, and versatility. Skipjack and yellowfin varieties dominate this segment, while bulk packaging, single-serve pouches, and innovative flavors continue to attract consumers across age groups.

Product Form: Chunk tuna leads with a 40% market share, valued for its texture, versatility, and convenience. Ideal for salads, sandwiches, and pasta, chunk tuna resonates with busy households and commercial foodservice operators. Leading brands, including Bumble Bee, Century Pacific, and Jealsa Rianxeira, offer multiple packing options, enhancing accessibility and ease of use.

Flavor: Flavored tuna is expected to achieve the highest CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, fueled by consumers seeking bold, ethnic, and gourmet flavors. Thai Union and Bolton Group are introducing region-specific and limited-edition options, aligning with evolving culinary trends and the demand for high-protein, ready-to-eat snacks.

Sales Channel: Online retail is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.2%, reflecting the global shift toward e-commerce and home delivery. Personalized offers, subscription models, and digital promotions are driving sales, while DTC channels allow brands to showcase specialty flavors and sustainable options not widely available offline.

Addressing Raw Material and Safety Concerns

Price volatility in raw materials and supply chain disruptions remain key challenges due to fluctuating catch rates, fuel costs, and geopolitical tensions. Manufacturers are mitigating these risks by diversifying sourcing locations, modernizing fleets, entering long-term agreements with fishing cooperatives, and enhancing supply chain transparency.

Consumer concerns over mercury and microplastic contamination have prompted brands to prioritize lab-tested, low-mercury tuna, pole-and-line fishing, and FAD-free sourcing. Additional purification protocols, third-party testing, and clean-label packaging are helping companies maintain consumer trust and gain a competitive edge.

Premiumization and Health-Focused Innovations

Health-conscious diets and high-protein trends, such as keto and paleo, are inspiring new product innovations. Manufacturers are introducing flavored tuna pouches, protein snack packs, and ready-to-eat bowls with superfoods like quinoa and chickpeas. Premium offerings—including artisanal, hand-filleted, and sustainably sourced tuna—are gaining traction in markets such as Japan, Italy, and North America.

In Japan, companies like Hagoromo Foods and Maruha Nichiro are redefining canned tuna as a gourmet experience with high-end fillets, specialty sauces, and gift-packaged assortments. In Italy, brands including Rio Mare and Callipo are launching Mediterranean-infused fillets, truffle-flavored options, and herb-marinated products, elevating tuna in both retail and culinary applications.

Competitive Landscape

The global canned tuna market is moderately concentrated, dominated by multinational players such as Thai Union Group, Bolton Group, Starkist, Dongwon Industries, and Bumble Bee Foods. These companies leverage global supply chains, brand recognition, and innovation to maintain leadership, focusing on sustainability certifications, digital traceability, value-added products, and strategic acquisitions.

Conversely, local and unorganized players thrive in price-sensitive markets, offering cost-effective alternatives through private-label offerings and local sourcing. MNCs are increasingly acquiring regional companies to strengthen their market presence, while private-label brands continue to pressure established players to differentiate through innovation, sustainability, and premiumization.

Country-Wise Insights

The United States, Japan, and Italy remain top consumers of canned tuna, with projected CAGRs of 3.8%, 2.5%, and 3.2% respectively through 2035. In the U.S., brands such as StarKist, Bumble Bee, and Wild Planet are expanding ready-to-eat meal kits and tuna-based innovations. In Japan, luxury-grade artisanal tuna and high-end retail branding are reshaping consumer expectations. Italy is witnessing a surge in Mediterranean-inspired and gourmet-infused fillets, catering to authenticity-focused households and restaurants.

Looking Ahead

As consumer preferences evolve toward health, convenience, and sustainability, the canned tuna market is set for dynamic growth. Innovation, premiumization, and strategic adoption of technology are enabling both established and emerging players to expand their footprint globally. With a combination of robust production capabilities, diversified offerings, and digital engagement, the global canned tuna industry is poised to remain resilient, adaptable, and increasingly sophisticated in the coming decade.

Leading Manufacturers Include:

• Thai Union Group PCL
• Bumble Bee Foods, LLC
• Starkist Co.
• Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd.
• Princes Group
• Bolton Group (Rio Mare)
• Century Pacific Food, Inc.
• American Tuna, Inc.
• Wild Planet Foods, Inc.
• Jealsa Rianxeira S.A.U.
• Frinsa del Noroeste S.A.
• Alfa Gamma Group (Calvo)
• Iberconsa Seafood Processing

Stay Ahead Grab the Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/brochure/rep-gb-14896

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.