PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1980381
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1980381
The global canned tuna market was valued at USD 29.66 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 30.46 billion in 2026 to USD 39.14 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 3.19% during the forecast period (2026-2034). Europe dominated the market in 2025 with a 43.96% share, supported by strong seafood consumption patterns and a high demand for ready-to-eat products.
Market growth is largely driven by rising consumption of packaged and convenience foods. Canned tuna offers long shelf life, easy storage, affordability, and strong nutritional value, making it a preferred protein source for busy consumers and working populations worldwide.
Leading manufacturers include Bolton Group, Century Pacific Food Inc., Grupo Albacora SA, Bumble Bee Foods LLC, and Thai Union Group PCL. The global market remains semi-fragmented, with the top five players accounting for nearly 40% of total share.
Market Trends
Growing Preference for High-Nutrition Diets
Consumers are increasingly incorporating protein-rich and omega-3-enriched foods into their daily diets. Tuna is recognized as an affordable source of high-quality protein and healthy fatty acids. It is widely recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to its nutritional benefits. Rising health awareness and the popularity of balanced diets continue to strengthen canned tuna demand globally.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted supply chains and reduced purchasing power due to job losses and lockdowns. Production slowdowns and rising product prices affected sales in 2020. However, canned tuna demand rebounded as consumers relied heavily on shelf-stable foods.
For example, Thai Union Group PCL reported 5.9% revenue growth during the first nine months of 2020, reflecting resilience in packaged seafood demand.
Market Dynamics
Market Drivers
Rising Demand for Ready-to-Eat & Ready-to-Cook Foods
The growth in working professionals and millennial consumers has fueled reliance on convenient meal options. Canned tuna saves preparation time while delivering nutritional value. In February 2019, Chicken of the Sea introduced resealable, recyclable single-serve tuna cups to target on-the-go consumers.
Expansion of E-Commerce Channels
Online retail growth and strengthened food supply chains have significantly boosted canned tuna sales. Consumers increasingly prefer digital platforms due to convenience, discounts, and doorstep delivery. During the pandemic, e-commerce became a major distribution channel for packaged seafood.
Market Restraints
Rising Demand for Plant-Based Alternatives
The growing vegan movement and environmental concerns have led consumers toward plant-based seafood alternatives. According to the World Economic Forum, China's plant-based product market reached approximately USD 12 billion in 2023. Additionally, the Good Food Institute reported 45% growth in U.S. plant-based meat sales in 2020, reflecting competitive pressure on conventional seafood products.
Market Opportunities
Launch of Flavored & Innovative Products
Flavor innovation is emerging as a strong growth opportunity. In January 2020, Thai Union Group PCL partnered with Pa Waen to launch spicy tuna flakes in turmeric, pepper, and lemongrass flavors. In 2021, the company introduced a DIY spicy tuna salad kit, encouraging customized meal preparation.
Market Challenges
Mislabelling & Species Substitution
Mislabelling and adulteration, including substitution with pseudo-tuna species, remain significant challenges. Such practices erode consumer trust and require stricter regulatory monitoring.
By Species
The market includes skipjack, albacore, yellowfin, bigeye, and others.
The skipjack segment dominated in 2026 with a 66.58% share, driven by its wide availability and commercial importance. Yellowfin remains another major species due to its strong texture and flavor.
By Type
The market is categorized into canned light tuna and canned white tuna.
The canned light tuna segment is projected to dominate in 2026 with an 87.33% share, supported by its strong flavor and high omega-3 content.
Canned white tuna is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.73% through 2032 due to its firm texture and low-calorie profile.
By Preservation Method
Oil-based preservation is projected to hold 70.98% share in 2026, as oils enhance flavor and maintain tenderness.
Water & brine is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.56%, preferred by calorie-conscious consumers.
By Shape
The chunks segment is estimated to lead in 2026 with 61.26% share, driven by its appealing size and suitability for sandwiches and salads.
Flakes are projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.68%.
By Distribution Channel
Retail is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.36% from 2025-2032, supported by supermarkets and online platforms. Foodservice demand remains stable due to the product's long shelf life and preparation convenience.
Europe
Europe was valued at USD 13.04 billion in 2025 and reached USD 13.35 billion in 2026, maintaining leadership with 43.96% share in 2025. France recorded USD 1.90 billion in 2025, while Germany is projected to reach USD 1.22 billion in 2026. The U.K. is expected to reach USD 1.56 billion in 2026.
North America
North America reached USD 8.25 billion in 2025 and is projected to generate USD 6.7 billion in the U.S. alone in 2026. The region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.83% through 2034.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is projected to reach USD 5.81 billion in 2026. China is expected to reach USD 1.15 billion in 2026, while Japan is projected at USD 2.10 billion and India at USD 0.22 billion.
South America & Middle East & Africa
South America generated USD 1.99 billion in 2025. The UAE market reached USD 0.22 billion in 2025, leading growth in the Middle East & Africa region.
Competitive Landscape
Key players focus on product innovation, sustainability certifications, and acquisitions. Companies such as Bolton Group, Thai Union Group PCL, Century Pacific Food Inc., and Bumble Bee Foods LLC continue expanding through flavored product launches and strategic partnerships.
Conclusion
The global canned tuna market, valued at USD 29.66 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to USD 30.46 billion in 2026 and reach USD 39.14 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 3.19%. Growth is supported by rising convenience food consumption, expanding e-commerce channels, and increasing preference for protein-rich diets. Despite challenges from plant-based alternatives and labeling concerns, continuous product innovation and strong regional demand-particularly in Europe-are expected to sustain steady market expansion through 2034.
Segmentation By Species
By Type
By Preservation Method
By Shape
By Distribution Channel
By Region