Canned Sardine Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034
Canned sardines, at the beginning of the century, were still a big no-no for the general populace, even the health-conscious ones. But with the advent of social media platforms and the rise of fitness gurus through them, the ‘fish in a tin’ trend is gradually picking up pace, especially in European countries.
This has created a conducive environment for the canned sardine market, whose valuation is put forth to cross USD 8,183.31 million as of 2024.
With millions of ‘instant recipes’ flourishing on the internet, demand for the product has touched an all-time high. Put forward to progress at a healthy CAGR of 7.50% through 2034, the market has seen unprecedented growth in European as well as Asian countries that have long coastlines and affluent populations living in them.
Sardines' capabilities in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases is also one of the main reasons for their increased acceptance in developing and developed countries like the United States, Japan, and Germany.
With sustainable sourcing, processing, and packaging trends, the market is in line to hit USD 16,833.18 million by the end of 2034. Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Thailand, where these fish are found the most are profiting from export-oriented production of sardines.
| Attributes |
Details |
| Market Value for 2024 |
USD 8,183.31 million |
| Projected Market Value for 2034 |
USD 16,833.18 million |
| Value-based CAGR of the Market (2024 to 2034) |
7.50% |
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Canned Sardine Industry Trends
- Manufacturers are innovating with the help of new flavors and seasoning options to cater to the demands of consumers with diverse taste preferences. The market is also influenced by on-the-go consumption trends of the general population, especially those living in urban settings. The ‘fish in a tin’ trend is well-suited to the canned sardine market.
- With the proliferation of eCommerce platforms in developing and underdeveloped economies, international companies involved in the industry can cater to a wider consumer base.
- Industry players are seen adopting sustainable fishing practices to attract eco-conscious consumers and businesses. Besides this, they are also not shying from showing off their efforts through campaigns and social media, which is further generating trust in their product offerings.
Category-wise Insights
Smoked Sardines in a Can Garner Admiration from Fish Lovers
Canned sardines come in two variants, smoked and cooked. Among these, the smoked variant is anticipated to hold a market valuation of 58.60% in 2024.
| Attributes |
Details |
| Product Type |
Smoked |
| Market Share (2024) |
58.60% |
- Smoking a fish not only enhances its flavor and texture but also gives it an extended shelf-life. Sardines are consumed for their protein, and this is why manufacturers make sure that they smoke sardines, thus preserving their quality while also enriching their taste.
- Demand for smoked sardines among the general populace is touching the skies as they can be used in a variety of culinary applications beyond simple consumption, such as salads, pasta dishes, dips, and spreads.
Consumers Still Prefer Supermarkets Despite the Advent of Online Platforms
Canned sardines are shelved across various platforms such as supermarkets, quick restaurant services, convenience stores, mass grocery retailers, etc. Among these supermarkets are expected to hold the highest market share of 23.50% in 2024.
| Attributes |
Details |
| Distribution Channel |
Hypermarket/Supermarket |
| Market Share (2024) |
23.50% |
- Consumers are still not used to the idea of purchasing fish online as they feel under-confident about the quality of fish in online purchases. Plus they can mitigate long shipping times and delivery charges if they simply opt for supermarkets.
- Easy availability of canned seafood products in supermarkets and hypermarkets is the main reason why people are reluctant to explore online options for purchasing them.
Country-wise Insights
| Countries |
CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
| Japan |
7.60% |
| India |
7.30% |
| China |
6.80% |
| United States |
4.50% |
| Germany |
3.50% |
Japan’s Growing Aging Population Benefits the Market
The Japanese market is slated to rise at a CAGR of 7.60% during the forecasted period.
- Japan is still dealing with the problem of a growing aging population. This demographic is more prone to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity and requires healthy dietary habits. Canned sardines provide just that. With an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients, they are the go-to food for the geriatric population in Japan.
- Japan is an island country with limited land for agriculture. The dietary habits of people on the Japanese island are mainly based on seafood. With advancements in processing methods, manufacturers are curating new products that focus on the convenience, health, and taste preferences of older consumers.
Long Coastline on Three Sides Contributes to the Growth of the Indian Canned Sardine Market
India is considered a lucrative country in this market. The market is set to surge at a CAGR of 7.30% in India from 2024 to 2034.
- India is blessed with a long coastline of approximately 7,500 kilometers on all three sides. This provides abundant opportunities for seafood consumption and thus canned sardines are popularly consumed in the country.
- Contrary to the global trend, the Indian population is also experiencing a shift in their dietary preferences as a substantial amount of them are turning towards non-vegetarianism. This factor has also positively affected the consumption rates of canned fish in the Indian market.
Preference for Canned Seafood over Fresh Ones Profits Chinese Canned Sardine Market
The market in China is a promising one. It is slated to progress at a CAGR of 6.80% through 2034.
- China is home to a mammoth population, with a major chunk of them being non-vegetarians. This sheer enormity of the population is enough for the manufacturers to recognize the immense market potential in China.
- Chinese suppliers are providing canned sardines in a variety of flavors and seasonings. For instance, Xiamen Gulong Canned Food Co., Ltd, a Fujian-based seafood company in China, is delivering canned sardines in tomato sauce or oil to meet the diverse preferences of consumers.
Rising Incidences of Cardiovascular Diseases to Propel Canned Sardines Sales in the United States
The United States market is likely to flourish in the coming years. It is slated to inflate at a CAGR of 4.50% through 2034.
- Heart diseases have been the leading cause of death in the United States since the middle of the last century. One in five deaths is caused due to coronary problems. This has set the right precedent for the manufacturers of canned sardines which are perceived as one of the best foods for patients dealing with heart problems.
- The ongoing trend of ‘fish in a tin’, due to social media sites and health influencers, with millions of virtual followers, has also contributed to the growing adoption of the product in the United States.
High Imports of Canned Sardines in Germany due to its Proximity to Portugal and Spain
The future of the German market looks bright. The market is slated to develop at a CAGR of 3.50% through 2034. Germany’s proximity to countries like Portugal and Spain, where sardines hold a cultural significance and are produced in surplus, has contributed significantly to the growth of this market in the country.
Competitive Landscape
The canned sardine market is gradually catching some momentum as social media influencers have brought in front of the world its health benefits. This opportunity has been extensively leveraged by key companies in the market as they have invested billions of dollars in expanding their consumer base.
The emergence of e-commerce platforms has also benefitted the market. These companies, to fulfill the demands of eco-conscious consumers have already started embracing environment-friendly fishing practices.
Recent Developments
- In August 2023, the Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine debuted in Times Square, resembling a glitzy bookshop but stocking rows of sardine tins. Comur, a Portuguese sardine company, leased the space, offering cans dating back to 1916, including $44 gold-flecked options.
- Also in August 2023, South Australia's Little Tin Co. launched as Australia's sole craft cannery, pioneering sustainable canned seafood. With a focus on sardines, the venture, led by Dan and Rachel Weeks, revolutionized the local seafood scene, offering gourmet options for diverse culinary applications.
- In January 2022, United States-based tinned seafood company Minnow launched its first line of products, including canned sardines.
Key Companies
- Wild Planet
- Crown Prine
- Santo Amaro
- Brunswick
- Matiz
- MW Polar
- Ocean Price
- Nuri
- Thai Union Group (TUF)
- Bumble Bee Food
- Natural Sea
- Frinsa del Noroeste
- Ongreen Thailand Co
- Ligo, Wild Planet
- Century Pacific Food
- King Oscar
- Others
Key Coverage in the Canned Sardine Market
- Demand Analysis of Canned Sardines in Tomato Sauce
- Market Overview of Canned Sardines for Dogs
- Canned Sardines Value Share in Canned Seafood Market
- Impact of Health Benefits of Canned Sardines Analyzed with Sales
- Emerging Trends in the Canned Sardine Market
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much is the Canned Sardine Market Currently Worth?
The market is expected to be worth USD 8,183.31 million in 2024.
What is the Sales Forecast for Canned Sardines Through 2034?
The canned sardine market is expected to reach USD 16,833.18 million by 2034.
At What Rate is the Canned Sardine Market Growing?
The market is in line to grow at a CAGR of 7.50% from 2024 to 2034.
Which are the Key Companies in the Canned Sardine Industry?
Wild Planet, Crown Prine, Santo Amaro, Brunswick, Matiz, MW Polar, and Ocean Price are some of the major players in the market.
What was the Value of the Canned Sardine Market in 2019?
The valuation of the market in 2019 was USD 6,024.30 million.
