Mia Patel
Chicken of the Sea is a seafood packaging and provider company that offers canned and pouched seafood products, including tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines. The brand is owned by the Thai Union Group, which is the world's largest canned tuna company. The company was founded in 1914 when Gilbert Van Camp purchased the California Tuna Canning Company and renamed it the Van Camp Sea Food Company. The unique name Chicken of the Sea was adopted in the 1950s as an advertising slogan and to describe the taste of their products. The name originates from fishermen's slang for white albacore tuna, which has a mild flavor and white flesh reminiscent of chicken. While the brand has gained popularity, it has also faced criticism from Greenpeace for its environmental and labor practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Chicken of the Sea? | A packager and provider of seafood, owned by the Thai Union Group |
| Where is it based? | Samut Sakhon, Thailand |
| What products does it offer? | Tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines in cans, pouches, and cups |
| Can I trace the origin of my Chicken of the Sea seafood? | Yes, you can enter the code on your package to trace its journey from fishing vessel to store shelf |
| What is the origin of the name "Chicken of the Sea"? | Fishermen in the early 1900s referred to white albacore tuna as "chicken of the sea" due to its white color and mild flavor, reminiscent of chicken |
| Is Chicken of the Sea sustainably sourced? | Greenpeace has criticized Chicken of the Sea for its environmental and labor practices, calling for more sustainable and ethical sourcing |
| Can I find Chicken of the Sea products in stores? | Yes, Chicken of the Sea-branded tuna is commonly found in grocery stores |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicken of the Sea is a seafood packaging and providing company
- The company was founded in 1914 by Gilbert Van Camp in Los Angeles
- The company name originates from fishermen's slang for white albacore tuna
- The company has been criticised for its sustainability and human rights record
- Chicken of the Sea products include canned and fresh seafood
Chicken of the Sea is a seafood packaging and providing company
The origin of the phrase "Chicken of the Sea" is attributed to fishermen in the early 1900s who used it to refer specifically to albacore tuna. The white colour of albacore tuna's flesh and its mild flavour reminded them of chicken. This variety of tuna is the only species that can be labelled as "white", and its unique characteristics make it distinct from other types of canned tuna.
Over the years, Chicken of the Sea has expanded its product offerings and distribution channels. In 2003, the company acquired Empress International, an importer of frozen shrimp and other shellfish, boosting its annual sales significantly. In 2006, Thai Union formed Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, a new division focused on premium fresh and frozen seafood products. This division enhanced the brand's awareness and presence in the food service and retail industries.
Chicken of the Sea has also faced some challenges and controversies. In 2015, the company was sued by Olean Wholesale Grocery, along with its competitors, Bumble Bee Foods and StarKist, for alleged price-fixing. Additionally, there have been calls for the company to improve its sustainability and ethical practices. Greenpeace has advocated for Chicken of the Sea to offer only sustainable and ethical tuna, addressing environmental and labour abuses in its supply chain.
Despite these controversies, Chicken of the Sea remains a prominent brand in the seafood industry, providing a range of seafood options for consumers. The company's products are known for their convenience, flavour, and nutritional value, catering to various culinary needs and preferences.
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The company was founded in 1914 by Gilbert Van Camp in Los Angeles
Chicken of the Sea is a seafood company that packages and provides seafood products such as tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines. The company was founded in 1914 by Gilbert Van Camp, the son of Frank Van Camp, in Los Angeles.
In 1914, Gilbert Van Camp moved to San Pedro, Los Angeles, and purchased the California Tuna Canning Company, changing its name to the Van Camp Sea Food Company. The company's first products were canned albacore, and in 1917, it became the first cannery to commercially pack yellowfin tuna. The Van Camp Sea Food Company adopted the advertising slogan "Chicken of the Sea" in the 1950s, a phrase that was originally used by fishermen to describe the taste and colour of white albacore tuna, which reminded them of chicken. The slogan was so successful that it soon became the company name.
In the 1950s, the company introduced its famous advertising mascot, Catalina, a blonde mermaid with a golden scepter, who became a familiar product icon. The company also created a well-known commercial jingle: "Ask any mermaid you happen to see, who's the best tuna? Chicken of the Sea". By the late 1950s, the company had achieved household recognition. In 1963, the Van Camp Seafood Company was purchased by Ralston Purina, and in 1972, the company name was changed to Chicken of the Sea International.
Chicken of the Sea International continued to expand and, in 2003, acquired Empress International, an importer of frozen shrimp and other shellfish, increasing its annual sales to US$600 million. In 2006, the company formed a new division, Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, to focus on sales of premium quality fresh and frozen seafood products. Today, Chicken of the Sea is owned by the Thai Union Group in Thailand and is one of the leading canned seafood companies in the world, specialising in a wide range of tuna and shellfish products.
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The company name originates from fishermen's slang for white albacore tuna
Chicken of the Sea is a packager and provider of seafood, owned by the Thai Union Group in Samut Sakhon, Thailand. The company was founded in the United States when Frank Van Camp's son, Gilbert Van Camp, moved to San Pedro, Los Angeles, in 1914 and purchased the California Tuna Canning Company, changing its name to the Van Camp Sea Food Company.
In the 1950s, the company adopted the advertising slogan "Chicken of the Sea". The phrase was initially used to describe the taste of the white albacore tuna, which fishermen referred to as "chicken of the sea" due to its white colour and mild flavour, reminiscent of chicken. The slogan was so successful that it soon became the company name.
The white albacore tuna sold by Chicken of the Sea is wild-caught and known for its firm, meaty texture and mild flavour. It is low in fat and a good source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids. The company offers this product in various forms, including solid filets and water-packed chunks, to cater to different culinary needs and preferences.
Over the years, Chicken of the Sea has expanded its product range beyond tuna to include other seafood items such as salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines. The brand has become well-known for its unique name and iconic advertising mascot, Catalina, a blonde mermaid introduced in the 1950s.
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The company has been criticised for its sustainability and human rights record
Chicken of the Sea is a packager and provider of seafood, owned by the Thai Union Group in Samut Sakhon, Thailand. The brand is attached to canned, pouched, and cupped tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines.
In 2008, Greenpeace USA published the first edition of 'Carting Away the Oceans' (CATO), in which it was revealed that not a single company out of 16 major US retailers ranked on seafood sustainability received a passing score. Most of the companies surveyed had weak or non-existent policies on sustainability. Chicken of the Sea was also accused of hiding behind ineffective policies and not committing to offering sustainable and ethical tuna.
In 2023, Greenpeace USA published the third edition of its scorecard measuring the human rights and sustainability practices of 16 major US supermarkets' tuna supply chains. Only two retailers achieved a passing score. Chicken of the Sea was criticised for its supply chain, with Greenpeace calling on the company to make serious changes.
Despite these criticisms, Thai Union, the parent company of Chicken of the Sea, has ranked in the top 1% of the world's most sustainable food companies in the S&P Global Assessment for 2024. The company has also received the 2024 Sustainability Disclosure Award from the Thaipat Institute and ranked #1 on the Seafood Stewardship Index for Sustainability out of the world's top 30 seafood companies.
Chicken of the Sea has also introduced SeaChange®, a sustainability plan with solutions for both people and the planet to support a better future for all. The company works to ensure fair wages and benefits for workers, as well as safe and healthy working conditions. They also have responsible sourcing strategies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard against climate change.
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Chicken of the Sea products include canned and fresh seafood
Chicken of the Sea is a seafood packaging and distribution company based in Thailand. The company offers a range of seafood products, including canned and fresh seafood options, under its brand name and its sister brands, Genova and Ace of Diamonds.
The brand name "Chicken of the Sea" was originally used to describe white albacore tuna, referencing the white colour of its flesh and its mild flavour, reminiscent of chicken. The company adopted this as its advertising slogan in the 1950s, and it eventually became the company name.
Chicken of the Sea offers a variety of seafood products, including tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines. These seafood options are available in cans, pouches, and cups, providing convenient and tasty options for consumers. The company's products are known for their flavour and nutritional value, including protein and omega-3s.
In addition to their packaged seafood, Chicken of the Sea also has a frozen foods division, established in 2006, which focuses on premium-quality fresh and frozen seafood. This division has contributed to the company's brand awareness and distribution expansion in the food service and retail industries.
The company also prioritises sustainability and transparency. Through their SeaChange® initiative, they aim to create solutions for both people and the planet. As part of this effort, Chicken of the Sea allows consumers to trace the journey of their tuna or salmon from the fishing vessel to the store shelf by entering the code on their package.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken of the Sea is a brand of canned seafood products, including tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines.
In the early 1900s, fishermen referred to white albacore tuna as "chicken of the sea" due to its white colour and mild flavour, which reminded them of chicken.
Yes, Chicken of the Sea is primarily associated with canned tuna, which is a sea-caught fish.
Chicken of the Sea is owned by the Thai Union Group, which also owns the brands Genova and Ace of Diamonds.
Chicken of the Sea products are widely available in grocery stores and supermarkets, particularly in the United States.
