
Chicken of the Sea is a seafood packaging and distribution company that offers canned, pouched, and cupped tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines. The company was founded in the United States when Gilbert Van Camp moved to San Pedro, Los Angeles, in 1914 and purchased the California Tuna Canning Company, renaming it the Van Camp Sea Food Company. The term Chicken of the Sea was initially used by fishermen to describe white albacore tuna, referring to the white colour of its flesh and mild flavour, reminiscent of chicken. The company adopted this as their advertising slogan in the 1950s, and it became so popular that the company changed its name to Chicken of the Sea International. Today, Chicken of the Sea is a well-known brand, offering products like Chunk Light Tuna and Chunk White Albacore Tuna, known for their convenience, nutritional value, and versatility in recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | Chicken of the Sea |
| Parent Company | Thai Union Group |
| Headquarters | El Segundo, California |
| Products | Salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, sardines, and tuna |
| Tuna Types | White albacore tuna, light tuna |
| White Tuna Colour | White or light pink |
| White Tuna Texture | Semi-firm |
| White Tuna Nutritional Content | Omega-3 fatty acids, higher fat content |
| Light Tuna Types of Fish | Yellowfin, skipjack |
| Light Tuna Nutritional Content | High protein, low fat, omega-3s |
| Light Tuna Calories | 100-110 |
| Light Tuna Serving Size | 1 can |
| Light Tuna Sodium Content | 280mg-360mg |
| Light Tuna Protein Content | 20g-23g |
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What You'll Learn

Chicken of the Sea is a seafood brand
The brand has a long history, dating back to 1914 when Gilbert Van Camp purchased the California Tuna Canning Company and renamed it the Van Camp Sea Food Company. The company adopted the slogan "Chicken of the Sea" in the 1950s, which was initially used to describe the taste of their tuna. The unique name, which fishermen used to refer to white albacore tuna, became so successful that it eventually replaced the company name.
Over the years, the brand has changed hands several times, with ownership passing to Ralston Purina in 1963, PT Mantrust in 1988, and Tri-Marine International, Inc. and Edmund A. Gann in 2000. Finally, in 2001, Thai Union International, Inc. acquired full ownership of Chicken of the Sea and formed Chicken of the Sea International. Under Thai Union's leadership, the brand expanded its product offerings and established Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods in 2006 to focus on premium fresh and frozen seafood.
Chicken of the Sea has become a household name, with its products widely available in grocery stores across the United States. The brand has also gained cultural recognition, with references in popular media, such as the iconic episode of "Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica" involving Jessica Simpson's confusion between chicken and fish. The brand's iconic mascot, Catalina, a blonde mermaid introduced in the 1950s, has also contributed to its enduring popularity.
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The name comes from fishermen's nickname for white albacore tuna
The name "Chicken of the Sea" is derived from a nickname given by fishermen to white albacore tuna. The mild flavour and white colour of the flesh of this variety of tuna reminded fishermen of chicken. The unique name was adopted by the company as an advertising slogan in the 1950s and soon became the company name. The brand is now owned by Thai Union Group in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, and is attached to a variety of seafood products, including tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp, and sardines.
The white albacore tuna, also known as "chicken of the sea," is characterised by its white or light pink colouring and semi-firm texture. It is milder in taste compared to light tuna, which includes varieties such as yellowfin and skipjack. The white albacore tuna is 100% albacore and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein while being low in fat. It is often marketed as chunk light tuna or chunk white albacore tuna and is a versatile ingredient in various recipes.
The company Chicken of the Sea was founded in the United States when Gilbert Van Camp moved to San Pedro, Los Angeles, in 1914 and purchased the California Tuna Canning Company, renaming it the Van Camp Sea Food Company. The brand and its advertising mascot, Catalina the mermaid, became well-known, and the company expanded its business. In 1963, the Van Camp Seafood Company was purchased by Ralston Purina, and it changed hands several times before becoming a division of Thai Union International, Inc. in 2000.
The term "chicken of the sea" has become synonymous with tuna, and it is often used to describe the taste and characteristics of this popular seafood item. The nickname given by fishermen has not only stuck but has also played a significant role in shaping the branding and marketing of tuna products, with Chicken of the Sea becoming a well-known and trusted brand in the seafood industry.
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The company was founded in 1914
Chicken of the Sea is a seafood packaging and distribution company that has been in operation for over a century. The company was founded in 1914 when Frank Van Camp's son, Gilbert Van Camp, moved to San Pedro, Los Angeles, and purchased the California Tuna Canning Company. Gilbert renamed the company the Van Camp Sea Food Company, and it quickly became a prominent player in the seafood industry.
The Van Camp Sea Food Company adopted the advertising slogan "Chicken of the Sea" in the 1950s to describe the taste and flavour of their products. The phrase proved to be incredibly successful, and soon the company changed its name to Chicken of the Sea to match their popular slogan. This name change solidified the brand's unique identity and helped distinguish their products in the market.
The choice of the name "Chicken of the Sea" was inspired by the traditional nickname fishermen gave to white albacore tuna. The mild flavour and white colour of the fish's flesh reminded them of chicken. Recognising the uniqueness and memorability of this nickname, the founder of the company decided to adopt it as their brand name.
Over the years, Chicken of the Sea has undergone several ownership changes. In 1963, the company was acquired by Ralston Purina, and in 1988, it was sold to an Indonesian corporation, PT Mantrust. The company faced financial troubles, and eventually, Thai Union International, Inc. became the sole owner of Chicken of the Sea in 2000. Under Thai Union's leadership, Chicken of the Sea has continued to thrive and expand its global reach.
Today, Chicken of the Sea is a well-known and trusted brand in the seafood industry, providing consumers with a variety of seafood products, including tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp, and more. The company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility has further solidified its positive reputation and impact on the industry.
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It sells canned, pouched and cupped seafood
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 seafood products, including tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines. 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. He changed the company name to the Van Camp Sea Food Company, and in the 1950s, they adopted the advertising slogan "Chicken of the Sea". The phrase was initially devised as a way to describe the taste of their products and became so successful that it was eventually used as the company name.
Chicken of the Sea offers a variety of canned, pouched, and cupped seafood options. One of their popular products is the Chunk Light Tuna, which is wild-caught and packed in water. It is a good source of omega-3s, high in protein, and low in fat, making it a versatile ingredient in various recipes. This product is available in different can sizes, including 5 oz, 12 oz, 4-pack 5 oz, 10-pack 5 oz, and 12-pack 7 oz.
In addition to the Chunk Light Tuna, Chicken of the Sea also offers Chunk White Albacore Tuna, which is also wild-caught and packed in water. This variety is known for its classic mild flavour and is often used in low-fat, high-protein recipes. The Chunk White Albacore Tuna is typically sold in 5 oz cans, with a 4-pack option also available.
The company also provides other seafood options, such as salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines. These products are packaged in cans, pouches, or cups, offering convenient and accessible seafood choices to consumers. Chicken of the Sea's products can be found in grocery stores and retailers like Walmart, making them easily accessible to customers across the United States.
Over the years, Chicken of the Sea has expanded its business and made several acquisitions. In 2003, the company acquired Empress International, an importer of frozen shrimp and other shellfish, which boosted their annual sales significantly. In 2006, Thai Union formed Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, a new division focused on premium-quality fresh and frozen seafood products. This expansion allowed the company to diversify its offerings and cater to a wider range of consumer needs and preferences.
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Its products are wild-caught and water-packed
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 a variety of seafood products, including tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines. The company was founded in the United States when Gilbert Van Camp moved to San Pedro, Los Angeles, in 1914 and purchased the California Tuna Canning Company, renaming it the Van Camp Sea Food Company.
Chicken of the Sea offers a range of wild-caught and water-packed tuna products. Their Chunk Light Tuna in Water, for example, is a wild-caught and water-packed option. It features omega-3s and is marketed as high in protein, low in fat, and versatile for various recipes. It comes in different can sizes, including 5 oz., 12 oz., and 7 oz. cans, with the nutrition facts based on a 5 oz. can.
The company also offers Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Water, which is also wild-caught and water-packed. This variety is described as a classic, nutritious, and delicious option, with low fat and high protein. The 5 oz. can contains 100 calories, 1g of total fat, 0g of saturated fat, and 20g of protein.
The term "chicken of the sea" is said to originate from fishermen's terminology for white albacore tuna. The white colour of its flesh and its mild flavour reminded them of chicken. The founder of the company, Gilbert Van Camp, thought that "Chicken of the Sea" would be a unique and memorable name for a brand of tuna.
Chicken of the Sea has become a well-known brand, with its products easily recognisable on grocery store shelves. The company has also gained attention through pop culture references, such as in the iconic episode of "Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica" where Jessica Simpson was confused about whether she was eating chicken or fish.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken of the Sea is a brand that packages and provides seafood, including tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers and sardines.
The name "Chicken of the Sea" was first used to describe white albacore tuna, which has white flesh and a mild flavour reminiscent of chicken. The founder of the company thought it would be a unique name for a brand of tuna.
Chicken of the Sea sells chunk light tuna and chunk white albacore tuna.










































