Lucas Delgado
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, and sardines, sold in cans, pouches, and cups. 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 unique name Chicken of the Sea was derived from the mild flavour and light colour of white albacore tuna, which fishermen likened to chicken. The company's advertising slogan and mascot, a blonde mermaid named Catalina, further solidified the brand's recognition and success. Today, Chicken of the Sea offers a range of seafood products and is committed to sustainability through its SeaChange® initiative, allowing consumers to trace the origin of their seafood purchases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Chicken of the Sea |
| Company Type | Packager and provider of seafood |
| Company Owner | Thai Union Group |
| Owner Location | Samut Sakhon, Thailand |
| Branded Products | Tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines |
| Product Types | Cans, pouches, and cups |
| Sister Brands | Genova and Ace of Diamonds |
| Headquarters | El Segundo, California |
| Product Name Origin | White albacore tuna referred to as "chicken of the sea" by fishermen in the old days due to its mild flavor and light color |
| Mascot | Catalina the Mermaid, introduced in the 1950s |
| Mascot Inspiration | Grace Lee Whitney, who played Yeoman Janice Rand on Star Trek: The Original Series |
| Sustainability Plan | SeaChange® |
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What You'll Learn
'Chicken of the Sea' name origin
The name "Chicken of the Sea" is derived from the taste and colour of white albacore tuna. In the early days of fishing, fishermen noticed that the white albacore tuna had a lighter flavour and colour compared to other catches. As a result, they began to refer to this type of tuna as "chicken of the sea". The phrase was adopted as an advertising slogan by the Van Camp Sea Food Company in the 1950s and became so popular that it eventually became the company name.
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. In 1930, the business rebranded and started labelling its tins with the now-famous "Chicken of the Sea" moniker. The name was intended to highlight the similarities between the taste and texture of chicken and tuna, which can both be prepared in a variety of ways and are good sources of protein.
Over time, the company changed hands several times. In 1963, the Van Camp Seafood Company was purchased by Ralston Purina. In 1988, Ralston sold its Van Camp division to an Indonesian corporation, PT Mantrust, which encountered financial difficulties. As a result, the primary creditor, Prudential Life Insurance Company, became the majority owner.
In 1997, the company was acquired by an investment group called Tri-Union Seafoods LLC, which consisted of three partners with expertise in the seafood industry. This marked the beginning of a new era for Chicken of the Sea, as the brand expanded its product offerings and enhanced its distribution network in the food service and retail sectors. Today, Chicken of the Sea is a well-known brand, providing a variety of seafood products to consumers worldwide.
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Company history
Chicken of the Sea is a packager and provider of seafood, currently owned by the Thai Union Group in Samut Sakhon, Thailand. The brand is attached to tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines in cans, pouches, and cups. The company was founded in the United States when Gilbert Van Camp, son of Frank Van Camp, moved to San Pedro, Los Angeles, in 1914 and purchased the California Tuna Canning Company, changing the name to the Van Camp Sea Food Company.
The phrase "Chicken of the Sea" was initially used by tuna fishermen in the early 1900s to describe the taste and texture of white albacore tuna, which they found similar to chicken. The phrase was adopted as an advertising slogan by the Van Camp Sea Food Company in the 1950s, and the company's iconic mermaid mascot, modelled after Grace Lee Whitney, was introduced around the same time. The company believed that the name would be unique and help sell more cans of tuna. The mermaid mascot, named Catalina, soon became a familiar product icon.
In 1963, the Van Camp Seafood Company was purchased by Ralston Purina. However, in 1988, Ralston sold its Van Camp division to an Indonesian corporation, PT Mantrust, which faced financial troubles. As a result, the primary creditor, Prudential Life Insurance Company, became the majority owner. In 1997, the company changed hands again and was purchased by the investment group Tri-Union Seafoods LLC, which consisted of three partners with expertise in the tuna industry.
Chicken of the Sea has been an industry pioneer in implementing dolphin-safe fishing practices, introducing "The Mermaid Cares: Dolphin-Safe Policy" in 1990. The company is also a founding member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), demonstrating its commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
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Sustainability plan
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 and has since implemented several sustainability initiatives.
Chicken of the Sea's sustainability plan, SeaChange®, aims to support people and the planet for a better future. The plan includes initiatives for sustainable fishing practices and transparency in the supply chain.
Dolphin-Safe Fishing Practices
Chicken of the Sea was an industry pioneer in implementing dolphin-safe fishing practices, introducing "The Mermaid Cares: Dolphin-Safe Policy" in 1990. This policy ensures that all their seafood is sourced without harming dolphins.
Founding Membership of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF)
The company is a founding member of the ISSF, which has been active since 2009. This foundation brings together scientists, environmental organizations, and the seafood industry to develop and implement science-based solutions for sustainable fishing practices.
Traceability of Seafood Products
Chicken of the Sea understands that knowing where your food comes from is crucial for eating sustainably. They have implemented a traceability system that allows consumers to enter a code on their package to trace the journey of their tuna or salmon from the fishing vessel to the store shelf. This transparency helps consumers make informed decisions about the sustainability of their seafood choices.
Reduction of Equipment Malfunctions
In 2016, Chicken of the Sea recalled 107,000 cans of tuna due to undercooking caused by an equipment malfunction. To prevent such incidents from occurring again and to maintain sustainable practices, the company should invest in maintaining and upgrading their equipment regularly.
Sustainable Packaging
Chicken of the Sea can also explore sustainable packaging alternatives. They can research and develop packaging materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or made from recycled content. This reduces the environmental impact of their products and aligns with consumer demands for more sustainable options.
Chicken of the Sea's sustainability plan demonstrates their commitment to environmental and social responsibility, contributing to a healthier planet and happier consumers.
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Product range
Chicken of the Sea is a brand name for 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. These products are sold in cans, pouches, and cups, similar to the brand's sister brands, Genova and Ace of Diamonds.
The unique name of the brand originates from the early 1900s when tuna fishermen referred to white albacore tuna as "chicken of the sea" due to its mild flavour and light-coloured flesh, reminiscent of chicken. This phrase was adopted as an advertising slogan in the 1950s, and the company's iconic mermaid mascot, Catalina, was introduced soon after. The brand name was intended to evoke the idea that tuna, being widely available and accessible, is the "chicken of the sea".
Over the years, Chicken of the Sea has expanded its product range to include various seafood options. Here is an overview of their product range:
- Tuna: Chicken of the Sea is primarily known for its tuna products. They offer a variety of tuna species, including white albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna. Their tuna is sourced from different oceans and is available in various forms, such as canned, pouched, or fresh.
- Salmon: The brand also offers salmon products, including both wild-caught and farm-raised salmon. Their salmon is sourced from sustainable fisheries and is available fresh, canned, or smoked.
- Clams, Crab, and Shrimp: In addition to tuna and salmon, Chicken of the Sea also provides other seafood options, such as clams, crab meat, and shrimp. These products are often used in recipes and can be purchased fresh or canned.
- Mackerel, Oysters, Kippers, and Sardines: The brand also explores a range of other seafood delights. They offer mackerel, which is a fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, they provide oysters, known for their briny flavour and often used in recipes or enjoyed raw. Kippers, which are smoked herring, are also part of their product line, offering a unique flavour and texture. Lastly, sardines, small, oily fish packed with nutrients, are available through the brand.
Chicken of the Sea is committed to sustainability and has implemented the SeaChange® programme, which aims to support a better future for people and the planet. As part of their sustainability efforts, they also initiated "The Mermaid Cares: Dolphin-Safe Policy" in 1990, ensuring that all their seafood is dolphin-safe.
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Ownership
The seafood company Chicken of the Sea has changed ownership several times over the years. The company was founded in the United States in the early 1900s when Gilbert Van Camp purchased the California Tuna Canning Company, renaming it the Van Camp Sea Food Company. The company adopted the advertising slogan "Chicken of the Sea" in the 1950s, a phrase that was used to describe the taste of white albacore tuna. The phrase proved so successful that it also became the company name.
In 1963, the Van Camp Seafood Company was purchased by Ralston Purina. However, in 1988, Ralston sold its Van Camp division to an Indonesian corporation, PT Mantrust, which encountered financial difficulties. As a result, the primary creditor, Prudential Life Insurance Company, became the majority owner.
In 1997, the company changed hands once more when it was acquired by the investment group Tri-Union Seafoods LLC, comprised of three partners: Thai Union International Inc., a Thai conglomerate and one of the largest tuna packers in the world; Edmund A. Gann, the American owner of Caribbean Marine Service, Co., Inc., a tuna-fishing fleet; and Tri-Marine International, Inc., a global trading company dealing in tuna and tuna products.
Today, Chicken of the Sea is owned by the Thai Union Group, based in Samut Sakhon, Thailand. The brand offers a range of seafood products, including tuna, salmon, clams, crab, shrimp, mackerel, oysters, kippers, and sardines, which are sold in cans, pouches, and cups.
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Frequently asked questions
In the early 1900s, tuna fishermen used to refer to white albacore as "chicken of the sea" because of its mild flavour and light colour reminded them of chicken.
Chicken of the Sea is owned by the Thai Union Group in Samut Sakhon, Thailand.
Chicken of the Sea is a founding member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). The brand's sustainability plan, SeaChange®, allows customers to enter the code on their package to trace their product's journey from fishing vessel to store shelf.
Chicken of the Sea's mascot is a blonde mermaid with a golden sceptre, named Catalina. She was introduced in the 1950s and modelled after Grace Lee Whitney, who played Yeoman Janice Rand on Star Trek: The Original Series.
