Sustainability
Respecting the ocean, preserving tomorrow.
We are passionate about the sea and committed to protecting the future of our oceans. We focus on small-scale production and responsible fishing methods so that we can continue to enjoy the wonderful fish the sea provides for many generations to come.
Portuguese canned fish is a delicacy treasured in Portugal and around the world. Deeply rooted in Portuguese culinary culture—shaped by the natural abundance along the country's vast coastline and by a culture proud of its traditions and origins—canned sardines have become a national icon.
As an industry, we have a duty to the planet and to future generations to ensure that today's actions do not compromise tomorrow. Through the way we manage our resources, make our preserves and present them, we share the true taste of the sea: vibrant and diverse.
Sustainable fishing
Through niche, high-value production that resists the pressures of overfishing, we ensure that marine resources are used in a healthy, controlled way. This protects fish supplies and helps the entire ecosystem thrive. Only then can we continue to enjoy quick, delicious and healthy meals that are easy to prepare, versatile, long-lasting and convenient to take wherever we go.
We never take the richness and generosity of the oceans for granted. At The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines, we have followed a sustainable sourcing model from day one. In 2024, we looked forward to achieving MSC certification for our canned fish—an important seal confirming that our seafood comes from reliable, sustainable and certified sources, with transparency at every step of our supply chain.
Social impact
Protecting fishing also means protecting the livelihoods of fishers and the many women who work in the canning industry.
When we created The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines, we wanted to build more than a canned-fish brand. We set out to be an active champion of ocean stewardship, a promoter of responsible fishing, a supporter of local fishers and women, and an advocate for the sustainability of Portugal's canning industry.
When our factory began operating in 1942, production was artisanal because that was the standard across Portugal's canning industry. Today, it preserves those very same methods for different reasons: every fish is still prepared delicately by hand by people who have inherited generations of knowledge. Preserving that legacy is the key to our success. This distinction allows us to offer canned fish of extraordinary quality while paying fairly and securing the future of the fishers and master canners who dedicate themselves to their craft every day.
In a world that often races toward automation and mass production, we choose to hold onto the slower, more thoughtful ways of the past. These time-honoured methods are not merely nostalgic; they are inherently kinder to the planet. Artisanal fishing and hand-preparation demand fewer fossil fuels, generate less waste and rely on human skill rather than industrial machinery. By keeping these traditions alive, we reduce our footprint while nurturing a way of life that respects the ocean's limits.
We believe that the old ways, when guided by modern understanding, offer a path forward. Preserving this heritage is not just about safeguarding a craft; it is about protecting the future of our home and planet. Every tin we produce is a testament to the belief that sustainability and tradition can walk hand in hand, ensuring the sea remains abundant for the generations who will follow us.
