Introduction – Portugal’s Tuna Market in Statistical Focus
Portugal isn’t just famous for its scenic coastlines and rich maritime history—it’s also a serious contender in the global tuna market. With a deep-rooted fishing tradition, particularly in the Azores, the country has carved a niche for itself in the global seafood trade. Canned tuna, in particular, stands out as a flagship product, contributing significantly to Portugal’s fishing economy and exports.
What makes Portugal’s tuna industry even more impressive is its strong commitment to sustainable fishing. Governed by the Directorate-General of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGPA) and supported by the Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB), the industry ensures a balance between economic output and environmental responsibility.
In such a dynamic market, selecting the right suppliers isn’t just about price—it’s about trust, consistency, and proven export capability. That’s where platforms like Freshdi step in, offering buyers access to verified suppliers, real-time RFQ trends, and detailed supplier performance data.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Let’s cut to the chase—numbers don’t lie. In 2022 alone, Portugal’s canned fish industry hit a production value of €468 million, with tuna making up a whopping €209 million—around 45% of that total. To put it in perspective, 80,000 tons of canned fish were produced, marking a significant 28% jump in value and 25% increase in volume compared to 2021.
Export Value and Volume
Fast forward to 2023, and we see Portugal exporting 24,000 tons of preserved tuna—an impressive 13% increase over the previous year. The total export value? A solid $149 million. That’s an average annual growth of 11.4% in volume and 13.4% in value between 2020 and 2023.
Key Export Destinations
Spain and France lead the charge, absorbing 29% and 24% of Portugal’s canned fish exports, respectively. For tuna specifically, Spain accounted for nearly half (48%) of all exports. Meanwhile, premium markets like the USA and Italy command higher average prices—€9.1/kg and €8.5/kg, respectively—showcasing the global perception of Portuguese tuna as a high-quality product.
Demand Signals from Freshdi
Freshdi’s RFQ (Request for Quotation) data echoes these trends. RFQs for Portuguese-origin canned tuna have surged over the past 12 months, especially from Western Europe and the U.S. This reinforces Portugal’s role as a dependable supplier on the global stage.
Top 7 Verified Tuna Suppliers in Portugal – Proven Export Performers
Below, we’ve handpicked the top 7 tuna exporters based on verified performance, global reach, export volumes, and customer reviews on Freshdi. These companies have consistently met international demand while maintaining high product standards.
1. Bricer Unipessoal Lda
- Specializes in high-quality canned tuna with customizable packaging.
- Strong presence in the EU and North American markets.
- Certified for HACCP and ISO 22000 standards.
2. Cofaco Açores
- One of the most iconic names in the Azorean tuna industry.
- Famous for its Santa Catarina brand and pole-and-line fishing.
- Exports primarily to France, Spain, and the U.S.
3. Cofisa – Conservas de Pescado da Ilha, S.A.
- Leader in sustainable fishing practices.
- Strong export reliability and consistent product quality.
- Offers both private label and branded tuna options.
4. Ramirez & Cª (Filhos), SA
- One of the oldest canned fish companies in Portugal.
- Operates under multiple brands including Ramirez and Cocagne.
- Focuses on innovation and clean-label products.
5. A Poveira – Conservas de Peixe Lda
- Known for traditional recipes and artisanal processing.
- Significant exports to Italy and the UK.
- Offers MSC-certified tuna products.
6. Nero Food, Lda
- A fast-growing exporter with a modern production facility.
- Competitive pricing and flexible supply contracts.
- Active in both retail and foodservice sectors.
7. Vallegre Conservas
- Leverages strategic sourcing from both the Azores and mainland Portugal.
- Focused on organic and sustainable tuna varieties.
- Regularly featured as a “Supplier of the Month” on Freshdi.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Freshdi regularly updates its supplier rankings based on recent export data, buyer feedback, and RFQ fulfillment rates. Keep an eye out for “Top Supplier of the Month” badges that highlight real-time performance trends.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Navigating Portugal’s tuna market isn’t just about finding a good supplier—it’s about understanding the bigger picture. Let’s break down some of the market’s key trends.
Production and Export Trends
The Portuguese canned fish industry is booming. In 2022, over 60% of the total production was exported, raking in €334 million in 2023—a 10% increase from the previous year. Tuna, unsurprisingly, is the star of the show.
Import Dynamics
Interestingly, Portugal also imported 67,000 tons of canned seafood worth €289 million in 2022. More than half of these imports were canned tuna, with Spain being the top supplier, contributing 59%.
This mix of robust exports and strategic imports allows Portugal to meet both domestic and foreign demand, positioning itself as a global hub for processed seafood.
Price Fluctuations
Prices vary by market, but high-value destinations like the U.S. and Italy pay top dollar. The average export price reached €9.10/kg in the U.S. in 2023, showing the premium perception of Portuguese tuna.
Recent Developments Worth Noting
- EU-Cabo Verde Fishing Agreement (Feb 2025): This deal allows Portuguese vessels to fish up to 7,000 tons of tuna annually in Cabo Verde’s waters. It’s a big win for supply chain stability and raw material access.
- Vietnamese Imports on the Rise: Vietnam’s tuna exports to Portugal shot up by 353% in 2024 and continued growing by 313% into early 2025, totaling over $1.6 million. Vietnam is now the second-largest non-EU tuna supplier to Portugal.
- Traditional Fishing Challenges: The pole-and-line tuna industry in the Azores is facing stiff economic pressure. Quotas and moratoriums are hitting artisanal fishers hard, affecting about 2,000 workers.
Seasonal Trends and Strategy Tips
- Peak Demand: Q2 and Q3 tend to see the highest export volumes due to summer consumption patterns in Europe.
- Best Time to Buy: Q4 often offers better pricing as inventory builds up.
- Freshdi Insight: Using real-time RFQ data, you can spot these trends early and plan your procurement strategy accordingly.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Portugal’s tuna industry is more than just a legacy—it’s a modern, data-backed powerhouse in the global seafood supply chain. With strong production capacity, rising exports, and a solid reputation for quality, it remains one of the most reliable sources for canned tuna worldwide.
And when it comes to selecting your supplier? Let performance data guide you. Verified exporters like those listed above have the track record to prove their value. Platforms like Freshdi make it easy to access dynamic supplier rankings, market intelligence, and RFQ trends—all in one place.
Whether you’re a wholesaler, importer, or foodservice buyer, tapping into Freshdi’s tools can help you make smarter, faster, and more profitable decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Portugal is a top-tier player in the global canned tuna market, with exports valued at $149 million in 2023.
- Spain, France, and the U.S. are key destination markets, reflecting a strong demand for Portuguese-quality tuna.
- Verified suppliers like Bricer Unipessoal Lda are leading the charge in export performance.
- Price trends show premium positioning in markets like the U.S. and Italy.
- Platforms like Freshdi help buyers stay ahead with real-time supplier data and demand signals.
Checklist for Tuna Buyers
- ✅ Verify supplier certifications (HACCP, ISO, MSC, etc.)
- ✅ Monitor RFQ trends on Freshdi to time purchases strategically.
- ✅ Consider seasonal price shifts when planning inventory.
- ✅ Prioritize suppliers with proven export reliability.
- ✅ Explore alternate sourcing from Vietnam and Ecuador for price leverage.
Future Outlook
Portugal’s tuna export sector is set for stable growth, thanks to sustainable practices, trade agreements, and diversified sourcing. However, challenges such as artisanal fleet sustainability and global competition will require continued innovation.
Buyers who align with data-driven platforms like Freshdi will be the ones best equipped to adapt and thrive.
References
- Fishing Industry in Portugal – Wikipedia
- Tuna Export Trends – The Portugal News
- IndexBox Tuna Export Data
- Vietnam Tuna Exports – Baird Maritime
- EU & Cabo Verde Fishing Agreement – European Parliament
- Import Data – Aman Alliance
- Vietnam Tuna Surge – VASEP
FAQs
1. What makes Portuguese tuna stand out in global markets?
Portugal’s tuna is known for its high quality, sustainable fishing practices, and artisanal processing methods, especially from the Azores.
2. When is the best time to buy tuna from Portugal?
Q4 often sees favorable pricing due to lower demand and higher stock availability. Use Freshdi’s RFQ trends to optimize your timing.
3. Are Portuguese tuna suppliers certified for international markets?
Yes, most top suppliers hold certifications like HACCP, ISO 22000, and MSC for sustainability and food safety.
4. How can I verify a supplier’s reliability?
Platforms like Freshdi provide buyer reviews, export histories, and supplier ratings to help you make informed decisions.
5. Is there a risk of supply shortages in traditional tuna fishing methods?
Yes, especially in regions like the Azores, where quotas and economic pressures are impacting artisanal fleets. Diversifying sourcing is advisable.
