Sales of sustainable tuna are growing despite the cost of living crisis

Global volumes of tuna sold with the Marine Stewardship Council’s blue eco-label have grown by almost 10% year on year, according to new data.

MSC data shows sales of certified tuna increased from 193,363 tonnes in 2022-23 to 217,300 tonnes in 2023-24.

Volumes sold increased by almost 60% in the two years from 2020 to 21, when global sales were just 137,600 tonnes.

Most tuna with the MSC-certified label is canned, but the data also includes sales of tuna from fishmongers, frozen, ready-made meals or pet food.

In Great Britain, consumers purchased 15,360 tonnes of MSC-certified tuna in 2022/23, the highest figure to date and three times more than in 2020/21 according to the MSC UK Tuna Shopper Report 2023.

Forecasts for the MSC estimate that this volume will exceed 25,000 tonnes for the 2023/2024 financial year.

Protecting the sustainability of fishing

With commitments to sell 100% MSC labeled tuna from major brands such as Tesco and Princes by 2025, the volume of sustainably produced tuna bought by consumers in Britain was expected to increase further in the coming years, the company said. organization.

MSC-certified tuna accounted for around 33% of the total global catch at the end of 2023, with a further 20% of fisheries engaging with the MSC to improve practices but not fully certified.

The organization warned that work needs to be done to ensure fisheries remain healthy and sustainable.

“It’s no surprise that canned tuna is such a popular product; it is delicious, healthy and great value for money in these difficult financial times,” said Nicolas Guichoux, MSC Chief Program Officer. “But it is important that it does not fall prey to its own success.

“To secure tuna supplies, we must ensure it is caught in a sustainable way,” he added. “The increase in sales of sustainably produced tuna shows how much consumers understand this.”