Tinned fish has a rich history, full of individuals who have been at work delivering incredible, delicately prepared fish for enthusiasts like us to enjoy. But how long exactly is that really?
In this blog post, we’re going to highlight 5 classics – the wise master companies who have been operating non-stop for the better part of a century (or more!). Discover more about these seasoned masters in the traditional canned fish craft.
Ramón Peña – est: 1920
This Galician cannery is one of our all-time favorites and of the brands of which we stock the most individual items. Ramón Peña is a powerhouse across all seafood types - that's directly linked to the experience and high-quality methods involved in preparing every tin.
The company takes its name from the original founder and what better way to honor his memory (and the hard work of all those who have come since!) than to enjoy a superb tin of sardines or stuff squid with friends.
Nuri – est: 1935
Four Portuguese partners came together in Matosinhos to form Pinahais & Cia. Together they built a cannery considered a historical monument and marvel for tourists to visit. But that's not all.
In their second decade together, NURI was born and has since become a cult classic, hugely popular all around the world. Why Nuri?
The word is often used in Portuguese to describe "unmatched", or "something truly beautiful"
Every tin is prepared by hand using traditional methods, ensuring only the finest fish is tinned and that you get the highest-quality flavors. If you're looking to experiment and explore what the best sardines or mackerel are, their range is an essential place to start.
Real Conservera Española – est: 1920
These Galician masters have clear goal in mind - to preserve a family legacy that has spanned over 100 years and to deliver seafood of the highest quality for people to enjoy. Everything is prepared using artisanal methods, fished and sourced using sustainable methods and ultimately delivered to you with the passion of world-class craftsmanship.
Four of the products that we stock in our shop are so highly valued that they were classed in the Top 10 of the World's Best Canned Products From the Sea
Espinaler – est: 1896
The story begins when Miquel Reira y Prat settled in Vilassar de Mar (a neighbourhood of Barcelona) and opened the doors of their new tavern, Espinaler. It now operates under the management of David and Miki Tapias - Mr. Reira y Prat's great-great-grandsons.
In the 100 years since the business began, Espinaler has expanded to become an expert in whole host of different food types. Some examples include:
- A premium quality vermouth (one of the best at the time!)
- A renowned sauce that's since become world-famous
- A range of superb almonds which make for a great appetizer
- (most importantly for us) the company began trips to Galicia in the 1970's to hand-pick the best seafood for the new seafood preserves range.
If you're curious for a premium experience, we recommend the Premium White Tuna Belly - this is one of the options from our shop that Nacho can't recommend enough.
Cabo de Peñas – est: 1898
The oldest brand from our list and hailing from Pontevedra, a city off the coast of Galicia. Their longevity says everything.
The priority Cabo de Peñas is to deliver you delectable seafood of the highest quality - if anyone deserves the title of the Masters, it's the delicate and deeply knowledgeable team behind these tins.
One of the products we particularly love is the Surimi Baby Eels in Spicy Olive Oil - an imitation of the rare angulas made using a delicious fish paste.
We're grateful to stock and share all this knowledge, care and attention passed down over the years. If you haven't tried any of these brands before, we'd love for you take the leap!
We hope you'll see just how much that mastery translates to delicious treats and for a cozy, healthy and hearty meal.
Are any of your favorite classic seafood brands missing from this list?
Let us know!
Did you know there’s also been a number of tinned fish brands with long histories that were closed down, but have been recently restarted?
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