Market
Canned tuna in Peru sits within a broader shelf-stable “conservas de pescado” sector supplied by capture fisheries and domestic canning plants, with products sold through modern retail and used in institutional/social-program channels. Export activity for Peruvian fish preserves is tracked under the non-traditional fisheries segment, while market access relies on sanitary certification by SANIPES and increasing buyer scrutiny on IUU/traceability for tuna supply chains.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with export-oriented canned-fish processing (including canned tuna)
Domestic RoleShelf-stable protein product sold through supermarkets and used in institutional procurement (e.g., social programs) alongside other canned fish products
Market GrowthGrowing (recent trade performance (Jan–Feb 2025 vs Jan–Feb 2024))recent export expansion reported for fish preserves in the non-traditional fisheries segment
Risks
Iuu Traceability HighMarket access for Peru-linked canned tuna trade can be blocked by IUU/traceability non-compliance: tuna is covered by the U.S. Seafood Import Monitoring Program (traceability from harvest to entry), and EU imports require validated catch certification with the EU’s CATCH system compulsory for imports from 10 January 2026. Documentation gaps can trigger border delays, rejection, or loss of approved-buyer status.Maintain vessel/lot-level traceability back to harvest, preserve landing and transshipment records, align product labeling/species with documentation, and run pre-shipment document checks against destination-market IUU/traceability requirements (SIMP/EU catch certification).
Climate MediumEl Niño-related oceanographic variability in Peruvian waters can shift species distribution and disrupt fisheries management and processing supply, creating raw material volatility for canning operations.Diversify sourcing strategies (approved suppliers and fishing areas consistent with management rules), and maintain flexible production planning and inventory buffers for key SKUs.
Labor MediumLabor exploitation and poor working conditions in parts of the fishing sector (including IUU-linked contexts in South America) create reputational and compliance risk for tuna supply chains, especially for buyers applying social-audit expectations.Implement supplier human-rights due diligence covering vessel crews and processing labor (work agreements, grievance channels, recruitment practices), and require credible third-party audits where feasible.
Food Safety MediumFood safety non-conformance (microbiological/chemical/toxicological indicators) can lead to detentions or recalls; Peru’s sanitary framework includes indicator-based controls for fishery products marketed domestically and for export.Operate a validated HACCP plan covering receiving controls, thermal process validation, seam integrity, and contaminant monitoring aligned to SANIPES indicators and destination-market requirements.
Logistics MediumCanned tuna is typically shipped as containerized general cargo; ocean freight cost spikes and route disruptions can materially raise landed cost and reduce competitiveness in price-sensitive channels.Use forward freight contracting where possible, optimize container utilization and SKU mix, and build contingency lead times for high-variability lanes.
Sustainability- IUU fishing and traceability scrutiny for tuna supply chains (increasing documentation expectations in key import markets)
- Tuna fishery sustainability measures in the Eastern Pacific under IATTC governance (management measures and compliance expectations for fleet activity)
Labor & Social- Labor violations and human-rights abuse risks associated with illegal/unreported/unregulated fishing in South America, with Peru included in labor-strengthening initiatives for the fishing sector
- Enhanced buyer due diligence on forced-labor risks in global tuna supply chains (reputational and market-access sensitivity even when product is legally sourced)
FAQ
Which Peruvian authority issues sanitary certificates for exporting canned fish products such as canned tuna?SANIPES is Peru’s national authority for sanitary and safety control in fisheries and aquaculture, and it issues official sanitary certificates for exporting fishery products when required by the destination market.
Which regions are highlighted as major centers for fish canning (“conservas”) production in Peru?SANIPES highlighted Áncash coastal localities as key canned-product production centers, including Chimbote, Coishco, Samanco, and Nuevo Chimbote.
What are examples of canned tuna brands commonly marketed in Peru’s modern retail channel?Examples of brands marketed in Peru include Primor (Alicorp) and Fanny (Molitalia), with canned tuna sold through major supermarket channels.