About John West
John West stands as Britain's most trusted name in canned seafood, bringing quality fish to UK households for over 165 years. From its Liverpool origins in 1857 to its current position as a leading global seafood brand, John West has evolved from a simple canned salmon importer to an innovative company offering tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and convenient ready-to-eat meals. The brand's commitment to traceability and sustainability ensures consumers can enjoy seafood with confidence about its origins. The John West story begins in 1857 when T. L. Pelling and C. H. Stanley founded Pelling Stanley and Company in Liverpool. At a time when canned food was still a novel concept, the company specialised in importing these exciting new products. By 1879, they were importing canned salmon from the John West company in Oregon, United States. Recognising the value of the established American brand name, Pelling Stanley purchased the rights to use the John West name in 1888. The first shipments of John West Salmon appeared under their ownership in 1892, beginning the brand's long association with British consumers. The brand's corporate history reflects the consolidation of the British food industry. By 1924, three companies were associated with Unilever: Angus Watson and Co., R B Green and Co., and John West. In 1964, Unilever merged these three into a single entity under the John West Foods name. The brand remained part of the Unilever stable until 2010, when Thai Union Frozen Products acquired MW Brands, owner of John West, from Trilantic Capital Partners. The deal, valued at approximately THB 28.5 billion (USD 883 million), made Thai Union the world's largest seafood company. This acquisition brought significant vertical integration, with John West gaining access to processing plants in France, Portugal, Seychelles, and Ghana, adding to Thai Union's existing facilities in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United States. Today, John West operates as a key brand within Thai Union Group's portfolio, which includes Chicken of the Sea, Petit Navire, and King Oscar. The Thai Union ownership brings scale advantages in sustainable sourcing and processing whilst maintaining John West's British brand identity and consumer focus. Thai Union's SeaChange2030 programme guides sustainability commitments across all brands. The John West product range centres on canned tuna, Britain's favourite canned fish. Options include tuna chunks in brine, spring water, or sunflower oil, as well as premium tuna steaks. No drain varieties offer convenience, whilst flavoured options add variety to meals. Wild-caught skipjack tuna forms the core of the range, with yellowfin options available for premium products. Salmon represents the brand's heritage product, dating back to 1892. Red and pink salmon varieties cater to different tastes and budgets. Red salmon offers richer flavour and firmer texture, whilst pink salmon provides excellent value for everyday cooking. Canned salmon delivers protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium (from the soft bones), making it a nutritious store-cupboard staple. Sardines, mackerel, herring, brisling, anchovies, and shellfish complete the traditional canned fish range. These products offer diverse flavour profiles and culinary uses, from sardines on toast to mackerel salads. Various sauces and oils provide choice within each fish type. The 2010s brought significant innovation to John West. The Infusions range revolutionised convenient tuna consumption with flavoured pouches featuring ingredients like sweet chilli, French dressing, and Mediterranean style seasonings. These ready-to-use products suit office lunches and quick meals. Steam Pots took convenience further, offering complete ready-to-eat meals combining tuna with grains and vegetables that heat in their packaging. Creations and On-The-Go options expanded convenient protein sources for busy consumers. John West's commitment to traceability distinguishes it from competitors. In October 2011, the company made its supply chain fully transparent through the Can Tracker website feature. Consumers can trace each can of fish to the original boat and catch location by entering the can code online. This transparency responds to growing consumer concern about sustainable fishing practices and seafood origins. The ECOTWIST packaging represents the brand's sustainability evolution, offering a no-plastic option that is easier to open whilst reducing environmental impact. The brand maintains partnerships reflecting its health and nutrition positioning. Collaborations with Alzheimer's Research UK promote the cognitive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish. The ParalympicsGB partnership emphasises seafood's role in athletic nutrition and strength. These associations reinforce John West's positioning as a healthy protein source rather than merely a convenient food. John West products are staples across UK retailers. Major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose stock comprehensive ranges. Convenience stores, discount retailers, and online grocers ensure wide availability. The brand's price positioning serves everyday family meals, with premium options like tuna steaks offering trading-up opportunities. When comparing John West to competitors like Princes and supermarket own-brands, John West emphasises quality consistency and traceability. The Can Tracker feature provides transparency that most competitors cannot match. Against premium brands like Fish4Ever, John West offers more accessible pricing whilst maintaining responsible sourcing credentials. The Infusions range competes with newer convenient protein snacks whilst delivering better nutritional value than many alternatives. For UK shoppers seeking quality canned seafood backed by over 165 years of expertise, John West delivers trusted products from traceable sources. Whether you're making a quick tuna sandwich, preparing salmon fishcakes, or enjoying a convenient Infusions pouch at lunch, John West provides nutritious protein options for every occasion. Using Grocefully to compare John West prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on these store-cupboard essentials.