The Tinned Fish Market: Artisanal seafood keeping up with UK trends

The Tinned Fish Market is on a mission to highlight artisanal canneries and promote sustainable seafood practices. The UK-based retailer specialises in high-quality preserved seafood sourced from small-scale producers, and amid increasing popularity in the UK, they continue to expand, with stockists such as Selfridges and Harrods, and a recently opened shop at Borough Market 

The company was founded in 2018 by Patrick Martinez, who was inspired after returning from Portugal with two suitcases filled with fish. At the time, tinned seafood in the UK was largely viewed as a low-cost, mass-produced product with little culinary appeal, and he sought to challenge that perception by introducing British consumers to the variety and quality of conservas – hand-prepared preserved fish – from across Europe and beyond.

“I started the market because of my love for tinned fish, but also to share the treasures I discovered during my travels,” said Martinez. “When customers tell me they brought back a suitcase full of tinned fish from Portugal, and now they’re back because they’ve run out, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come. It’s not just about the fish; it’s about the experience.”

Initially operating from Martinez’s living room in Liverpool, the business has since grown to become a visible part of the UK’s evolving food landscape. The Tinned Fish Market now sources products from family-run canneries in Portugal, Spain, Scandinavia, Latvia and the UK, with exclusive lines from brands such as Fangst, Pinhais and Zallo. The company places a strong emphasis on seasonality, responsible fishing practices and small-batch production, and also shares recipe ideas on its website to providing customers with simple ways to enjoy their products.

“We work with canneries that focus on top-quality ingredients, using small batches of seasonally caught fish. It’s about finding that perfect balance of sustainability, craftsmanship, and flavour,” they explained. “It’s an incredible feeling to watch the tinned fish market grow and see more people discovering the joys of these wonderfully crafted tins.”

Food Desk

For further information about The Tinned Fish Market or to buy, visit the brand’s website here.