The journey of a sardine from ocean to can involves a complex supply chain that spans multiple continents and industries. According to Bloomberg Markets, the process begins in the cold waters off the coast of Portugal and Morocco, where Bumble Bee Foods and other major seafood companies operate large fishing fleets.

The sardines are caught using purse seine nets, a method that can harvest thousands of tons in a single day. After being caught, the fish are immediately processed to maintain freshness. They are then transported to canning facilities, many of which are located in Thailand and Vietnam, where labor costs are lower.

At the canning plants, the sardines go through several stages: cleaning, cooking, and finally canning. The entire process from catch to shelf typically takes about two weeks. Major retailers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's source their sardines from these facilities, paying premium prices for sustainably caught fish.

This global supply chain employs over 50,000 workers worldwide and generates billions in revenue annually, making sardines one of the most economically significant small fish in the seafood industry.