Chicken of the Sea Blends Tech and Sustainability from Ocean to Shelf

In 2024, Chicken of the Sea opened its first East Coast office in Nova Place, which is also home to the Pittsburgh Technology Council. At our Huntington Bank Breakfast Briefing on August 27, 2025, Chicken of the Sea’s President Andy Mecs outlined how technology and sustainability are shaping the company’s future, from their fishing vessels on the open ocean to their cans on grocery shelves:

Smarter, More Sustainable Fishing
The tuna industry has long relied on the natural behaviors of fish, such as their tendency to gather near floating objects. Today, fishermen use free-floating aggregation devices (FADs) alongside advanced gear designed to reduce bycatch. Electronic monitoring systems now supplement human observers, ensuring fair labor practices and healthy fish stocks even on weeks-long voyages far from shore.

Automation and Efficiency in Processing
Technology is also changing what happens after the catch. Sorting tuna by size, which was once a manual task, can now be automated. In processing plants, machines handle steps such as separating valuable Omega-3 oils from fish parts, ensuring nearly every part of the tuna is used. This supports both efficiency and waste reduction, with byproducts finding their way into supplements, fish meal, and infant formula.

Traceability for Consumers
Perhaps the most consumer-visible innovation is its digital traceability. Each Chicken of the Sea can carries a code that not only verifies sterilization but also links back to details of its journey, from the boat where the fish was caught to the factory line where it was packed. Shoppers can enter the code online to trace their purchase, providing transparency that connects sustainability with everyday choices.

Global Sustainability Commitments
Chicken of the Sea’s parent company, Thai Union, has pledged $250 million toward its SeaChange® 2030 initiative, investing in responsible fishing, fair labor, plant efficiency, and nutrition. The company has earned top rankings on the Seafood Stewardship Index and is recognized as the number one food company on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

Looking Ahead
Beyond fishing and processing, technology is playing a role in product development and consumer insights. AI-driven social listening tools help gauge sentiment and inspire flavor innovation, while research hubs in Europe are experimenting with the next generation of shelf-stable seafood products

By combining advanced technology with a deep commitment to sustainability, Chicken of the Sea is reframing what it means to bring tuna from ocean to plate in a responsible, transparent way.