Mega Sardines traces its roots to the fishing business established by entrepreneur William Tiu Lim. The company’s origins date back to 1975, when Wilmar Fishing began operating in the Bicol region. In 1995, the company relocated its fishing operations to Zamboanga and became Mega Fishing Corporation, supplying fresh fish to canneries across the Philippines. [2]

In 2000, the company entered the canned sardines market with the launch of Mega Sardines. The brand differentiated itself by introducing its “freshest sardines in a can” positioning, built around a rapid catch-to-can production process. [3]

Over the following years, Mega Sardines introduced several industry innovations, including:

• 2003 – First nationwide advertising campaign, “Tatak Barko, Tatak Sariwa,” featuring actor Cesar Montano.

• 2006 – First sardines brand in the Philippines to offer easy-tear pouch packaging.

• 2011 – Introduced multiple processing innovations, including:

• 12-hour Catching-to-Canning Process

• Fish Pump Technology

• Zero-Degree Chilled Sea Water preservation

• Easy-open can packaging

• 2015 – Recognized as the No. 1 sardines brand in the Philippines based on retail market data.

• 2022 – Operations became part of Mega Prime Foods Inc., the largest subsidiary of Mega Global Corporation.

• 2023 – Opened a new manufacturing facility in Batangas to expand production capacity. [4]

Mega Sardines operates an integrated seafood supply chain, controlling fishing, processing, canning, and distribution. The company primarily sources sardines from the rich fishing grounds surrounding the Sulu and Celebes Seas.

One of the brand’s defining features is its 12-Hour Catching-to-Canning Process, in which freshly caught sardines are cleaned, processed, and sealed into cans within 12 hours. According to the company, this minimizes spoilage and helps preserve flavor and nutrients. [5]

Mega Sardines offers a wide variety of canned seafood products, including:

• Sardines in Tomato Sauce

• Sardines in Tomato Sauce with Chili

• Extra Hot Sardines

• Sardines in Natural Oil

• Fried Sardines in Tausi

• Fried Sardines (Hot & Spicy)

• Spanish Style Sardines

• Corned Sardines

• Corned Sardines with Chili [6]

Mega Sardines has grown into one of the Philippines’ largest canned seafood brands. The company has reported holding approximately 26% of the Philippine sardines market and produces millions of cans annually from its manufacturing facilities in Zamboanga and Batangas. The brand is widely distributed across the Philippines and exported to numerous international markets. [7]

Mega Sardines positions itself around three core values:

• Freshness through rapid processing

• Nutritious and affordable seafood

• Continuous innovation in fishing and food manufacturing

The company also supports nutrition and food security initiatives, including the Mega Bigay Sustansya Nutrition Program, launched in 2019 to help improve access to nutritious food for Filipino communities. [8]

Mega Sardines has received recognition for:

• Being the No. 1 canned sardines brand in the Philippines in multiple market studies.

• Introducing several firsts in the Philippine sardines industry, including easy-tear pouches, easy-open cans, and the commercial application of its 12-hour catch-to-can process.

• Expanding sustainable and modern seafood manufacturing through investments in new production facilities. [9]

• Mega Prime Foods Inc.

• Mega Global Corporation

• Mega Tuna

• Mega Prime

1. History of Mega Global Corporation

2. Mega Sardines – Mega Prime Foods Inc.

3. Mega Prime Foods Inc. – Mega Prime Foods Inc.

4. BOI approves Php980M zero-waste sardines manufacturing facility, seen to meet increasing local demand for sardines | Board of Investments

5. 2025 Home (50th Anniversary) – Mega Prime Foods Inc.

6. Mega Sardines: 50 Years of Serving Nutrient-Rich Meals —

7. Mega Fishing Corporation success story : Sardines innovation for the benefit of all

8. Buy Mega Sardines Now – Mega Prime Foods Inc.

9. Four Decades of Catching and Canning: The Secret to Mega Global’s Success – Mega Prime Foods Inc.