John West Sardines Olie (Sardines in Oil)

John West is a historic brand synonymous with canned seafood, particularly known for its sardines, tuna, and salmon. The brand traces its roots back to 1857 in Liverpool, United Kingdom, where it was founded by T.L. Pelling and C.H. Stanley, later acquiring the rights to use the name of John West, a Scottish migrant and cannery pioneer in Oregon, USA.

Today, the product seen in the image—sardines in oil (labeled 'Olie' for Dutch-speaking markets)—is a staple across Europe. While the brand originated in the UK, the production of their sardines is primarily concentrated in Portugal and Morocco to ensure proximity to high-quality Atlantic fisheries. This particular packaging is designed for the Netherlands and Belgium markets.

Over its long history, John West has transitioned through various corporate owners, including Unilever and Kraft Heinz. Since 2010, the brand has been owned by the Thai Union Group, a global seafood leader headquartered in Thailand. In the Australasian region (Australia and New Zealand), the brand is licensed and operated by Simplot Australia.