StarKist
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Seafood |
| Founded | 1917 in San Pedro, California, United States |
| Founder | Martin J. Bogdanovich |
| Headquarters | Reston, Virginia , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Tuna and seafood products |
| Owner | Dongwon Industries |
| Parent | Dongwon Industries |
| Website | www |
StarKist Tuna is a tuna brand manufactured by StarKist Co., an American enterprise currently fully owned by South Korea's Dongwon Industries. Dongwon purchased StarKist from Del Monte Foods on June 24, 2008, for slightly more than $300 million. In 2021, StarKist shifted its headquarters to Reston, Virginia, signifying changes in its corporate framework and strategic leadership within the worldwide seafood sector.
History
The company originated in 1917 in San Pedro, California under the name French Sardine Company of California, founded by Croatian immigrant and businessman Martin J. Bogdanovich, who pioneered seafood refrigeration using crushed ice. The StarKist brand first introduced tuna products in 1942. Following Bogdanovich's passing in 1944, his son Joseph assumed control. The firm was renamed StarKist Foods in 1953, with its Terminal Island plant becoming the largest tuna processing facility globally.
Since 1961, the brand has been symbolized by the mascot Charlie the Tuna, boosting brand awareness through the catchphrase "Sorry, Charlie." In 1963, the H.J. Heinz Company acquired StarKist, broadening its corporate structure and market penetration.
The Terminal Island cannery ceased operations in 1984. Four years later, Heinz separated its pet food lines—including 9Lives cat food—into a dedicated division, appointing Joseph Bogdanovich as vice-chairman of Heinz. In 2002, Heinz sold both divisions to Del Monte, marking a pivotal change in StarKist’s ownership and operational model.
In August 2015, StarKist resolved a class-action lawsuit concerning allegations of underfilled tuna cans and accusations of price-fixing conspiracies involving competitors Bumble Bee Foods and Chicken of the Sea. In October 2018, StarKist admitted guilt to felony price fixing during a Department of Justice probe and was fined $100 million in September 2019—the highest legal penalty—underscoring regulatory challenges affecting its competitive standing.
After settling legal claims, claimants received partial restitution in 2019 through coupons and PayPal payments following deductions for legal fees.
Reflecting strategic leadership adjustments and efforts to optimize global operations, StarKist moved its corporate headquarters to Reston, Virginia in 2022, strengthening its U.S. presence and preparing for future expansion.
See also
External links
- Short description with empty Wikidata description
- Canned meat
- Seafood companies of the United States
- Del Monte Foods brands
- Fish processing companies
- Food product brands
- 2008 mergers and acquisitions
- American companies established in 1917
- American subsidiaries of foreign companies
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment