Morocco’s Sardine Catch Jumps 66%, but Belgian Shelves Run Short
Belgian supermarkets are struggling to meet surging demand for canned sardines. Several retailers report shortages as sales hit record highs. Morocco, a major supplier to the European market, has nevertheless seen a dramatic rebound in its catches in 2026.
At Colruyt, some cans of sardines have disappeared from the shelves. The Belgian retailer acknowledges shortages of several products under its own brand. Intermarché reports the same problem, warning that supply difficulties could continue until 2027.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Keeps Its Sardines, German Shelves Are Emptying
The shortages come amid a sharp surge in demand. According to an investigation by Belgian daily Le Soir, Carrefour recorded a 30% increase in sales, including a 60% rise for its private-label brands. Delhaize reported a 16.4% increase in volume.
Nationwide, canned sardine sales rose by more than 28% in the number of cans sold over the year, according to NielsenIQ data cited by manufacturer Imperial. Portuguese brand Cocagne had already reached its total sales volume for all of 2025 by the end of September.
Social media is also fueling the trend. On TikTok and Instagram, sardines have become popular with young consumers, attracted in particular by their nutritional qualities.
Moroccan catches rebound, but canneries remain under pressure
Morocco is central to the supply crisis. According to the European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products, the Kingdom remains the European Union’s leading sardine supplier among countries outside the bloc’s market.
The contrast is striking: after several difficult years, Moroccan landings rose by 66% between January and August 2026, reaching 394,200 tonnes, compared with 237,800 a year earlier, according to official figures.
But canneries are not fully benefiting from the recovery. According to the National Union of Fish Canning Industries, the supply destined for factories fell by 32%. A growing proportion of the sardines caught are reportedly too small to be canned.
European manufacturers are turning increasingly to Portugal, where stocks have recovered. Portuguese volumes, however, remain insufficient to offset Moroccan supply difficulties.
For Belgian consumers, another consequence is looming. Raf de Smet, a fish specialist at importer Charlier-Brabo Group, expects a further rise in canned-food prices from January 2027, following increases already seen this year.
