VETERAN OWNED,
HONORING TRADITION, CRAFTING EXPERIENCES
At BELA, we’ve been doing things the right way since 1997—guided by heart, tradition, and a deep respect for the sea. Our seafood is sourced from pristine, non-industrial waters in Europe, then hand-packed in locally sourced, organic extra virgin olive oil by family-owned canneries in Portugal. This isn’t just food; it’s the preservation of centuries-old traditions, brought to life in every recyclable tin.
OLHÃO ROOTS, NEW ENGLAND HEART
Our story begins in Olhão, a vibrant coastal town where fishing is a way of life and canning is an art. Seeing the decline of canneries in New England and the U.S., our founder, Joshua, and his mom, Florence, found an opportunity in Portugal to partner with a factory that shared their vision for sustainability and quality. Together, they created BELA, building a bridge between Portuguese heritage and the American palate. Today, BELA is the only 100% family- and Veteran-owned seafood brand in the U.S., dedicated to bringing you simple, delicious meals rooted in authenticity, honor, and family.
Building A Brand On Honor, Tradition, And Fish
Hi there, Joshua here. I want to take a moment to personally thank you for choosing BELA. Whether you’ve been a loyal fan for years or are just discovering us, your support means everything to me and our team.
My love for seafood began in my New England childhood, where fishing and canneries were once a way of life. That connection deepened as I studied near the Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz and served as an Airman in the U.S. Air Force, where canned fish became a staple in MREs. It wasn’t just about nourishment—it was about tradition, connection, and simplicity.
When I left the military, I wanted to preserve those traditions and bring them to more people in a meaningful way. My mom, Florence, and I partnered with a factory in Portugal, a place with a deep history of sustainable fishing and canning. Together, we set out to revitalize an industry that was fading in America and create something special: BELA, a family-run brand dedicated to quality, sustainability, and preserving the traditions of the sea.
BELA was the first brand to bring sardines packed in organic extra virgin olive oil to the U.S. market—a bold move at the time, but one that reflected our commitment to offering something better. We pioneered the use of lithographed cans, ditching cardboard packaging to make our tins stand out and reduce waste. Over the years, we’ve stayed true to our roots, working with local fishing communities in Portugal to ensure every tin of BELA reflects the care, craftsmanship, and sustainability that define us.
BELA isn’t just a business—it’s a way to honor the sea, support fishing communities, and bring people together over meals that matter. From the beautiful coastal traditions of Portugal to your table, every tin of BELA tells a story of sustainability, family, and the simple joy of great food.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the growing awareness of tinned fish in the U.S. market. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement toward appreciating the heritage and quality that BELA has stood for since 1997.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us preserve something truly special. Here’s to more meals, more memories, and more reasons to gather around the table.
Warmly,
Joshua
Founder, BELA Brand Seafood
Find Us In The Wild
THE BEST FISH, THE RIGHT WAY.
We bring you seafood that’s as sustainable as it is delicious. Caught in non-industrial European waters, hand-packed in organic olive oil, and crafted in family-run Portuguese canneries, our tinned fish offers full fillets of high-quality protein, omega-3s, and rich flavor — the best of the ocean in every tin.
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Sardines
Silky, tender sardines with a bold, umami-rich profile and shimmering silver skin. MSC-certified and high in omega-3s, they’re a nutrient-dense, sustainably sourced classic of the sea, and our speciality!
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Mackerel
Bold and flavorful with a tender, oily richness. Naturally high in omega-3s and protein, it’s a sustainable seafood choice for adventurous and health-conscious palates.
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Codfish
With its firm, flaky texture and gentle sweetness, our codfish is a Portuguese delight. MSC-certified and low in fat, it’s an excellent source of lean protein and essential nutrients.
FAQ
Find the most frequently asked questions below.
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BELA Brand Seafood is proudly family- and Veteran-owned, offering sustainably sourced tinned fish with authentic Portuguese heritage. We’re a fish-forward brand that lets our fish take center stage and speak for itself. Each can is hand-packed in Portugal by decades-long partners, following generations-old Conservas traditions. Unlike others, we don’t need to hide behind heavy sauces or spices—BELA delivers the fresh, natural flavor of high-quality fish, simply packed in organic extra virgin olive oil. This is tinned fish, no B.S.
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Our canned seafood products are shelf-stable and can be stored in a cool, dry place, so you can keep them stocked and ready to enjoy. Once opened, we recommend refrigerating any unused portion and consuming it within two days for the best flavor and freshness. No need for preservatives here—just pure, high-quality fish. Tinned Tip: BELA seafood pairs perfectly with friends, family, and good times around the table!
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No, we don’t use any preservatives or artificial additives. Our tinned fish is packed with natural ingredients to preserve its freshness and flavor.
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The number of sardines in a tin vary depending on the size of the fish. Some sardines are larger than others, depending on where and when they are caught, so fewer fit in the can. At BELA, we focus on quality, not quantity, and ensure each can is packed with the best-tasting fish, no matter the number.
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Proposition 65 (P65) is a California law that requires businesses to provide warnings about significant exposures to certain chemicals. Canned seafood products may include this label because trace amounts of naturally occurring substances, such as mercury, can be present in seafood. These amounts are generally well below FDA limits and safe for consumption. For more information, visit California Proposition 65 Website.
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We’re all about bringing the best-tinned fish to the table, no matter where you are! Right now, we only ship within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii and APO Boxes, but stay tuned—we hope to expand to other places soon. In the meantime, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have about shipping.
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BPA-NIA means that there’s no BPA (a chemical sometimes used in plastics) intentionally added to the packaging. It’s a commitment to ensuring the cans are safer for you and the environment. At BELA, we prioritize sustainability and make choices that support both the health of our customers and the planet.
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While many of our products meet the strict sustainability standards required for certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), not all fisheries or sources we work with pursue certification. Certification can be a resource-intensive process, and some of our small, family-run partners prioritize sustainable practices without formal certification. Rest assured, all our products align with BELA’s commitment to responsible sourcing as part of our brand’s DNA.
