Under the theme “Strengthening Value Chain Synergies, Blue Economies and Sustainability across the Global Tuna Industry”, the 19th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition (TUNA 2026) will convene senior industry leaders and decision-makers from across the global tuna value chain to address the commercial realities, strategic priorities and enabling policy frameworks shaping the industry’s future competitiveness.

Building on the outcomes, insights and feedback from TUNA 2024, the 2026 Conference responds directly to industry calls for stronger alignment between sustainability initiatives and market realities; deeper coverage of global and regional tuna markets; enhanced focus on trade, pricing and investment; and greater representation of industry-led perspectives across fishing, processing, logistics and branding.

TUNA 2026 will bring together executives from fishing companies, processors, traders and brand owners alongside policymakers, Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), technological service providers, financial institutions, research organisations and development partners. Together, participants will examine how value chain synergies can be strengthened to improve resilience, manage risk and support long-term commercial performance in an increasingly complex global operating environment.

As the global blue economy continues to expand, the tuna industry remains one of its most commercially significant pillars. Tuna fisheries contribute substantially to food security, employment, export earnings and economic development in many coastal and island nations, while supplying affordable, nutritious protein to markets worldwide. At the same time, the industry is operating in a rapidly evolving context characterised by climate variability, shifting fish stocks, regulatory reforms, digitalisation, heightened consumer scrutiny and geopolitical uncertainty.

TUNA 2026 provides a timely platform for the industry to examine how these challenges can be addressed collectively and strategically. By strengthening coordination across harvesting, processing, trade, logistics and marketing, the industry can improve efficiency, enhance transparency, reduce volatility and create greater value at every stage of the supply chain. This integrated approach is increasingly essential to ensure sustainability outcomes that are not only environmentally and socially credible, but also economically viable.

A central focus of TUNA 2026 will be the role of innovation and technology as commercial enablers of stronger value chain synergies.

Advances in digital traceability, artificial intelligence, electronic monitoring, data interoperability and smart fishing technologies are reshaping how tuna is caught, processed, traded and marketed. The Conference will examine how these tools can be deployed effectively and at scale, supporting both large commercial operations and smaller producers, while enhancing efficiency, compliance and market access.

In parallel, TUNA 2026 will address the evolving dynamics of global tuna markets. Dedicated sessions will examine regional demand trends, price formation and volatility, trade flows, tariff regimes and investment patterns across major consuming and producing regions. By linking market intelligence with sustainability and innovation discussions, the Conference will provide participants with clearer insight into how commercial decisions intersect with policy, certification and consumer expectations.

The Conference will also address the human dimension of the tuna industry. Labour standards, crew welfare, gender inclusion and equitable benefit-sharing are increasingly central to operational continuity, reputation management and market access. TUNA 2026 will explore practical, industry-led approaches to strengthening social accountability across the value chain, recognising that people are fundamental to productivity, resilience and long-term value creation.

TUNA 2026 will provide an open, timely and commercially relevant forum for dialogue, knowledge exchange and partnership-building. With strong participation anticipated from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, the Conference offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage directly with decisionmakers and shape collective responses to shared challenges and opportunities.