The BEACH CLIFF Story

The Maine sardine industry had its real beginning as a result of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. At that time, the U.S. supply of the very popular oil-fried canned French sardine became increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain. A few enterprising American businessmen recognized a plentiful source of raw material in eastern Maine and began to can a Maine sardine that was recognized as an equally flavorful canned fish - rivaling the imported French variety. Once the first cannery opened in Maine in 1873, others soon appeared and an important coastal industry was born.

In 1927 Cal Stinson Sr., an experienced entrepreneur in the Maine fishing industry, knowing the superior source of protein in sardines and herring, and aware of the growing market demand for this quality seafood, founded the original Stinson Seafood plant in Prospect Harbor, Maine.

Acquired by Bumble Bee Foods in 2004, Beach Cliff continues to be a leading brand in the USA.