Proudly Made in the USA!

The BEACH CLIFF Story - Proudly Made in the USA

The BEACH CLIFF brand has been part of the canned sardine and herring industry in Maine for many years.

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.

Over the years, Stinson grew through its commitment to quality and innovation to become the largest packer of canned sardines and herring not only in Maine, but also in the entire USA. BEACH CLIFF grew along with Stinson to become America’s favorite brand of sardines and Fish Steaks.

In 2000, the BEACH CLIFF brand and its packing facilities in Prospect Harbor and Bath, Maine were acquired by the world’s largest sardine company, Connors Bros. Income Fund.

The Maine tradition of quality continues in BEACH CLIFF. BEACH CLIFF is the largest brand of sardines and Fish Steaks in the USA today.