Meet the Makers: Cocagne Sardines and Ramirez Conservas
The World's Oldest Sardine Cannery
Ever wonder what the oldest continually operating fish cannery in the world is? Well, here's your answer: Conservas Ramirez was founded in 1853 by Sebastien Ramirez in Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal. In addition to being the oldest cannery in the world, it was also the first one in Portugal. The history of Portuguese tinned fish--and it's an illustrious history!--starts with them.
Their longevity and expertise has led to some of the world's finest tinned seafood products. While they consistently innovate to address a changing global market--they were the first to use a steam-powered sardine fishing ship!--they also know what works: Their fillets are still cut and packed by hand, the same way they have for over a century.
Today, Conservas Ramirez is still owned by the founder's descendants, and operates several canneries along Portugal's Atlantic coast. They sell their own brands as well as helping other makers develop a unique brand identity.
Cocagne Sardines and their Famous Logo
One of Conservas Ramirez top brands is Cocagne, which offers mackerel and sardines in a variety of flavors. But before you even open the tin, you might be drawn to the logo on the front. It shows a rather detailed scene of people dancing around a pole while one tries to climb it.
This scene references a longstanding European tradition: The greasy pole, called in some places the Cockaigne. Such tradition has long represented the difficulty of achieving perfection, and occurs at festivals throughout the year. The etymology is believed to arrive from a world of plenty popular in medieval myth, one where everything was perfect and easy.
Today, that brand name and logo represent all that Cocagne Sardines has to offer: The sardines in every tin allow you to escape to place of perfect deliciousness, and you don't even have to work for it. Of course, you might a get a little oil on your fingers either way.
Delicacy and Legacy
Ramirez Conservas sources it sardines from the bustling Matosinhos Harbor on the northern coast of Portugal, but they are shipped around the world.
We most recently included Cocagne Mackerel Fillets in our October 2025 shipment to Tinned Fish Club Members. We're proud to share such a legendary brand.
Want to learn more about Conservas Ramirez? Check out this documentary from Business Insider.
The world's best tinned fish, on your table every month.
Three curated tins from small canneries in Portugal, Spain, Denmark and beyond, with the recipes and maker stories that go with them.
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