Meet the Makers: Kersen Mackerel, Sardines, and Kippers from IMO Seafood
Wild-Caught Canadian Tinned Fish
Have you been craving wild-caught tinned fish from the Canadian Maritimes? If you haven't, you will be soon: Kersen has offered some of the finest tinned mackerel, sardines, herring, and kippers from Canada for over fifty years.
Kersen specializes in no-nonsense offerings that let the natural flavors and preparation methods shine through. We shipped their mackerel fillets to members in our August 2025 Tinned Fish Club box, and fell in love.
Nova Scotia: The Perfect Place for Seafood
Tinned fish from Nova Scotia is prized for its freshness, sustainability, and clean ocean flavor. The province’s cold Atlantic waters produce exceptionally high-quality seafood, and has done so for centuries. In the mid-twentieth century, seafood canning was among the province's biggest industries.
While seafood canning in the province has declined since a peak in the mid-twentieth century, canneries like IMO Foods Ltd maintain the tradition. Choosing Nova Scotia tinned fish supports coastal communities and participates in a fishing heritage that goes back centuries.
Kersen Foods Keep Tradition Alive
Kersen specializes in simple, no-nonsense tinned fish preparation, such as smoked mackerel and smoked herring. Their smoking process uses real hardwood to create an flavor and texture that cannot be faked. They also manufacture their own tins!
Kersen mackerel fillets in water and Kersen sardines in sunflower oil let the flavor of the fish shine through. The mackerel fillets are substantial enough for pan-frying or adding to a baked dish--a perfect canvas for the foodie.
Want something a bit more adventurous? Try their dried sea cucumber! We also encourage you to learn more about the IMO Seafoods cannery by watching this excellent documentary from Maritime Made.
Meet the Makers: Kersen Mackerel, Sardines, and Kippers from IMO Seafood
Tinned Fish Club for August: La Rose Sardines with Pickles, Dedukas Cod Liver, Kersen Mackerel Fillets
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