OUR STORY
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
the journey of alifetime
PROTEIN NUTRITION PASSION
PROTEIN NUTRITION PASSION
Every great story needs a grab-you beginning, and a memorable main character.
Our thrill-seeking, protein-pioneering founder certainly gave us both of those.
John West’s incredible legacy lives on today through a new cast of characters – from On The Go Tuna Salads to No Drain Fridge Pots – all serving up epic mealtime adventures through nutritious and delicious natural protein.
Our thrill-seeking, protein-pioneering founder certainly gave us both of those.
John West’s incredible legacy lives on today through a new cast of characters – from On The Go Tuna Salads to No Drain Fridge Pots – all serving up epic mealtime adventures through nutritious and delicious natural protein.
Timeline
1832
SETTING SAIL
John West, born in the small Scottish town of Linlithgow, sets sail for the Americas. In the land of opportunity, he marries his wife, Mary, and trains as a millwright in Canada. His quest for wealth, though, goes on. Soon, he’s California dreaming.
1850s
GOLDEN
OPPORTUNITY
The California gold rush brings no fame, no fortune. In 1853, he moves to Oregon and takes up a 640-acre land claim on the Columbia River. With just a saw and an axe he clears a patch of mighty redwoods, and erects two sawmills.
1857
THE JUMP
TO SALMON
Running two sawmills, and tending to a family of eight, obviously isn’t taking up enough time. John sets up a salmon salterie, packing salted, wild salmon into wooden barrels. They’re shipped as far as Great Britain, and the John West name becomes synonymous with high-quality protein.
1860s
CAN-DO
ATTITUDE
John West salmon is now in high demand. To house, educate and satisfy a growing workforce, John builds an entire town (Westport, Oregon). And he doesn’t stop there. He invents an automated can-filling machine, develops a process for turning salmon waste into oil and fishmeal, and starts up his first canning plant.
1874
FAMOUS
FOR QUALITY
The Californian goldfields may not have shone for John, but a Gold Medal for quality does come courtesy of the Oregon State Agricultural Society. Our pioneering founder’s hard work, imagination and entrepreneurial endeavour – core principles that still guide us today – are putting John West on the worldwide map.
1952
TIME
FOR TUNA
Almost a century on from one man and his salmon salterie, high-quality canned tuna is welcomed into the John West family. Salads, sarnies and supermarket shelves will never be the same again.
1960s
SWITCHED ON
Television advertising is booming and the John West marketing team are flexing their brand-building muscles. Our catchy jingles and slogans capture a nation’s imagination, with ‘It’s the fish that John West rejects that makes John West the best’ the phrase on everybody’s lips.
1986
TASTE
REVOLUTION
The British population is beginning to look beyond traditional dishes as it embraces new flavours from across the globe. Hassle-free nutrition is rising in popularity. With its fresh flavour and ring-pull convenience, canned tuna quickly becomes a kitchen staple.
1993
DOLPHIN
FRIENDLY
John West begins displaying the Dolphin Safe symbol on all products. The label, which denotes compliance with U.S. laws and regulations around tuna fishing operations, is governed by the Earth Island Institute.
2000
BEAR VS
FISHERMAN
The legendary ‘bear fight’ advert airs. Even in a pre-YouTube, pre-Facebook world, this 30-second clip becomes a viral phenomenon. We still get asked about it to this day – and no, no bears were harmed during the making of it.
2009
NO DRAIN
NO GAIN
We thought we’d conquered convenience with our canned tuna. And then the John West kitchen came up with John West No-Drain Tuna. The latest in a long line of inventions that once again proves quality and nutrition can go hand in hand with quick and flavoursome.
2010
A JOYOUS
UNION
John West joins Thai Union, the largest seafood producer in the world. A milestone moment for a company borne out of one Linlithgow man’s drive and ambition.
2011
TRACE
YOUR PLATE
Sustainability is now very much front of mind for shoppers. As ‘Where do you source your fish from?’ becomes an increasingly common question, John West introduces an innovative tool where customers can type in a code from their can and trace their fish’s adventures from ocean to plate.
2012
ALWAYS
ON THE GO
The 2010s bring a decade of innovation at John West with one product launch after another. Steam Pots, Infusions, Creations, On-The-Go – we’re busier than ever making busy lifestyles easier than ever.
2018
OLD FAVOURITES,
NEW LOOK
Back in the John West kitchen, it’s time to give some of our best-selling products a little TLC. Our canned Mackerel gets an easy-peel lid, and our No Drain Tuna is upgraded to a fridge-friendly pot.
2024
LEANER,
GREENER,
CLEANER
It wouldn’t be a story without a big twist. It’s time to can the old can, and go full eco. Our no-nonsense, no-plastic ECOTWIST
®
is easier to open and easier on the planet, reaffirming our commitment to quality and sustainability. SHOW
StrongerTogether
The only thing we love more than shouting about the wonders of natural protein for health and
well-being is shouting about it alongside our wonderful partners.
The Paralympic Games is an extraordinary celebration of power, determination, and talent. Thousands of inspirational individuals, from across the globe, all competing on one of the biggest stages imaginablePeak performance requires premium protein. And as ParalympicGB’s official protein partner, we could not be prouder, fuelling our
world-class Paralympians with the gold-medal nutrition they
need to go strong.Find out more
The Paralympic Games is an extraordinary celebration of power, determination, and talent. Thousands of inspirational individuals, from across the globe, all competing on one of the biggest stages imaginablePeak performance requires premium protein. And as ParalympicGB’s official protein partner, we could not be prouder, fuelling our
world-class Paralympians with the gold-medal nutrition they
need to go strong.Find Out More
What’s good for your heart is good for your brain. We’ve teamed up with Alzheimer’s Research UK to promote positive dietary choices through their Think Brain Health campaign.The campaign is based on research which shows that up to four in 10 dementia cases could be linked to preventable factors. Together, we’re helping to educate and empower the public by demonstrating how eating a healthy, balanced diet can help the heart and boost the brain. Find Out More
Fuellingthe future
PLANET
Supporting our employees through healthy working conditions helps strengthen our communities.
PEOPLE
Prioritising eco-friendly practices throughout all operations helps strengthen our environment.
Backed bythe best
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All the latest news and views from the John West world.
Ready for anadventure?
BE A PART OF
OUR STORY.
How many people can say they love what they do? We can!
Every day we come to work we’re keeping the John West legacy alive – and what a legacy it is.
If helping create a better, healthier, greener (and tastier) world sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, you’ve come to the right place.
JOIN OUR JOURNEY