A South Australian couple on a mission to put local seafood back in the spotlight has taken home a major national award, with Little Tin Co named the 2026 National Seafood Industry Award winner for Business (Small).
Founded by Rachel and Dan Weeks, the artisan conservas producer has spent the past three years challenging the idea that premium tinned seafood needs to come from overseas.
The pair launched Little Tin Co after asking why Australia, despite producing some of the world’s finest seafood, was importing so much of its premium tinned fish.
Their answer was to create a range of premium Australian conservas right here in South Australia, using seafood sourced exclusively from Australian fisheries.
Inspired by the traditional tinned seafood of Spain and Portugal, Little Tin Co transforms local catches into shelf-stable products designed to showcase Australian seafood, regional produce and local fisheries.
“From day one we’ve believed Australian seafood deserved to be celebrated in the same way Spain and Portugal celebrate theirs,” said Dan.
“Australia has extraordinary seafood, yet the premium tinned seafood category has traditionally been dominated by imports. We wanted to prove Australian producers could create world-class conservas that tell the story of our fisheries, our regions and our ingredients.”
The national award recognises seafood businesses employing fewer than 10 people, with Little Tin Co recognised for its business growth, product quality, innovation, marketing and contribution to Australia’s seafood industry.
And the win comes at an exciting time for the local brand, which has also just expanded its collection with two new sardine flavours.
The new Port Lincoln Sardines in Tasmanian Pepperberry, Black Lime and Olive Oil combine local seafood with distinctly Australian ingredients, while the Port Lincoln Sardines in Nduja bring a richer, spicy twist to the conservas range.
The new releases arrive as tinned seafood continues its transformation from humble pantry staple into a gourmet favourite, with sardines enjoying a resurgence among chefs, nutritionists and home cooks.
Little Tin Co’s approach is also focused on sustainability, with the business sourcing exclusively from Australian fisheries and championing abundant local species. The company also supports shellfish reef restoration through its partnership with OzFish Unlimited.
The national award is the latest in a growing list of accolades for the South Australian business.
Little Tin Co took home Best New Product at the 2024 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards, followed by a Silver Medal at the 2025 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show and Small Business of the Year at the 2026 Seafood Industry of South Australia Awards.
For Rachel and Dan, the national recognition is less about the trophy and more about helping Australians appreciate what is already being caught in their own backyard.
“Australian seafood has an incredible story to tell,” said Dan. “If this award helps shine a spotlight on our industry, encourages more people to choose Australian seafood, or inspires other producers to explore value-added products, then that’s something we’re incredibly proud to be part of.”
For more on Little Tin Co., click here.
