If you’re a fan of canned tuna, you may have noticed that a beloved brand, 3 Diamonds Tuna, seems to have disappeared from store shelves.
What happened to this once-popular brand?
Some consumers have reported issues with the quality of the product, while others have struggled to even find it in stores.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of 3 Diamonds Tuna and investigate what may have led to its decline in popularity.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about the brand, read on to learn more.
What Happened To 3 Diamonds Tuna?
3 Diamonds Tuna was a brand that had been around for decades, known for its high-quality canned tuna. The brand was originally known for importing canned mandarin oranges, crab, and salmon from Japan under the 3 Diamonds brand in the 1920s.
In 2006, the company renamed the brand Ace of Diamonds to better reflect the product’s quality. However, some consumers have reported issues with the quality of the product since then.
One of the biggest changes to the brand came in 2014 when Thai Union Frozen Products purchased Ace of Diamonds for about $200,000. Thai Union already owned Chicken of the Sea International, which markets one of the top three U.S. canned tuna brands.
According to Thai Union, Ace of Diamonds represented about 1 percent of the U.S. canned tuna market and was competitively priced between national brands and private labels. The company said that strategically, the transaction would supplement Chicken of the Sea in the U.S. canned tuna market.
Some consumers have reported that the quality of Ace of Diamonds Tuna has declined since it was purchased by Thai Union. They have complained that the tuna is now mushy and appears to be ground up instead of being chunky like it used to be.
Others have reported finding bones in their cans of Ace of Diamonds Tuna, which can be a serious health hazard.
The Rise Of 3 Diamonds Tuna: A Brief History
3 Diamonds Tuna had a long and storied history before it became Ace of Diamonds. The brand was known for its high-quality canned tuna and began importing canned mandarin oranges, crab, and salmon from Japan in the 1920s.
Over time, the brand evolved and changed its name to Ace of Diamonds in 2006 to better reflect the quality of the product. However, some consumers have reported issues with the quality of the product since then.
Despite these concerns, Thai Union Frozen Products saw potential in Ace of Diamonds and purchased the brand in 2014 for about $200,000. Thai Union already owned Chicken of the Sea International, which markets one of the top three U.S. canned tuna brands.
At the time of the purchase, Ace of Diamonds represented about 1 percent of the U.S. canned tuna market and was competitively priced between national brands and private labels. Thai Union saw an opportunity to supplement its existing presence in the U.S. canned tuna market with Ace of Diamonds.
However, some consumers have reported a decline in quality since Thai Union purchased Ace of Diamonds. They have complained that the tuna is now mushy and appears to be ground up instead of being chunky like it used to be. Others have reported finding bones in their cans of Ace of Diamonds Tuna, which can be a serious health hazard.
Despite these concerns, Ace of Diamonds continues to be a popular brand among consumers looking for affordable canned tuna options. Its long history and reputation for quality make it a trusted choice for many households across the United States.
Quality Concerns: Reports From Consumers
In addition to the issues mentioned above, some consumers have also expressed concerns about the quality of Ace of Diamonds Tuna in terms of mercury levels. As mentioned earlier, Consumer Reports tested five popular canned tuna brands for mercury levels and found that albacore tuna had the highest levels of mercury. While Ace of Diamonds Tuna is not specifically mentioned in the report, some consumers have reported experiencing symptoms associated with high mercury levels after consuming the product.
Furthermore, some consumers have reported that Ace of Diamonds Tuna has a metallic taste and an unpleasant odor, which could indicate spoilage or contamination during the canning process.
It is important to note that not all consumers have experienced these issues with Ace of Diamonds Tuna, and Thai Union Frozen Products has not issued any official recalls or warnings regarding the product. However, it is always important to be cautious when consuming any canned food product and to report any quality concerns to the manufacturer or relevant authorities.
Competition In The Tuna Market: Other Brands Taking Over
The canned tuna market is highly competitive, with many brands vying for a share of the market. While 3 Diamonds Tuna was once a popular brand, it has faced stiff competition from other brands in recent years.
One of the biggest competitors in the canned tuna market is Chicken of the Sea, which is owned by Thai Union Frozen Products. Chicken of the Sea is one of the top three U.S. canned tuna brands, and Thai Union’s purchase of Ace of Diamonds was seen as a strategic move to supplement Chicken of the Sea’s position in the market.
Other major players in the canned tuna market include Bumble Bee Foods and Starkist, both of which have a strong presence in the U.S. market. These brands offer a variety of different types of canned tuna, including solid white albacore, chunk light tuna, and flavored tuna.
In recent years, there has also been an increase in demand for sustainable and ethically sourced seafood products. This has led to the emergence of new brands that focus on sustainable fishing practices and environmentally friendly packaging.
One such brand is Wild Planet Foods, which offers a range of sustainably sourced seafood products, including canned tuna. The company’s products are certified by various organizations that promote sustainable fishing practices, such as the Marine Stewardship Council and Earth Island Institute’s Dolphin Safe program.
Other brands that focus on sustainability include Safe Catch and Ocean Naturals, both of which offer canned tuna that is sustainably sourced and free from additives and preservatives.
What’s Next For 3 Diamonds Tuna: Plans For Revival Or Farewell?
As of now, there is no clear indication of what the future holds for 3 Diamonds Tuna. While the brand has been around for decades and has a loyal customer base, recent reports of declining quality and health hazards have raised concerns.
It remains to be seen whether Thai Union Frozen Products will make any efforts to revive the brand or if they will decide to discontinue it altogether. However, with the competitive nature of the canned tuna market, it may be difficult for 3 Diamonds Tuna to regain its former reputation and market share.
Consumers who have enjoyed 3 Diamonds Tuna in the past may want to consider exploring other options until there is more clarity on the brand’s future. In the meantime, it is important for Thai Union to address the quality and safety concerns raised by consumers to ensure that their products meet the highest standards.