This summer is a very special one for USISA, as it marks our 50th anniversary. For 50 years, we have been bringing you the best of the sea in the form of canned and salted goods, made with the most exquisite tradition.

How it all started?

It all started on June 18, 1973, when a group of 26 salting entrepreneurs from Isla Cristina and Ayamonte came together to form USISA. Their goal was to save the salting industry and lay the foundation for a leading player in the sector.

Join us to discover how our company emerged in 1973, the reasons that led to its constitution and a review of everything these 50 years have meant. Are you coming?

The Early Years

In 1971, the salting sector on the Huelva coast was going through a severe crisis due to the high competition between small artisans, making the survival of the activity doomed to failure. As a result of this situation, a group of 26 businessmen led by, among others, our founder Juan Vázquez, began to meet to associate in a single company that would acquire a better position in the market and place the Huelva industry through a single commercial entity.

In this way, competition between them and the closure of the smaller ones was avoided. Thus, in 1973, Unión Salazonera Isleña S.A (USISA) would be born, and the potential of a sector with a centuries-old tradition and one of the best sources of blue fish would be maintained.

The early years of USISA were marked by the development of salting as the main activity. However, the arrival of new canning partners from the area, such as Emiliano Cabot and Pérez y Feu, led the company to take on the production of canned goods and establish itself as a benchmark in the production of canned and salted fish.

Key Milestones

One of the major milestones in USISA’s history came in 1980 with the incorporation of the TEJERO brand, a brand that is now over 100 years old and has become a centennial hallmark for USISA.

Years later, new branches were opened in Valencia and Barcelona, and the company began a major climb to enter the most important distributors in the national market and position USISA in a position of recognition on the shelves.

The arrival of the new century brought another milestone in our history, the inauguration of the new facilities in 2001. This was a major investment resulting from the growth of the company and the resurgence of a sector with such a long tradition in Isla Cristina. All this led to the progressive arrival of new certifications, growth milestones, and a leading position in the production of albacore, mackerel, and salted tuna.

Many generations have passed through our factory, stories, anecdotes, and families that have lived the growth from within. New times, modernization, and digitization have brought USISA a renewed image, a closer relationship with customers, and a journey that allows us to look back and see the great evolution of all those who have been part of this family.

Without a doubt, this anniversary is thanks to all those who have worked to maintain the tradition, the artisan work, and the special care in the elaboration of all our products.

Have you been left wanting more? If you want to know more details about our origin and our history, stay tuned to our social networks because we will soon bring you a series of interesting and fun posts to learn about everything that has happened in these 50 years.

In the meantime, you can always visit us at https://www.usisa.com/