A Canadian chef just launched a new tinned fish brand

Tinned fish is so hot right now, but most of it comes from brands based in other countries. Charlotte Langley is on a mission to change that with a sexy new tinned seafood brand led by a Canadian female chef while working with some of the world’s foremost canned fish experts.

Nice Cans is far from Langley’s first experience with food, or even tinned fish as a brand concept. She’s also behind Scout Canning, another Canadian canned seafood brand. Originally from Prince Edward Island, she’s been working as a classically trained chef in top kitchens for over 15 years.

“My roots are in the ocean,” Langley tells YourCityWithIN.com. “Growing up surrounded by seafood and fishing culture shaped the way I cook and think about food. Over time, I realized I wanted to take that experience and create something that could live beyond the restaurant, and that’s where my journey into canning began.”

A deep passion for sustainability has become intertwined with her work as a chef, and she’s served as Marine Stewardship Council’s Canadian Chef Ambassador for eight years, advocating for sustainable seafood practices in Canada and around the world. It’s also this passion that pushed her towards innovation in tinned fish.

“I was looking for packaging that was low-waste, plastic-free, and shelf-stable,” says Langley. “Canning made total sense. Tins are one of the most environmentally thoughtful and flavour-protecting formats out there. They keep ingredients at peak freshness, reduce spoilage, and eliminate cold chain reliance.”

Nice Cans only uses MSC- or ASC-certified seafood, recyclable packaging, and organic ingredients wherever possible. They currently have three sardine offerings: rosemary and fennel, tomato and peppers, and organic olive oil and sea salt. Not only are the classic flavours tasty, there are also 20 grams of protein in every tin.

“My focus right now is on building something new that’s rooted in joy, integrity, and serious deliciousness,” says Langley. “It’s louder, bolder, and unapologetically me.”

Her previous brand, Scout Canning, was started in 2014 and commercialized in 2020, and has now ceased operating in Canada but is still operating in the United States. Langley is excited to carry her work with canned seafood forward with her new brand Nice Cans, which she describes as a next chapter in her journey.

“Funding has been one of the biggest challenges. I launched Scout with $750K, I launched Nice Cans with just $90K Canadian. I’ve bootstrapped this brand from day one, every dollar has had to work hard,” says Langley.

“That means getting scrappy, calling in favours, leaning on community, and staying incredibly focused on what matters most.”

What matters most to Nice Cans is full supply chain transparency, with sustainability in mind from start to finish. While Nice Cans is a Canadian-led company, they also know where the goods come from when it comes to the experts on the best tinned fish. They’ve teamed up with Jose Gourmet and 100 Misterios, known for their sustainability and quality.

“Canning also comes with heavy regulation and tight margins, so partnering with the right co-packer was essential. Our relationship with Jose Gourmet has been a game-changer. They share our standards, values, and vision for the future of tinned food,” says Langley.

“We launched in three countries on a bootstrap budget and the energy around the brand has been so positive, both from consumers and retailers.”

Nice Cans was launched under Charlotte’s banner Langley Foods, and it’s the just the beginning of the new food empire she plans to build. In addition to seafood, they also want to branch out into sides and canned beverages.

“I’ll always be a chef at heart,” says Langley. “But right now, I’m focused on building brands through Langley Foods that reflect the future of food…sustainable, values-led, community-driven, and unforgettable.”