Choose the original Carloforte - Carloforte Tonnare

Choose the original

We write Carloforte because it is from Carloforte

Choose the original

Carloforte Tuna

Carloforte Tonnare P.I.A.M. is the sole guardian of the historic tuna-trap tradition of Carloforte, on the island of San Pietro. We write Carloforte because our tuna is caught, processed and certified in Carloforte. Given the uniqueness of our product, there have been several attempts to imitate it, using the label “Carloforte”. But only Carloforte Tonnare P.I.A.M. is truly from Carloforte. That’s why we invite you to choose the original and show you how to recognize it.

How to recognize the packaging

These distinctive elements are your guarantee of authenticity, quality, and respect for a unique tradition. Always look for them before choosing.

1) 2) Logo of the company Carloforte Tonnare
3) Wording “Tonnare P.I.A.M.”
4) Wording “Registered trademark”
5) Short history of Carloforte Tonnare’s fishery

6) “ Product traditionally preserved in oil by CARLOFORTE TONNARE P.I.A.M. S.r.l., Carloforte, loc. La Punta, Isola di S. Pietro (Sardinia) Fishing area: FAO 37.1.3 Fishing method: Fixed tuna trap anchored to shore”

BCD - Bluefin Tuna Catch Document

The “BCD” (Bluefin Tuna Catch Document) is a mandatory document for the traceability of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) at every stage.

170g pack
The wording is found on the bottom side of the package.

350g pack
The wording is found on the top side of the package.

The BCD, Bluefin Tuna Catch Document, was introduced by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to combat illegal fishing and ensure the species’ sustainability.

This document contains detailed information about the lot of bluefin tuna: catch identification (catch number, date and place of catch, species, fishing method), fishing unit data (vessel, owner and operator information), landing and transshipment data (place, date and time, quantity involved), trade data (trader, consignee, final destination) and any transfers or transshipments of the tuna.
BCD example: Only from FRESH TUNA, never frozen L 170/25-0408 best before: 04-2027- TO Caught: 2022 BCD IT-22900559-1069- BOX N:70345

Press coverage

When the name Carloforte is exploited: the press reports on imitations and counterfeiting cases.

“Counterfeiting of tuna in oil allegedly caught in the tuna traps of Carloforte and Portoscuso”
Consociazione Tonnare Sarde, 2011
“Fake ‘Carloforte’ and ‘Portoscuso’ tuna: finance police seize 500 packs”
Unione Sarda, 2011
“Major seizure in Cagliari: fake ‘Carloforte’ tuna sold at €130 per kilo”
La Nuova Sardegna, 2011
“Counterfeiting of tuna in oil allegedly caught in the tuna traps of Carloforte and Portoscuso”
Consociazione Tonnare Sarde, 2011
“Fake ‘Carloforte’ and ‘Portoscuso’ tuna: finance police seize 500 packs”
Unione Sarda, 2011
“Major seizure in Cagliari: fake ‘Carloforte’ tuna sold at €130 per kilo”
La Nuova Sardegna, 2011

The supply chain of the real Carloforte tuna

Only in Carloforte does tuna follow a fully controlled supply chain: here it is caught, processed, cut, and hand-canned according to a tradition of over 400 years. A unique path that guarantees BCD, ECOCREST and Friend of the Sea certifications, safeguarding the quality of the sea.

01.

From sea to can

The only ones in Italy who cook tuna while it is still fresh

Our tuna trap is the only one in Italy able to cook tuna while it is still fresh, because it is just 800 meters from our historic production facility.
02.

Protected Geographical Indication

PGI confirms our processes to achieve a quality product

The Protected Geographical Indication “Carloforte Tonno di corsa sott’olio” is reserved exclusively for wild bluefin tuna (“Thunnus thynnus”) caught in the Tonnara.
03.

Centuries-old processes

The supply chain is, above all, the result of long experience: our family’s

Since 1880 our family has been canning the finest “Tonno di corsa” from the Tonnara, using the method invented by our great-great-grandfather Pasquale Pastorino.
04.

Culture and tradition

Carloforte’s Tonnara is applying for UNESCO World Heritage status

The bond with the territory dates back to the construction of the fixed tuna traps in 1654. Since then, the people of San Pietro Island have developed unique expertise in handling the raw material.
05.

Ecology

The most ecological and sustainable fishing system

The skill of the rais and tonnarotti lies in guiding the tuna from one “chamber” of the net system to the next, until the last one where they are caught, while releasing specimens under 30 kg.

COUNTERFEIT PACKAGING

Even if these packs bear the name “Carloforte”, they do not contain tuna caught and/or processed in Carloforte: only Carloforte Tonnare P.I.A.M. operates the historic fixed tuna trap on the island of Piana at San Pietro and owns the island’s only active production and processing facility.