A Canadian Company Since 1908
Over 100 years of small fish
(scroll Down To Learn)
EARLY 1900'S
A group of prominent Montreal businessmen start a social club called Club des Millionnaires.
EARLY 1908
The members of Club des Millionnaires decide to import Portuguese sardines, naming the brand after their club.
EARLY 1920’s
Harold T. Griffin begins to represent the Club des Millionnaires brand. The brand would eventually become a part of Harold T. Griffin Inc, which remained a committed leader in the Canadian food industry for four generations.
1939
Toronto, Ontario – Spring 1939. Notice the ad on the front of the streetcar!
The Fish...
A French buyer in Montreal comments to Harold T. Griffin, “The fish she is very small” and the brand’s slogan is born.
2018
Ocean Brands, part of The Jim Pattison Group, acquires the Club des Millionnaires brand.
Today
Club des Millionnaires is still an all-Canadian brand after all these years. To this day, we proudly maintain the same high quality and dedication to exceptional taste, sustainability, and the health of consumers.
Sustainability
Since 1908, Club des Millionnaires has offered sardines and anchovies of the highest quality.
As we are committed to high standards across every aspect of our business, we offer only wild fish that is caught in prime condition when their nutritional attributes are excellent. We only work with fisheries committed to using the best fishing practices to ensure our fish is sourced sustainably.
Responsible Fishing
Brisling sardines, which are the core of our business, are caught in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, around the Scottish and UK coast. We work with boats that are certified under the UK’s Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS). The fisheries would be considered artisanal fisheries under the governance of the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
For brislings, the boats tend to single or pair trawl.
All other Millionnaires sardines, also anchovies are caught using purse seine fishing method.
Plastic neutrality
Being plastic neutral means that for any amount of plastic we use in our operations, a measured equivalent of plastic waste is recovered and removed from the environment through recycling and/or waste management efforts.
Ocean Brand Initiatives
Ocean Brands is a parent company that owns Millionnaires brand.
As a certified B Corp, Ocean Brands is committed to balance profit and purpose. Hence, we not only care about the environment, but we also take care of people and do our part in helping out in vulnerable communities.
FAQ: Learn About
Sardines & Anchovies
What types of sardines are in a can of Millionnaires?
We use two species across our lineup: Sprattus sprattus (brisling sardines) — a small, premium wild-caught variety and the heart of our brand since 1908 — and Sardinops sagax (Pacific sardines) in our Wild Sardines in Olive Oil. All of our products are wild caught, responsibly sourced, and seriously delicious.
What are brisling sardines, and how are they different from regular sardines?
Brisling sardines are a smaller, more delicate variety of sardine, known for their mild flavour and firm texture. They’re a step up from your average canned sardine — a great choice whether you’re new to sardines, or a sardine conniseur!
Are canned sardines healthy?
Very! Canned sardines are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. A single can delivers omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and selenium. They’re also one of the lowest-mercury fish available, making them a great everyday option for the whole family.
Are sardines high in omega-3s?
Yes — sardines are one of the best natural food sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Unlike fish oil supplements, you’re getting those omega-3s in whole-food form, alongside a full range of other nutrients. It’s a pretty good deal for a small can of fish!
How do canned sardines compare to canned tuna?
Both are solid sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, but canned sardines have a few extras going for them — less mercury than most tuna varieties, plus calcium and Vitamin D from their soft, edible bones. They also have a lower overall environmental impact. Not bad for the little guy!
Are sardines in sauce still nutritious?
Yes! Whether you choose sardines in olive oil or one of our flavoured varieties, the core nutritional benefits stay intact — omega-3s, protein, calcium, and vitamins B and D are all still there. Calorie counts vary slightly between varieties, but the nutritional value remains.
Are Millionnaires sardines sustainably caught?
Always! All our wild-caught sardines and anchovies are sourced from responsibly managed fisheries — we work with organizations that are certified under the UK’s Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme. As part of Ocean Brands, a certified B Corp, sourcing our products sustainably isn’t just something we talk about. It’s how we operate.
Where do Millionnaires sardines and anchovies come from?
Our wild brisling sardines are caught in the Northeast Atlantic off the Scottish and UK coast, and our Wild Sardines in Olive Oil from the Pacific Northwest.
Why do Millionnaires anchovies need to be refrigerated?
Our anchovies are naturally salt cured for texture and flavour — but this also means refrigeration is a must! You’ll find them in the cooler aisle at your grocery store, and once opened, keep them cold and enjoy within a few days.
How do you store canned sardines and anchovies after opening?
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days — for anchovies, a little olive oil over top helps keep them fresh. Both sardines and anchovies can also be frozen for up to three months, though the texture will change, making them best suited to cooked dishes after thawing.
How do I eat sardines if I've never tried them before?
A can of our Brisling Sardines in Olive Oil on crackers or toast with a squeeze of lemon is the perfect place to start. Once you’re comfortable, our Recipes page has plenty of ideas — from sardine pasta to grain bowls and beyond.
Do Millionnaires products contain common allergens?
The main allergens across our lineup are fish (sardines, anchovies) and soybean oil, used in our Wild Brisling Sardines in Soya Oil. Check the individual product pages for full ingredient and allergen details.
Are Millionnaires cans BPA-free?
Our can suppliers don’t add BPA during production — because the only thing in your tin should be great fish! Health Canada considers current BPA exposure levels from food packaging to be low risk, but it’s a standard we’re happy to exceed.
Do you offer coupons or discounts on sardines?
Yes! Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive coupons, new product news, and recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
Where can I buy Club des Millionnaires products?
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We are committed to supporting our communities by feeding those in need.