In short: The 4 major canneries of Santoña: Codesa (historic, premium alliance), Hoya Oro (traditional classic), Lolín (quality-price, EVOO), Catalina (small artisan). Each has its own profile. Prices €10-20/50g can. Codesa and Hoya on the podium.
Table of Contents
Santoña: The Cradle of Premium Anchovies
Santoña, on the coast of Cantabria, is the world capital of anchovies. Since 1880, Santoña's canneries have cured Cantabrian anchovies using the dry salting + enzymatic autolysis technique for 8-14 months. Today there are ~15 active canneries, but 4 dominate the premium market.
Codesa: The Historic Premium Choice
Founded: 1948. A family business managed by 3 generations of the Solana family.
Star Product: Codesa Tradición — Cantabrian anchovy, 00 size, cured 12+ months, EVOO. €32-35/jar 70 fillets.
Flavor: deep, balanced, "the benchmark" for Santoña anchovies according to a professional tasting panel.
Why Premium: maximum selection of size, 100% manual process, own extra virgin olive oil. The "anchovy of anchovies."
Hoya: The Classic Option
Founded: 1900s, Hoya is a historic brand with its premium Oro line.
Product: Hoya Oro Santoña — 50g can, size 0, €14/can.
Flavor: traditional, classic Basque-Cantabrian profile. No surprises.
Why Classic: present in most premium stores, wide distribution, stable quality. If you don't know it, discover it.
Lolín: Quality-Price
Founded: 1970s-80s, rapid ascent with consistent quality.
Product: Lolín Santoña — 50g can, size 0, €13/can.
Flavor: balanced, slightly saltier than Codesa. Well-executed traditional curing.
Why Quality-Price: 30% more affordable than Codesa with a 90-95% similar flavor. The "smart" choice for regular use.
Catalina: The Small Artisan
Production: smaller scale, limited distribution.
Product: jars and cans with size 0 and 00 depending on the catch.
Flavor: subtler than the previous 3. Some pieces may be less uniform (100% manual process with less automation).
Why Interesting: competitive price (€12-15), genuinely artisanal production. For foodies looking for different profiles.
Definitive Ranking 2026
| Brand | Product | Price | Quality | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Codesa | Jar 70 fillets 00 | €32 | 9.1/10 | Main pintxo ingredient |
| Bacalalo selection 00 | Jar 70 XXL fillets | €34 | 8.9/10 | Best €/fillet value |
| Hoya Oro | Can 50g size 0 | €14 | 8.5/10 | Classic small can |
| Lolín | Can 50g size 0 | €13 | 8.2/10 | Regular use |
| Catalina | Jar 100g | €16 | 7.5/10 | Curious foodies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best brand from Santoña?
Codesa or Lolín?
Santoña anchovy vs. Basque Cantabrian anchovy?
How long do they last once opened?
How to identify real Santoña anchovy vs. fake?
Can or jar?
To conclude
The 4 major Santoña brands (Codesa, Hoya, Lolín, Catalina) have different profiles but all are world-class. Your choice: Codesa for maximum prestige, Bacalalo selection 00 for the best €/fillet value, Lolín for smart regular use. Bacalalo premium Cantabrian anchovies include direct selection from Santoña's top canneries.
