Olasagasti and BayMar: two approaches to tuna belly
In the Spanish tuna belly market, two brands stand out for their volume and recognition: Olasagasti and BayMar. Although both sell excellent quality tuna belly, they do so with very different approaches. This comparison analyzes qualities, prices, formats, origin, and recommended use so you can choose wisely.
Olasagasti: artisanal northern white tuna belly
Olasagasti is a family cannery from Bermeo (Vizcaya) with more than 50 years of tradition. Specialized in northern white tuna (Thunnus alalunga) caught artisanally in the Cantabrian Sea, its hallmarks are:
- Species: Northern white tuna exclusively (not skipjack tuna)
- Catch: Artisanal with live bait in the Cantabrian Sea
- Manual filleting: Each piece filleted and cleaned by hand
- Oil: Quality extra virgin olive oil (except specific sunflower oil formats)
- Formats: 120g, 190g, 260g, and special eco formats
- Price: 8-18€ for small format (120g), 15-25€ for medium format (190g)
- Presentation: Glass jar and classic can
It is the option for those looking for the "best" in canned northern white tuna. Gourmet quality, clear labeling, and full traceability.
BayMar: skipjack tuna belly in catering format
BayMar is a cannery from A Coruña (Galicia) specialized in large formats and catering. Its approach is opposite to Olasagasti:
- Species: Skipjack tuna (Thunnus albacares), mainly
- Catch: Industrial with quotas and origin certification
- Filleting: Semi-industrial with quality control
- Oil: Mostly sunflower (also olive in premium lines)
- Formats: 110g, 500g, 1 kg, catering formats
- Price: 4-7€ for 110g, 18-30€ for 1 kg
- Presentation: Mostly can (better for volume)
It is the option for catering, frequent consumption, or those looking for good value for money without the pretensions of artisanal gourmet.
Northern White Tuna Belly in Olive Oil - 190 g | Olasagasti
Direct selection from Bacalalo, verified quality.
Direct comparison: Olasagasti vs BayMar
| Aspect | Olasagasti | BayMar |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Northern White Tuna | Skipjack Tuna |
| Origin | Cantabrian Sea | Tropical Atlantic / Galicia |
| Catch | Artisanal with bait | Regulated industrial |
| Meat color | Pinkish white | More intense pink |
| Flavor | Buttery, subtle | Intense, more pronounced |
| Oil | Extra virgin olive oil | Sunflower (and olive in premium lines) |
| Typical format | 120-260g (glass/can) | 110g-1kg (can) |
| Price 100g | 10-18€ | 4-7€ |
| Best use | Tapas, gift, gourmet | Catering, mass consumption |
Skipjack Tuna Belly in Sunflower Oil - 1000g | BayMar
Direct selection from Bacalalo, verified quality.
When to choose each brand?
Recommendations by use:
Choose Olasagasti if:
- It's for a tasting, tapa, or appetizer where the tuna belly shines on its own
- It's a gift or gourmet treat
- You want northern white tuna (not skipjack tuna)
- You appreciate the difference between artisanal and semi-industrial
- You cook with pasta and mild oils
Choose BayMar if:
- It's for daily or frequent consumption
- You need large formats (500g+) for family or restaurant
- Your budget prioritizes value for money
- The tuna belly goes in Russian salad, sandwiches, salads (where the flavor is complemented)
- You're in catering or foodservice
BayMar Premium vs Olasagasti Basic
The boundary between both brands blurs in some products:
- BayMar premium line in olive oil (200-300g cans): Its quality approaches basic Olasagasti, at an intermediate price (8-12€). For those seeking a compromise.
- Olasagasti large format cans 600g+: Its price approaches BayMar premium. For catering that prefers white tuna species.
In practice, there is a "corridor" of competition between 7-15€ per 200g where both brands compete directly and the choice is a matter of personal taste.
Recommended recipes by brand
With Olasagasti (white tuna):
- Niçoise salad (where the white tuna is the star)
- Simple tapa with tomato, salt, and oil
- White tuna carpaccio with raw EVOO
- Modern white tuna tartare
With BayMar (skipjack tuna):
- Family Russian salad
- Tuna empanadillas
- Tuna sandwiches to go
- Homemade pizza with tuna and olives
- Pasta sauces
Discover our premium selection
Seafood products carefully selected since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona. Refrigerated shipping in 24-48h.
Conclusion: two valid products for different uses
Olasagasti and BayMar do not compete in the same niche. Olasagasti is artisanal premium northern white tuna for tapas and gifts. BayMar is high quality-price skipjack tuna for catering and family consumption.
The correct question is not "which is better" but "which fits my use better." For a special occasion: Olasagasti. For the everyday pantry: BayMar.
At Bacalalo, we work with both brands because they fulfill different functions in Spanish cuisine. For gourmet clients, we recommend Olasagasti. For catering and large formats, BayMar. Both with verified traceability and quality.
Northern White Tuna Belly in Olive Oil - 190 g | Olasagasti
Direct selection from Bacalalo, verified quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Olasagasti better than BayMar?
It is more expensive and more artisanal, but "better" depends on the use. For gourmet tapas, Olasagasti wins. For family Russian salad, BayMar is more suitable for price and format.
Why does Olasagasti use white tuna and BayMar skipjack tuna?
Due to commercial strategy. Olasagasti focuses on premium Cantabrian product (northern white tuna is a Cantabrian species). BayMar works with globally industrially caught species (skipjack tuna is more abundant).
Is there a difference between white tuna belly and skipjack tuna belly?
Yes. Northern white tuna: whiter, more buttery, more subtle flavor. Skipjack tuna: pinker, more fibrous, more pronounced flavor. Different species with distinct textures.
Which is more sustainable: Olasagasti or BayMar?
Artisanal fishing with live bait (Olasagasti) has a better ecological footprint. BayMar also operates with quotas and certifications, but industrial fishing always has more impact.
Does Olasagasti have a skipjack tuna line?
Yes, in some formats. But its star line and most of its production is northern white tuna. Skipjack tuna is secondary.
Does BayMar work with northern white tuna?
Yes, in its premium and eco lines. But its main volume is skipjack tuna due to price and availability.
Where is each brand best purchased?
Olasagasti: gourmet stores, canned goods specialists, online from quality suppliers. BayMar: large supermarkets, catering stores, online distributors.
Which has better value for money?
For 100g of tuna belly, BayMar wins. For 100g of northern white tuna specifically, Olasagasti is the reference. The correct question is what you want.
