Mega Sardines, the flagship product of Mega Prime Foods Inc. (MPFI) and the country’s top-selling sardine brand, has been officially endorsed as a “superfood” by the US-based Medical Wellness Association (MWA), an historic first for both the country and the global sardine industry.
The distinction, grounded in the MWA’s rigorous System-6 Criteria for superfoods, positions Mega Sardines as the world’s first sardine brand to receive such a health-based recognition. The MWA, which includes one of the largest global networks of medical professionals and wellness experts, cited the brand’s nutrient density, food safety standards, and sustainability practices as basis for the endorsement.
“Mega Sardines stood out in all areas of our criteria,” said James Michael Lafferty, MWA founding board member. “It’s more than a pantry staple—it’s a food that supports overall health, from heart wellness to brain function.”
The MWA endorsement draws from the work of Dr. Christopher Golden of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, whose research highlights the health and environmental advantages of small fish like sardines. Among the six pillars of the System-6 criteria are omega-3 content, vitamin density, low contaminant risk, and rapid processing—from “catch-to-can” within 12 hours—ensuring peak freshness and nutrient retention.
MPFI, which also owns Mega Mackerel, Mega Prime Quality, and recently acquired Jimm’s Coffee Mix, sees the recognition as both a corporate and national milestone. “This is a proud moment for the brand and for the Philippines,” said Marvin Tiu Lim, MPFI chief growth and development officer. “We are committed to making nutritious, high-quality food accessible to every Filipino family.”
The endorsement is not only a boost for Mega Sardines’ market positioning but also aligns with MPFI’s broader wellness initiatives, which include employee health programs and leadership development efforts. As it celebrates 50 years in the industry, MPFI plans to leverage the Superfood recognition in future campaigns, reinforcing the role of sardines in everyday nutrition.
This global recognition is expected to strengthen Mega Sardines’ brand equity, open new opportunities in health-conscious consumer markets, and further differentiate it in the highly competitive canned seafood category.
