Frank Van Camp

Frank Van Camp (January 21, 1863 – November 11, 1937) was an American businessman who founded the Van Camp Seafood Company, now known as Chicken of the Sea. He introduced various innovations in the seafood industry, such as refrigerated fishing boats, and has been regarded as a "pioneer of the tuna industry."

Early life He was born in Brookville, Indiana, to Gilbert Van Camp, of Dutch descent, and Hester Jane Raymond. His father was the founder of the Van Camp's Canning Company.

Career

Van Camp's Canning Company Van Camp began working at his father's Van Camp's Canning Company as a young adult, eventually becoming Secretary-Treasurer. However, due to excessive gambling, the construction of a large mansion in Indianapolis, and unsuccessful attempts to enter the Midwest U.S. tomato market, Van Camp accrued debts of over $1,000,000 by 1912.

Van Camp Seafood Company In 1914, Van Camp and his son Gilbert purchased the California Tuna Canning Company and changed its name to the Van Camp Seafood Company. By the early 1930s, the company acquired its own fishing fleet and had 67 boats. Over one thousand workers and union activists congregated outside of the Van Camp cannery, demanding that they have their own union. Eventually, Van Camp locked out the strikers and requested the local police to suppress the strike. At the time of his death, the Van Camp Seafood Company was the world's largest tuna packer.