Published
September 22, 2024
Updated
July 25, 2026
The packaged-tuna direct purchaser settlements paid eligible business claimants a pro rata share of cash and StarKist products; the official case website says payments were issued March 17, 2026.
Current Status
Claims are closed. The official settlement website says payments were issued to all eligible claimants on March 17, 2026. Last verified July 25, 2026.
Status
Payments Sent
March 17, 2026
Claim Deadline
October 18, 2024
Filing period is closed
Settlement Benefits
$38.65M Cash
Plus $26.1M in StarKist products
Proof Required
Yes
Direct-purchase transaction data was used to validate claims and calculate each claimant's pro rata allocation.
What Was the Tuna Direct Purchaser Settlement?
Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs alleged that the defendants conspired to fix, raise, and maintain the prices paid for packaged tuna, causing class members to pay more than they otherwise would have. The settling defendants denied liability and said their conduct was lawful or did not injure class members.Who Was Included?
The settlement covered people and businesses that directly purchased qualifying packaged tuna from a defendant between June 1, 2011 and July 31, 2015. It did not cover ordinary consumers who bought tuna from a retailer.The direct-purchaser class was different from the separate tuna end-purchaser settlement for consumers who bought packaged tuna from retailers.
What Benefits Were Available?
Valid claimants received a pro rata cash payment from the $38.65 million cash settlements and a right to order a pro rata share of $26.1 million in StarKist-branded products.- Pro Rata Cash Payment
- StarKist Product Allocation — $26,100,000 total product component
How Were Claims Handled?
Claims had to be filed by October 18, 2024. Eligible class members who previously filed in the COSI/TUG settlement did not need to submit another claim because the earlier submission was used to calculate benefits.When Were Payments Sent?
The official case website states that payments were issued to all eligible claimants on March 17, 2026.Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tuna direct purchaser settlement still open?
No. The October 18, 2024 claim deadline has passed, and the official settlement website says payments were issued March 17, 2026.
Who was covered by the direct purchaser settlement?
The settlement covered people and businesses that purchased qualifying packaged tuna directly from a defendant between June 1, 2011 and July 31, 2015.
What did valid claimants receive?
Valid claimants received a pro rata cash payment and a right to order a pro rata allocation of StarKist products under the settlement terms.
Status
Payments Sent
Payments issued March 17, 2026
Case Title
In re: Packaged Seafood Products Antitrust Litigation
Case Number
3:15-md-02670
Court
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
Final Approval
November 22, 2024
Administrator
JND Legal Administration
Official Website
Tuna Direct Purchaser Case
Sources
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