Is Caviar Sustainable? What to Know Before You Buy

Caviar once came from wild sturgeon, which led to severe overfishing. Today the picture is very different. Nearly all caviar legally sold is farm-raised through regulated aquaculture, which protects wild sturgeon populations while delivering consistent, high-quality roe.

Why farm-raised is the sustainable standard

Wild sturgeon are slow to mature and were pushed to the brink by demand for caviar. International trade is now controlled under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), and responsible producers raise sturgeon in managed farms. This takes pressure off wild stocks and allows the fish to mature properly for premium roe.

What to look for as a buyer

• Farm-raised sourcing. Reputable sellers are transparent that their caviar comes from aquaculture, not wild harvest.
• CITES compliance. Legitimate caviar trade follows CITES rules.
• Freshness handling. Caviar should be packed to order and shipped cold to preserve quality.

How Cavière sources its caviar

Every Cavière caviar comes from responsibly managed sturgeon aquaculture under CITES regulations. This includes our signature White Sturgeon, Kaluga Grand Cru, and Imperial Ossetra, as well as our premium Reserve Siberian, Reserve Kaluga, and Reserve Ossetra. Our Smoked Trout Roe is likewise sourced from premium farmed rainbow trout and cold-smoked in small batches. We pack every tin to order and ship it cold so it arrives at peak flavor.

Sustainable ways to enjoy it

Tasting sets help you explore responsibly without waste: The Starter Kit, The Collector's Cut, and The Reserve Tasting Set let you sample multiple caviars in right-sized portions, each with reusable serving tools like our Mother of Pearl Spoon.

Choosing farm-raised caviar means you can enjoy a true delicacy while supporting the recovery of wild sturgeon populations.