Ocean Master Foods Leads HPP Innovation Project for Sustainable Seafood Exports

Canada's Ocean Supercluster
(Image Credit: Canada’s Ocean Supercluster)

Canada's Ocean Supercluster announced three new ocean innovation projects valued at over $25 million, including the $6.2 million Advancing Technology for Premium Seafood Exports Project led by Ocean Master Foods International. This project will pioneer advanced High Pressure Processing (HPP) methods specifically engineered for the delicate characteristics of uni (sea urchin roe) and premium Canadian whitefish species, enabling new economic opportunities for coastal and Indigenous communities while strengthening Canada's leadership in sustainable blue foods.

The project is led by Richmond, B.C.-based Ocean Master Foods International, in partnership with HPP Tolling Facility Canada in Delta, B.C. With a total project value of $6.2 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $2.4 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.

The project includes the establishment of new HPP infrastructure within a seafood facility in British Columbia. This will be the first HPP system in Canada designed expressly for seafood, creating critical capacity for value-added product development and export-ready innovation.

Ocean Master Foods International and HPP Canada’s proprietary HPP methods will enhance the flavor, texture, color, nutritional integrity, and shelf life of uni and whitefish products, overcoming long-standing barriers to innovation in high-value seafood categories.

By becoming the first mover in seafood-specific HPP innovation, Canada is poised to expand its global market share in premium blue foods, reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a leader in sustainable, high-quality seafood.

Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made-in-Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.

“Through investments in innovative projects across marine transportation and decarbonization, advanced manufacturing and sustainable seafood production, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is supporting Canadian companies in developing and commercializing world-leading technologies. These initiatives will create jobs and opportunities for Canadian communities, expand exports, strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness and accelerate the growth of a stronger, more sustainable ocean economy. By supporting Canadian innovators today, we are ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of the industries that will shape the future.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“By combining advanced HPP technology with sustainable harvesting and Indigenous partnerships, we are unlocking new economic value while restoring marine ecosystems and reducing waste. This investment strengthens Canada’s position as a global leader in premium blue foods and creates long-term prosperity for coastal communities. We’re proud to help chart a future where innovation, sustainability, and economic growth move forward together.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“At Ocean Master Foods, we are committed to making the seafood we produce safer, cleaner, longer lasting, more delicious, and truly sustainable. By applying advanced technologies like High Pressure Processing to delicate products such as uni and premium Canadian whitefish, we’re opening the door to entirely new possibilities for coastal and Indigenous communities. This project positions Canada as a first mover in seafood-specific HPP innovation, and we’re proud to help lead the next chapter of premium, sustainable blue foods.” – Frasier Rieche, COO, Ocean Master Foods International

latest edition
By translating complex ocean data into actionable strategies, the applied marine science community plays a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term resilience of coastal environments while bolstering the global Blue Economy.

got marine science news?

Send us your latest corporate news, blogs, or press releases

Search