July 14, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(HALIFAX) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster today announced the $1.9 million Scaling-up Alternative Seafood Manufacturing Project led by Profillet.
This project will shape the future of sustainable food systems with Canada’s first-ever plant-based whitefish fillet — a revolutionary product that authentically replicates the taste, texture, and nutrition of traditional whitefish while delivering major environmental and health benefits.
The project is led by Halifax, NS-based Profillet, in partnership with Ardra Inc. in Toronto, ON, Mara Renewables in Dartmouth, NS, and RONDO North America in Moonachie, New Jersey, USA. With a total project value of $1.9M, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $750,000, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
Profillet’s innovative product, created using marine-derived ingredients and cutting-edge food science, directly addresses critical ocean sector issues, including overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution caused by conventional fishing and aquaculture practices. Ardra is contributing fermentation-derived ingredients that enhance product performance and support the shift toward ocean-friendly food systems. Beyond ocean sector impacts, the product also offers economic benefits across multiple sectors, from creating new job opportunities in sustainable food production, to reducing reliance on seafood imports and expanding local markets for ethically produced, eco-friendly products. Profillet’s focus is on providing a nutritious, easily accessible and tasty option that appeals to anyone who loves the taste and nutrition of fish, but finds the price of fish to be beyond their budgets.
Profillet is not only leading the way in mitigation of environmental impacts of seafood consumption, they are also positioning Canada as a leader in sustainable, innovative foods.
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.
-30-
Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 140 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. Learn more at oceansupercluster.ca
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation that advances sustainability, food security and economic growth. With the support of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, this project will foster cutting-edge solutions that strengthen Canada’s position as a leader in food innovation, building a more resilient food system for the future.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“By bringing together partners from across the country to create Canada’s first plant-based whitefish fillet, Profillet is not only advancing sustainable food systems but also helping to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans. This is a significant step forward in building a stronger, more resilient ocean economy, that delivers environmental, economic, and global leadership benefits for Canada.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“We are honoured to receive support from the Ocean Supercluster. This grant is a key milestone in advancing Canada’s ocean economy. It empowers us to scale innovation, deepen collaboration, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient seafood sector. With our consortium partners, we’re also one step closer to bringing a nutritious, delicious, and affordable fish alternative to market.” – Ricardo Martinez Villegas, Director, Profillet; Laura S. Hackl, Co-Founder, Profillet; and Greg Potter, Co-Founder and Director of Operations, Profillet
“People want seafood, but there is simply not enough of it, and what is available is getting more expensive all the time. Profillet’s plant-based fish can fill this massive demand gap (and by extension a massive nutrition gap) with a product that gives the same nutrition as fish, the same taste as fish, but at a price that is widely accessible.” – Steve George, Co-Founder, Profillet
With the support of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, this collaboration opens exciting opportunities to expand our fermentation platform into the marine alternatives sector—helping to create sustainable, next-generation Canadian seafood products that can transform the marine food industry. – Pratish Gawand, CEO, Ardra Inc.