July 28, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(VANCOUVER, B.C.) – Today, 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 flavour, texture, colour, 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.
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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 Blue Food, Arctic & Surveillance, Ocean Energy, and Marine Decarbonization, 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 almost 160 projects valued at more than $600 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. Every dollar invested in Ocean Supercluster projects generates more than five times its value in GDP contribution, with the following economic benefits to Canada as of March 2025:
- $1.7 billion in total economic output
- $1 billion in GDP contribution
- Nearly $748 million in total labour income
- Close to 10,000 jobs created
- $286 million in total tax revenues generated
- $295 million in follow-on investment raised
Quotes
“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