Crunchy seaweed chip snacks taking off in Oregon, Scotland; Fremantle Seaweed seeded with AUD 4 million grant

SeafoodSource is closely following seaweed innovation by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector.

-On 7 September, Alness, Scotland-based seafood processor Aquascot announced the acquisition of SHORE: The Scottish Seaweed Co., an Alness, Scotland-based seaweed snack company. Aquascot and SHORE Seaweed have been longtime partners, and both share a commitment to sustainable practices, according to Aquascot Commercial Director Andy Wilson.

"It's a really exciting time for both businesses and key for the next stage of the Shore journey! SHORE Seaweed has a great team that has grown the business each year and the wider Aquascot partner support will add further benefits for the years to come. The products are fantastic and my favourite is the Sweet Sriracha chips, which taste amazing and are a healthy alternative snack," Wilson said in a release.

SHORE Seaweed manufactures seaweed-based chips in a variety of flavors, seaweed-based pesto, and seaweed-based pesto.

"The evolution of the SHORE brand over the last few years has established a strong, uniquely positioned brand that has gained great traction with consumers. With this platform, many exciting opportunities now lie ahead for the brand," SHORE Seaweed Business Lead Keith Patterson said. "As we enter this next stage in our development, being part of Aquascot provides us with solid foundations and a network to support our growth ambitions. We look forward to working together effectively with partners to strengthen the overall business, alongside the SHORE brand and products to ensure we maximize the opportunities ahead of us."

- Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia-based biotechnology research company Fremantle Seaweed received an AUD 4 million (USD 2.6 million, EUR 2.4 million) grant from the state of Western Australia through its Investment Attraction Fund. The funding will support Fremantle Seaweed's expansion in its seaweed farming to create a multisite commercial operation. 

“This expansion may include expansion of the scale, species, and solutions e.g. from a small 32-hectare proof of concept site focused on Asparagopsis to a multisite commercial operation growing multiple species for multiple products and markets," the company wrote in a release. "This expansion will deliver the economic, social, and environmental benefits associated with a commercial business producing a solution to greenhouse gas emissions."

-Garibaldi, Oregon U.S.A.-based aquaculture farm Oregon Seaweed has partnered with HAB Sauce to create the Oregon Seaweed Chili Crisp. HAB (Heat and Blessings) is a Portland, Oregon U.S.A.-based hot sauce manufacturing company. 

“Proud to partner with Portland friends David van Overeem at HAB Sauce on the world's first seaweed chili crisp!” Oregon Seaweed CEO and Founder Chuck Toombs wrote on LinkedIn.  

In April 2023, Oregon Seaweed  launched its packaged Farm Fresh Seaweed at Portland, Oregon-based New Seasons Market. Oregon Seaweed is an investment from private equity principal and venture capital company Katapult Ocean. 

"The launch of this brand new sea vegetable will usher in a new era of healthy and sustainable food," Toombs said in a release.

Photo courtesy of SHORE: The Scottish Seaweed Co.