Plant-based seafood company Konscious Foods has landed $5 million in funding from the Canadian government to scale-up manufacturing, Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) confirmed in a press release on Feb. 27.

"Konscious Foods is a proud Canadian company, born right here in Vancouver," said president and COO Michael Watt. "This investment has allowed us to grow quickly, win on a global stage and accelerate the next wave of innovation including plant-based Smoked Salm'n, Sno'Crab Cakes and Shr'mp. We are very grateful for the team at PacifiCan as our achievements would not be possible without your support."

The Richmond, British Columbia-based company is relatively new, having been formed in 2023. However, Konscious Foods has been very busy in that short amount of time.

In July 2023, the company launched its frozen sushi rolls, onigiri stuffed rice snacks and poke bowls, all made entirely from plant-based ingredients. The products were launched at Whole Foods Market locations in the US and Canada.

That August, the company raised $26 million in seed funding. By the end of 2023, Konscious Foods' fresh plant-based sushi was added to Whole Foods Market sushi venues, and the company announced plans to expand into the North American foodservice market.

Currently, Konscious Foods has more than  40 employees in British Columbia. The $5 million funding from PacifiCan will help the company increase exports as it continues to "scale-up manufacturing and bring their products to global markets," the press release said.

Next up for Konscious Foods is launching a plant-based alternative to snow crab. Konscious Foods' Sno'Crab Cakes is a finalist this year for a NEXTY Award in the meat alternative category at Expo West, taking place in Anaheim, California between March 4-7.

Photo Credit: Konscious Foods