Atlantic ChiCan Seafood Ltd. is a Canadian seafood processing and export company located in Clarks Harbour, Nova Scotia—one of the most active fishing communities in Atlantic Canada. The company specializes in sourcing, processing, and exporting high-quality live and frozen seafood, with a primary focus on premium Canadian lobster. With strong relationships across the North Atlantic fishery and a focus on international markets, Atlantic ChiCan Seafood has established itself as a trusted supplier to clients across Asia, North America, and Europe.
Core Business
Atlantic ChiCan Seafood operates as a seafood processor and exporter, procuring live and sustainably harvested species from local fishers in Nova Scotia. Its core operations revolve around the handling, storage, and distribution of:
- Live lobster
- Wild-caught shellfish
- Premium frozen seafood items
The company is strategically located near major fishing zones and export hubs, which enables fast turnaround, cold chain integrity, and flexible logistics support for international buyers.
Product Offerings
-
Live Canadian Lobster
- Homarus americanus (Hard Shell Atlantic Lobster)
- Graded and shipped according to market size: 1.0 lb, 1.25 lb, 1.5 lb, and up
- Year-round supply from both inshore and offshore fisheries
-
Spot Prawn
- Wild-caught in Pacific waters
- Flash frozen for export to Asian and North American markets
-
Hokkigai (Surf Clam)
- Processed and frozen for use in sushi and sashimi applications
- Sourced primarily from Canadian and Japanese suppliers
-
Unagi (Freshwater Eel)
- Prepared and packaged as grilled eel (Kabayaki-style)
- Offered as a value-added, ready-to-eat product for foodservice clients
Specialization and USP
Atlantic ChiCan Seafood differentiates itself through:
- Specialization in live lobster exports, with a reputation for hard shell quality and survival rate upon delivery
- Access to both seasonal and offshore fisheries, ensuring a continuous supply stream
- Cultural fluency in Asian export markets, particularly China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan
- Flexible processing and packaging options tailored for wholesale and retail clients
With a team experienced in international trade, the company ensures all documentation, health certifications, and customs processes are handled efficiently.
Financials
Atlantic ChiCan Seafood Ltd. is a privately owned SME, and financial data is not publicly available. However, industry estimates and shipping records suggest:
- Export volumes exceeding 100,000 lbs of live lobster annually
- Operational capacity to support 3–5 shipments per week during peak fishing seasons
- Average export container value estimated at CAD $100,000 to $250,000, depending on species mix and destination
These figures indicate a robust mid-scale operation with a niche focus on premium shellfish exports.
Shipment and Export Data
Based on data from import/export tracking platforms and industry registries:
- The company exports primarily to China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and South Korea
- Uses air freight for live lobster to ensure freshness and survival rates above 95%
- Products are packed using oxygen-enriched foam cartons and refrigerated containers
- Shipments handled through Halifax Stanfield International Airport and regional seafood logistics hubs
The company collaborates with freight forwarders and customs brokers experienced in perishable goods.
Target Market
- Seafood importers and distributors in East and Southeast Asia
- Grocery retail chains seeking value-added frozen products
- Hotel and restaurant groups specializing in high-end seafood menus
- Wholesale seafood traders in North America and Europe
Their product line and packaging formats are designed for bulk handling and high-margin foodservice applications.
Capabilities
- Live holding tanks with integrated temperature and salinity control
- Flash freezing and vacuum sealing facilities
- Custom labeling and packaging options (including bilingual/Asian language formats)
- Full traceability from harvest to shipment
- Export documentation support (Health Certificates, Catch Certificates, etc.)
Certifications & Compliance
Atlantic ChiCan Seafood is compliant with Canadian federal seafood export regulations, including:
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) certification
- Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)
- Export registration and licensing under the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP)
- Adheres to HACCP protocols for processing and live tank maintenance
The company ensures product traceability and full compliance with international seafood import regulations.
Customer Testimonials
While there are no publicly published testimonials, the company maintains repeat clients across Asia and North America—indicative of strong service standards and consistent product quality. Live lobster buyers cite high survival rates and timely delivery as key satisfaction metrics.
Achievements
- Developed reliable year-round lobster supply partnerships with local Nova Scotia fishers
- Expanded into value-added product categories like Unagi and Hokkigai for sushi distribution channels
- Maintained a high standard of live seafood exports during global logistics disruptions (2020–2022)
- Recognized by trade partners in China and Hong Kong for consistent service and documentation accuracy
Atlantic ChiCan Seafood Ltd. continues to grow as a dependable source of Atlantic Canada’s finest shellfish, with a strong export focus and a commitment to freshness, quality, and customer service. With expertise in both live and frozen seafood logistics, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of global seafood markets.