In late September, the AMC Marketing Program hosted its first-ever familiarization (FAM) trip—an immersive experience connecting chefs, buyers, media, and influencers directly with Alaska’s oysters and kelp. Through guided tastings, product demos, farm visits, and conversations with growers, participants gained a firsthand understanding of how Alaska’s pristine, cold waters and responsible farming produces some of the most exciting mariculture products available.

The two-part trip was designed to educate, inspire, raise awareness, and grow demand in Alaska and across the Lower 48. Beyond opening local markets and interest from restaurateurs, the visit drove social media buzz and will deliver national media coverage helping to reach more people and build momentum for long-term growth. 

Part One: Tasting Alaska’s Oysters and Kelp in Anchorage

The journey began in Anchorage with a curated Mariculture Dinner at South, bringing together more than a dozen local chefs, restaurateurs, wholesalers, and national media. The event showcased the potential of Alaska’s oysters and kelp across menus and markets. 

Chef Nathan Bentley of Altura in Anchorage crafted a thoughtful menu showcasing oysters and kelp in a variety of innovative ways. The highlight was a stunning oyster tasting featuring six varieties from different farms across the state – including Cordova, Hoonah, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Prince of Wales, and Wrangell. Guests were invited to taste and note the unique differences —a true “merroir” experience that reflects Alaska’s diverse growing regions. 

Discussion throughout the dinner alongside informative materials at each table sparked inspiration and ideas for incorporating Alaska mariculture into future menus and products.

Part Two: Behind the Scenes in Homer, Kachemak Bay, Peterson Bay, and Jakolof Bay

The trip continued for four national food media guests representing Saveur, Nation’s Restaurant News, Serious Eats, and Food52 – selected for their strong influence and their ability to share Alaska’s mariculture story with broad, interested consumer and trade audiences. 

In Homer, the group spent time at the Kachemak Shellfish Growers Co-Op for a discussion and look at oyster cultivation in the area, followed by delicious tastings of local oyster preparations. They also visited the Kachemak Kelp Innovation Hub to learn about kelp processing and product development. 

The next day, two farms were toured – Moss Island Farm and Spinnaker Sea Farms – where farmers shared how they grow pristine oysters with care and passion. They talked about the years-long process and deep commitment it takes to produce high-quality mariculture products. 

The group stayed at Tutka Bay Lodge, where the acclaimed culinary team prepared a variety of meals featuring Alaska oysters and kelp. Paired with grower-led discussions and demos—including oyster shucking and kelp preparation—the meals led to conversations about potential menu applications and product innovations.

What’s Next: Laying the Foundation for Future Growth 

This inaugural marketing activation helped deepen understanding and excitement around Alaska’s oysters and kelp, inspiring new ideas to bring these products to more people—powered by Alaska’s clean waters and the dedication of its farmers.

AMC Market Development News

About the AMC Marketing Program

Funded through the AMC’s Market Development grant component, the Alaska Mariculture Alliance (AMA) and Southeast Conference (SEC) have launched a robust marketing program to increase awareness, demand, and long-term market opportunities for Alaska’s growing mariculture industry. The AMC Marketing Program is being advanced by Tastemaker Comms in partnership with Rising Tide Communications – two experienced firms with extensive backgrounds in seafood marketing, brand development, and campaign execution.

Background

Southeast Conference (SEC) is the federally designated Economic Development District (EDD) for Southeast Alaska, as well as the state designated Alaska Regional Development Organization. SEC’s mission is to undertake and support activities that promote strong economies, sustainable communities, and a healthy environment in Southeast Alaska.

In September 2022, Southeast Conference was awarded a $49 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) grant to catalyze a viable and sustainable mariculture industry in Alaska, supporting the production of shellfish and seaweed, for the long-term benefit of the state’s economy, environment, and communities.

SEC leads the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) grant coalition, which includes members of Alaska’s mariculture industry, tribal organizations, regulatory agencies, university system, regional EDDs, trade organizations, and others. A Governance Body, composed of AMC coalition leaders and Tribal executives from each of the project regions, guides the grant’s work and equity metrics.

The AMC has complementary grant components designed to break down barriers and develop Alaska’s mariculture industry.  The Overarching Narrative explains how the grant components work together to grow the industry in an equitable and responsible manner. The full project period for the AMC BBBRC project is October 1, 2022 to September 30th, 2026.