Welcome to The Australian Seaweed Company, where our passion for premium seaweed products and dedication to quality come from years of experience and a deep connection to the Victorian coastline. Our story is one of discovery, innovation and commitment, all driven by a lifelong love for the sea.

Our Story

Our journey began in 1999 when our founders, Mike Houghton and Ric De Vries, identified the potential of Japanese wakame seaweed found in Port Phillip. With extensive backgrounds in various fisheries in Port Phillip and Western Port, central zone abalone and mussel farming at Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula, Mike and Ric saw the potential of wakame as a premium sea vegetable.

Determined to share this superfood with others, they applied for and were granted a permit to commercially harvest wakame from Victorian coastal waters. This was the catalyst for their passion and dedication to sea vegetables. Being the first commercial seaweed harvesters in Victoria, they became pioneers in an emerging industry, tackling the challenges of developing products, processing and marketing in a new market. Throughout this journey, we have remained fully self-funded and independent, driven by a commitment to quality and innovation.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to provide our customers with top-notch seaweed products that enhance both their health and their meals. We are dedicated to:

• Quality: Quality is paramount to us. After extensive consultation with the Victorian Health Department and local councils, we have developed an independently audited food safety plan that governs the harvest, processing and packaging of our seaweed products. We also conduct regular tests through accredited third-party organisations in accordance with the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code to ensure our products meet the highest standards.

• Sustainability: We are committed to sustainable harvesting practices that protect marine ecosystems. Our seaweed is harvested using methods that preserve the ocean’s natural balance.

• Innovation: We are constantly evolving, adding new seaweed species and products to our range. We strive to bridge the gap between our customers and the accessibility of seaweeds in Australia while educating on their numerous health and environmental benefits.

• Education: We aim to educate our customers about the benefits of seaweed and how to incorporate it into their diets. From recipes to nutritional information, we want to make it easy for you to enjoy the many benefits of these sea vegetables.

Meet the Team

The Australian Seaweed Company is more than just a business; it’s a family affair. In recent years, Mike’s daughters, Louise and Loretta, and Ric’s son, Liam, have joined the team. Each member brings their own expertise and enthusiasm to the table, helping to drive our operations and connect with customers. All are endorsed divers on our harvesting permit, contributing to every aspect of our business from harvesting to marketing.

Mike Houghton: Co-founder with a lifetime of experience in fisheries and serves as the lead diver in our operations.

Ric De Vries: Co-founder with extensive knowledge in fisheries and a professional abalone diver.

Louise Houghton: Brings her expertise in marketing, logistics and quality assurance.

Loretta Houghton: Focuses on design, product development and marketing.

Liam De Vries: Skilled professional abalone diver.

Our Values

• Integrity: We believe in transparency and honesty in all our dealings. From how we harvest our seaweed to how we interact with our customers, integrity is at the core of everything we do.

• Excellence: We are dedicated to achieving the highest standards in every aspect of our products and processes. By harvesting only the finest seaweed from pristine waters and implementing rigorous quality control measures, we ensure superior quality and exceptional nutritional value from harvest to packaging.

• Community: Our commitment extends to sharing our knowledge and passion with you. We offer a range of products and resources to help you enjoy the benefits of wakame and other sea vegetables.

Join Us on Our Journey

We invite you to be a part of our story. Whether you’re a long-time seaweed enthusiast or new to the world of wakame, we’re excited to share our passion with you. Explore our products, try out our recipes and connect with us on social media.

Thank you for supporting The Australian Seaweed Company. Together, let’s make healthy living a delicious adventure!

To stay connected, please follow us on Instagram @theaustralianseaweedcompany