Ocean’s Kitchen Corp. Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration
On December 9, 2024, Ocean’s Kitchen Corp. hosted a grand opening ceremony and celebration for its newly built factory in Kent, Washington. This event marked a significant milestone for the company as it officially launched its operations in the U.S.
Ocean’s Kitchen Corp. is a subsidiary of Kyokuyo America, a company known for importing a diverse range of high-quality seafood products to the U.S. market. Among its specialties, Ocean’s Kitchen is particularly focused on the production of ‘kanikama,’ a product often referred to as imitation crab or crab sticks. Made from surimi, or finely ground fish paste, kanikama is widely used in various dishes across the U.S., including sushi rolls and salads.
The grand opening ceremony took place at the Ocean’s Kitchen factory, located at 7622 S 188th St, Kent, WA 98032. Before the ceremony officially began, guests had the opportunity to network and engage with industry professionals.
One of the highlights of the event was a guided facility tour, where attendees had the chance to explore the brand-new production floor. Equipped with state-of-the-art kanikama manufacturing machinery, the facility is now ready to begin full-scale production.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held inside the factory, marking the official commencement of operations.
Following this, guests participated in a traditional Japanese sake ceremony, a symbolic gesture of celebration and prosperity.
Attendees also had the chance to observe the newly installed kanikama-making machines in action, gaining insight into the sophisticated production process behind this popular seafood product.
After the factory tour, guests were treated to an exquisite tasting experience featuring a variety of sushi rolls made with Ocean’s Kitchen’s kanikama. This showcased the versatility and high quality of the product, reinforcing its position in the market.
The event also underscored the strong partnership between Kyokuyo Co., Ltd. and Great Ocean Group Holdings LLC, two companies dedicated to delivering premium seafood products to consumers worldwide. Their collaboration has paved the way for Ocean’s Kitchen to expand its presence in the industry and cater to the growing demand for kanikama in the U.S. market.
To further celebrate this milestone, a formal reception was held at InterContinental Seattle Bellevue, an IHG Hotel.
The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, warm camaraderie, and a celebratory toast, as guests raised their glasses for a collective “Kanpai!”—the Japanese word for “cheers.”
This memorable occasion not only marked the official launch of Ocean’s Kitchen’s U.S. operations but also strengthened relationships with business partners and industry leaders. With its state-of-the-art production facility and dedication to quality, Ocean’s Kitchen is poised for success as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.
