Epicure Innovative, a Limited Liability Partnership firm, has been honored with the Best Fisheries Startup Award 2025 by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. The accolade was presented during the Coastal States Fisheries Meet 2025, held in Mumbai. The high-level event brought together key stakeholders from all coastal states and Union Territories, along with senior government officials and members of the fisheries industry. Organized under the framework of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the event aimed to highlight advancements and collaborations within India’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Epicure Innovative was established in 2022 and operates under the incubation support of the Zonal Technology Management & Agribusiness Incubation (ZTM-ABI) Centre at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi. The startup has benefited from a comprehensive support ecosystem facilitated by ICAR-CIFT, including access to technology transfer, incubation services, and structured mentorship. These elements have played a crucial role in enabling the Epicure Innovative to scale operations and introduce new technologies to India’s seafood value chain.
Introduction of Vacuum Skin Packaging to Indian Seafood Retail
One of Epicure Innovative’s key contributions to the fisheries sector is the deployment of Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP), a technology introduced to India’s seafood retail market for the first time through this startup. The VSP method ensures that seafood products are packed in leak-proof, hygienic, and export-grade formats. This packaging innovation significantly extends the shelf life of seafood while preserving a 100 per cent chemical-free quality, thereby addressing both safety and sustainability concerns in the seafood retail environment.
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Expansion Across Southern Indian States and E-Commerce Integration
Starting from its base in Kerala, Epicure Innovative has expanded operations across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The company’s ready-to-cook seafood offerings are now available to consumers through major digital commerce platforms including Swiggy, Instamart and Blinkit. In addition to online retail, the products have also gained shelf space in leading supermarket chains. This expansion has been made possible by the development of a robust supply chain infrastructure and efficient packaging systems that align with modern retail standards.
Coastal States Fisheries Meet
The Coastal States Fisheries Meet 2025 was attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, who heads both the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The minister was joined by several dignitaries including Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, George Kurian, and Nitesh Neelam Narayan Rane. As part of the event proceedings, foundation stones were laid for fisheries development projects amounting to over INR 255 crore. These projects will be implemented across seven coastal States and Union Territories under the ongoing initiatives of the PMMSY, with an emphasis on infrastructure development and sectoral growth.
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ICAR-CIFT’s Role in Promoting Entrepreneurial Innovation in Fisheries
ICAR-CIFT reiterated the critical importance of fostering entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector. The institution noted that the success of startups like Epicure Innovative LLP reflects the impact of targeted incubation, technology dissemination, and sustained mentoring. ICAR-CIFT emphasized that such efforts are aligned with broader objectives of modernising the fisheries ecosystem in India, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the economic participation of startups within the blue economy framework.
Acknowledgement of Support from Stakeholders
Epicure Innovative LLP expressed gratitude to its internal team, business partners, and consumers for their continued support. The company stated that this recognition serves as validation of its focus on quality, hygiene, and operational excellence in seafood retail. The award, it noted, is a milestone that reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to redefining how seafood is packaged, marketed, and consumed across India.
