B.C. Agritech Company ThisFish Inc. Brings AI-Powered Traceability to Japan

British Columbia (B.C.)-based agritech company, ThisFish, is bringing its cutting-edge seafood traceability and workflow software to Japan in partnership with a major seafood processor.

The connection was made possible through B.C.’s presence at the 2024 Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo, where Trade and Invest BC helped introduce the company to new market opportunities.

Driving Innovation in Global Seafood Supply Chains

B.C. is home to over 150 agritech companies helping solve global food challenges through technology. From farm to ocean, these businesses are improving food security, productivity and sustainability. ThisFish, a Vancouver-based company, combines software and artificial intelligence (AI) to bring greater efficiency and transparency to seafood supply chains. Its software is used in processing facilities around the world to automate data collection, reduce costs and support sustainability certifications.

Among its newest offerings is TallyVision, an AI-powered smart camera that uses computer vision to continuously monitor seafood production lines. Mounted typically above conveyor belts, TallyVision’s waterproof camera captures real-time images of products, which are then analyzed for size, colour and defects. These insights are delivered instantly through a digital dashboard, enabling processors to monitor quality continuously and reduce errors from manual sampling.

TallyVision joins ThisFish’s suite of technologies that are helping seafood processors modernize operations and meet growing global demand for traceable products. The technology is already gaining traction in Latin America and Southeast Asia. With its launch in Japan, ThisFish adds another strategic export market to its growing international footprint.

Since its launch in 2018 with the proprietary Tally software, ThisFish has grown into a globally recognized company, now generating approximately 90 percent of its revenue from international markets. The company has earned recognition as one of B.C.’s top 10 start-ups by New Ventures BC and won the THRIVE Canada Agtech Award in 2021.

Opening Doors in Japan’s Seafood Sector

Japan is one of the world’s largest importers of seafood, and a market full of opportunity for B.C.’s agritech and ocean technology sectors. Already exporting to Latin America and Southeast Asia, ThisFish joined Trade and Invest BC at the 2024 Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo, one of Asia’s premier industry events, to explore opportunities in Japan.

Trade and Invest BC helped ThisFish stand out at the show as B.C. products are well known and respected in Japan. Trade and Invest BC also provided valuable support—making connections with Japanese corporates, offering local insights and helping the ThisFish team navigate cultural and business practices.

Leveraging Trade and Invest BC’s exhibition booth platform, ThisFish connected with Mie Gyoren, a leading Japanese aquaculture cooperative and processor. Trade and Invest BC highlighted ThisFish’s global track-record and its relationship over many years with Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service and Embassy in Japan.

This new export is a key milestone for ThisFish and a strong example of how B.C.’s agritech sector continues to grow and compete globally.

“We have expanded into almost 20 markets in Latin America, Africa and Asia, but Japan is the toughest to enter, due to the differences in language and traditional business culture. Our association with the Government of B.C. gave us added credibility in the Japanese market and the B.C. Trade Commissioner in Tokyo helped us learn about cultural differences. We now have two sales partners in Japan and are hiring our first Japanese technician to provide critical customer support to the local market. Japan is—without doubt—our largest global market opportunity.” — Eric Enno Tamm, ThisFish CEO and Co-Founder

B.C.’s participation in international trade shows aligns with the province’s Trade Diversification Strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. market and promote exports in high-growth regions. Japan is B.C.’s third-largest export destination and a key partner in food, seafood and technology.

ThisFish’s success in Japan shows how B.C. innovation is delivering value around the world. As international demand for supply chain digitization and traceability grows, B.C. companies are well positioned to lead the next wave of global food technology.

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