About Pacific Kelp

Building a Greener Future from the Alaskan Coast

Buy KelpEdge™ Our Process

Pacific Kelp Co. was born from a decision to trade corporate careers for a mission in sustainable aquaculture. Driven by the belief that the ocean holds the key to a more resilient agricultural future, we quit our jobs and moved across the country to Ketchikan, Alaska. We chose this location because it is the premier environment for Alaskan Giant Kelp, where pristine, high-energy currents produce a raw material with unmatched biological potency. By starting our business at the source, we ensure every bottle of KelpEdge™ carries the raw strength of the Alaskan current.

Our mission is to create a virtuous cycle between the ocean and the soil that is as good for the planet as it is for our customers. By harvesting kelp in a way that protects the marine ecosystem, we provide growers with a biological catalyst that reduces reliance on synthetic inputs. We believe that doing right by the ocean is the only way to do right by the land and the communities we serve.

Leaving the business sector allowed us to refocus on technical purity and purpose driven innovation. We manage every step of the process from the cold water harvest to the final extraction to preserve bioactive integrity. Our goal is to help our customers thrive while actively contributing to a more sustainable world.

Buy KelpEdge™ Our Process

A Regenerative Approach to Growth

A Regenerative Approach to Growth

KelpEdge™ acts as a bridge between marine vitality and terrestrial health. By transferring the ocean’s resilience to the garden and farm, we create a closed loop that naturally restores the land while protecting the sea.

We help growers move from chemical dependency to biological performance by priming the soil to become a living, self-sustaining ecosystem. This improves crop quality and protects watersheds by reducing environmental runoff.

Our operations in Alaska support local maritime economies and sustainable jobs that honor the heritage of the Pacific. We believe in being a catalyst for good, fostering healthy marine habitats and ensuring the prosperity of the communities where we work.

Leadership & Vision

Nick Stern

Nick Stern

Founder

Nick’s background is rooted in the intersection of large-scale finance and sustainable agriculture. Coming from a multi-generational farming family, he spent over a decade managing an organic garlic operation, gaining a firsthand understanding of the complexities of soil health and crop resilience.

Before founding Pacific Kelp Co., Nick served on the corporate debt investments team at AllianceBernstein. During his tenure, he managed risk and capital for billion-dollar portfolios, developing the operational discipline required to lead a high-stakes aquaculture venture. Today, Nick combines his expertise in risk management with his passion for environmental stewardship to bring the metabolic power of Alaskan Giant Kelp to the global market.

John Smet

John Smet

Founder

John’s perspective is shaped by a lifelong connection to the marine ecosystems of Southern California, where Giant Kelp serves as the foundational bedrock for coastal biodiversity. This early exposure to the ocean’s biological importance eventually led him to pursue a career focused on bridging the gap between large-scale business operations and environmental restoration.

Prior to founding Pacific Kelp Co., John held diverse leadership roles at Restaurant Brands International. His experience across finance, procurement, business development, and marketing provided him with a comprehensive understanding of global supply chains and the operational requirements of a high-growth company. John now applies this cross-functional expertise to ensure that Pacific Kelp Co. delivers the highest standards of product integrity and sustainable value to both the ocean and the grower.

Our Vision for the Future

Our Vision for the Future

We aim to move the industry beyond synthetic reliance by proving that marine-based biology can drive consistent, measurable results in any growing environment.

We are committed to the ongoing study of Alaskan macroalgae to identify the specific signaling molecules that trigger plant resilience and metabolic efficiency.

Our goal is to build a distribution network that allows growers worldwide to access the benefits of the Alaskan current, fostering a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Scale Your Operations with KelpEdge™

We work with distributors and commercial operations to bring high quality Alaskan kelp to the global market. 
Contact our team to discuss bulk volume opportunities and professional integration for your supply chain.

Sustainability & Ocean Impact

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No harsh chemicals are used during extraction.

000%

Renewable harvest practices to protect the Alaskan kelp forests.

000%

Of our harvest and processing is done in Alaska to support rural coastal Alaskan communities

Maximize the potential of your plants with KelpEdge™

KelpEdge™ provides premium marine-derived bioactive compounds that help plants thrive.