A Biddeford seaweed processor has been named “Exporter of the Year” by the Maine International Trade Center.
Ocean’s Balance produces seaweed-based ingredients for consumer brands that manufacture food and pet products. Founded in 2016 by CEO Mitch Lench, the company has a global market valued at nearly $20 billion and 35% of the company’s business is international.
It was among four Maine businesses or organizations that were recognized by the Maine International Trade Center for their work to increase exports, innovation and investment in the state.
“Our 2026 award winners are an extraordinary group of organizations and individuals who represent the best of Maine through global partnerships, innovation leadership, and workforce development,” said Wade Merritt, MITC president and state director of international trade.
A reception for the honorees will be held on May 5 at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay. The keynote speaker will be Deborah Bronk, president, CEO and senior research scientist at Bigelow.
The other honorees
Third Planet Innovation, headquartered in Orono, has been recognized as Innovator of the Year. The company aims to eliminate plastic pollution by developing cellulose technologies to create packaging that is compostable and safe for marine life.
Maine Maritime Academy, Service Provider of the Year, was recognized for its efforts to grow its international presence. The Castine-based academy trains future engineers, scientists, mariners, supply chain managers and logistics professionals. MMA is also growing its workforce development footprint in Maine by creating the Maritime Industrial Workforce Training Center at Brunswick Landing.
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland was named Investor of the Year Award for its work to advance Maine’s globalization, including international assets of capital, ideas and talent. Founded with a goal of bringing together learning, research and entrepreneurship to train workers for the innovation economy, the institute has already enrolled more than 1,500 students, trained 4,655 partner employees, fostered 140 startups, and received $40 million in external grant funding.
About MITC
MITC assists Maine businesses to expand international markets, develop global partnerships and attract investment to fuel Maine’s economic growth. A public-private partnership, MITC is supported by more than 200 businesses and organizations, corporate sponsors and the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development.
International trade supports one in five — more than 170,000 — Maine jobs, and 84% of Maine exporters are small to mid-sized businesses.
Maine companies exported $3.2 billion in goods in 2025. Leading international markets are Canada, the European Union and China.
