Royal Star Foods Ltd. stands out as the world’s most distinctive lobster processing facility, nestled in the picturesque town of Tignish. This operation is uniquely owned by the very individuals who fish and process the seafood. Originating in 1925, the community, then comprising fewer than 2,000 residents, banded together to form a co-operative starting with 25 fishers. Over the years, the Tignish Fisheries Co-operative Association has expanded to encompass over 180 fishers.

In 1996, Tignish Fisheries inaugurated its third and most contemporary processing plant, ranking among Canada’s largest seafood processing facilities. During its busiest periods, the plant employs over 300 local individuals, all of whom bring a sense of community pride to their work and the products they produce.

The seafood, sourced directly from the waters adjacent to Tignish, is harvested with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. The fishers and the community are deeply aware of the crucial role the fishery has played in sustaining the livelihood of Tignish and its neighboring areas for two centuries. They are committed to ensuring its longevity through sustainable fishing practices.