SeafoodSource is closely following the plant-based and cell-based seafood alternatives market by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector.
- Toronto, Canada-based food technology company CULT Food Science Corp. has partnered with Singapore-based cell-based food company Umami Bioworks to launch its first cultivated fish cat treat brand, Marina Cat.
The Marina Cat product is made from ocean snapper analog, combined with Bmmune, and is high in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. The product is a low-calorie snack for cats, which is unique in nutritional properties, CULT Food Science said in a release.
"We are pleased to be embarking on this partnership with Marina Cat to power a new category of cultivated pet food products that are healthier for cats and better for our oceans. As a platform technology provider, we are committed to delivering the technology stack that powers the commercialization of cultivated products across a range of applications. This first collaboration with Marina Cat and CULT Food Science is the first step to delivering on that promise," Umami Bioworks CEO Mihir Pershad said in a release.
Umami also recently announced the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Malaysia with its partner Cell AgriTech. The factory is slated to open in 2025 and will be the largest cell cultivation facility in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Toronto, Canada-based plant-based seafood analog developer New School Foods has formed a partnership with chef Matthew Kenney to promote its New School Culinary Council (NSCC).
The NSCC is an invite-only group of chefs and restaurateurs invited to provide input on New School Foods' whole-cut salmon filet analog and future product development, the company said in a release.
"Plant-based protein is popular, but if you're looking for options that aren't nuggets and patties, there isn't much to choose from. There's a huge opportunity to provide plant-based versions of non-meat dishes people love, and that's what companies like New School Foods are trying to accomplish," Kenney told SeafoodSource. "Having a whole-cut salmon filet that cooks and behaves like salmon is a complete game-changer, for chefs and consumers alike."
New School Foods' salmon analog product is cultivated from seaweed, algae, and plant protein.
- Vancouver, Canada-based seafood company Konscious Foods, which specializes in plant-based products announced the upcoming launch of its three new plant-based seafood products at Expo West, which will be held from 12 to 16 March, in Anaheim, California, U.S.A.
The plant-based products include Smoked Salmon, Kimbap Korean Veggie Rice Roll, and Salmon Avocado Roll.
"Konscious Foods has quickly risen to the forefront of the plant-based food movement since launching at Expo West last year, going from a standstill to being available at over 4,500 locations nationwide. We're excited to further expand the delicious, nutritious options consumers can try," Konscious Foods President and Founder Yves Potvin said. "We've applied our learnings from creating sushi, onigiri, and poke to now add this line of new and creative options that can help people incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing flavor. We know the barriers to entry for plant-based food are taste, texture, price, and convenience. Our ongoing mission at Konscious Foods is to make eating our foods an easy choice, whether someone is vegan, plant-curious, or just interested in trying something new. We believe the future of food is better-for-you, better-for-the-world options."
