Vegan canned tuna launched by Vgarden, Mind-Blown wins national award

The number of companies involved in producing plant-based seafood alternatives and cell-cultured seafood has proliferated in recent years.

In order to keep up with all the development in these two fields, SeafoodSource will be compiling a weekly round-up of the latest news from the sector.

• On 8 January, VegNews compiled a list of notable vegan seafood alternatives, highlighting brands including GoodCatch and its collaboration with WickedKitchen, Gardein and its Crabless Cakes, BeLeaf and its plant-based ribbonfish, Cavi-art showcasing its vegan caviar, and more. The proliferation of new productions comes in response to demand for plant-based seafood rapidly increasing, according to VegNews. Data from IRI reports frozen seafood alternatives generated USD 11.5 million (10.6 million) in 2022, an increase from 2021.
• China and the U.S. regulatory experts will be soon attending a virtual consultation to discuss cultivated protein and its approval process.
• Plant-based alternative foodTech developer Vgarden launched its vegan canned tuna on 9 January, according to GreenQueen. The vegan tuna closely replicates tuna fish with a “very distinct flaky, yet moist and chewy texture, with a powerful fresh-from-the sea aroma." The product is derived from a pea protein, the company said in a press release.
• Also on 9 January, Mind Blown by The Plant Based Seafood Company was announced to be recognized on the Real Leaders Impact Awards List, according to National Provisioner. “Coincidentally, this year’s Impact Awards’ theme is Waves of Change - and that’s exactly what we did with Mind Blown after spending decades in the seafood industry,” said Mind Blown Co-Founder Monica Talbert. “Seeing firsthand the unsustainable pressures put on the ocean’s seafood supply, we then created plant-based seafood products that are just as good - if not better - than the real thing. This shift will allow future generations to enjoy and be nourished by abundant oceans.”
• On 6 January, Steakholder Foods announced a major grant for its 3D-printed eel project and a public offering of 6,500,000 shares at a price of USD 1.00 (EUR 0.93). Steakholder Foods works in collaboration with Singapore-based Umami Meats.
• Also in Singapore, Ha Li Fa launched its first plant-based seafood product on 15 December, the Mee Pok and Fishball Noodles. The items are products of collaboration from Eat Plant Love and street food vendor, LiXin Teochew.

Photo courtesy of Antonina Vlasova/Shutterstock