Steakholder Foods announces multimillion-dollar agreement with GCC; Konsious Foods launches frozen sushi at Whole Foods

SeafoodSource is closely following the plant-based and cell-based seafood alternatives market by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector.

-On 23 July, cultivated meat and seafood company Steakholder Foods announced its first multi-million-dollar agreement to commercialize its cultivated meat and seafood.

Rehovot, Israel-based Steakholder Foods signed a Memorandum of Agreement for Strategic Cooperation (MOA) with a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-based governmental body. 

"After intensive years of development, Steakholder Foods is excited to sign this first agreement with a strategic partner, generating our first income stream that represents one of the first substantial income agreements for a company in the cultivated meat industry, a huge step forward,” Stakeholder Foods CEO Arik Kaufman said. “We believe that we have chosen the right partner, and together, we are committed to advancing the cause of food security and creating a positive impact on the world.”

The MOA will increase the scalability of Steakholder Foods’ cultivated meat and fish in regions represented by the GCC; Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Steakholder Foods did not disclose the exact amount of the agreement in its release.

“This strategic partnership marks a pivotal moment in our journey to commercialize our 3D printing capabilities. Looking ahead, we remain committed to pursuing additional strategic partnerships to enable us to deliver innovative solutions for the food tech industry,” Steakholder Foods Vice President of Business Development Yair Ayalon said.

- Richmond, British Columbia, Canada-based Konscious Foods launched three new plant-based sushi products that are now available at Whole Foods locations across North America. 

Konscious Foods, pioneered by French chef Yves Potvin, is creating seafood analog products with “uniquely marry fresh-caught taste and texture with unmatched convenience, marked by a patent-pending ability to go from freezer to plate in just eight minutes,” the company said in a release.

The products include plant-based sushi rolls, plant-based onigiri stuffed rice snacks, and plant-based poke bowls, the company said in a release on 24 July.

"Our team has tapped an unmatched pedigree of turning plants into food to tackle our biggest undertaking to date: creating seafood made from plants with superior texture and flavor. We know we cannot create a meaningful impact without great-tasting food consumers want to eat, can afford to eat, and can easily integrate into their daily life. We are thrilled to be able to share the results of our hard work and are looking forward to delighting consumers," Konscious Foods chef Yves Potvin said. "Our dedication to creating better for you and better for the planet options extends far beyond our products and I’m proud that all employees have shares in the company and a commitment to driving forward the next era of the better for you food movement.”

-Stockholm, Sweden-based Hooked Foods said it is receivingpositive feedback on its seafood analog products, to be launched soon in the German market after succesfully securing funding. 

The company has been seeking crowdfunding and in June 2023, announced it secured more than EUR 1.2 million (USD 1.3 million).  

The company previously raised EUR 5 million in venture financing from Oysterbay, Big Idea Ventures, and Brightly firms, Just Food reports.

"We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from our investors and the community, which clearly indicates the strong demand for our plant-based fish substitutes," Hooked Foods CEO Tom Johansson said.

The fish analog company is valued at more than EUR 11.7 million (USD 12.9 million).

 “After extensive exploration and discussions with several vegan seafood companies, it became clear that Hooked possesses all the key ingredients for success," a Hooked Foods spokesperson said. "With their talented team, strong brand, and top-notch products at competitive prices, Hooked stands out as the ultimate challenger ready to conquer Germany.” 

Photo courtesy of Konscious Foods