Raanana, Israel-based AlgaeCore Technologies' subsidiary SimpliiGood is commercializing its plant-based smoked salmon analog, which it makes out of spirulina microalgae.
AlgaeCore CEO and Co-Founder Lior Shalev said in a press release about the news that the product is both sustainable and profitable and on track for wide regulatory approval.
"With overfishing of salmon at a crisis point, our spirulina-based smoked salmon analog is ready for commercial roll-out. Our creation embodies the same look, mouthfeel, and great flavor as real salmon. It is already receiving outstanding reviews and traction, demonstrating genuine market share potential," Shalev said. "Simplii Texture has gained regulatory approval in Europe as a non-novel ingredient and completed the pilot phase. The ingredient is currently in the process of securing U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval."
AlgaeCore Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder Baruch Dach added that the product requires “no complex and expensive equipment, such as 3-D printers or extrusion equipment.”
“Our fresh, undried spirulina and a few natural ingredients are combined and passed through a machine that resembles a pasta roller to produce our spirulina-based smoked salmon in a simple process,” he said.
SimpliiGood recently achieved E.U. regulatory clearance for Simplii Texture and has launched pilots in both Europe and Israel. Its new full-scale industrial manufacturing program is backed by USD 4 million (EUR 3.5 million) in new funding.
SimpliiGood smoked salmon is produced through dual IP-protected technologies, the first of which removes green chlorophyl from the spirulina and the second of which texturizes the remaining mass to create a high-moisture vegetable protein.
"The finished product offers consumers the same sensory experience of biting into real smoked salmon,” the company said, thanks to the “silky, yet fibrous structure of the analog presenting the same natural glossy finish as smoked salmon.”
AlgaeCore is a global brand which grows sustainable microalgae products. Its spirulina is grown in ponds in greenhouses in the southern region of Israel, where it uses 98 percent recycled water. Spirulina, the company says, is climate-friendly and grows rapidly, requiring harvesting every day.
In 2023, AlgaeCore partnered with agriculture chemicals firm Haifa Group to develop ready-to-use nutrient mixes for commercialized spirulina production, which has strengthened the company’s supply chain.
