SeafoodSource is closely following the plant-based and cell-based seafood alternatives market by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector. If you have an announcement, please send it to [email protected].
– Singapore-based cell-cultivated food tech startup Umami Bioworks has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tokyo, Japan-based health food and cosmetic manufacturer Nippon Barrier Free to tap into marine-derived ingredient cosmetics and supplements.
At the end of 2025, Umami Bioworks announced the partnership on LinkedIn and said it aims to bring “next-generation marine-derived ingredients to the cosmetics and supplements market.” Under the partnership, Nippon Barrier Free will be Umami Bioworks’ sales and distribution partner across Japan and 18 other countries.
“Umami Bioworks will provide its marine cell-based ingredients, creating new possibilities for health, beauty, and wellness applications,” Umami said on LinkedIn. “Nippon Barrier Free manufactures and sells functional materials derived from salmon, an ecological and nutrient-rich fish that benefits humans, animals, and the planet. Their mission is to make full use of salmon’s natural potential to bring health and happiness to people around the world.”
– New York City, New York, U.S.A.-based plant-based protein seafood alternative producer Bayou Best Foods has expanded nationwide availability of its plant-based shrimp products by utilizing U.S. distributors like Sysco, US Foods, and Performance Food Group (PFG).
The partnership with U.S.-based distributors enables restaurants, universities, hotels, healthcare groups, and other operators to more easily access its products, the company said in a release.
“By partnering with the distributors chefs already rely on, we’re making it easier than ever to offer plant-based shrimp that cooks, tastes, and satisfies just like ocean shrimp,” Bayou Best Foods CEO Kelli Wilson said. “Nationwide availability is a major milestone for Bayou Best Foods.”
The shrimp manufacturer said its plant-based alternatives “deliver the taste, texture, and performance of ocean shrimp without the allergens, sustainability concerns, or supply chain volatility associated with conventional seafood.”
– Konscious Foods, a Canadian plant-based seafood startup, ceased its operations earlier in 2025, which only became publicly known near the end of the year.
The startup’s social media pages have not seen activity since 26 April 2025, and its website domain still exists but only to list an error message saying, “Sorry, this store is currently unavailable.” No official statement has been released from the founders.
In March 2025, the Canadian government awarded CAD 5 million (USD 3.4 million, EUR 3.3 million) to the Richmond, British Columbia-based startup.
The investment was aimed at “supporting both the alt-protein sector and the prosperity of the province.” The company, which makes plant-based frozen sushi, was founded by Yves Potvin, who also founded Gardein, a meat alternative company. Konscious supplied 4,500 supermarkets in Canada and the U.S. with its plant-based seafood analogue sushi.
