CHICAGO, Ill. – March 30, 2022 – Food tech startup Aqua Cultured Foods announced today it has successfully made advancements in its novel fermentation technology that doubles its biomass output in the same time frame. This effectively doubles the production of its whole-muscle cut tuna and whitefish, popcorn shrimp, calamari, and scallop alternatives.
Aqua’s techniques for “growing” protein through microbial fermentation rely on manipulating a series of environmental factors such as ingredients in its culture medium, temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. By controlling these conditions, Aqua can deliver the texture, moisture level, and appearance of animal-based seafood.
Its recent developments have resulted in a dramatic improvement in growth timeline as well as output.
“Scaling our production is extremely significant as we move towards commercialization, and positions us well for potential partners that want to bring products to market,” said Aqua CEO Anne Palermo. “We thank our director of research and development Bob Schultz for his advancements into our fermentation techniques and optimizing for growth and capacity.”
Aqua has filed three patents and is currently filing two more on their novel approach to the production of their proteins.
Unlike plant-based processed foods formulated with starches and protein isolates, products made from microbial fermentation retain naturally occurring fiber, protein, and other micronutrients. Unlike cell-cultured meat, Aqua’s fermentation methods do not use any animal inputs, genetic altering or modification and can be marketed as non-GMO.
Aqua will be scaling production to introduce seafood alternatives with select partners in 2022 to test consumer acceptance, and is raising its next financing round.
About Aqua Cultured Foods
Aqua Cultured Foods is an innovative food technology startup developing the world’s first whole-muscle cut seafood alternatives created through microbial fermentation. Its novel technology produces a sustainable, complete protein source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional aquaculture. As an R&D company with a focus on product commercialization, Aqua Cultured Foods occupies a unique position in the burgeoning alt-seafood market as well as within the fermentation industry. The company’s mission is to mitigate global challenges such as overfishing, climate change and feeding the world’s expanding population with delicious, nutrient-rich foods. Aqua is funded by Supply Change Capital, Aera VC, Sustainable Food Ventures, Big Idea Ventures, and more. For more information visit https://www.aquaculturedfoods.
