UMAMI Bioworks announces partnership with Friends & Family Pet Food Co

UMAMI Bioworks, an innovator in the cultivated seafood industry, has announced a partnership with Friends & Family Pet Food Co (FnF) resulting in the co-development and planned launch of the world’s first cat treats made from cultivated fish. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable and nutritious pet food, addressing the pressing need for environmental stewardship amidst dwindling ocean resources and growing demand of sustainable pet food.

FnF’s new product line of cat treats results from UMAMI Bioworks’ advanced cultivated technology and processes. FnF combines UMAMI’s innovation with its proprietary pet food platform to launch a broad range of pet food products at the intersection of nutrition and sustainability.

“Our collaboration with Friends & Family is a genuine testament to the commercial potential of cultivated seafood in transforming pet nutrition and ultimately human food systems," commented Mihir Pershad, CEO of UMAMI Bioworks. "These novel cat treats embody our mission to provide high-quality, sustainable protein sources while alleviating the ecological pressure on our oceans.”

“We are delighted to partner with UMAMI Bioworks, a company that is clearly committed to bring cultivated technology to the market," added Friends & Family CEO and founder Joshua Errett. "Together, we have created a breakthrough product that puts pet health and sustainability at the forefront. These cultivated fish treats are a perfect example of how science and technology can be harnessed to create positive change in the pet food industry.”

“To make a positive climate impact it is imperative to have innovative products that win on the shelf and demonstrate business models that scale," said Rohan Thakur, Partner at Pure Ventures, a food industry investor and advisor to Friends & Family & Umami Bioworks. "Josh's expertise in pet food and Umami's technology provides the foundation to create the next generation of pet food products. We are proud to partner with these high integrity teams and build the Friends & Family Pet Food Company.”

Friends & Family’s new cultivated fish treats offer significant environmental benefits by reducing reliance on traditional fishing methods, which often lead to overfishing and ocean depletion. Cultivated fish production is more resource-efficient, requiring less land, water, and feed compared to conventional aquaculture. These treats and future products will provide cats with high-protein, high-fiber nutrition, supporting immunity, digestion, and overall health.

UMAMI Bioworks’ role as an enabler in the cultivated seafood space is pivotal in driving commercial viability for its customers. By partnering with Friends & Family Pet Food Co., UMAMI Bioworks is poised to expand its reach into the pet food market, demonstrating the versatile applications of cultivated seafood technology. This collaboration opens new avenues for growth and innovation, setting a precedent for future industry developments.