UMAMI Bioworks unveils cultivated seafood protein platform to enhance protein diversity in the growing pet industry

UMAMI Bioworks, a company at the forefront of cultivated seafood, has introduced its cultivated seafood protein platform designed to address critical challenges in the pet food industry. This platform aims to provide sustainable, nutritionally superior alternatives amid increasing concerns over supply chain instability, environmental impact, and the need for protein diversity in pet nutrition.

As Gen Z and Millennial 'pet parents' continue to demand high-quality, science-backed nutrition, traditional sources of animal protein are facing unprecedented challenges. Cultivated proteins offer a promising solution by ensuring consistent, sustainable, and diverse protein options. Pet food production currently consumes approximately 2.5 million metric tons of fish annually, significantly contributing to overfishing and marine ecosystem disruption. Moreover, dogs and cats are responsible for an estimated 25-30% of the environmental impact linked to animal protein consumption. With global pet food sales surpassing US$100 billion annually, the demand for alternative protein sources that are both sustainable and nutritionally beneficial has never been more urgent.

“Our cultivated seafood protein platform meets the pet industry’s growing need for protein diversity without compromising on nutrition, safety, or sustainability,” said Mihir Pershad, CEO of UMAMI Bioworks.

The cultivated seafood protein platform developed by UMAMI Bioworks focuses on producing customizable, high-purity seafood proteins rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin D. These nutrients are vital for supporting the health and well-being of pets, ensuring that the transition to alternative proteins does not come at the expense of nutritional value. By delivering high-quality proteins that meet industry safety standards, UMAMI Bioworks aims to provide pet food manufacturers with the tools they need to create superior and sustainable pet nutrition products.

The pet food industry has faced significant disruptions in recent years due to supply chain risks, contamination issues, and ethical concerns related to traditional protein sources. These challenges highlight the need for consistent and sustainable alternatives. UMAMI Bioworks’ cultivated seafood protein platform offers a reliable solution by enabling the production of premium seafood proteins without reliance on traditional fishing or aquaculture. This approach not only mitigates supply chain risks but also addresses ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

In a testament to the platform’s potential, Nestlé Purina recently announced that UMAMI Bioworks has been selected as part of its Unleashed by Purina 2025 cohort accelerator program. This selection underscores the industry’s growing recognition of cultivated proteins as a key component of the future of pet nutrition.

Ashwath Bendre, Product Manager at UMAMI Bioworks, commented, “We are committed to reimagining the future of pet nutrition by making cultivated seafood protein a core part of the industry’s next evolution. The enthusiastic response from leading global players and start-ups has been incredibly positive, and we’re thrilled about the opportunities ahead!”

The Unleashed by Purina program provides startups with mentorship, resources, and access to a global network of industry leaders. UMAMI Bioworks plans to leverage this opportunity to scale its platform and co-develop next-generation formulations with key industry partners.

UMAMI Bioworks’ cultivated seafood protein platform is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for species selection and nutritional optimization to support a wide range of applications. This adaptability enables manufacturers to tailor protein profiles to meet the specific nutritional needs of various pet species and market segments.

The company is actively engaging with global pet food leaders and innovators to co-develop formulations powered by its cultivated seafood proteins. These collaborations aim to drive the creation of premium pet nutrition products that are not only nutritionally superior but also environmentally sustainable.

UMAMI Bioworks’ cultivated seafood protein platform represents a significant advancement in addressing the sustainability challenges of the pet food industry. By providing consistent, high-quality protein sources that do not rely on traditional fishing practices, the company is contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems and reducing the environmental footprint of pet food production.

The introduction of this platform comes at a time when the pet food industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. As consumer demand for ethical and environmentally friendly products grows, UMAMI Bioworks’ cultivated seafood proteins offer a viable path forward. The platform’s ability to deliver customizable, nutrient-rich proteins tailored to the needs of modern pet owners positions it as a transformative solution in the evolving pet nutrition landscape.