Aqua Cultured Foods and Migros collaborate to promote the development of seafood alternatives

[ad_1]

Food technology startup Aqua Cultured Foods announced today that it has signed a Proof of Concept (PoC) with Migros, Switzerland’s largest retailer, to advance the development of its seafood alternatives with realistic taste and texture.

The collaboration includes evaluating the acceptance by Swiss consumers of the fish alternatives derived from the fermentation of Aqua and exploring new business opportunities in Switzerland.

Aqua uses microbial fermentation to “grow” protein and is developing the world’s first whole muscle cut, sushi-grade tuna and whitefish fillets, as well as shrimp and squid alternatives, based on its new fermentation technology.

Europeans in EU member states consume 27 kg (nearly 60 pounds) of seafood per person, with imports far exceeding domestic supply. Nearly a quarter of the world’s catch is imported to Europe, although it accounts for less than ten percent of the world’s population.

“Global demand for seafood is outpacing ocean capacity and we appreciate Migros wanting to be part of the solution,” said Brittany Chibe, Aqua’s chief growth officer. “The interest in our alternative fish comes from Europe, North America and Asia, because the need for more sustainable proteins is increasing as the climate crisis worsens and the population grows.”

“Aqua Cultured Foods presented some interesting technologies and products that we at Migros believe will revolutionize the seafood category throughout the food industry,” he said (contact Migros). “The Swiss market welcomes food technology and we are ready to introduce the region to the future of alternative proteins.”

Aqua has been accepted into Kickstart 2021, a Swiss startup incubator for high-growth technology innovation. Over the past six years, Kickstart has supported more than 200 startups and facilitated more than 200 business in more than 40 countries, raising over $ 1.6 billion in investments and working with European partners including Migros and Coop.

“Attendees of Kickstart 2021 are addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time and a collaboration like this between Migros and Aqua Cultured Foods is proof that meaningful business partnerships can create social benefits,” said Katka Letzing, co-founder and CEO. by Kickstart. Innovation. “Large companies are increasingly interested in collaborating with fast-growing start-ups and developing together in Switzerland.”

Aqua’s fermentation methods use no animal input, genetic alteration or modification and can be marketed as non-GMO. Per serving, the products will contain 18-20 grams of protein, 10-12 grams of fiber and free from sodium, saturated fat or cholesterol and Omega-3s. These nutritional values ​​are similar to cod, which contains 18 grams of protein, 0.7 grams of fat, nearly 43 mg of cholesterol, 54 mg of sodium and no fiber.

Aqua is currently scaling production and building infrastructure to release commercial products with strategic partners in 2022.

Information about Migros

One of the largest retailers in the world, Migros is Switzerland’s largest retailer, largest grocery chain and largest employer. Migros is organized as a cooperative with around two million Swiss members / shoppers / owners. It owns 90 branches that produce staple foods sold in stores; services such as mobile telecommunications, banking, travel, gas stations and convenience stores, bookstores, furniture stores, garden and hardware stores; and educational and cultural opportunities such as language schools. For more information visit https://www.migros.ch.

Information about Kickstart

Kickstart is one of the largest multi-business ecosystem innovation platforms and zero equity in Europe running a high-growth startup expansion program with the aim of accelerating deep technological innovation in Switzerland. Technologies driven by science and engineering have the potential to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. They require unprecedented collaboration between established organizations and the boldest entrepreneurs out there. Kickstart builds bridges and brings together various organizations such as startups, companies, cities, foundations and universities. Each year, Kickstart brings up to 100 entrepreneurs to Switzerland to collaborate with key players for proof of concept, pilot projects and other innovation partnerships. Additionally, through the entrepreneurship program Kickstart helps established organizations accelerate internal innovation.

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 new technology produces a complete and sustainable protein source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional aquaculture. As a research and development company focused on product commercialization, Aqua Cultured Foods occupies a unique position in the thriving alternative seafood market and within the fermentation industry. The company’s mission is to mitigate global challenges such as overfishing, climate change and feed the expanding world population with delicious, nutrient-rich foods. For more information visit https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com.

[ad_2]