India'sModern Plant-Based Foods launches caviar analog line

Editor/ Mohamed Shihab

SeafoodSource is closely following the plant-based and cell-based seafood alternatives market by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector.-Kerala, India-based Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has signed a memorandum of understanding to introduce plant-based seafood to India and to embark on the development of cell-cultured fish in India.

The institute signed a memorandum of understanding with New Delhi, India-based biotechnology company Neat Meatt to create kingfish, pomfret, and seer fish analogs. The development team is working to replicate the flavor, texture, and nutritional qualities of real fish in plant-based analogs and cell-cultured products, CMFRI said in a release. 

“This project aims to accelerate development in this field, ensuring India is not left behind in this emerging industry,” CMFRI Director  A Gopalakrishnan said. “This public-private partnership marks a crucial step in bridging the gap between India and other nations like Singapore, Israel, and the U.S.A., who are already advancing cultured seafood research. Lab-grown fish offers immense potential for environmental and food security benefits, and this collaboration leverages CMFRI's marine research expertise with Neat Meatt's technological know-how in this field, paving the way for a sustainable and secure future for seafood production in India.”

CMFRI also recently announced two of its seaweed-based products will hit the market soon.

CMFRI signed a license agreement with Pioneer Pharmaceuticals, a Kochi, India-based wellness commercialization and production company, for the seaweed-based products, one of which aims to increase antiviral immunity and the other will combat high cholesterol or dyslipidemia, the institute said.

-Vancouver, British Columbia Canada-based Modern Plant-Based Foods announced the upcoming launch of its caviar analog, Kaviar. 

The Kaviar will be available in multiple flavors such as salmon, wasabi, and beluga. 

"Our goal is to make our Plant-Based Kaviar and Sausage-less Rolls readily accessible to everyone,"  Modern Plant-Based Foods CEO Avtar Dhaliwal said in a release. "We have seen growing demand for great-tasting vegan products that can be consumed by a wider consumer base. We have perfected the product development step and are working to pair these new innovations with expansive distribution networks."

The Kaviar product launch comes in response to the growing popularity caviar analog market, according to Dhaliwal. Chefs around the world are adding caviar to menus in response to the growing popularity of caviar, especially amongst Generation Z consumers who have taken to social media trend of taking caviar “bumps," reaping millions of viewers.

-Vienna, Austria-based cultivated food startup Revo Foods has launched its Food Fabricator X2, a 3D food-printing process for industrial application. 

The new system contains a multi-nozzle system to enable continuous food production and allows for cultured food to be replicated at a large scale. 

"3D food printing on an industrial level allows us to change the way we think about food. Products that were previously very exclusive and more likely to be found in gourmet restaurants can now be produced on a large scale. I am excited about the new creative opportunities that open up to food product developers with the help of this technology,” Revo Foods CEO Robin Simsa said.  

In September 2023, Revo Foods launched its salmon analog in supermarkets. 

The startup launched its Vegan Salmon Fillet THE FILET - Inspired by Salmon in REWE supermarkets. It is the first 3D-printed food available in supermarkets. It can also be purchased on Revo Foods' website.