The current state of seafood production significantly impacts our marine ecosystems and billions of animals. The German company, Bluu Seafood, offers a viable solution, promising real seafood without damaging our oceans. Using established non-GMO immortalized cell lines, their alternative method grows fish cells in animal-free media.
Sustainability and efficiency of fish cells
Fish cells possess unique properties that make them energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. They can thrive at room temperature, offering energy savings compared to mammalian cells which require 37°C. Furthermore, fish cells demonstrate a higher tolerance to fluctuating oxygen levels, benefiting bioreactors with limited oxygen availability. This is enhanced by the simple structure of fish meat, primarily consisting of muscle tissue, which is less intricate than mammalian counterparts.
BLUU Seafood’s financial growth and future prospects
June 2023 marked a pivotal moment for BLUU Seafood, a front-runner in European food biotechnology, specialising in cultivated fish. The firm garnered a substantial EUR 16 million in its Series A funding round, spearheaded by Sparkfood, a subsidiary of Sonae, and LBBW VC. Their achievement is further bolstered by collaborations with esteemed venture capital entities, such as SeaX Ventures, Manta Ray Ventures, Norrsken VC, Delivery Hero, Innovationsstarter Fonds Hamburg GmbH, and Dr. Oetker. Since its inception three years ago, BLUU Seafood’s fundraising achievements have surpassed EUR 23 million.
These fresh funds will primarily bolster the regulatory approval of BLUU’s pioneering products, while also enhancing research efforts and kick-starting pilot production. The company has set its sights on hybrid products, notably fish balls and fish fingers, stemming from cultivated fish cells. Singapore, which sanctioned the sale of cultivated chicken in 2020, is poised to be BLUU’s initial market. They anticipate product approval by 2024.
The US is also witnessing a surge in cultivated meat and fish, with companies like GOOD Meat and UPSIDE Foods receiving recent nods from the USDA and FDA. BLUU Seafood is diligently navigating the FDA approval process, with Europe poised to join the revolution soon. Currently, the company is on the cusp of launching its pilot production facility, slated for completion by autumn, aiming to upscale production in larger fermenters of 500 litres.
Key statements from BLUU Seafood leadership and stakeholders
Dr. Sebastian Rakers, Co-Founder and CEO of BLUU Seafood, underscores the vast potential in cultivated fish, lauding the significant advancements and robust international investor support they’ve garnered. Simon Fabich, BLUU Seafood’s Co-Founder, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the immense market momentum and their vision turning into reality.
Anouk Veber, from Sparkfood, emphasises the urgent need for sustainable food alternatives and commends BLUU Seafood’s disruptive innovation. Andreas von Richter of LBBW VC views BLUU Seafood as a trailblazer, shaping a resilient, sustainable future and stands firm in supporting this German triumph.
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