Maruha Nichiro and UMAMI Bioworks partner to bring cell-cultivated tuna to market

Maruha Nichiro Corporation has signed a joint development agreement with Singapore-based UMAMI Bioworks to produce and commercialize cell-cultivated tuna, marking a significant move toward bringing cultivated seafood to consumers at scale. The partnership aims to respond to increasing global demand for tuna – a market valued at over US$40 billion – while addressing the environmental and supply chain pressures facing the traditional seafood industry.

The collaboration brings together the long-established seafood expertise of Tokyo-headquartered Maruha Nichiro and the cultivated protein know-how of UMAMI Bioworks. The companies have committed to a development roadmap that includes optimizing cell culture processes, scaling production, securing regulatory approvals, and launching test marketing for cultivated tuna in advance of full-scale commercial deployment.

“The global demand for tuna continues to grow, but traditional supply chains are facing significant challenges,” said Masaru Ikemi, President & CEO of Maruha Nichiro Corporation. “Our partnership with UMAMI Bioworks represents an important step forward in creating sustainable seafood alternatives that meet both consumer expectations and environmental needs.”

Tuna is widely recognized as a nutrient-dense superfood, yet overfishing and environmental degradation threaten its long-term availability. By leveraging cell cultivation technology, the partnership aims to create a consistent, scalable, and ethical source of tuna that avoids the resource-intensive and unpredictable aspects of wild or farmed fisheries.

UMAMI Bioworks, led by CEO Mihir Pershad, brings specialized capabilities in cell line development, bioprocess optimization, and modular production systems for cultivated seafood. Its technology platform integrates machine learning and digital twin systems to streamline the development and scaleup of cultivated proteins. The company is positioning itself as a biomanufacturing solution provider to global partners looking to produce sustainable marine proteins.

“Through this partnership, we are aligning with one of the world’s most respected seafood companies to bring cell-cultivated tuna closer to reality,” said Pershad. “Our shared vision is to produce next-generation seafood that is not only sustainable, but also delivers on the taste and nutrition consumers expect.”

Maruha Nichiro was the first private company to successfully raise tuna from egg to harvest in 2010, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to aquaculture innovation. That expertise will be critical as the two companies work together to refine flavor, texture, and nutritional characteristics of the cultivated product while ensuring supply chain viability.

Initial steps in the collaboration include establishing robust cell lines and adapting UMAMI Bioworks’ plug-and-play biomanufacturing systems to meet the specific requirements for tuna tissue production. Parallel to technical development, both companies will focus on navigating regulatory pathways in key markets, including Japan, where cultivated seafood is drawing increasing attention as a sustainable protein source.

The partnership also signals UMAMI Bioworks’ intent to expand its footprint in Japan, building relationships with local stakeholders and supporting the country’s continued leadership in seafood quality and innovation.

As cultivated seafood technologies mature, the agreement between Maruha Nichiro and UMAMI Bioworks reflects growing industry confidence in the commercial potential of alternative proteins. By combining traditional seafood expertise with cutting-edge bioprocessing, the collaboration aims to deliver products that meet consumer expectations for sustainability, nutrition, and flavor – without relying on ocean-based supply chains.