Adapted from a press release.
Based in San Francisco, California, U.S., Friends & Family Pet Food (FnF) and UMAMI Bioworks, a cultivated seafood company based in Singapore, have partnered to co-develop and launch what they said is the world's first cat treats made from cultivated fish.
FnF’s new product line of cat treats, designed with high-value microalgae, a blend of high-quality cultured proteins and essential nutrients, results from UMAMI Bioworks’ advanced cultivated technology and processes, said the company. FnF combines UMAMI’s innovation with its proprietary pet food platform to launch a broad range of pet food products at the intersection of nutrition and sustainability.
"We are delighted to partner with UMAMI Bioworks, a company who is clearly committed to bring cultivated technology to the market," said Joshua Errett, Friends & Family CEO and founder. “Together, we have created a breakthrough product that puts pet health and sustainability at the forefront. These cultivated fish treats are a perfect example of how science and technology can be harnessed to create positive change in the pet food industry.”
Friends & Family said the new cultivated fish treats offer significant environmental benefits by reducing reliance on traditional fishing methods, which often lead to overfishing and ocean depletion. Cultivated fish production is designed to be more resource-efficient, requiring less land, water, and feed compared to conventional aquaculture. These treats and future products will provide cats with high-protein, high-fiber nutrition, supporting immunity, digestion and overall health, said the company. They are a critical first step to a sustainable food future, said Rohan Thakur, Partner at Pure Ventures, a food industry investor and advisor to Friends & Family & Umami Bioworks.
“To make a positive climate impact it is imperative to have innovative products that win on the shelf and demonstrate business models that scale. Josh's expertise in pet food and Umami's technology provides the foundation to create the next generation of pet food products. We are proud to partner with these high integrity teams and build the Friends & Family Pet Food Company.”
The cat treats are planned to launch in the Singapore and San Francisco markets in early 2025.
