BlueNalu, a pioneering company in cell-cultivated seafood, has announced an expansion of its partnership with Nomad Foods, the parent company of Birds Eye, to introduce its sustainable seafood offerings in the UK and broader European market. This strategic collaboration builds on a relationship that commenced in 2021 and aims to provide consumers with high-quality, environmentally friendly seafood alternatives.

The focus of this extended agreement is to create a market-entry strategy specifically targeting BlueNalu's cell-cultured products, beginning with its premium food service offerings. This initiative reflects a growing consumer demand for healthier and sustainable seafood options.

Carly Arnold, Chief RDQ Officer at Nomad Foods, expressed the company's enthusiasm about the partnership: "As a company that has a long history of successfully introducing innovative and great tasting fish and seafood products, we are excited to continue working alongside BlueNalu to bring this transformative technology to market." Arnold further noted that the goals of cell-cultivated seafood align with Nomad Foods' commitment to providing great tasting seafood that is beneficial both for consumers and the planet.

A recent survey commissioned by BlueNalu and conducted by Dr. William K. Hallman, a professor at Rutgers University, indicates a considerable interest in cultivated seafood among UK consumers. The survey, which included 2,000 sushi enthusiasts, found that 92 percent of respondents expressed a willingness to try BlueNalu’s bluefin tuna toro. Additionally, 74 percent indicated they would be open to paying equal or higher prices for cultivated seafood compared to traditional bluefin tuna. Respondents cited the absence of harmful elements—such as parasites, pesticides, microplastics, mercury, and antibiotics—as significant advantages of cultivated options.

Lou Cooperhouse, Founder, President, and CEO of BlueNalu, highlighted the innovations offered by their product: "Our cell-cultivated bluefin toro offers a new, high-quality seafood experience—nutrient-rich, free from environmental contaminants, and designed to complement a global supply chain that is increasingly fragile and unpredictable." He noted that BlueNalu's acceptance into the UK regulatory sandbox further affirms the company's position in the emerging food system landscape.

To facilitate the safe entry of its cell-cultivated products into the UK market, BlueNalu is collaborating closely with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) under its regulatory sandbox programme. This partnership aims to establish the scientific backing necessary for market approval, ensuring that the new seafood offerings meet safety and quality standards.

The partnership between BlueNalu and Nomad Foods, coupled with robust consumer interest and focused regulatory efforts, marks a significant move towards the introduction of cultivated seafood products in the UK, responding to a growing market for sustainable and innovative food solutions.