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Agronomics Limited has announced an expanded partnership between its portfolio company, BlueNalu, and Nomad Foods, aimed at advancing the commercialisation of cell-cultivated seafood products in the UK and Europe.

This collaboration is particularly relevant for stakeholders in the plant-based and cultivated food sectors, as it signifies a growing interest in sustainable protein alternatives.

Initially formed in 2021, the partnership has focused on exploring market opportunities for cell-cultivated seafood. With the latest development, BlueNalu and Nomad Foods are set to implement a market-entry strategy that begins with premium foodservice offerings, responding to a notable shift in consumer demand for high-quality seafood alternatives.

This partnership coincides with BlueNalu's recent acceptance into the UK Food Standards Agency's (FSA) regulatory sandbox, a programme designed to expedite the approval process for novel foods.

This initiative allows BlueNalu to collaborate directly with the FSA to navigate regulatory challenges while ensuring compliance with food safety and transparency standards. Notably, BlueNalu is the only U.S.-based company in this programme focused on cell-cultivated seafood.

Recent research sponsored by BlueNalu highlights a strong consumer interest in its first commercial product, cell-cultivated bluefin tuna toro. A survey conducted in 2024 among 2,000 frequent sushi consumers revealed:

• 92% expressed interest in trying the cell-cultivated product.

• 74% indicated a willingness to pay the same or more compared to conventional bluefin tuna, citing health benefits such as the absence of contaminants like parasites, microplastics and antibiotics.

These insights suggest a growing market potential for cell-cultivated seafood, particularly among health-conscious consumers.

“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,” said Lou Cooperhouse, founder, president and CEO of BlueNalu.

He continued: “We’re proud to work with trusted partners and forward-thinking regulatory agencies to deliver safe, consistent, and desirable seafood to consumers in the coming years. Our acceptance into the UK regulatory sandbox reinforces BlueNalu’s position as a global company at the forefront of food system innovation.”

Carly Arnold, chief RDQ officer at Nomad Foods, added: "The goals of cell-cultivated seafood to offer alternative yet nutritious, safe and sustainable products aligns with our commitment to providing consumers with access to great tasting seafood that is both good for them and good for the planet”.

Jim Mellon, executive chair of Agronomics, stated that this partnership exemplifies the ongoing momentum in the cultivated food industry, which is increasingly focused on sustainability and health.