VAN HEES, a German family-owned company with nearly 80 years of experience in the food industry, has entered into a strategic collaboration with BLUU Seafood, a leading European food biotech specializing in cultured fish. The partnership, which was initiated in May, combines VAN HEES’ expertise in functional ingredients and seasoning technology with BLUU Seafood’s innovations in cell-based fish production.
“We see great potential in cultured fish as part of a sustainable protein supply”
VAN HEES has a long-standing reputation for developing flavorings, spice mixes, and functional additives for various food sectors, including meat, plant-based, and vegan products. The company’s involvement in this partnership will focus on the development of hybrid products that integrate plant-based ingredients with cultured fish cells, with the objective of creating sustainable, high-quality alternatives to traditional fish and seafood products.
“We see great potential in cultured fish as part of a sustainable protein supply. This partnership allows us to contribute our innovative strength to a pioneering sector and actively participate in the transformation of the food system,” said Robert Becht, Managing Director of the VAN HEES Group.
Next generation of seafood
VAN HEES’ role in the collaboration is to apply its expertise in food safety, texture, and flavor optimization to enhance the overall product quality. This includes leveraging its partnership with Aromatech, a flavor technology provider, and utilizing its Food.PreTECT center to ensure product stability and shelf life. With its global presence and extensive experience, the company is expanding its role in the plant-based and cultured food sectors, with the new collaboration further strengthening its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
BLUU Seafood, founded in 2020, is the first company in Europe to focus on the commercial production of cultured fish. The company uses biotechnological methods to produce fish cells without animal suffering or environmental harm. BLUU Seafood views the partnership as a crucial step in expanding the market presence of cultured fish.
Dr. Sebastian Rakers, Managing Director of BLUU Seafood, said, “We believe that this partnership with VAN HEES will offer huge opportunities for the development of tasty and sustainable food products. Together, we can make significant progress in delivering the next generation of seafood.”
