First Cell Donation from Maruha Powers Lab Tuna Breakthrough with Singapore Partner

Maruha Nichiro, a pioneer in full-cycle bluefin tuna farming, has announced a landmark partnership with Singapore-based UMAMI Bioworks Pte, a leader in cultivated seafood technology. The deal marks the first time Maruha is supplying fully farmed bluefin tuna cells to another company, fueling a joint initiative to accelerate the development and commercialization of lab-grown tuna.

UMAMI Bioworks has earned recognition for its innovation in cell-based aquaculture, especially in crafting and tasting cultured seafood. Through this collaboration, both companies aim to ensure a sustainable source of premium protein while easing the burden on wild bluefin tuna stocks, which remain under pressure from global demand.

Maruha’s cell line, cultivated from its extensively researched bluefin tuna, will be integrated into UMAMI’s proprietary cultivation platform, creating new possibilities for consistent, scalable seafood production. The timing is critical, as global appetite for Japanese cuisine, particularly sashimi-grade tuna, continues to surge.

This alliance puts both companies in a strong position to lead the emerging market for sustainable, high-quality lab-grown seafood.