Business Bites: European upcyclers extract umami from fish heads

This week, we’re diving into a world where fish guts turn gourmet, legal battles brew over meat grown from cells and snack giants marry for billions. Where to begin?

First, upcyclers in Europe have discovered new and interesting ways to desecrate the corpses of fish (who probably had families) to extract umami-rich flavor ingredients. Speaking of umami, cultivated meat is fighting back against Florida’s sweeping ban and savory snacks are coming to Mars.

All that and more in this week’s Business Bites.

EU project transforms fish heads into food

Picture this: You just caught a giant mackerel. It’s time to clean the fish, but so much goes to waste; why not put the head, tail and even the entrails to good use, too?

Apparently, that’s what people think in Europe. And I’m glad they do, because food waste is a growing problem around the world. To address the issue, the European Union (EU) is funding a new upcycling project called WaSeaBi, which is exactly the kind of name I’d expect when more than a dozen world leaders try to name something.

This project takes fish waste — the parts of the animal you only see when a cartoon wants to show a pile of trash — and uses innovative techniques like enzyme hydrolysis to extract and enhance ingredients with strong umami flavors. Just what every brand wants to put on their packaging: “carcass flavored.”

Upside Foods sues Florida over cultivated meat ban

Not too long after cell-cultivated meat hit the U.S. market in June 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a state law to prohibit the production, sale and distribution of the stuff, presumably because science is icky and hurting animals is profitable.

But wait, there’s more: The Institute for Justice, which may or may not be a superhero group, and Upside Foods, a leading cultivated meat brand, have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, arguing that the law is unconstitutional because it targets producers outside Florida and restricts consumer choice.

Despite receiving regulatory approvals from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, cultivated meat proponents face uphill battles in educating consumers, scaling production and, of course, breaking the law. But the benefits of these technologies, such as increased food security and reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional agriculture, may soon become too important to ignore.

Snickers owner Mars to buy Kellanova

Mars is set to make an even bigger splash in the snack world by acquiring Kellanova for a cool $35.9 billion, marking the biggest food and beverage deal since the 2015 Kraft Heinz merger. Kellanova’s beloved lineup — including Cheez-It, Pringles and Pop-Tarts — will join Mars Snacking alongside iconic treats like M&M’s and Snickers.

Slated to finalize in early 2025, this merger is a strategic move by Mars, which is looking to dominate consumers’ entire day of eating, using Kellanova’s innovative snack lines to fill its gaps and ramp up its global reach. Long story short, this pairing is poised to shake up the snack aisle. The most exciting part to me is all the possible snack mashups; I can’t wait to try Cheez-It gum and candy-coated Pringles.

New ADM report highlights beverage innovation

The 2024 Beverage Innovation Report from ingredient giant ADM highlights the growing influence of Gen Z and Millennials (about time) on the beverage industry and showcases a shift toward more proactive, health-conscious lifestyle choices. These demographics are driving the popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) and carbonated soft drinks, with a surge in RTD alcoholic beverage consumption across Europe and North America. Even so, consumers are increasingly drawn to beverages with health and wellness benefits, including not only functional beverages, which can offer improved digestion, hydration and cognitive function, but also alcohol-free or low-alcohol options. Additionally, the report underscores the interest in high-quality, convenient beverage solutions that align with younger consumers’ sustainability values, which is great news for anyone who, like me, would like to continue to have an Earth to live on.

Fi Europe Startup Challenge now open for entries

The Fi Europe Startup Challenge, now in its ninth year, invites young companies specializing in food and beverage ingredient innovations to enter before Sept. 6. Taking place in Frankfurt, the competition offers startups a chance to gain exposure, expand networks and attract investors. This year's event introduces a new category — Most Innovative Foodtech Solution — and includes a Jury's Choice award for Most Innovative Sustainable Solution. Entrants get a chance to showcase their products to over 25,000 attendees at Fi Europe, and winners have their choice of prizes, including a free exhibition stand, a digital marketing package or mentorship opportunities.

Related: Get ready for the first-ever food and beverage edition of Ingredient Idol, where six contestants get two minutes to pitch to an esteemed panel of expert judges at the upcoming SupplySide West show in October. To enter the contest, apply before Sept. 10. Finalists will be announced Oct. 9.