From the Editor Diving Deep into the Future: How Cutting-edge Farming Tech is Revitalizing Our Oceans, Feeding the World, and Shaping a Sustainable Future

Dear Readers,

Welcome to this edition of our magazine, where we explore the nexus of aquaculture, sustainability, and emerging technologies.

Our headlines this month revolve around an industry that’s quickly shaping our collective future: aquaculture. Labeled the ‘Blue Revolution,’ this sector is undergoing rapid transformations that are set to redefine our relationship with the oceans, the environment, and our global food supply.

In our cover story, the Norwegian Seafood Council shares how marine stewardship paves the way to sustainability. In our conversation with Crayon’s Armin Haller, we delve into how companies and tech experts harness cutting-edge technology to revolutionize the food and beverage industry. SABIC gives us a closer look at how their technology and collaborations have been pivotal in reducing waste and ensuring the health and well-being of aquatic species.

Finally, Markets and Markets shares their insights on the current aquaculture industry trends.

As we chart the progress of the Blue Revolution, sustainability is at the heart of our narrative. The dual challenge of satisfying our planet’s ever-increasing demand for food while protecting our precious ecosystems has never been more pertinent. In this edition, we analyze the measures being taken to ensure aquaculture practices are sustainable, ecologically sound, and prepared to withstand the rigors of climate change.

But beyond the technology and the environmental benefits, we explore the human stories within this fast-paced industry. We meet the passionate innovators and devoted farmers who are at the helm of this revolution, committed to nurturing a sustainable future for our oceans, and in turn, for us.

As always, we are grateful for your readership and your shared interest in a sustainable future. As you delve into this issue, we hope the stories inspire, inform, and instigate conversation about the transformative potential of aquaculture and its critical role in a sustainable future.

Enjoy the dive.

Cheers,

Cath Isabedra

Cath Isabedra Editor

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Franklin Farms Introduces PlantBased Tuna

Franklin Farms®, a division of Keystone Natural Holdings, has expanded its plant-based product line by launching a new plant-based tuna product. Franklin Farms PlantBased Tuna captures the taste and texture of real tuna without the environmental impacts caused by commercial tuna fishing. This better-for-you new product will be available in two varieties, Original and Jalapeño, in stores nationwide this month.

“Our plant-based tuna mimics the same bite, texture and flavor as traditional tuna and is unlike any other plant-based offering available in the market today,” said Cindy Wong, Vice President of Sales at Franklin Farms. “It is a 1:1 replacement for regular canned tuna but is 100 percent fish-free and perfect to use for tuna salad, tuna sandwiches, tuna casseroles and more. Flexitarians, vegetarians and shoppers looking to try more plant-based products will all love the delicious savory taste of our new Franklin Farms Plant-Based Tuna!”

According to Future Market Insights, the global plant-based tuna market size exceeded $273.2 million in 2022 and is estimated to grow at over 4.3 percent CAGR between 2022 and 2032. Drivers of this growth include growing flexitarian lifestyles, rising cases of seafood allergies, and increasing environmental concerns. Furthermore, today’s consumers are more educated about the risks of high mercury and metal levels in traditional canned tuna and are aware of the many health benefits of plant-based foods.

Franklin Farms Plant-Based Tuna is formulated from a blend of plant-based proteins. It is non-GMO and cholesterol-free. Additionally, Franklin Farms Plant-Based Tuna offers 9-10g of protein per 2oz serving and is free from mercury, which is commonly found in several species of tuna.

“Not only is our Franklin Farms Plant-Based Tuna better for nutrition, it is also much better for the environment and sustainability efforts,” said Wong. “Tuna is both the world’s most consumed fish and one of the ocean’s most vulnerable populations. We wanted to create a sustainable fish alternative without compromising the flavor and texture of real tuna for consumers to enjoy.”

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, over six million metric tons of tuna are fished worldwide. In addition, bycatch, the unwanted fish and marine creatures caught during commercial fishing, kills more than 80 species, including endangered sea turtles, sharks, sailfish, and other sea life.

Wong added, “We hope our new plant-based tuna will provide a flavor-forward, high-quality, vegan alternative to shoppers while helping with common seafood sustainability issues, such as overfishing, pollution and bycatch. By creating innovative plant-based options and making these options accessible to consumers, we aim to create a positive impact and a healthier, happier planet.”

With over twenty years of expertise in plant-based protein foods, Franklin Farms uses only the highest quality ingredients and packaging to provide a healthy selection of plant-based products for any meal of the day. Product offerings include veggie patties, meatless meatballs, tofu, seitan, tempeh, chickpea tofu, vegan wraps, and more. Franklin Farms is a proud member of healthy brands under Keystone Natural Holdings, a company devoted to developing authentic, health-conscious, and innovative food.