Japan’s Mitsui DM Sugar is addressing the soaring prices and declining production of bluefin tuna by launching a new plant-based alternative called Osakana Kakumei, set to debut next year. The vegan tuna, made from konjac, seaweed, and bamboo fiber, aims to replicate the texture and appearance of the prized fish at a lower cost of $13.50 per kg, undercutting conventional tuna prices at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market.

With the decline in seafood production and high costs of bluefin tuna, Mitsui DM Sugar is leveraging its large-scale supply chain to produce 10 tonnes of the plant-based tuna annually starting in 2028. The company is also exploring the development of plant-based versions of other seafood options, such as salmon or squid, to meet the changing demands of consumers who are looking for sustainable and affordable alternatives to traditional seafood products.

As Japan's largest tuna consumer faces supply challenges and environmental concerns surrounding overfishing and pollution, Mitsui DM Sugar’s innovative approach to creating sustainable plant-based substitutes for seafood reflects a growing trend in the food industry towards more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solutions.