top of page

Japan Falling in Love With Plant-Based Sashimi

The world's craving for sushi and sashimi has long been synonymous with the consumption of fish resources. However nippon.com reports, a new trend is emerging in Japan, the birthplace of fish-based delicacies like sashimi, as manufacturers respond to a growing demand for plant-based alternatives.


Spearheading this movement is Nippon Ham, quickly innovating to deliver plant-based sashimi options closely mimicking the taste and texture of their fish counterparts.


Nippon Ham's plant-based sashimi in pouches

Nippon Ham's recent creation, a plant-based tuna sashimi, is captured the attention of both the food service and consumers alike. Developed meticulously to replicate the mouthfeel and aroma of fresh tuna, this innovative product is poised to revolutionise the culinary landscape.


Watanabe Ken'ichi, the mastermind behind the plant-based tuna, says Nippon Ham set out to achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavour, ensuring a seamless integration with traditional accompaniments like wasabi and soy sauce.




With sustainability at the forefront of their mission, Nippon Ham's foray into plant-based seafood aligns with global efforts to preserve marine resources. As wild fish stocks dwindle and concerns over over fishing mount, alternative solutions have become imperative. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals serve as a guiding beacon for companies like Nippon Ham, motivating them to explore innovative avenues to meet the rising demand for seafood in a sustainable manner.


Nippon Ham Plant-based Sashimi

Source: Nippon Ham-Plant-based tuna sashimi


With sustainability at the forefront of their mission, Nippon Ham's foray into plant-based seafood aligns with global efforts to preserve marine resources. As wild fish stocks dwindle and concerns over over fishing mount, alternative solutions have become imperative. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals serve as a guiding beacon for companies like Nippon Ham, motivating them to explore innovative avenues to meet the rising demand for seafood in a sustainable manner.


Joining Nippon Ham in this culinary revolution is Azuma Foods, a prominent player in Mie Prefecture known for its takowasabi delicacy. Leveraging their expertise in seafood processing, Azuma Foods has ventured into the realm of plant-based sashimi with their Future Fish brand. Boasting lifelike replicas of tuna, salmon, and squid, Azuma Foods' offerings underscore the versatility and potential of plant-based alternatives in meeting consumer preferences without compromising on taste or quality.


Azuma Foods Future Fish plant-based salmon & tuna

Source: Azuma Foods Future Fish plant-based salmon & tuna (© Kawamoto Daigo)


Even convenience store giant FamilyMart has embraced the plant-based seafood trend, offering a tantalizing array of imitation fish delicacies. From sea urchin to crab and salmon roe, FamilyMart's imitation seafood bowl showcases the widespread appeal of plant-based options across diverse culinary landscapes.


Family Mart - Plant-based fish bowl.

Source: Family Mart - Plant-based fish bowl.


As consumer awareness of environmental issues and healthy eating continues to soar, the demand for plant-based sashimi is predicted to keep growing. With innovative manufacturers like Nippon Ham and Azuma Foods leading the charge, the era of faux - plant-based - seafood is well and truly underway. Seriously, if the Japanese love it then who would'nt?


ENDS:

Comments


TOP STORIES

1/94
bottom of page