A French food tech startup specializing in “whole cut” plant-based meat alternatives is looking to establish itself in the United States. The company — UMIAMI — claims to be making and marketing plant-based meat alternatives to rival meat in taste, texture, and nutrition.
The technology that UMIAMI uses to imitate animal products is called “umisation,” which uses less than 10 ingredients and is free of methylcellulose and texturizing agents.
While the technology that UMIAMI is using to create its whole cuts of plant-based products has produced a product with fewer ingredients, more protein, and less sodium, it may not quite rival its animal-based fillets. UMIAMI’s plant-based chicken fillets contain 7 ingredients and 23 percent protein, while a basic chicken breast contains just one ingredient, with 80 percent of its calories coming from protein.
“Taste matters, and UMIAMI aims to be a leader in clean-label plant-based meat, offering a diverse and great-tasting product portfolio that appeals to all,” writes UMIAMI in a recent news release. “To achieve this, plans are underway to set up a plant in North America to add to their existing production facility in Europe, to best serve its clients’ needs.”
What’s their motivation? Aside from the obvious goal of making a product that sells, UMIAMI says that they want to be at the forefront of alternatives that allow meat alternatives to those who want to, “reconcile their love for meat with concerns about climate, health, and animal welfare.”
Move over Beyond Meat. Well-established in European markets, including Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy, the company founded in 2022 is now gearing up to establish itself in the United States with over $107 million secured to drive innovation and U.S. growth. The U.S. headquarters is slated to open in Chicago, though the opening date has not yet been announced.
“As French innovators, we’re excited to bring UMIAMI’s ‘umisation’ technology to the American table. Our unique plant-based chicken, born in France, is set to conquer hearts and taste buds across the U.S.,” claims CEO Tristan Maurel and export director Martin Habast.
»Related: Plant-based ‘meat’ reality check? Beyond Meat’s revenue nose-dives
