Umiami

Umiami is a French plant-based meat startup that has developed proprietary Umization technology to texturize plant proteins for whole-cut meat alternatives made from peas and soybeans. The startup claims its novel technology enables control over the direction of the plant fibers, with a thickness that can increase as much as 10 cm, compared to the current 1 cm-1.5 cm in thickness for high-extrusion cooking. Furthermore, Umiami claims to use only 10 ingredients for its plant-based meat, compared to 30-40 ingredients used in high-extrusion cooking, including texturing agents like methylcellulose or gum. 

In December 2022, the company acquired a 14,000 sq foot former Unilever production facility in Duppigheim, France to increase its production capacity with operations slated to begin in 2H 2023.

Key customers and partnerships

In January 2022, the company announced a partnership with Above Foods to collaborate on R&D, including scaling production techniques for developing texturized whole-cut meat and fish analogs using a variety of Above Foods's patented protein components. In August 2023, Umiami formed a strategic partnership with Swiss distribution specialist FFF Fresh & Frozen Food to introduce its vegan chicken fillet in 165 Coop stores across Switzerland.

Funding and financials

In its latest funding round in October 2023, Umiami raised EUR 32.5 million (~USD 34 million) in Series A funding co-led by SPI Fund and French Tech Seed, with participation from others. The funds were earmarked for aiding Umiami’s goal of becoming a plant-based market leader, expanding in France, and accelerating European distribution.