Ever After Foods Acquires Fishway, Secures Funding for Cultivated Protein Expansion
August 23, 2026, 3:31 pm
Location: Israel, Haifa District, Haifa
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2003
Total raised: $6.5M
Israeli cultivated protein leader Ever After Foods acquired Belgian biotech firm Fishway. This strategic move integrates critical aquatic cell biology and animal-component-free media expertise. The deal also secured an additional $2 million in funding. It establishes Ever After Foods' European scientific hub. The combined platform will first target premium cultivated pet food ingredients. Future expansion includes broader cultivated meat and seafood applications. This accelerates industrial-scale, sustainable protein production and commercialization. The acquisition reflects a wider industry trend towards integrated, scalable solutions.
Ever After Foods, a prominent Israeli cultivated protein company, has made a significant strategic move. It announced the acquisition of Fishway, a Belgian biotechnology startup. This deal also included a fresh $2 million strategic investment. The acquisition creates a powerful synergy in the burgeoning cultivated protein sector. It expands Ever After Foods' capabilities. It solidifies its global footprint.
Fishway brings specialized expertise. It developed aquatic cell lines. It pioneered animal-component-free (ACF) growth media. These are crucial advancements for the cultivated protein industry. ACF media reduces reliance on animal-derived inputs. This addresses both ethical concerns and supply chain challenges. It also tackles significant cost hurdles. Fishway's contributions directly enhance Ever After Foods' robust manufacturing platform.
The acquisition transforms Fishway's team and facilities. They now form Ever After Foods’ European center of excellence. This hub focuses on aquatic cell biology. It drives ACF media development. This strategic location bolsters Ever After Foods' scientific presence in Europe. It provides a vital operational base beyond Israel.
This integration follows a successful technology collaboration. Both companies previously tested their systems together. The results confirmed strong compatibility. This demonstrated the power of their complementary solutions. The merger streamlines development cycles. It reduces technical interfaces. It accelerates product commercialization.
Ever After Foods operates an open, species-agnostic manufacturing platform. This platform combines advanced biology, proprietary media, and sophisticated bioprocess engineering. It leverages cutting-edge production technology. The company licenses Pluri Inc.'s 3D cell expansion technology. Pluri Inc. is Ever After Foods' majority owner. Rights for seafood applications were extended in 2024.
Ever After Foods' platform features several innovations. It uses PlantriX, an edible scaffold technology. It employs an Edible Packed-Bed production system. This system incorporates a patented 3D cell expansion environment. It mimics natural cellular conditions. This technology stack significantly lowers production costs. Estimates suggest a potential 90% reduction. Its bioreactors also offer impressive yields. They produce up to six times more protein. They generate 700 times more lipids per cell. This enhances flavor and nutritional value. The company collaborates with Bühler. They aim to commercialize compact production systems. These systems could be 10 times smaller than current industry standards.
The environmental benefits are substantial. Cultivated protein production drastically reduces ecological impact. It generates 93% less air pollution. It uses 95% less land. It consumes 94% less water. This contrasts sharply with traditional livestock farming. This sustainable profile aligns with global environmental goals. It addresses growing consumer demand for eco-friendly food options.
The immediate commercial focus for the combined platform is clear. It targets cultivated functional protein ingredients for premium pet food. This market segment offers compelling dynamics. It exhibits high demand. It presents strong product value. It features favorable regulatory conditions. The pet food sector is experiencing a boom in cultivated protein interest. Companies like Meatly, Friends & Family Pet Food, BeneMeat, and Forza10 are already active. They are introducing innovative products for companion animals.
Beyond pet food, the platform aims for broader applications. It will support cultivated meat, seafood, and other next-generation protein solutions. These will serve food and ingredient developers worldwide. This diverse approach positions Ever After Foods as a versatile industry partner.
The cultivated protein industry faces challenges. Fundraising difficulties persist. Several firms have ceased operations or pivoted. However, the promise of quality protein production at scale remains strong. The sector is evolving. It moves from isolated technology development. It progresses towards industrial integration and commercialization.
This acquisition reflects a significant consolidation trend. The alternative protein sector has seen extensive merger and acquisition activity. Companies are seeking integrated solutions. They aim for scalable industrial infrastructure. Ever After Foods actively participates in this shift. It seeks to build the necessary foundation for resilient protein production.
Ever After Foods continues its expansion strategy. It emphasizes internal innovation. It pursues strategic partnerships. It focuses on selective technology integrations. These efforts aim to accelerate commercialization. They broaden applications across multiple species. The company's vision is clear: to lead the industrialization of sustainable protein. This acquisition of Fishway is a pivotal step in that direction.
Ever After Foods, a prominent Israeli cultivated protein company, has made a significant strategic move. It announced the acquisition of Fishway, a Belgian biotechnology startup. This deal also included a fresh $2 million strategic investment. The acquisition creates a powerful synergy in the burgeoning cultivated protein sector. It expands Ever After Foods' capabilities. It solidifies its global footprint.
Fishway brings specialized expertise. It developed aquatic cell lines. It pioneered animal-component-free (ACF) growth media. These are crucial advancements for the cultivated protein industry. ACF media reduces reliance on animal-derived inputs. This addresses both ethical concerns and supply chain challenges. It also tackles significant cost hurdles. Fishway's contributions directly enhance Ever After Foods' robust manufacturing platform.
The acquisition transforms Fishway's team and facilities. They now form Ever After Foods’ European center of excellence. This hub focuses on aquatic cell biology. It drives ACF media development. This strategic location bolsters Ever After Foods' scientific presence in Europe. It provides a vital operational base beyond Israel.
This integration follows a successful technology collaboration. Both companies previously tested their systems together. The results confirmed strong compatibility. This demonstrated the power of their complementary solutions. The merger streamlines development cycles. It reduces technical interfaces. It accelerates product commercialization.
Ever After Foods operates an open, species-agnostic manufacturing platform. This platform combines advanced biology, proprietary media, and sophisticated bioprocess engineering. It leverages cutting-edge production technology. The company licenses Pluri Inc.'s 3D cell expansion technology. Pluri Inc. is Ever After Foods' majority owner. Rights for seafood applications were extended in 2024.
Ever After Foods' platform features several innovations. It uses PlantriX, an edible scaffold technology. It employs an Edible Packed-Bed production system. This system incorporates a patented 3D cell expansion environment. It mimics natural cellular conditions. This technology stack significantly lowers production costs. Estimates suggest a potential 90% reduction. Its bioreactors also offer impressive yields. They produce up to six times more protein. They generate 700 times more lipids per cell. This enhances flavor and nutritional value. The company collaborates with Bühler. They aim to commercialize compact production systems. These systems could be 10 times smaller than current industry standards.
The environmental benefits are substantial. Cultivated protein production drastically reduces ecological impact. It generates 93% less air pollution. It uses 95% less land. It consumes 94% less water. This contrasts sharply with traditional livestock farming. This sustainable profile aligns with global environmental goals. It addresses growing consumer demand for eco-friendly food options.
The immediate commercial focus for the combined platform is clear. It targets cultivated functional protein ingredients for premium pet food. This market segment offers compelling dynamics. It exhibits high demand. It presents strong product value. It features favorable regulatory conditions. The pet food sector is experiencing a boom in cultivated protein interest. Companies like Meatly, Friends & Family Pet Food, BeneMeat, and Forza10 are already active. They are introducing innovative products for companion animals.
Beyond pet food, the platform aims for broader applications. It will support cultivated meat, seafood, and other next-generation protein solutions. These will serve food and ingredient developers worldwide. This diverse approach positions Ever After Foods as a versatile industry partner.
The cultivated protein industry faces challenges. Fundraising difficulties persist. Several firms have ceased operations or pivoted. However, the promise of quality protein production at scale remains strong. The sector is evolving. It moves from isolated technology development. It progresses towards industrial integration and commercialization.
This acquisition reflects a significant consolidation trend. The alternative protein sector has seen extensive merger and acquisition activity. Companies are seeking integrated solutions. They aim for scalable industrial infrastructure. Ever After Foods actively participates in this shift. It seeks to build the necessary foundation for resilient protein production.
Ever After Foods continues its expansion strategy. It emphasizes internal innovation. It pursues strategic partnerships. It focuses on selective technology integrations. These efforts aim to accelerate commercialization. They broaden applications across multiple species. The company's vision is clear: to lead the industrialization of sustainable protein. This acquisition of Fishway is a pivotal step in that direction.