Biokraft Foods has unveiled India's first cultivated rainbow trout fillets, developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR).

This new launch aims to provide sustainable seafood alternatives while addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional trout farming.

Biokraft Foods, known for its innovative approach to cultivated meat production, has used proprietary 3D bioprinting technology to create structured trout products that are both nutritionally and structurally comparable to conventional fish.

By developing fish cell lines from native Indian trout species, the company is poised to offer a year-round supply of this high-value fish, which has historically faced availability issues due to geographical and climatic constraints.

Rainbow trout is a popular choice among consumers for its nutritional benefits, yet its farming is resource-intensive and poses risks to wild populations. The collaboration between Biokraft Foods and ICAR-CICFR seeks to mitigate these concerns by leveraging cellular agriculture to produce fish without the environmental toll associated with traditional aquaculture practices.

Kamalnayan Tibrewal, founder and CEO of Biokraft Foods, commented: “Our partnership with ICAR-CICFR marks a significant milestone – launching India’s first cultivated trout product, a breakthrough that preserves our precious aquatic biodiversity and brings cleaner, cruelty-free fish to the plate".

The cultivated trout products are designed to eliminate the need for antibiotics and reduce exposure to contaminants such as microplastics, which have become prevalent in conventional seafood. This method of production not only enhances food safety but also aligns with growing consumer demand for cleaner, more sustainable food sources.

Dr Amit Pande, principal scientist at ICAR-CICFR, added: "The collaborative development of India’s first cultivated trout product with Biokraft Foods exemplifies how academic institutions and emerging industry players can jointly contribute to the evolution of alternative protein sources".

"This initiative not only aligns with our vision of conserving aquatic biodiversity but also opens up new avenues for cell-based aquaculture research in India."

According to the 2024 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), global fisheries and aquaculture production reached 223.2 million tonnes in 2022, indicating a pressing need for sustainable alternatives in response to rising demand. Biokraft Foods aims to capitalise on this trend by expanding its product line and exploring partnerships with various stakeholders globally.

The company plans to establish a dedicated research and development facility by the end of 2025, which will serve as a hub for innovation in both meat and seafood products. The goal is to achieve a full commercial rollout of these offerings by 2026.

As Biokraft Foods collaborates closely with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the company is positioning itself to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape for cell-based foods. This proactive approach aligns with the increasing governmental support for alternative protein initiatives in India.