US food-tech company MeliBio, a producer of bee-free honey using precision fermentation, has received a new strategic investment from Future Food Fund by Oisix, a venture capital fund based in Tokyo, Japan.
The investment will support MeliBio in its mission to transform the honey industry with its bee-free honey technology, developed through plant science and precision fermentation.
MeliBio’s method contributes to the protection of 20,000 wild bee populations, helping preserve biodiversity and support global ecosystem health. The company aims to address climate change challenges by protecting pollinators, crucial to the survival of natural habitats, as well as building a stronger domestic supply chain in the US.
The company’s flagship product, Mellody, is available through MelioBio’s retail and foodservice partners. Earlier this year, it debuted a spicy habanero version of its Mellody honey, claimed to be the world’s first vegan hot honey product to hit the market.
Darko Mandich, CEO and co-founder of MeliBio, said: “This investment from Future Food Fund is an exciting step forward for MeliBio. It aligns perfectly with our mission to not only transform the honey industry but also to make a measurable impact on biodiversity and the environment.”
He added: “As we scale, we’re proud to contribute to the protection of wild bee species and the reversal of harmful environmental practices that threaten them. With every spoonful of Mellody, everyone becomes a true hero in protecting our precious bees.”
Hiro Hasegawa, venture partner at Future Food Fund, commented: “Unfortunately, the modern honey industry, in its pursuit of efficiency, has led to the widespread proliferation of specific bee species across the globe, causing a decline in native species in various regions”.
Hasegawa said he was impressed by MeliBio’s “thoughtful focus” on bees and the ecosystems they shape in harmony with other local species, as well as their work toward sustainable food production for humans.
“Darko, the co-founder and CEO, with over a decade of experience in the honey industry, has worked on honey sourcing from beekeepers, managing processing facilities, and building supply chains across Europe and the US, which made him acutely aware of the industry’s problems,” he continued.
“At Future Food Fund, we are excited to support MeliBio’s vision of giving bees a break while offering a new model for food production through their exceptional products.”
Alongside the funding announcement, MeliBio revealed it has expanded its US presence with several new foodservice and distribution partners, as well as recently securing a significant patent win in Germany for its technology.
The company also announced a partnership with tech company Pow.Bio this April to enhance its precision fermentation capabilities and scale its bioprocesses.
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