Strengthening regional food security with Uniprotein®
By 2050, nearly 10 billion people will need food, but our planet’s protein supply is rapidly depleting. The global food system is already under immense strain, with climate change, resource scarcity, rising costs, and geopolitical tensions placing unprecedented pressure on food security. While the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognizes aquaculture as essential for meeting the world’s growing protein demand, it faces a critical challenge: how to sustainably feed billions of farmed fish when ocean resources are already stretched to their limits.
Traditionally, fishmeal has played a central role in aquaculture feed thanks to its naturally balanced profile of nutrients vital for the growth of farmed fish and crustaceans. Seabass, seabream, barramundi, yellowtail, shrimp, some of the most commercially important aquaculture species, are largely dependent on fishmeal as a key ingredient in their diets. However, the stability of fishmeal supply is at risk due to tightening global supplies and volatile prices.
It is clear that relying solely on wild-caught fish is not a sustainable way to meet the needs of the growing aquaculture sector. Using alternative protein sources is crucial to reduce dependence on this limited marine resource to protect ocean biodiversity and secure the future of aquaculture. What’s important to understand is that carnivorous fish do not actually need fishmeal itself; rather, they need the specific nutrients that fishmeal naturally provides. This is exactly what we at Unibio focus on: developing a nutritious, scalable and cost-effective alternative to fishmeal in animal feed without depleting oceans, forests, or arable land.
Unibio is filling a protein supply gap with Uniprotein®
Unibio is a biotechnology company leading a global transformation in protein production. Using advanced fermentation technology, we convert methane into a planet-friendly protein at an industrial scale. Our first commercial product, Uniprotein®, is a protein-rich biomass designed to fully or partially replace conventional protein sources in compound animal feeds, without compromising performance, health, or survival.
Uniprotein® is produced by a microbial culture utilizing natural gas as its sole carbon and energy source. The only raw materials required are methane (the primary component of natural gas), oxygen, ammonia, and a few essential minerals. Producing Uniprotein® requires no arable land and uses only a minimal amount of water.
A substantial amount of research has documented the benefits of using methane-based single-cell protein in feed. Over the years, numerous trials have demonstrated that Uniprotein® is a high-quality protein source and a proven alternative to traditional protein-rich ingredients.
Uniprotein®
à Provides an excellent source of protein, essential amino acids and fat
à Improves palatability and growth performance
à Enhances immune response in fish and shrimp
à Is free from pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and antibiotics
à Does not contain genetically modified microorganisms (non-GMO)
Unibio is committed to revolutionizing the protein industry
Most major aquafeed players have been struggling with the rise of alternative proteins. Since 2016, they have explored every possible solution, but the results have been disappointing. Aside from algae-based functional ingredients providing Omega-3, none have gained sufficient traction in terms of off-take, financing, or production costs low enough to meet aquaculture industry requirements.
According to a 2025 market forecast by Rabobank, the global fishmeal market is heading toward a shortage much sooner than previously expected, starting in 2028 with an even sharper shortfall projected by 2032. That’s why Unibio is proud to lead the way and set the standard in the protein industry. Uniprotein® has already been introduced commercially, drawing significant interest from customers from all over the world.
A high-quality nutritional profile that supports the health and growth of farmed fish is essential. When evaluating alternative protein sources, producers must consider both availability and nutritional value. Feeds formulated with Uniprotein® provide all essential nutrients that enable fish to maintain strong growth rates and feed efficiency. With Uniprotein®, feed producers can also reduce dependence on fishmeal and protect marine resources. This is a practical solution for sustainable growth and long-term supply stability in aquaculture.
We see VIV MEA in Abu Dhabi as the ideal venue to initiate discussions around pre-commitments for commercial volumes. We will introduce Uniprotein® and showcase its beneficial inclusion in fish feed and shrimp feed. Additional segments are currently under evaluation, and our team of expert nutritionists is actively exploring further application opportunities.
A new era of sustainable nutrition for the Middle East
As aquaculture faces a structural shortage of fishmeal, this overexploited resource can no longer support the necessary growth of fish and shrimp production. At Unibio and our partner companies, we take great pride in being at the forefront of addressing global food security challenges. By decoupling protein production from traditional agriculture and land use, we offer regions across the world the possibility to become self-sufficient protein producers, even in the harshest environments.
Uniprotein® can be produced in areas with limited natural resources. This makes it a strategic solution for regions facing water scarcity, land constraints, and challenging climate conditions. With rising demand for high-quality protein, constrained resources, and a reliance on food imports, the Middle East now has an unprecedented opportunity to lead the way in sustainable nutrition. By investing in alternative protein technologies and resilient aquaculture systems, the Middle East can transform from a food-importing region into a global hub for climate-smart protein production. The success of these innovations will not only shape the future of aquaculture but also help determine whether we can feed 10 billion people without compromising the planet that sustains us.
Join us on our journey toward climate-resilient protein production by becoming a privileged early customer! Let’s connect at VIV MEA in Abu Dhabi. Visit our booth number 10.U103 from November 25 to 27, 2025, and discover how Uniprotein® is reshaping the future of sustainable aquaculture.
