Contact
  • HOME
  • / MEDIA /
  • Three Cal Students Launch Plant-Based, Sushi-Grade Tuna to Pave the Way for Seafood Sustainability

Stories

July 30, 2023

SHARE:

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident today. This is why three visionary individuals came together to address one pressing issue: the unsustainable practices in our food system, particularly regarding seafood.

Kelly Pan, Adrian Miranda, and Stephanie Claudino Daffara, the founders of Impact Food, combined their diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to create a positive impact.

Driven by a shared passion for food innovation and ocean sustainability, they embarked on a journey to revolutionize the concept of seafood. Through meticulous research and cutting-edge technology, by studying the composition of animal-based seafood and leveraging their knowledge in food science and molecular biology, they developed their first product, Impact Tuna.

With Impact Food, Kelly, Adrian, and Stephanie strive to redefine the way we approach food. By choosing plant-based seafood, individuals not only enjoy a delectable culinary experience but also contribute to a healthier future for our planet, our oceans, and ourselves.

Read through as we learn more about the remarkable journey of Impact Food and its founders, Kelly, Adrian, and Stephanie, through an exclusive interview with Asian Hustle Network.

IMPACT FOOD’S DYNAMIC FOUNDER TRIO

In January 2020, we met while studying at UC Berkeley in renowned scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Ricardo San Martin’s Alternative Meat Challenge Lab, a product-design-based entrepreneurship course that examines how food is made and why alternative meats are a key solution to creating a more sustainable food system.

A passionate foodie-business student (Kelly), a vegan home chef-computer science student (Stephanie), and a scientist-biochemistry student (Adrian) found each other and decided to combine their fields of expertise to work towards a shared passion for food innovation and ocean sustainability. 

REDEFINING SEAFOOD SUSTAINABILITY

We were inspired by the innovative solutions we saw in terrestrial meat products like beef and chicken, and the science behind creating them. As we brainstormed in class for a protein alternative that could become the center of the plate, we realized that seafood was a wide white space in dire need of new solutions.

With an ever increasing global population, the conventional seafood industry (e.g. commercial fishing and aquaculture) continues to overfish and deplete our oceans but is still unable to keep up with rising seafood demand. 90% of fish stocks have been used up, and we’re rapidly losing biodiversity and destroying marine ecosystems which support all life on our planet, so we need to take action now before it is too late.

This is when we knew we were on a mission to reimagine a more sustainable food system through delicious and nutritious seafood created using plants and scientific innovation. Through Impact Food, we would be able to do our part in alleviating pressure on our oceans and transform our global food system to be better for our people, planet, and animals.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES IN PLANT-BASED SEAFOOD INNOVATION

At Impact Food, one of our core values is “Delicious Innovation” – to always develop the tastiest, high-quality food.

All seafood species have a very unique, complex taste and texture profile, so we knew that it would be challenging to recreate the sensory experience of conventional seafood. To overcome the challenge of developing realistic seafood texture, we focused heavily on R&D and consulted with industry experts from chefs to scientists and seafood purveyors to truly understand the composition of fish. This knowledge combined with a lot of experimentation allowed us to match the subtle ocean flavor, nutritional profile, and delicate texture of species like bluefin tuna.

Another challenge we faced was scaling our proprietary seafood texturization technology. We were very fortunate to bring on a talented bioprocess engineer last fall, who helped us scale our process and significantly accelerate our commercialization timeline.

IMPACT FOOD’S UNIQUE SEAFOOD PRODUCTION PROCESS

The process of making our first flagship product (raw sushi-grade Impact Tuna) began with extensively studying the scientific composition of seafood and developing a proprietary production process using plants and biotechnology.

Our novel food technology platform relies on our unique texturization process that optimizes and transforms our seafood base (a blend of plant ingredients such as pea protein, algae, & vegetable juice) into a whole-muscle structured seafood product.

In addition to completely removing animal fish from the seafood supply chain, our plant-based seafood is a more sustainable food choice that can always be consistently supplied with exceptional quality. Due to supply chain volatility, the quality and pricing of animal-based seafood products are constantly in a state of uncertainty and harm the entire food system. 

Therefore, we developed a craveable, true replacement for sushi-grade tuna with under 10 plant ingredients and a longer shelf life than conventional tuna. Our product is also high in omega 3, protein, fiber, and potassium with none of the negative consequences such as overfishing and mercury contamination.

IMPACT FOOD’S EFFORTS IN RAISING AWARENESS

Since food is a very social and cultural experience, we realized that we needed to collaborate with the food service industry to reinvent the seafood consumption experience while remaining authentic to traditional cuisines.

Restaurants, chefs, and cafeterias (e.g. corporate and college campuses) play a critical role in introducing customers to new culinary experiences, encouraging trial, and familiarizing them with plant-based seafood and its benefits. By adding these sustainable options to their menus, they are also able to influence a wider audience and drive market demand for seafood alternatives.

Recently, we launched Impact Tuna in Southern California at Pokeworks and became the first fish-free seafood ever offered at the world’s leading poke chain with 65+ locations across the US and internationally. Pioneering this novel dining experience with Pokeworks is a major step for us in creating large-scale demand for sustainable eating and bringing plant-based seafood to the masses.

In addition to our food service partnerships, we also utilize channels such as social media to raise awareness about the benefits of plant-based seafood. Although we only sell our plant-based seafood ingredients to food service, we still prioritize connecting with end consumers via the visual and informational content we share on channels such as Instagram and TikTok.

Recent media coverage about the unsustainable and inhumane practices involved in commercial fishing such as the Seaspiracy documentary has also been immensely helpful in generating awareness about an obscure and complex seafood industry.

SCALING WITH QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CARE

We have begun commercial production and are currently building out our own manufacturing pilot plant to ensure high-quality control and consistency of our food innovations.

Because our proprietary process can use standard equipment that is traditionally used in other industries, we can reach price parity with conventional seafood and scale to high volumes very quickly. We are continuously investing our resources into R&D and optimizing our supply chain so that we can constantly innovate, and maintain product quality while scaling our production.

To meet increasing market demand while ensuring the quality and sustainability of our products as we scale in the US and soon internationally, we are also building strategic partnerships with and collaborating with other companies (e.g. foodservice distributors, suppliers, restaurants, startups, etc.) to strengthen the ecosystem for sustainable protein solutions. Together, we’ll be able to develop and scale products with better taste, texture, and nutritional value.

IMPACT FOOD’S FUTURE OF DELICIOUS PLANT-BASED SEAFOOD

Our primary driver at Impact Food is to make a positive global impact by creating a future of food that can sustainably feed the world while protecting our oceans and marine life.

We strive to create a global impact and movement of consumers eating more consciously and sustainably. To do this, we need to make our innovations available and accessible everywhere our consumers eat, around the globe.

Today, we’re excited to continue scaling our production, onboard more food service partners, and expand distribution to major markets for seafood such as Japan. Our goal is to reconstruct the center of the plate with a new, tastier whole-muscle seafood experience that is healthier for you and the planet without harming any animals.

Impact Tuna is just the beginning, and we’re excited to leverage our seafood technology platform to expand our product pipeline and recreate various other seafood species using plants. Stay tuna’ed and join us on our voyage to revolutionize the global seafood system. 

CONNECT WITH IMPACT FOOD

Website: eatimpactfood.com

Linkedin: Impact Food

Tiktok: @eatimpactfood

Instagram: @eatimpactfood

Facebook: Impact Food

Twitter: @eatimpactfood

Related Articles

1

Stories

A $38M Startup Exit That Rarely Happens in Vietnam: How Skinetiq Founder Hannah Nguyen Built a Trust-First Beauty Brand and Landed a Deal with Marico

Big exits in Vietnam’s startup scene are rare, but Hannah Nguyen proved they’re possible with the right foundation.

Long before Skinetiq became a multi-million-dollar brand, her journey started with a simple curiosity for beauty.

What followed was a business built not just on products, but on trust, community, and systems that scale.

Image Source: The Business Times

Starting With Trust

Hannah Nguyen’s story began on a rural coffee farm, where she experimented with making lipstick from berries using whatever she had on hand. That early curiosity grew into a strong passion for beauty, shaping how she approached products and people. It became the foundation of how she would later build her brand.

As she shared her journey online, she built a loyal community that trusted her voice. In a market like Vietnam where counterfeit products are common, that trust became her biggest edge. Instead of following trends, she focused on being real, which helped her turn followers into customers.

Image Source: Vietnam Investment Review

Growing Into a Real Business

Rather than continuing to sell other brands, Skinetiq chose to create its own skincare line. By solving real customer problems, the brand reached $16.5 million in revenue and proved strong demand. This step helped shift the business from content-driven sales to a product-focused company.

At the same time, Skinetiq built systems that allowed the business to run without relying on Hannah every day. This made the company more stable and easier to scale over time. That independence attracted Marico, leading to a majority stake deal at a $38 million valuation and showing how creators can build businesses that last.

  • 2 min read
1-jpg

Stories

How China’s Anta Became Puma’s Largest Shareholder and the World’s No. 3 Sportswear Giant Behind Nike and Adidas

China’s Anta Sports is making a bold global move, stepping beyond its home market with a major investment in Puma.

The company acquired a 29 percent stake in the German sportswear brand in a $1.8 billion deal, becoming Puma’s largest shareholder.

This signals Anta’s growing ambition to compete head-to-head with the biggest names in the global sportswear industry.

Image Source: Yicai Global

From Small Workshop to Global Brand

Anta’s journey began in 1986 when founder Ding Shizong, a high school dropout from Fujian, borrowed 10,000 yuan from his father to start reselling shoes. After quickly turning a profit, he reinvested his earnings and built a small manufacturing workshop. This early hustle laid the foundation for what would become one of China’s biggest sportswear companies.

By 1991, Anta had officially launched its own brand and began expanding across China. Over time, the company focused on scaling production, improving product quality, and building strong local distribution. These efforts helped Anta grow from a small business into a global brand with a strong foothold in the sportswear market.

Image Source: CGTN

Competing With the World’s Biggest Brands

Today, Anta controls around 23 percent of China’s sportswear market, surpassing both Nike and Adidas within the country. Its dominance at home has helped fuel its rise on the global stage, where it now ranks as the third-largest sportswear company. This growth reflects both strong local demand and strategic expansion beyond China.

Founder Ding Shizong has made it clear that Anta’s vision goes beyond being a regional leader. Rather than becoming the “Nike of China,” he aims to build what he calls the “Anta of the world.” With its recent investment in Puma, the company is taking a major step toward that goal and solidifying its place among the industry’s global giants.

  • 2 min read
image-png

News

Why Bhutan is the Smartest Place for Founders and Entrepreneurs to Reset in 2026

Most founders today are running on packed schedules but feeling mentally drained, and burnout is quietly becoming part of the routine.

When everything feels urgent, there is barely any space left to think — and decisions made from pressure rarely lead anywhere worth going.

That is exactly where Bhutan comes in. Its slower pace and untouched stillness create the kind of environment that gives ambitious minds the room to pause, reflect, and return with sharper focus.

The Philosophy That Reframes Success

Bhutan approaches progress differently, placing equal importance on well-being and growth. Through its Gross National Happiness framework, the country measures success beyond economic output, and recent data shows that over 93% of the population falls within the happiness gradient. This perspective is not theoretical, it is reflected in how people live and make decisions every day.

You start to notice it in small but meaningful ways, like how conversations are not rushed and how people are fully present. There is a steady rhythm to daily life that feels intentional rather than pressured. That alone creates a different kind of mental space.

For founders and entrepreneurs, being in that environment naturally raises questions about what really drives their decisions. It becomes easier to see how much of leadership is shaped by urgency rather than purpose. That shift in awareness is often where real clarity begins.

The Travel Model That Guards Your Headspace

Bhutan keeps tourism at a manageable level, which helps protect both the experience and the environment. In 2025, the country welcomed nearly 210,000 visitors, a number that is intentionally kept low compared to other destinations. As a result, places feel calm and never overcrowded.

There is also a Sustainable Development Fee of about USD 100 per night, which supports conservation and local communities. This approach ensures that tourism grows in a way that does not take away from what makes Bhutan special. It also sets the tone for a more thoughtful way of traveling.

Because of this model, the pace of each trip feels more balanced and unhurried. Days are not tightly packed, which gives you time to take in each experience without feeling rushed. For founders and entrepreneurs, that space often becomes the most valuable part of the journey.

The Environment That Resets How You Think

Bhutan’s landscapes make it easy to slow down without trying too hard. In places like the Phobjikha Valley, the wide open views and quiet surroundings create a sense of calm that is hard to find elsewhere. Even visiting Tiger’s Nest requires a steady climb, which naturally shifts your pace and focus.

There is no constant noise pulling your attention in different directions. Instead, the stillness gives your mind room to settle and process things more clearly. It is often in these quiet moments that new ideas begin to form.

Over time, you notice a change in how you think and respond to things. Decisions feel less rushed and more intentional, which is something many founders and entrepreneurs struggle to achieve in their usual environment. By the end of the trip, the reset feels real and something you can carry with you.

If you are looking for a reset that goes beyond rest and actually changes how you think, explore Bhutan with Druk Asia here:

📍Website

  • 3 min read
unnamed-png

Stories

The Journey of 20-Year-Old Alex Eala to the WTA Top 50 After Taking Down the Biggest Names in Women’s Tenn

At just 20 years old, Alex Eala is emerging as one of the most exciting new forces in women’s tennis. The Filipina athlete has captured global attention after defeating some of the sport’s most established champions.

In a sport historically dominated by Western powers, Eala’s rapid climb is a major milestone for Asian representation in tennis. Her growing success signals a shift in the global landscape of the sport.

Image Source: SCMP

A Breakthrough That Turned Heads in Miami

Eala’s breakthrough moment came at the 2025 Miami Open, where she entered the tournament as a wildcard. Few expected the young Filipina to make a deep run, but she quickly stunned the field with a series of commanding victories.

During the tournament, Eala defeated multiple Grand Slam champions, including Iga Świątek, Madison Keys, and Jeļena Ostapenko. She later added a win over Coco Gauff, further proving she could compete against the very best in the sport.

Her run to the semifinals became one of the biggest stories of the tournament. It pushed her ranking into the WTA Top 100 and introduced her to a much wider global audience.

Image Source: DZRH

Climbing Into the WTA Top 50

Following her breakout performance, Eala continued to build momentum throughout the season. Strong results in several tournaments helped her steadily climb the rankings and establish herself among the sport’s rising contenders.

By the end of the year, Eala officially entered the WTA Top 50, becoming the first Filipina player to reach that milestone. The achievement marked a historic moment not only for Philippine tennis but also for Southeast Asian representation in the sport.

More than just a personal accomplishment, her rise is inspiring a new generation of young athletes across Asia. As she continues to compete on the world stage, Alex Eala’s journey shows how talent, discipline, and opportunity can reshape the future of global tennis.

  • 2 min read