Almost Seafood is no Imitation

By Daniel de Bomford, Sean McBride and Sasha Lauture 

Many family memories are made around the family table with a shared meal. Japan, in particular, has foods tied to particular events and holidays throughout the year, and for many, it is a time-honored tradition to share with family. Yutaka Murakami, President of Kanetetsu Delica Foods, Inc. shares stories in which their alternative “almost” foods, such as “almost crab” and “almost salmon roe” bring families together by allowing those with allergies or special dietary requirements to participate in these traditions. Mr. Murakami says that Kanetetsu Delica Foods fills both stomachs and enriches hearts, reflecting their philosophy of “nourishing life.” He explains, “We prioritize creating products that deliver not just deliciousness, but also surprise, excitement, joyful moments with family, and solutions to challenges." With its 100th anniversary in 2026, Kanetetsu Delica Foods has been a staple at Japanese tables, offering alternatives to seafood to support people’s diets, allergy free living, and healthy growth.

One of Kanetetsu’s core philosophies, Neriversal Design, is dedicated to solving food challenges and creating positive change. “We value human-centered manufacturing and prioritize the happiness of those who enjoy our Neri (fish surimi) products,” Mr. Murakami says. With its Almost Crab, Kanetetsu recreated the taste, texture and appearance of real crab using surimi, offering an affordable and delicious alternative as crab becomes less accessible. Building on this success, it expanded the concept to develop substitutes for scallops, eel, salmon roe, shrimp, and more as part of the "Almost" series. The "Almost" series also addresses broader food challenges, such as creating affordable alternatives for premium ingredients, providing safer options for allergenic or high-risk foods, and offering sustainable substitutes to protect natural resources. Beyond seafood, Kanetetsu leverages advanced manufacturing to develop plant-based and gluten-free options that meet diverse customer needs. “Through ‘Almost’ technology and a deep sense of empathy, we strive to deliver safe, sustainable food solutions that improve lives and make a lasting impact on society,” he says.

The success of the Kanetetsu Delica Foods products can be distilled to the “Kanetetsu Essence,” defined by innovation, hospitality (empathy) and originality. It strives to challenge the status quo and push boundaries to make progress. Hospitality and empathy are imperative qualities for meeting the needs of others. "I believe that empathy is key to great hospitality, and hospitality helps people grow their empathy," says Mr. Murakami. Originality reflects the uniqueness of the brand and delivers products that stand out in the market.

With almost a century of experience under its belt Kanetetsu Delica Foods is committed to continuing to create products that bring joy to those that enjoy them. Its’ drive to solve problems for people and the environment alike pushes them to continue to innovate. As Mr. Murakami puts it, “Our production is rooted in this people-centric philosophy, ensuring that our work resonates with and supports those we serve.”

To hear more from President Yutaka Murakami of Kanetetsu Delica Foods, check out this interview with him