Pearlita Foods, a Raleigh-based alternative seafood company, is on a mission to provide sustainable, plant-based versions of seafood. Founded by Nikita Michelsen, the company aims to replicate the taste and texture of saltwater treasures using seaweed, mushrooms, and natural flavorings. They have developed five market-ready products, including crab, shellfish pieces, shucked oysters, ceviche, and clam chowder, which imitate the ocean delicacies but are gluten-free and safe for those with shellfish allergies. Pearlita’s products have garnered positive feedback from chefs and diners, with a waitlist of around 500 customers eager to sample or purchase their offerings. In the future, Pearlita plans to incorporate cell culture technology to enhance the taste and nutritional content of their products, starting with oysters. The company has raised $400,000 in investments and grants and aims to secure an additional $600,000 for scaling up production and expanding their product line.
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