Thai Union Group Plc has invested through its venture fund in Israeli startup ViAqua Therapeutics, which uses RNA technology to improve animal health in aquaculture.
ViAqua's first product is a feed supplement for the health management of shrimp, including prevalent diseases that pose major challenges in shrimp farming.
Thiraphong Chansiri, president and chief executive of Thai Union, said disease prevention is a primary concern in the aquaculture sector and ViAqua has a promising technology platform to help manage the health of shrimp and other species.
Thai Union is looking forward to supporting ViAqua as they help the global aquaculture industry address this challenge.
Thai Union's venture fund focuses on investing in startups in the areas of alternative proteins, functional nutrition and biotechnology as well as new technologies along the food value chain.
Its fund is investing in early-stage entrepreneurial companies operating in these areas and will actively partner with these companies to support and accelerate their development.
"We are honored and thrilled to add Thai Union, a leading seafood firm, to our team of investors," said Shai Ufaz, ViAqua's chief executive. "Its firm foundations, entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of the food industry are a great fit to our goals and values."