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MeliBio’s bee-free honey technology, developed through plant science and precision fermentation, has gained widespread recognition for its positive environmental impact and increased supply chain resilience. By creating honey without the need for invasive honeybees, MeliBio contributes to the protection of 20,000 wild bee populations, which are vital to preserving biodiversity and ensuring the health of ecosystems globally. This is a significant pillar in addressing the challenges of climate change, where protecting pollinators is crucial for the survival of natural habitats, as well as building a stronger domestic supply chain in the US.
As Mellody, MeliBio’s flagship product, gains traction, the company is experiencing rapid growth in its customer base. Recent foodservice partnerships include notable names like Palmetto Superfoods and Joyride Pizza in California and Moto Pizza in Seattle, showcasing Mellody’s appeal as a delicious and sustainable honey alternative. Additionally, MeliBio has expanded its distribution through major networks such as KeHE, UNFI, Sysco-owned Greco and Sons, and ACE Natural, bringing Mellody to more customers across various channels nationwide.
Darko Mandich, CEO and Co-Founder of MeliBio, expressed enthusiasm for this milestone, saying: "This investment from Future Food Fund is an exciting step forward for MeliBio. It aligns perfectly with our mission to not only transform the honey industry but also to make a measurable impact on biodiversity and the environment. As we scale, we’re proud to contribute to the protection of wild bee species and the reversal of harmful environmental practices that threaten them. With every spoonful of Mellody, everyone becomes a true hero in protecting our precious bees."
Mandich added: "Our expansion into new foodservice partners and distributors shows that there’s a growing demand for sustainable and delicious alternatives. Mellody offers foodservice and retail customers a chance to provide the honey experience consumers love without the negative impact on bee populations."
Hiro Hasegawa, Venture Partner at Future Food Fund, also commented on the partnership: “As many people now recognize, food is one of the industries that has a significant impact on climate change. However, what remains relatively underappreciated is the effect that our food production has on non-human life. Native bees, essential for pollination in local ecosystems, play an indispensable role in maintaining the balance of crops, regional vegetation, and nature as a whole. Unfortunately, the modern honey industry, in its pursuit of efficiency, has led to the widespread proliferation of specific bee species across the globe, causing a decline in native species in various regions.
What impressed me most about MeliBio is that they not only work towards sustainable food production for humans, but also maintain a thoughtful focus on bees—non-human life—and the ecosystems they shape in harmony with other local species. Darko, the co-founder and CEO, with over a decade of experience in the honey industry, has worked on honey sourcing from beekeepers, managing processing facilities, and building supply chains across Europe and the U.S., which made him acutely aware of the industry’s problems. At Future Food Fund, we are excited to support MeliBio’s vision of giving bees a break while offering a new model for food production through their exceptional products.”
In addition to its expanding U.S. presence, MeliBio recently secured a significant patent win in Germany for its plant-based honey technology. This patent registration represents a major milestone for the company as it continues to position itself as a global leader in food-tech innovation, providing bee-free honey solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and delicious.
About MeliBio, Inc.
MeliBio is the pioneer of bee-free honey production, using plant science and precision fermentation to create a sustainable alternative to traditional honey. By removing bees from the equation, MeliBio’s technology has a positive impact on biodiversity, helping to protect wild bee species essential to the health of ecosystems. MeliBio’s flagship product, Mellody, offers foodservice, B2B and retail customers a delicious, eco-friendly honey experience. Mellody is part of 1% For the Planet donating 1% of proceeds towards native bee habitat preservation and restoration.
About Future Food Fund
Future Food Fund is a Tokyo-based venture capital fund focused on food and agri-tech startups in Japan and globally. As the first food-focused VC in Japan, FFF was established as the corporate venture arm of Oisix ra daichi Inc., Japan’s largest meal kit provider, serving over 500,000 members. By leveraging its platform and strong LP network across food, retail, agriculture, and various industries, FFF goes beyond investment, providing a wide range of support to help startups commercialize new technologies and services.