The rebranding aims to strengthen its identity and commitment to sustainable seafood solutions, aligning with industry trends and consumer preferences.
Japanese seafood conglomerate Maruha Nichiro will change its corporate name to Umios on March 1, 2026, the company announced this week.
The rebranding reflects a strategic pivot toward sustainability, innovation, and global market positioning, as the company prepares for its “third founding” since the original firms were established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The new name, Umios, is a coined term combining umi (ocean), one (unity), and solutions. According to the company, the name and accompanying “Blue Planet” visual identity are intended to convey a long-term commitment to solving environmental and social challenges through ocean-based food systems.
Why it matters to the salmon industry
Maruha Nichiro is actively expanding its presence in salmon aquaculture, including a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation—ATLAND Corporation—to build a land-based salmon farm in Toyama Prefecture. The facility, slated to begin operations in 2025 with first harvests expected in 2027, will have an annual production target of 2,500 tonnes (live weight).
The company also markets Akebono Salmon, a long-established canned salmon brand in Japan, and has pursued ASC-certified inland aquaculture projects. These efforts position Maruha Nichiro—soon to be Umios—as an increasingly relevant player in sustainable salmon production and innovation, especially within the growing land-based segment.
