Calbee, a major Japanese snack company, is experiencing impressive results with a newly launched seaweed substitute product, "Noriyan". Calbee's move to explore alternative food resources resonates with current global trends promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. The successful debut of the Noriyan product opens further avenues for other companies to delve into the world of sustainable food substitutes.

Sustainability is a major concern in Japan, especially in the food industry where traditional resources such as seaweed are abundant but facing future challenges. The success of Calbee's Noriyan underlines an increasing readiness among the Japanese consumer base to accept eco-friendly, innovative food alternatives. Legal values align with environmental protection and sustainability.

In the US and EU, alternative food products are also emerging, driven by concerns about sustainability and environmental footprints. Startups focusing on plant-based or lab-grown substitutes are increasingly common. However, seaweed substitutes are not as prevalent, indicating a unique focus for Japanese companies like Calbee.