Tradewinds Universal (TRWD) is an early-stage nutrition and pet health company that develops and licenses insect-based protein products and animal wellness formulas. Revenue comes from the sale of licensing rights and distribution rights for specific territories, with licensees paying in advance of product completion to secure exclusive regional access. The company was incorporated in Wyoming on December 28, 2021, under the brand "Universal Protein (UP)" or UP Proteins. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, total revenues were approximately $133,222, down from approximately $171,596 in FY2024. The FY2025 decline reflects the discontinuation of physical product sales and reduced affiliate marketing activity as the company shifted fully toward a licensing and distribution rights model. The company has not achieved profitability as of FY2025 and continues to incur operating losses. Intangible assets on the balance sheet include the UP Proteins brand, an AI app, trademarks, and a proprietary dog pain relief formula acquired from BearCreek Resources, Corp. in December 2022 for $30,000.

Revenue model

Licensing and distribution rights sales: buyers pay in advance to secure exclusive territorial access to UP Proteins products and the dog pain relief formula. Prior to FY2025, revenue also included affiliate marketing commissions and direct sales of UP protein bars. As of FY2025, no cost of goods sold was recorded, as all revenue derived from rights arrangements with no direct production or fulfillment costs.

Products and services

UP Proteins product line: insect-based protein bars, powders, shakes, drinks, cookies, and snacks using cricket powder as the primary protein source. Proprietary natural dog pain relief formula acquired from BearCreek Resources, Corp. for $30,000 (December 7, 2022), monetized through licensing with no ongoing royalty obligations owed to the seller. An AI app is listed as an intangible asset on the FY2025 balance sheet.

Customers and end markets

Health-conscious consumers seeking sustainable protein alternatives. Pet owners seeking natural pain relief products for dogs. Territorial licensees and distribution partners who purchase rights in advance. End markets include the edible insect food and ingredients market, which the 10-K filing (2026-04-15) cites as estimated at $1.8 billion in 2025.

Value-chain role

Licensor and formula developer. The company holds proprietary formulas and brand rights, licenses those rights to territorial partners, and has exited direct manufacturing and physical product fulfillment as of FY2025.

Geographic exposure

Incorporated and operating in Wyoming. The filing references the sale of dog pain relief licensing rights for Mexico in a prior period, indicating at least one international licensing transaction. No further geographic revenue breakdown is disclosed in the excerpts.

Competitors

Aspire Food Group

Source: SEC 10-K, filed 2026-04-15

Industry: Food and Kindred Products