Since 2004, the Department of Fisheries has been developing fish-based food products, initiated through student research and internship activities at the Fish Processing Technology Laboratory. The chosen products are based on healthy fish gel, free from flavor enhancers and preservatives. The decision to develop fish gel products was driven by the low fish consumption rate in the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY), and the negative perception that fish gel products are made from unhygienic fish processing waste. These concerns motivated the Department of Fisheries to take part in promoting the “Gerakan Gemar Makan Ikan” (Gemarikan), educating the public that their fish gel products are of premium quality and emphasizing the benefits of ready-to-eat frozen foods, particularly in terms of cost and time efficiency. These products do not require special machinery or skills to prepare, help reduce unnecessary food waste, and eliminate the risk and cost of failed home-made products.
The formulations and products have been continuously developed and tested by the Product Development Team of the Fish Processing Technology Laboratory. From 2004 to 2008, fish gel products were designated as a flagship research roadmap at the laboratory. Product variants and innovations, particularly those using local ingredients as fillers, continue to evolve to this day. The development of fish gel products in the food sector is not only innovative but also falls within the scope of culinology. Furthermore, the initiative has become a platform for students interested in this field to enhance their soft skills.

During the 61st anniversary of the Faculty of Agriculture in 2007, delifiZ® was officially launched as one of the faculty’s flagship products. In 2008, delifiZ® was officially registered with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights under registration number IDM 000264632. It was also selected to receive support from the government for the development of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) manual procedure for frozen fish gel products. Although delifiZ® is currently marketed on a limited scale, it is expected to become more widely recognized and to contribute to the needs of the hotel, restaurant, and catering industries in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas. Currently, delifiZ® products can be purchased at Plaza Agro, Faculty of Animal Science, UGM, as well as at various food exhibitions in Yogyakarta. Additionally, delifiZ® supplies a portion of its processed products to the Entrepreneurship Development Unit “Inkubator Mina Bisnis (IMB)” of the Department of Fisheries at UGM.