THAILAND: Seafood giant Thai Union and its subsidiary Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods have established an alliance in North America with plant-based seafood brand, The ISH Food Company.
The agreement will leverage relevant Thai Union and Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods marketing and distribution channels to invest in the sustainable seafood space and ensure alternative seafood protein options are available to new audiences at an affordable price point.
“We are excited to expand our reach within the alternative protein space through this alliance with The ISH Food Company,” Thai Union Managing Director for Alternative Proteins Maarten Geraets said. “Our corporate venture business arm has been working closely with innovative alternative protein start-ups as we increase our attention and investment in sustainable seafood alternatives. As the #1 distributor of frozen shrimp and pasteurised crab meat in North America, we have expansive expertise in the seafood category that we are eager to leverage in this new market.”
The alliance is part of Thai Union’s global SeaChange sustainability commitment, which includes measurable steps to foster sustainable solutions across their business.
In a recent survey executed by Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods and market research consultancy Wakefield Research, grocery and foodservice executives and buyers were surprised to receive requests for plant-based (35%) and lab-grown (31%) seafood products this year.
With a growing consumer desire for alternative seafood products, this alliance was the logical next step, as the category works to provide increased access to those looking for innovative seafood solutions and great-tasting alternatives.
“As a global entity, Thai Union acknowledges that a diverse range of healthy and nutritious proteins is essential to meeting future population demands in a sustainable manner, whilst increasing food security,” Geraets said.
The ISH Food Company, a certified B Corporation, was established in 2020 to deliver innovative, sustainable and healthy plant-based foods worldwide, starting with plant-based seafood.
In 2022, the company launched its flagship product, Shrimpish, which is now available at select colleges, universities and restaurants nationwide, with plans to expand offerings to include Salmonish, Codish, Crabish, Lobsterish and other portfolio complements.
“We have a big mission, and we can’t do it alone, which makes this collaboration in North America even more important,” ISH Founder and CEO Bernard David said.
Source: World Fishing