Thai Union and its Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods subsidiary have announced an alliance in North America with ISH Food Company, a Wilmington, Delaware-headquartered plant-based faux seafood brand. The startup enterprise has trademarked a whole system approach to develop innovative plant-based food products, considering every single step – from the soil and water to the table.
“We are excited to expand our reach within the alternative protein space through this alliance with the ISH Food Company,” said Maarten Geraets, Thai Union’s managing director for alternative proteins. “Our corporate venture business arm has been working closely with innovative alternative protein startups as we increase our attention and investment in sustainable seafood alternatives. As the number one distributor of frozen shrimp and pasteurized crab meat in North America, we have expansive expertise in the seafood category that we are eager to leverage in this new market.”
This alliance 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 at an affordable price point. The announcement is part of Bangkok-headqurtered Thai Union’s global SeaChange commitment, which includes measurable steps to foster sustainable solutions across their business.
Since 2016, Thai Union has placed a great deal of focus on developing its SeaChange sustainability strategy, earning the company a first-place spot on the Seafood Stewardship Index two years in a row. Increasingly, sustainability has become a primary concern for many seafood consumers.
In a recent survey by El Segundo, California-based Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods and market research consultancy Wakefield Research, grocery and foodservice executives and buyers revealed that they 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 options and tasty alternatives, according to a press release issued by Chicken of the Sea.
“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, while increasing food security,” said Geraets.
The ISH Food Company, a certified B Corporation, was established in 2020. In 2022 it launched Shrimpish, which is now available at select colleges, universities and restaurants in the United States. There are 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,” said Bernard David, ISH founder and chief executive officer. “Consumer demand for healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food sources is accelerating. Our plant-based seafood is crafted with environmental impact top of mind, delivering on taste, texture, nutrition, and planetary health.”
