August 6, 2021 — The seafood analogs sector is getting busier, with increased investments, new product offerings, and expanded distribution.
Investment in plant-based seafood analogs reached USD 70 million (EUR 59 million) in the first half of 2021, according to the Good Food Institute, while U.S. sales of plant-based seafood analogs grew 23 percent to USD 12 million (EUR 10 million) last year.
August 3, 2021 — Long John Silver’s is making history as the first major national seafood chain to embrace plant-based seafood analogs.
Last month, the Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A.-based operator of more than 700 restaurants across the United States announced a partnership with Good Catch, partnering with a New York City, U.S.A.-based maker of plant-based imitation seafood products. It will trial Good Catch’s Plant-Based Breaded Fish-Free Fillet and Plant-Based Breaded Crab-Free Cake products at five of its restaurants in the U.S. states of California and Georgia.
In an interview with SeafoodSource, LJS Chief Marketing Officer Stephanie Mattingly explained why the restaurant chain is offering plant-based seafood analogs and what its future plans are for the category.
SeafoodSource: Why did LJS want to offer plant-based seafood analogs? How do they align with the company’s values and goals, and operational plans for this year?
Mattingly: We have always believed that our unique seafood experience should be accessible to all. By serving plant-based seafood, we can further that mission by embracing customers who follow plant-based diets. LJS is guided by a vision of fishing smarter with less environmental impact. Our cod, pollock, and salmon are sustainably sourced and wild-caught. Plant-based seafood is a new take on sustainability worth exploring as well.