Bumble Bee Foods, one of the three biggest global tuna processors, is becoming the first major seafood processor to partner with a plant-based analogue company.
Bumble Bee announced a partnership March 2 with Gathered Foods Corp., makers of Good Catch plant-based imitation seafood products. Bumble Bee will assist with marketing and distribution of Gathered Foods products.
Analogue tuna is Gathered Foods’ major product line, made with peas, soy, assorted legumes and other plants. Gathered Foods also markets a line of frozen analogue seafood products, including crab cakes and fish patties.
“In forming this partnership with a forward-thinking and deeply rooted company like Bumble Bee we can reach far more consumers who want fish-alternative products,” Chris Kerr, CEO and co-founder of Good Catch. “We're excited Bumble Bee is taking this bold step for the industry, for the oceans and the beautiful beings that live in it.”
Bumble Bee recently sold itself to longtime partner FCF Co. Ltd. after filing for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy came after the company admitted fixing prices for canned tuna, in conjunction with competitors Chicken of the Sea and Starkist. The case resulted in a $25 million federal fine for Bumble Bee, as well as civil litigation by customers.
