Thai Union and its Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods have forged an alliance in North America with Ish Food Co., a maker of plant-based seafoods. “The up-and-coming brand … 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—and asking how to make it healthier for all involved,” the announcement 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,” said Maarten Geraets, Thai Union Managing Director for Alternative Proteins. “As the No. 1 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."
Financial details weren’t disclosed, but “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 to new audiences at an affordable price point.”
Ish Food Co. is a certified B Corporation established in 2020. 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 analogue products.
