Konscious Foods raises USD 26 million in initial funding round; Pokeworks tests the waters with tuna analog

SeafoodSource is closely following the plant-based and cell-based seafood alternatives market by compiling a regular round-up of updates from the sector.

- On 1 August, plant-based seafood company Konscious Foods announced it  raised USD 26 million (EUR 23 million) in its first round of seed funding. 

Konscious Foods recently launched its frozen plant-based sushi line across Whole Foods grocery stores nationwide. The company predicts its products will be available in more than 4,500 stores across the U.S. by the end of 2023.

The new funding will be allocated toward expansion in retail and foodservice, and support operations at its Vancouver, Canada-based headquarters.

“This investment validates our excitement about the demand – and critical need – for seafood made from plants,” Konscious Foods Founder Yves Potvin said in a release. “With the rising demand for fish, and subsequent overfishing crisis, we feel it is crucial to have better for you, better for the world seafood options that don’t sacrifice taste or texture. The funds will allow us to focus on sales and marketing efforts as we expand distribution across North America and continue our goal of making sustainable, delicious plant-based food widely accessible.”

The majority of the funding came from Protein Industries Canada, Zynik Capital, and the Walter Group.

“Konscious Foods has created true alternatives to some of the world’s most important seafood products and without sacrificing quality, which is a feat unmatched by others in the plant-based food space,” Zynik Capital Chairman Iqbal Kassam said. “This financing round is also a testament to Yves Potvin’s vision and track record. Yves is a true pioneer in the food industry and we are so proud to partner with him and the other investors.”

- Irvine, California-based Pokeworks has launched a limited-time offering of a tuna analog product through a collaboration with plant-based seafood analog company Impact Food.

Vegconomist reported the rapidly growing chain launched a trial of the tuna analog at its most popular location to appeal to a broader audience of poke consumers.

“This strategic collaboration with Pokeworks allows us to refine our product and cater to the evolving preferences of our valued customers. By leveraging their high-volume location, we have a perfect platform to enhance Impact Tuna for a wider audience,” Impact Food co-founder Stephanie Claudino Daffara said.

- On 1 August, Vancouver, Canada-based Plant X announced products from Mind Blown Plant-Based Seafood have been added to the e-commerce platform. 

“It’s an honor to distribute vegan products from the company that is saving the oceans while feeding humanity,” Plant X CEO Lorne Rapkin said, according to Vegconomist. “Not only do Mind Blown products look, smell, and taste just like the real thing, but Monica and the team also share our values of supporting our oceans and reducing emissions and waste. I’m confident that Mind Blown products are going to make a big splash with PlantX customers.”

Photo courtesy of Konscious Foods/LinkedIn