Southwind strikes distribution deal with plant-based food-maker Sophie’s Kitchen

Carson, California, U.S.A.-based seafood supplier and distributor Southwind Foods has struck a distribution deal with Sophie’s Kitchen, a maker of plant-based seafood and protein analog products.

As part of the new partnership, Carson, California, U.S.A.-based Southwind will dedicate a sales division to plant-based products and will offer Sophie’s Ktichen products to its foodservice and retail clients, venture capital platform company Billy Goat Brands said in a press release.

Billy Goat Brands invested USD 5.6 million (EUR 5 million) in Sophie’s Kitchen in September to “support the growth of the Sophie’s Kitchen brand, product innovation, and the company’s overall mission of making a positive difference globally by changing unsustainable and unethical industries into ones that are.”

“Southwind Foods is a behemoth in the food industry with placement in tens of thousands of retailer outlets across the U.S. and more than USD 550 million [EUR 487 million] in annual sales,” Sophie’s Kitchen CEO and Co-Founder Miles Woodruff said.

The joint distribution venture is mutually beneficial, as it is “expected to put Southwind in a strong position to help its customers respond to consumers’ growing demands for delicious tasting, healthy, plant-based alternatives,” Billy Goat said in a press release.

“We’re thrilled Sophie’s Kitchen hand-picked us to be a part of the plant-based movement. Southwind has a long history of educating our employees, customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders on sustainable seafood and the importance of being environmentally conscious,” Southwind Owner and Partner Paul Galletti said. “Reducing our carbon footprint while offering a full variety of proteins are two promises we proudly deliver. Partnering with Sophie’s Kitchen underscores our commitment to create innovative solutions that promote wellness for people and the planet.”

The two companies have already begun developing new products, which will complement and enhance Sophie’s Kitchen’s current plant-based portfolio, Billy Goat said.

Photo courtesy of Billy Goat Brands