US firm launches frozen plant-based seafood analog entrees, apps

Gathered Foods, the manufacturer of Good Catch plant-based seafood analogs, is launching a new line of frozen seafood entrees and appetizers.

The New York City-based company has rolled out New England Style Plant-Based Crab Cakes, Thai Style Plant-Based Fish Cakes, and Classic Style Plant-Based Fish Burgers in its latest offering. They are available at East Coast retailers and have a suggested retail price of USD 5.99 (EUR 5.29) each. The company is planning to expand distribution throughout the U.S. later this year.

"Ultimately, consumers simply want an enjoyable culinary experience, from ease of preparation to delightful taste," Gathered Foods Co-Founder and CEO Chris Kerr said in a press release. "This creates an opportunity for Good Catch to be trailblazers in developing plant-based seafood that can be a one-to-one swap in traditional recipes. Our new frozen product line is a big step in the innovation of our products and brings Good Catch to the forefront of the category.”

Good Catch had early support with a USD 36.8 million Series B Financing Round, which included key investors Greenleaf Foods and 301 INC, the venture arm of General Mills.

Then, in January, 2020, the brand launched its plant-based tuna in the United Kingdom with Tesco. Good Catch also announced a joint distribution venture with Bumble Bee Foods.

And, it recently announced new backing from celebrities Woody Harrelson, Shailene Woodley, Paris Hilton, and Lance Bass, “which signifies the overwhelming belief in the future of plant-based seafood,” Gathered Foods said.

Over the past two years, sales of plant-based offerings that directly replace animal products grew 29 percent to USD 5 billion (EUR 4.4 billion), Gathered Foods said.

“Plant-based seafood accounts for only a small fraction of this total, creating opportunity for Good Catch to bridge this gap in the market,” the company said.

The new frozen entrees and appetizers are made from Good Catch's proprietary six-legume blend (peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans, and navy beans), which is high in protein and is designed to mimic the flakiness of seafood. 

Good Catch uses natural vegan flavorings for seafood notes in the frozen apps and entrees, plus DHA for a culinary experience similar to seafood, according to the company.

Photo courtesy of Gathered Foods