Gathered Foods opens production facility for plant-based seafood

Plant-based seafood manufacturer Gathered Foods has opened a new facility in Heath, Ohio, US, to increase its production capacity.

Equipped with advanced processing equipment, the new 42,500ft² facility will be engaged in the production of Good Catch plant-based seafood.

Gathered Foods initiated construction work at the site in 2018. The facility currently has a workforce of 52 people.

The company is planning to increase the headcount to 80 by the end of the year when the facility becomes fully operational.

Gathered Foods CEO Christine Mei said: “We are incredibly proud to establish a strong manufacturing footprint in the US as we grow our product portfolio.

“With Good Catch’s rapid expansion and the launch of our new line of frozen plant-based entrees and appetisers, having our own production facility enables us to optimise productivity and efficiency.

“We are fully committed to delivering high-quality plant-based seafood products, which delight and satisfy our consumers each and every time.”

The Good Catch portfolio includes New England Style Plant-Based Crab Cakes, Thai Style Plant-Based Fish Cakes, and Classic Style Plant-Based Fish Burgers.

Gathered Foods noted that all its plant-based food products are produced using Good Catch’s proprietary six-legume blend that consists of peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans and navy beans. Using this as a base, the products aim to replicate the texture and flakiness of seafood.

In January, the company raised $36.8m in Series B Financing round to expand its product portfolio in the UK. It also partnered with Tesco to launch its products.

Earlier this year, Good Catch launched its second product line of frozen entrees and appetisers to meet the increasing consumer interest for quick and flavourful plant-based meals.

Last month, Gathered Foods appointed Christine Mei as its new chief executive.