Gathered Foods expands retail distribution in Europe

  • 30 November 2020
  • Seafood
The maker of plant-based seafood brand Good Catch has secured shelf space with retailers
Christine Mei portrait
Christine Mei, chief executive of Gathered Foods

Gathered Foods, makers of Good Catch Plant-Based Seafood, today announced international retail distribution across multiple European markets, including the Netherlands and Spain. This distribution deal is Gathered Foods’ largest retail expansion since the brand’s inception, a milestone for the innovative food company.

“As we continue to grow our brand and expand our distribution footprint internationally, we’re incredibly proud to establish this strong retail base across Europe,” said chief executive Christine Mei.

As the European and UK markets continue to be advantageous for plant-based products, with plant-based alternatives expected to be worth €7.5 billion by 2025, the timing is ideal for Gathered Foods to grow their international footprint.

This retail expansion builds upon a successful year for the food company. In January, Gathered Foods launched in over 300 stores in the UK through a distribution partnership with Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, making its first mark internationally.

Following, Good Catch entered into the Canadian market through a distribution partnership with Loblaws, Canada’s largest retailer. The products are available in over 300 stores, including Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Provigo, and more. Good Catch will also be available very soon in 450 Sobeys stores, the second-largest food retailer across Canada.

In the Netherlands, Good Catch’s plant-based seafood products are available in over 70 stores including Albert Heijn, the largest Dutch supermarket chain, as well as Jumbo, Coop and more.

In Spain, Good Catch is available in Sanchez Romero, the speciality supermarket chain throughout Madrid.

The innovative food company is also working with key distributors Green Pro International and Zandbergen World’s Finest Meats (Zoeterwoude) in the Netherlands, along with PHW in Germany to increase product availability across many retail and foodservice channels throughout Europe.

Gathered Foods has plans to continue its expansion in these key European markets and more into 2021 through various distribution channels, including restaurant partners.

Mei continued: “We’re fully committed to delivering our high quality, craveable plant-based seafood products to consumers across the globe to provide a delicious culinary experience through our retail and foodservice networks.”

The brand has also had successes in growth and innovation. Earlier in the year, Good Catch secured $36.8 million in Series B financing, which allowed it to continue on its path towards expansion and production, leading to the opening of its own state-of-the-art plant-based production facility in Heath, Ohio.

Following, Good Catch announced a joint distribution venture with Bumble Bee Foods, which allowed the plant-based seafood products to be available to consumers on a larger scale through their distribution channels.

The brand also announced new backing from celebrities Woody Harrelson, Shailene Woodley, Paris Hilton and Lance Bass, which indicated the overwhelming belief in the future of plant-based seafood and has helped to create more consumer awareness around the products.

This past summer, Good Catch launched its new line of frozen appetizers and entrees with positive consumer feedback and retail demand.

Created by pioneering chefs and co-founders Derek and Chad Sarno, Good Catch’s non-GMO proprietary technology blends six-legume – peas, chickpeas, lentils soy, fava beans and navy beans. The mix delivers protein and a texture that resembles the exact flakiness of seafood without the environmental impact.