Plant-based seafood brand gets celebrity backing

Shailene Woodley, Woody Harrelson, Paris Hilton, and Lance Bass are new investors in Gathered Foods

Celebrities Woody Harrelson, Paris Hilton, Shailene Woodley, and Lance Bass are new investors in Gathered Foods, the Ohio-based company that makes all-plant seafood products under the Good Catch brand.

The new capital follows a $36 million Series B funding round, which the company closed in January. The round was led by Stray Dog Capital and Rocana Ventures and included investment from Greenleaf Foods and General Mills venture arm 301 Inc.

Chad and Derek Sarno founded Gathered Foods in 2016. They are brothers, chefs and self-professed plant-pushers on a mission to bring the culinary lifestyle to the mainstream. Good Catch and Cultivated Food Labs are the two brands in the company.

“I’ve been living a vegan lifestyle for over 30 years. My diet has been driven by the love I have for the environment,” commented Harrelson. “I have known Chad Sarno for years and am a huge fan of the culinary work Chad and his brother Derek are driving in the market. I’m excited to work with a food brand like Good Catch that leads with taste and aligns with my personal beliefs of making a difference for the animals and our planet,” he added.

The celebrity investors are also known for their support towards protecting animal welfare and bettering the world’s oceans. Their backing to Gathered Foods shows the interest in plant-based food is more than just a trend. It could be a lifestyle change with staying power.

“I have known Chad Sarno for years and am a huge fan of the culinary work Chad and his brother Derek are driving in the market”

Woody Harrelson

“As an advocate for conservation, our planet and its oceans, I work with organisations around the world to help combat climate change and protect our oceans from pollution. That’s why aligning with Good Catch feels like a natural extension of my continued work,” said Woodley.

For Woodley, Good Catch is a like-minded brand that is doing its part to have a positive impact on our oceans and our planet, all while creating delicious plant-based seafood alternatives. “I’m excited to see what innovative products they come up with next,” she enthused.

All-plant seafood

The plant-based trend has cultivated an immense movement in recent years, with the category reaching a value of $4.5 billion and retail sales of plant-based foods growing by 11% in 2019 while the overall retail food market grows at a 2% rate.

The demand for protein alternatives continues to soar, and plant-based meat substitutes have become household staples. The market is now open for food innovators in the seafood segment.

The Gathered Foods team recognised this necessity when creating Good Catch. Its plant-based tuna offers the taste, texture, nutrition, and experience of seafood without the adverse environmental harm.

“I’m excited to see what innovative products they come up with next”

Shailene Woodley

“Consumer demand and culinary trends show the evolving excitement for plant-based foods, and the unified support from such an influential group goes far beyond funding alone,” said Chris Kerr, Gathered Foods chief executive.

Kerr said the message underscored by the investors’ backing is invaluable. “We are thrilled to welcome all of our new investors and are hopeful for the growth and continued innovation their endorsement creates.”

The Good Catch brand is available in over 4,500 retail outlets across the United States and the UK. The company plans for additional international retail partners later this year.