GWYNN'S ISLAND, VA. (October 3, 2023) Groundbreaking collaboration: The Plant Based Seafood Co., creators of the award-winning plant based seafood brand, Mind Blown, and Sam Rust Seafood, a distinguished Wholesaler supplier specializing in premium seafood, unite for distribution.
This innovative partnership between The Plant Based Seafood Co. and Sam Rust marks an inspiring endeavor, representing the shared values driving both companies. Rooted in a multi-generational legacy, both family-owned, and both envision a future where sustainable practices and delectable culinary experiences unite.
Drawing upon an eight-decade history in processing and distributing fresh seafood, Sam Rust stands as an esteemed seafood wholesaler renowned for their commitment to excellence. With a passionate focus on sourcing from eco-conscious vendors locally and globally, they share a vision that echoes their dedication to the future of the industry.
The Plant Based Seafood Co., located on an island in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay, have established themselves as creators of an award-winning plant-based seafood with a storied history that started with ownership of a seafood market and award-winning seafood restaurant for over a decade in the Spotsylvania area. The introduction of their plant based crab cakes in 2019, met with resounding acclaim at the Boston Seafood Show, ignited a new direction for the company. Responding to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives, this trailblazing journey blossomed into a new venture solely selling seafood delicacies made from plants.
Monica Talbert, CEO and Co-Founder of The Plant Based Seafood Co., epitomizes the spirit of innovation driving this partnership. From her formative years spent in the seafood market and restaurant to her role in operating the CPG product line, Talbert's vision is anchored in a deep-rooted commitment to healthier, planet-friendly options. Her brainchild, a line of healthy wild-caught fish enhanced with a superfood coating, coupled with a plant-based Maryland-style crab cake, has redefined the very concept of seafood indulgence.
“My generation is different from my parents' generation. We are more mindful of our food, the planet, the animals, the environment, and the people on it", said Talbert. “Offering an alternative without sacrificing a delicious seafood experience, for whatever reason a person may have for choosing one, is a complement to the industry” Says Monica. “Now seafood operators can offer something for everyone.”
“Our commitment to sourcing sustainable, premium seafood aligns seamlessly with The Plant Based Seafood Co’s innovative plant based creations, marking a significant step towards a future where sustainability and culinary innovation coexist, and we are thrilled about this partnership.” - Robby Edmonds, Sales and Marketing.
The partnership begins with a distribution agreement that paves the way for Sam Rust’s restaurants and retailers, from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to Fredericksburg, Virginia, to access plant-based alternatives. Mind Blown by the Plant Based Seafood Co. offers award-winning Mind Blown Dusted Scallops, Maryland-style Crab Cakes, Dusted Shrimp, and Coconut Shrimp, all made from plants.
About Mind Blown by The Plant Based Seafood Co.
Mind Blown is an all-female, family-owned company leveraging more than 20 years of experience in creating award-winning seafood products. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, the team of innovative creators now make delicious seafood delicacies made from plants. The Mind Blown lineup currently includes Dusted Shrimp, Dusted Scallops, Coconut Shrimp, and Crab Cakes. Mind Blown products have been awarded the Most Disruptive Product of 2020 at Prepared Foods’ Spirit of Innovation awards, the Best Plant-Based Seafood Product of the Year at the 2022 World Plant-Based Awards, and their Dusted Scallops won Best New Frozen Product at the New Hope Network 2022 Expo West NEXTY Awards, and Top 300 Impact Companies in the World by Real Leaders.
For more information about Mind Blown, visit eatmindblown.com, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
About Sam Rust
Sam Rust Seafood is a 4th generation family-owned seafood distributor and processor based in Hampton, Virginia. For over 85 years our mission has been to service our customers with the highest quality seafood in the region. Our focus on strong relationships with local fishermen, hiring passionate staff members, and providing top-level customer service allow us to best serve our customers every day.
For more information about Sam Rust, visit samrust.com