Plant-based seafood firm wins major innovation prize
A vegetarian shrimp product developed by The Plant Based Seafood Co has been declared the Most Disruptive Product of 2020 in Prepared Foods’ Spirit of Innovation awards.
Mind Blown Coconut Shrimp is part of a new line of soy-free plant-based seafood products that mimic the look, taste, and performance of conventional seafood. It has been developed by The Plant Based Seafood Co – an all-female, family-owned firm that brings 20 years’ experience of the seafood industry with it.
"To come right out of the gate with ‘Editor's Choice/Most Innovative Product of 2020’ is a testament to how we plan to be the taste leaders in this space and it really sets the stage of where this brand is headed," says co-founder and CEO, Monica Talbert. "This is just the beginning of creating great tasting and healthy products, all while having a positive impact on our oceans."
All of the products in the brand's line-up are free from soy, gluten, dairy, corn, preservatives and added flavours.
The Mind Blown brand was created by the founders of Wild.Skinny.Clean, a superfood seafood brand which contained both conventional and plant-based seafood products. The new company and brand will contain only plant-based products, intended to remove confusion and meet the demands of the changing consumer habits and concerns.
Mind Blown Dusted Shrimp, Naked Shrimp, Crab-like Crab Cakes and Crunchy Coconut Shrimp are available for sale online with the Crunchy Coconut Shrimp also being sold in GreenWise SuperMarkets. The newest product, Dusted Bay Scallops, was launched for sale online on 20 August.
The company has recently purchased a production facility and retail store on Gwynn's Island, Virginia.
The new multifunctional facility will house a separate Innovation Kitchen where new products and ingredients will be developed, tested and photographed. It will have its own greenhouse on the property to grow medicinal herbs, fungi, spices and seaweed from the island. Developing new flavours of their existing line-up and adding species such as lobster is the major focus of the brand’s product extension plan.