Nestlé forays into plant-based seafood alternatives segment

Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate Nestlé has entered the plant-based seafood alternatives market with the launch of a plant-based alternative to tuna.

The company noted that it produces its new tuna alternative using six plant-based ingredients.

It is claimed to be rich in pea protein and contains essential amino acids and free of artificial colourings or preservatives.

Nestlé chief technology officer Stefan Palzer said: “Sustainably produced plant-based seafood alternatives can help to reduce overfishing and to protect the biodiversity of our oceans.

“Our plant-based tuna alternative is delicious, nutritious and high in protein, while also being mercury-free. We are excited to launch this great product, and other plant-based fish and shellfish alternatives are already under development.”

Nestlé explained that they developed the tuna alternative over nine months using its deep expertise in protein science and proprietary technologies.

The product joins Nestlé’s other products in the plant-based food portfolio including mince, meatballs, sausages, cold cuts, chicken nuggets and fillets.

Nestlé Research in Switzerland, as well as food research and development centres for food in Germany and the US, developed all the products.

To increase speed-to-market, the company are testing the prototyped products in selected retail outlets, with the first commercial batch manufactured in Nestlé R&D facilities.

The company will release the product under the Garden Gourmet brand in Switzerland, featuring chilled products packaged in a glass jar, as well as plant-based tuna sandwiches in select stores.

Nestlé Switzerland market head Eugenio Simioni said: “We are delighted to launch this strategic expansion of Nestlé’s plant-based offerings in the Swiss market first.

“It is another example of the innovation strength of Nestlé in Switzerland, and the exceptional capabilities and expertise we have in this country in the area of food and nutrition.”

Last month, Nestlé renamed its Garden Gourmet plant-based burger from ‘Incredible Burger’ to ‘Sensational Burger’.