Today, Nestlé announced its status as a contender in the burgeoning market of plant-based seafood analogues, with its first product fitting the category, a plant-based alternative to tuna. The plant-based seafood alternatives market, largely modeled after the approach to plant-based meats, will appeal to the growing consumer sentiment surrounding ethics and environmental sustainability issues, including overfishing, biodiversity, and more.
 
The plant-based tuna, which will be launched under the Garden Gourmet brand in Switzerland, is an ideal addition to a wide range of dishes including salads, sandwiches, and pizzas, Nestlé said. It is made from a combination of six plant-based ingredients, with a high pea protein content, which is considered a more sustainable source than any animal and most other plants.
 
It contains all nine essential amino acids, and is free from artificial colorings or preservatives.
 
“Sustainably produced plant-based seafood alternatives can help to reduce overfishing and to protect the biodiversity of our oceans,” Stefan Palzer, Nestlé chief technology officer, said. “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 developed its first plant-based seafood product in nine months, leveraging its expertise in protein science and formulation. The company already offers many meat alternatives, including plant-based burgers, mince, meatballs, sausages, cold cuts, chicken nuggets, and chicken filets.
 
The products are developed by Nestlé Research in Switzerland, and the company’s R&D centers for food in Germany and the U.S. The products are then rapidly prototyped and tested in select retail outlets prior to the production of the first commercial batches.
 
“We are delighted to launch this strategic expansion of Nestlé’s plant-based offerings in the Swiss market first,” said Eugenio Simioni, market head for Nestlé Switzerland, said. “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.”
 
The initial launch in Switzerland will feature the Garden Gourmet tuna alternative both in a chilled version, in a glass jar, and in plant-based sandwiches. Further rollout plans will be announced at a later date.