Vegan “Ahimi” Tuna Expands to 40 Whole Foods Stores

Starting today, vegan brand Ocean Hugger Foods’ vegan Ahimi tuna alternative will be available inside sushi cases at 40 Whole Foods Market locations in 10 states nationwide. Two sushi dishes featuring Ahimi—which is made with tomatoes, soy sauce, filtered water, sesame oil, and sugar—are available: Ahimi California Roll ($8.99) and Ahimi Sushi Combo ($11.99) which features pieces of the tuna alternative over rice and avocado topped rolls. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring Ahimi, our plant-based alternative to raw tuna, to more consumers across the United States through our partner Whole Foods Market,” Ocean Hugger Foods CEO David Benzaquen said. “Ahimi has the natural, meaty texture of raw tuna without the worry that your choice is harming the ocean.” Select locations of Whole Foods in New York and Los Angeles added Ahimi to their sushi counters last year to test consumer interest in the plant-based product. “We know our shoppers come to Whole Foods Market to try new, innovative and trend-forward products,” Andy Sasser, global category manager at Whole Foods Market, said, “and Ahimi delivers on all three as the original plant-based alternative to raw tuna.” Ocean Hugger Foods was founded by Certified Master Chef James Corwell with the mission of alleviating pressure on the world’s oceans caused by the overconsumption of fish. By the end of 2018, the brand plans to debut several new products, including carrot-based salmon alternative Sakimi and eggplant-based eel alternative “Unami.”