Massive High-Tech Vegan Seafood Production Plant Opens in Ohio

This week, Gathered Foods—parent company of vegan seafood brand Good Catch Foods—announced the opening of a new 42,500-square-foot production facility in Heath, OH. The technology-driven facility was constructed specifically for the production of Good Catch’s vegan products. Founded by chefs and brothers Chad and Derek Sarno, Good Catch debuted its first products—vegan Fish-Free Tuna pouches in Mediterranean, Naked in Water, and Oil & Herbs flavors made with it’s proprietary six-legume blend—at retailers in the United States last year before expanding distribution to the United Kingdom. In July, the company expanded its product portfolio with three frozen items: New England Style Plant-Based Crab Cakes, Thai Style Plant-Based Fish Cakes, and Classic Style Plant-Based Fish Burgers.

“We are incredibly proud to establish a strong manufacturing footprint in the US as we grow our product portfolio,” Gathered Foods’ new CEO Christine Mei said. “With Good Catch’s rapid expansion and the launch of our new line of frozen plant-based entrées and appetizers, having our own production facility enables us to optimize productivity and efficiency. We are fully committed to delivering high-quality, plant-based seafood products which delight and satisfy our consumers each and every time.” 

Gathered Foods raised $10 million in 2019 to fund the new facility, which can produce $100 million worth of plant-based protein annually and has already hired 52 employees with plans to create further job opportunities in the Heath region by the end of the year. In May 2020, Gathered Foods raised an additional $36.8 million in capital from celebrity investors, including Paris Hilton, Lance Bass, and Woody Harrelson. The company also entered into a joint venture with Bumble Bee Foods in March which will leverage the tuna giant’s sales, distribution, and logistics expertise to make Gathered Foods’ vegan products accessible to a wide range of customers at affordable prices.