Bayou Best Foods acquires BettaF!sh to expand plant-based seafood footprint across Europe and the USA

Bayou Best Foods has acquired Berlin-based BettaF!sh, bringing together two plant-based seafood specialists as the companies look to expand their presence across Europe and the USA. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

• Bayou Best Foods has acquired German plant-based seafood company BettaF!sh
• Companies plan to introduce each other's products into their respective US and European distribution networks
• Combined business aims to strengthen its position in the global plant-based seafood market

The acquisition combines Bayou Best Foods' plant-based shrimp business with BettaF!sh's portfolio of seaweed-based seafood alternatives, including plant-based tuna and salmon products.

Bayou Best Foods said the deal brings together two women-led businesses with complementary capabilities. BettaF!sh has established a retail and foodservice presence across Europe with its seaweed-based seafood products, while Bayou Best Foods has built distribution for its plant-based shrimp through US food-service channels.

"Our goal has always been to bring great-tasting, ocean-friendly seafood to more people, and BettaF!sh is exactly the kind of partner that makes that possible," said Kelli Wilson, CEO of Bayou Best Foods. "We share the same belief that seafood should be delicious, accessible, and sustainable, and we see enormous potential in what we can build together."

Deniz Ficicioglu, BettaF!sh Founder & CEO, said the acquisition would enable the companies to accelerate growth in international markets. "This is a natural next chapter for BettaF!sh," Ficicioglu said. "Both of our companies were built on the belief that protecting the ocean and creating exceptional food should go hand in hand. By joining forces, we can move faster, reach more customers, and help shape the future of seafood together."

In the short term, Bayou Best Foods plans to make its plant-based shrimp available through BettaF!sh's European foodservice network. BettaF!sh's plant-based tuna and salmon products will also be introduced to Bayou Best Foods' US distribution network over time.

The companies said the combined business will leverage expertise in ingredient innovation, product development and commercialization as it expands its portfolio of plant-based seafood products.

Bayou Best Foods produces plant-based shrimp designed to replicate the taste and texture of conventional shrimp. The product is marketed as allergen-friendly, clean label, kosher and vegan, and is distributed across the US through foodservice distributors including Sysco, US Foods, PFG, Ace Natural and What Chefs Want.

Founded in Berlin, BettaF!sh develops seafood alternatives made using European seaweed. Its flagship products include TU-NAH and SAL-NOM, which are sold through retail and foodservice channels in Europe.