Spanish seafood company Angulas Aguinaga is expanding into seafood alternatives with the launch of a konjac-based calamari in collaboration with start-up Vrave. The product will be available in Spain under Angulas Aguinaga’s Aguinamar brand and will be sold through supermarkets such as Alcampo and Carrefour. Plans are underway to export the product to the UK, France, and Portugal.
Vrave CEO Ricard Puigdemont mentioned that they are looking for distributors in the aforementioned countries and expect to have a balanced sell-out in both retail and foodservice channels. The partnership between Angulas Aguinaga and Vrave began almost two years ago through an open innovation program led by the KM Zero Food Innovation Hub.
“This is only the beginning of a very interesting relationship,” Puigdemont stated. The focus is on validating the product-market fit and consumer response in the initial phase with plans to continue innovating and expanding the category in the future. Angulas Aguinaga, based in Gipuzkoa, was acquired by French private-equity firm PAI Partners in 2020. The company’s seafood portfolio includes brands like La Gula Del Norte and Krissia.
In 2021, Angulas Aguinaga acquired Italian marinated seafoods maker Deligusti. Vrave, previously known as Grin Grin Foods, offers various plant-based meat alternatives such as soy protein chorizo, meatless sausages, and fish-free cod fritters. The company also produces falafels and shiitake gyozas.
The collaboration between Angulas Aguinaga and Vrave combines food innovation expertise with a reputation for high-quality seafood, aiming to create delicious and sustainable products. This joint effort reflects a commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability. The companies have embraced an open innovation approach to develop products that meet current market demands.
Overall, the strategic partnership between Angulas Aguinaga and Vrave signifies a move towards innovation and sustainability in the food and beverage industry. With a focus on plant-based alternatives and consumer preferences, the companies are poised to address evolving trends and cater to a growing market demand.
