Indian vegan seafood startup Seaspire has entered the direct-to-consumer (D2C) market after successful foodservice trials in major cities across the country. Launched in 2021, Seaspire gained attention with its innovative bio-printed whole-cut vegan snapper and has now introduced plant-based fish fingers, a fish burger, and fish mince for home cooking applications through online channels.
The D2C offerings, featuring a base of eight ingredients, including pea and rice protein, water, sunflower oil, and algal extracts, are aimed at meeting the demand of early adopters seeking easy access to vegan seafood. The move comes after positive feedback from trials and pop-up events, where the company observed a growing interest in alternative seafood products.
While the exclusive whole-cut snapper remains in foodservice channels, Seaspire’s foray into the D2C space focuses on online stores, as physical retail is deemed less promising in India due to inventory costs and supply chain challenges. The company plans to use its increased market presence to introduce more whole-cut plant-based seafood products in the first quarter of 2024.
Seaspire, describing the Asia-Pacific region as an untapped opportunity for vegan seafood, is also eyeing expansion into Australia, the UAE, and potential markets like Singapore. Despite a challenging fundraising market, the startup has received support through accelerator financing and grants in India and New Zealand.
Varun Gadodia, co-founder of Seaspire, emphasized the importance of addressing the diverse preferences in the Indian consumer space, noting a modest rise in vegan consumption post-pandemic, particularly in tier one cities. Seaspire believes that catering to a broader audience, including vegetarians, is essential for long-term success.
As the company pioneers alternative seafood in India, it sees potential in the confluence of plant-based and cultivated proteins. Gadodia hinted at the rise of biotech-driven solutions, such as cell-based and synthetic biology, as a key to success in the alternative seafood sector. Seaspire aims to contribute to the growth and adoption of sustainable and innovative plant-based seafood alternatives in the region.
