EMBARGO UNTIL 8AM EST, MAY 4, 2018
Ahimi, the world’s first plant-based alternative to raw tuna, is now available in 40 Whole Foods Market locations across 10 states.
NEW YORK, New York (May 4, 2018) - Ocean Hugger FoodsⓇ is expanding its presence with the launch of Ahimi in 24 additional Whole Foods Market locations. Ahimi, the world’s first plant-based alternative to raw tuna, will now be available at the sushi counters in a total of 40 Whole Foods Market locations in 10 states across the US.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring Ahimi, our plant-based alternative to raw tuna, to more consumers across the United States. Ahimi provides consumers the natural, meaty texture of raw tuna without harming our oceans.” said David Benzaquen, Co-Founder and CEO of Ocean Hugger Foods.
Created by Certified Master Chef James Corwell in response to the near extinction of tuna in our oceans, Ahimi is made using a proprietary process that enhances the savory quality of tomato using only five simple ingredients - tomatoes, filtered water, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar.
Ahimi is vegan, non-GMO and Kosher-certified. Because it’s plant-based, it’s free of mercury and PCBs and therefore safe for pregnant or nursing mothers and those with compromised immune systems to enjoy without worry.
"We know our shoppers come to Whole Foods Market to try new, innovative and trend-forward products, and Ahimi delivers on all three as the original plant-based alternative to raw tuna," said Andy Sasser, global category manager at Whole Foods Market. "We're thrilled to expand our partnership with Ocean Hugger Foods to bring Ahimi to more than 20 additional in-store sushi counters this spring."
Beginning today, the select Whole Foods Market sushi counters will offer Ahimi in two grab-and-go options - an Ahimi California Roll for $8.99 and an Ahimi Sushi Combo for $11.99. Specific Whole Foods Market locations can be found on Ocean Hugger’s store locator.
Ahimi launched at Whole Foods Market locations in New York and Los Angeles in November 2017 to acclaim from media outlets such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Huffington Post. In April 2018, Ocean Hugger Foods received a Whole Foods Market Supplier Award for Outstanding Innovation for its Ahimi product. Ahimi spurred Whole Foods Market’s culinary experts to include “High Tech, Plant Forward” foods as a top trend in 2018.
The Future of Seafood
With almost one third of commercial fish stocks fished at biologically unsustainable levels and demand for seafood increasing, Ocean Hugger Foods is on a mission to create delicious and sustainable plant-based seafood alternatives that will delight even the most discerning palettes. The company is currently developing a carrot-based salmon alternative and an eggplant-based eel alternative to be launched in late 2018.
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About Ocean Hugger Foods
Ocean Hugger Foods offers healthy, delicious and sustainable plant-based alternatives to your favorite seafood dishes. Founded by Certified Master Chef James Corwell, the company’s mission is to alleviate the pressures on our vulnerable oceans and endangered species through culinary excellence. Learn more at www.oceanhuggerfoods.com and stay up to date by following us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.