Schouten presents plant-based fish substitutes at Sial 2022
The Dutch family business Schouten Europe will present its plant-based fish substitutes at the Sial fair in Paris. Last year, Schouten introduced plant-based tuna and fish fingers. More recently, a ‘Burger without fish’ was also added to the range.
Own exhibition stand
The Sial will take place from 15 to 19 October 2022 at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte. Schouten can be found at stand 5A N 125 in the Dutch Pavillion in the Frozen Hall 5a. Within this pavilion, Schouten has its own exhibition stand, where customers and other interested parties can sample various products, including fish substitutes.
Increasing demand
“The market for fish substitutes is developing”, says Commercial Director Arjaan van der Giessen of Schouten. “There are increasingly more companies that closely follow the developments surrounding plant-based fish. We regularly speak with major parties from the fishing industry, who are quite interested in our products and developments in the field of plant-based fish. The numbers we sell in the Netherlands are still limited. But we are nevertheless seeing an increase in demand and interest. This demand is increasing, especially in Scandinavia and within the food service industry.
Expansion
In addition to the products mentioned, Schouten is also working on a further expansion of its range of fish substitutes. “We expect to add at least two more fish substitutes to our range next year. We want to continue to pique the interest our customers with innovation”, says van der Giessen.
Specific texture
Imitating fish is not easy. Schouten’s R&D Manager Anke van Eijk talks about a completely different process than replacing meat. “Different techniques are involved because the texture of fish is quite different from that of meat. We are getting better and better at mimicking this particular texture. Of course, the recognisable fish taste is also quite important. If these aspects are not correct, consumers are unlikely to make the structural switch to plant-based fish'”.
Pioneer
In 1990, Schouten started as a pioneer in the development of meat substitutes based on plant-based proteins. The company now markets one of the most extensive and varied ranges in the world and supplies its meat and fish substitutes under private label to more than 50 countries. Schouten also develops many products according to customer demands.
