Bayou Best Foods buys BettaF!sh to expand plant-based seafood reach

Bayou Best Foods has acquired Berlin-based BettaF!sh, bringing together two women-led plant-based seafood companies with growing traction in the U.S. and Europe. The deal is set to expand distribution for shrimp, tuna and salmon alternatives as demand for ocean-friendly seafood rises.

Why it matters: - The deal combines two of the best-known brands in plant-based seafood as the category gains momentum in Europe and the United States. - The combined company aims to widen access to ocean-friendly seafood through more restaurants, retailers and foodservice channels. - The acquisition positions Bayou Best Foods and BettaF!sh to compete more broadly in a market where consumers are looking for sustainable alternatives to conventional seafood.

What happened: - Bayou Best Foods acquired BettaF!sh, also known as Wunderfish GmbH, a Berlin-based seaweed company. - The announcement was made July 1, 2026. - Bayou Best Foods and BettaF!sh are both women-led companies. - Bayou Best Foods framed the acquisition as a move to unite complementary strengths in the plant-based seafood category.

The details: - BettaF!sh has built a following among European retailers, foodservice operators and consumers for its award-winning fish alternatives. - BettaF!sh’s lineup focuses on seaweed-based seafood products. - Bayou Best Foods sells plant-based shrimp that is already available in U.S. restaurants. - Bayou Best Foods says the shrimp product delivers the taste, texture and satisfaction of ocean shrimp. - Bayou Best Foods’ products are distributed in the United States through Sysco, US Foods, PFG, Ace Natural and What Chefs Want. - BettaF!sh’s products include TU-NAH and SAL-NOM, which are plant-based tuna and salmon alternatives. - Bayou Best Foods says its shrimp is allergen-friendly, clean-label, kosher and vegan. - The company says the acquisition brings together Bayou Best Foods’ foodservice distribution and operational expertise with BettaF!sh’s European retail and foodservice presence and seaweed innovation.

Between the lines: - The transaction looks designed to pair product innovation with distribution muscle. - Bayou Best Foods gains a European platform and a broader portfolio beyond shrimp. - BettaF!sh gains access to Bayou Best Foods’ U.S. commercial network, which could speed expansion in a market where plant-based seafood still has room to grow. - Kelli Wilson, CEO of Bayou Best Foods, said the companies share a belief that seafood should be delicious, accessible and sustainable. - Deniz Ficicioglu, founder and CEO of BettaF!sh, said the partnership could help the businesses move faster and reach more customers.

What’s next: - Bayou Best Foods’ plant-based shrimp will be offered to BettaF!sh foodservice partners across Europe in the near term. - BettaF!sh’s plant-based tuna and salmon will be introduced to Bayou Best Foods’ U.S. network over time. - The combined company plans to leverage ingredient innovation, product development and commercialization expertise to grow internationally. - Bayou Best Foods says the acquisition could help build a global leader in ocean-friendly seafood.

The bottom line: - Bayou Best Foods is using the BettaF!sh deal to turn a regional plant-based seafood business into a cross-Atlantic platform.