German startup Ordinary Seafood has announced the cessation of its business operations. This decision comes as a result of insurmountable financial difficulties faced by the company, marking a somber end to its ambitious mission.

A Brief History

Founded in 2022, Ordinary Seafood emerged onto the scene with the objective to revolutionize the global seafood industry by offering plant-based alternatives to traditional fish products. With a vision to address the environmental and ethical concerns associated with industrial fishing, the startup aspired to become a frontrunner in the alternative seafood market by 2030.

Despite garnering positive reception and commendable customer feedback for its innovative products, Ordinary Seafood found itself grappling with shifting tides in the financing landscape. The founder cited significant changes in the financial climate as the primary catalyst behind the company’s unfortunate closure. Despite the initial promise and potential, these unforeseen hurdles proved insurmountable.

Industry Trends

The closure of Ordinary Seafood adds to a growing list of startups facing similar fates in recent months. Notable casualties include plant-based meat producer Nowadays from the US, alt shrimp producer New Wave Foods, vegan street food brand RIP Foods from Spain, and vegan bacon producer Hooray Foods, all of which signal a broader trend of consolidation within the alternative food sector.

Throughout its operational tenure, Ordinary Seafood introduced three innovative products: plant-based shrimp, tuna, and salmon. Notably, two of these products made their debut nationwide in METRO stores as recently as November 2023. Additionally, they were made available through various food service providers, including Chefs Culinar, Nordic Food Service, Frischdienst, and Vegilife.