Acme Smoked Fish, one of the most well-known names in the traditional smoked fish industry, is officially branching out into plant-based alternatives. The New York-based seafood company has partnered with Konscious Foods to distribute its Plant-Based Smoked Salm’n to delis, restaurants, and bagel shops—a move that signals the growing demand for high-quality vegan seafood in both retail and foodservice. 

“We are thrilled to work with Konscious Foods to bring this exciting new product to market,” said Eduardo Carbajosa, CEO of Acme Smoked Fish. 

“As consumer preferences continue to evolve, our growing product portfolio can appeal to both traditional consumers as well as those seeking other options. Plant-Based Smoked Salm’n is a versatile solution crafted by Konscious with care to meet our highest quality standards.” 

This partnership is more than just another plant-based product launch—it represents a shift in the way legacy seafood brands are adapting to a changing marketplace. 

What This Means for Retail & Foodservice 

1. Plant-Based Seafood Is No Longer a Niche Category

For years, plant-based seafood has lagged behind plant-based meat and dairy in terms of availability and consumer adoption. But with manufacturers raising the bar on taste, texture, and quality, the category is finally going mainstream. 

Acme’s entry into the plant-based space proves that even heritage seafood brands recognize the growth potential of alternative seafood options. For retailers and foodservice buyers, this is a key signal that demand is rising—and that consumers are actively looking for high-quality vegan seafood options. 

2. Delis & Bagel Shops Are the Perfect Entry Point for Vegan Smoked Salmon

Unlike plant-based burgers or nuggets, vegan seafood hasn’t had a widely recognized “gateway” product—until now. The classic bagel-and-lox combo is a prime opportunity to introduce customers to plant-based smoked salmon in an accessible, familiar format. 

For Delis & Restaurants: Adding Plant-Based Smoked Salm’n to the menu is an easy way to cater to flexitarians and plant-based customers without alienating traditional seafood lovers. Pair with a high quality vegan cream cheese, like Kite Hill, Violife or Stockeld Dreamery, to offer your customers a fully plant-based meal that will blow their taste buds into the water! 

For Retailers: This signals an opportunity to stock more plant-based seafood options in prepared foods and deli sections, where consumers are already looking for convenient, grab-and-go solutions. Consider including signage at the plant-based seafood shelf pointing customers to your plant-based cream cheeses to make your store a one-stop-shop. 

3. Sustainability & Consumer Preferences Are Driving the Shift

With overfishing, ocean pollution, and climate change threatening global seafood supplies, consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable alternatives—and plant-based seafood is emerging as a key solution. 

Unlike traditional salmon farming, which is associated with habitat destruction, antibiotic use, and high carbon emissions, plant-based alternatives offer a low-impact, sustainable option. 

Acme’s decision to embrace plant-based smoked salmon aligns with this trend, helping the company future-proof its offerings while meeting the evolving preferences of modern consumers.