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Source: Loma Linda 

Its Thai Sweet Chilli and Tuno & Mayo flavours will launch into 500 Co-op stores

Loma Linda’s vegan tuna alternative Tuno has made its debut in 500 Co-op stores.

The retailer joins the likes of Asda and Morrisons in stocking the plant-based substitute, which launched in the UK in 2019 and is said to have the “light, flaky texture of traditional tuna”. It is available in two flavours, Thai Sweet Chilli and Tuno & Mayo (rsp: £1.30/142g).

The soya protein-based US brand, which is also gearing up to launch a Mild Curry flavour this spring, said it hoped the latest listing would boost sales and “build a good, stable growth platform for 2022 and beyond”.

“We are thrilled to announce Loma Linda’s Tuno will now be available to purchase in Co-op stores nationwide,” said Mike Easterbrook, the European agent for brand distributor Atlantic Natural Foods.

“As it’s one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, we’re hoping to give more consumers the opportunity to try our plant-based products, while also contributing to tackling wider issues such as overfishing,” he added.

“We’ve worked diligently to find the right balance of flakiness and density to provide a plant-based experience closer to that of Tuna. We’re also committed to improving and increasing our product range, both in terms of flavours and recipes, to ensure consumers can continue to enjoy their favourite Tuno products at their convenience.”

The launch of the brand into Co-op comes on the back of growing innovation in the plant-based fish alternative category. It follows the introduction of Brazilian meat-free brand Future Farm’s tuna and chicken alternatives last October, with its Future Tvna 2030 and Future Chick’n 2030  – made from a blend of soy, pea and chickpea proteins – launching in Sainsbury’s.