New Wave Foods® Names Co-Founder Michelle Wolf CEO
Wolf’s mission-driven, inclusive message will continue to drive new sustainable plant-based innovation
New Wave Foods, the leader of sustainable, plant-based shrimp, recently appointed co-founder Michelle Wolf as the company’s full-time CEO. Wolf’s passion for food sustainability was her key motivator in co-founding the brand. Today she continues to drive the company’s mission to produce products that will reduce the impact on our overtaxed oceans.
Michelle Wolf, CEO, New Wave Foods
Business Wire
In the short time she’s been in her new role, Wolf has had a string of successes, including the launch of a smaller sized unbreaded plant-based shrimp for broader menu application, a pre-breaded plant-based shrimp as a labor-saving solution, plus enhancements to the core New Wave Shrimp® product including a reformulation to use exclusively Natural and Halal ingredients. With a focus on continuous innovation, Wolf is championing product and production improvements that will allow New Wave Foods to match the needs of chefs, the preferences of consumers. All to better supply the growing demand for sustainable seafood alternatives.
Wolf is an active thought leader in the food industry, sharing insights on consumer demand for plant-based innovation and more sustainable menu options. She has recently been a featured panelist at the IFMA President’s Conference, IFMA Chain Operator Exchange (COEX) events, and the Food Innovation and Investment Summit.
“When I co-founded New Wave Foods, I wanted to create a popular plant-based shrimp that would meet the rising consumer interest in sustainable food and the evolving needs of foodservice operators,” said Wolf. “I’m excited to continue in this role and build our portfolio to include more delicious options.”
90% of consumers report that they are concerned about seafood sustainability1. With shrimp being the #1 most consumed seafood in the United States, plant-based New Wave Shrimp is uniquely positioned to provide a sustainable seafood alternative for America’s plate.
Made from sustainably sourced mung bean and seaweed extract, New Wave Shrimp combines the craveable taste, texture and bite of ocean shrimp with a longer shelf-life, quicker mess-free prep time, and is an allergen-free addition to the kitchen.
“Michelle has been a tireless advocate for consumers to add more sustainable plant-based seafood items to their current diet,” said Liza Landsman, General Partner at New Enterprise Associates (“NEA”) and board member at New Wave Foods. “Through her vision and dedication to sustainability, Michelle has developed a great-tasting product. We are excited to see how the company will grow under her leadership.”
Under Wolf’s leadership, New Wave Foods has launched a bold new campaign to the foodservice industry designed to educate operators that sustainable plant-based seafood is A BIG S#R!MP*N’ DEAL and that their patrons really do GIVE A S#R!MP about the environment, the oceans, and sustainability on the menu. This attention-grabbing messaging took center stage in their booth at the 2022 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago this past May.
An accomplished engineer, Wolf holds an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, where she also received her undergraduate degree. Wolf was recognized on Forbes’ 2021 Food & Drink 30 Under 30.
Other news from the department people
Get the food & beverage industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the food & beverage sector brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
Something is happening in the food & beverage industry ...
This is what true pioneering spirit looks like: Plenty of innovative start-ups are bringing fresh ideas, lifeblood and entrepreneurial spirit to change tomorrow's world for the better. Immerse yourself in the world of these young companies and take the opportunity to get in touch with the founders.
