David Benzaquen

David Benzaquen is the Founder and CEO of PlantBased Solutions, an award-winning, strategic brand management and marketing agency for plant-based consumer products. PlantBased Solutions has led strategy and marketing efforts for some of the world’s largest meat and dairy-alternative brands, including Gardein and Daiya.

Benzaquen is also the CEO of Ocean Hugger Foods. Founded by Certified Master Chef James Corwell, Ocean Hugger Foods makes delicious, plant-based alternatives to the world’s most popular seafood items to stop the overfishing crisis. Ocean Hugger Foods’ flagship product, Ahimi, an alternative to raw tuna made from tomatoes, is sold throughout the US and Canada and will be launching in Europe and Asia in 2019. The company will also soon launch its eggplant-based eel, carrot-based salmon and more. Ocean Hugger Foods was recently recognized as Whole Foods Market’s Supplier of the Year for Outstanding Innovation and by Sysco Canada as Most Innovative Supplier of the Year.

Benzaquen serves as an adviser to multiple food accelerators, venture capital funds and startups. He and his companies have been profiled in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Fast Company, Wired, Inc, CNN and more.

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]