Atlantic Natural Foods (ANF) has announced the upcoming launch of two new plant-based meal solutions, and revealed plans to scale up production to meet rising demand.
ANF’s new Hawaiian Bowl and Ultimate Vegetarian Chili were developed in collaboration with Costco, and will debut at the retailer’s stores this summer. The products will join the Nashville-based company’s Loma Linda-branded range of shelf-stable foods.
The plant-based food manufacturer, which has reported 40% year-over-year sales growth through April, says it plans to increase production under its Thailand joint venture and in the US.
ANF and Pataya Food Group are in the process of constructing a 47,000-square-foot plant in Bangkok, to accommodate the operations of their JV, Healthy Life Foods Co.
Upon completion, the facility will reportedly be the first space in Thailand dedicated solely to the production of shelf-stable, plant-based foods. Manufacturing Loma Linda ready-to-eat starters and meals, as well as the company’s Tuno seafood alternatives, the new operation will supply the global market.
Healthy Life Foods Co works in cooperation with Thailand’s Kasetsart University, and the organisation’s Institute of Food Research and Product Development has been supporting the JV in the formulation of new products.
Meanwhile, ANF will be scaling up production at its North Carolina facility by adding more equipment and staff.
James Douglas Hines, Atlantic Natural Foods chairman, said: “In seeing our strongest numbers to date in 2020 with more and more people seeking plant-based and shelf-stable options, we’re committed to continue innovating to meet growing consumer demand—all while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of our employees.”
In May 2019, ANF revealed it was seeking an investment partner to facilitate its expansion and had hired Deloitte to assist with the process.
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