Nashville, North Carolina, U.S.A.-based Atlantic Natural Foods has expanded its operations in Thailand through a joint venture with Pataya Food Group.
The maker of shelf-stable, plant-based products, including seafood analogs, will partner with Pataya Food Group through the group's JV, Healthy Life Foods Co., to construct a 47,000-square-foot food production facility. Specifically, the plant – scheduled for completion in June 2020 – will produce Loma Linda ready-to-eat Meal Solutions and Meal Starters, as well as the company's TUNO seafood analog.
ANF Executive Vice President Supply Chain Steve Morris said the factory will use fresh vegetables grown in Thailand and soybeans, grains, and spices from the United States. Its products supply the global market, he added.
"This is one of the more unique ventures we have ever created, as it promotes plant-based production exclusively in collaboration with the leading university in Thailand, Kasetsart University," Morris said. "It not only supports college students as they learn about food creation for future generations, but also supports job creation in both in Thailand and North America."
ANF also announced on 19 May that it is launching two new products – Hawaiian Bowl and Ultimate Vegetarian Chili – under its Loma Linda brand, with the debut scheduled for this summer in Costco stores across the United States. The new products were developed in collaboration with Costco, according to ANF Chairman J. Douglas Hines.
"In 2016, we committed to bringing tasty, shelf-stable, better-for-you, portable foods to the world at a good value, and we're pleased to experience a 40 percent sales increase year-over-year," Hines 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 well-being of our employees."
Hines said ANF will be increasing production capacity at its facility in North Carolina through the addition of more equipment and staff “to support domestic growth and demand for its traditional products.”
With COVID-19 outbreaks reported at food production facilities around the globe, Hines said the company is focused on creating a safe environment for its operations in North Carolina and Thailand, “while ensuring consistent product supply to the marketplace.”
Morris said the company recognized COVID-19 as a threat to the company’s operations and the health of its workers in January, and began taking preventative measures then at both of its production facilities.
"Our resolve and process discipline were critical in creating established protocols that keep people safe while maintaining operations," Morris said. "We will always place human life first, and are proud to say that we are keeping up operationally as we are considered 'essential.’”
