Atlantic Natural Foods has added to its sales team by hiring Mike Easterbrook, formerly the managing director of Princes Ltd., a leading European marketer of shelf-stable foods.
Easterbrook will serve as Nashville, North Carolina-based Atlantic Natural Foods’ European representative beginning in July 2019, the company said. The hire will help Atlantic Natural Foods with the United Kingdom launch of its Loma Linda shelf-stable meal solutions, including Tuno, the company’s new plant-based seafood alternative.
“Atlantic Natural Foods is quickly gaining traction as the leader in shelf stable/ambient products in the plant-based grocery space, which makes it an exciting time to join,” Easterbrook said in a press release. “My role will be an opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to develop the company’s European presence even further. It’s great to be part of creating a sustainable future for us all.”
Atlantic Natural Foods was founded by J. Douglas Hines, who steered his company AFT Holdings away from the tuna market in 2018, and who has directed his recent efforts into building up All About Healthy Foods Holdings (AAHF), a member of the AFT Holdings portfolio of companies. AAHF’s mission is to "create and manage the future of functional and healthy sustainable foods.”
Atlantic Natural Foods manufactures Loma Linda, Neat and Kaffree Roma brand products at a facility in North Carolina and through a joint venture project in Thailand. The brands are sold throughout the U.S and in 17 countries. Hines said the hire of Easterbrook – and previous hires of former Chicken of the Sea and Bumble Bee executives – will help boost the company’s effort to expand and grow.
“Mike has extensive knowledge and a proven track record in commercial product development, market creation, mergers and acquisitions, and international trade,” Hines said. “I have known him for many years and am thrilled to have his experience and passion for sustainable, alternative food products on board at this critical and exciting time in our European journey.”
