Plant-based food sales have grown over 11% in the last year and some of the most recent growth is due to COVID-19. Whether stocking up on shelf-stable goods or making healthier lifestyle choices, plant-based foods sales grew by 27% amidst the pandemic, and shows no sign of slowing. As these purchases continue to increase and people keep taking an interest in / adopting the plant-based lifestyle, it’s important to continue to keep new users excited about plant-based options.
Atlantic Natural Foods, a leading manufacturer of better-for-you, plant-based, shelf-stable foods, and two of their brands have thrived over the last several months: Loma Linda (line of plant-based meals and meal starters, as well as TUNO, a fish alternative) and neat, an egg replacement made with just chia seeds and garbanzo beans. Both Loma Linda and neat have been Amazon bestsellers, and they are found on store shelves nationwide at places like Walmart, Costco and Sprouts.
Loma Linda showed 40% YoY growth and is continuing to innovate new flavors to keep people on their toes. The Loma Linda Hawaiian Bowl and Ultimate Vegetarian Chili were just recently developed in collaboration with Costco, which are helpful in drawing in more customers and continuing to win over the taste buds of current fans.
Doug Hines, founder and chairman of Atlantic Natural Foods, shares the steps the brand has taken to keep and build the momentum. “Operating in this environment has been the most difficult situation we have ever endured,” shares Hines. “But we determined through studies that by being shelf-stable, we have been able to reach those in need by providing products that are convenient, cost-efficient, healthier, plant-based meals”.
Atlantic Natural Foods expands their ready-to-eat meal options with new innovations with their line of shelf-stable, plant-based Loma Linda Meal Solutions, developed in collaboration with Costco.
The new product additions include Hawaiian Bowl and Ultimate Vegetarian Chili under ANF’s award-winning Loma Linda brand. These will start rolling out over the summer, beginning with the Hawaiian Bowl. Loma Linda is also currently the #1 plant-based protein on Amazon, and its line of shelf-stable, plant-based meal solutions and starters pack 6g-9g of plant-based protein per serving, are non-GMO and gluten free. Plus, Loma Linda provides quick heat-and-eat convenience and are easily prepared in just 60 seconds.
“We need to be able to respond to whatever life brings us ahead and provide products that will be able to nourish people and stand alone, without much effort or extra ingredients to make an enjoyable, nutritious meal”, shares Doug Hines. “This is how we prepare the next generation for success by laying the framework for quality plant-based foods to lead us into the future”.
