Conagra Brands Observes Loma Linda's Transition to Century Pacific in Plant-Based Market Shift
- Atlantic Natural Foods has sold the Loma Linda brand to Century Pacific North America, enhancing their plant-based market position.
- The transition aims to maintain Loma Linda's legacy and meet increasing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives.
- Loma Linda products will resume shipping on August 15, ensuring availability in over 30 countries worldwide.
Loma Linda Brand Transitions to Century Pacific: A New Chapter for Plant-Based Foods
In a significant development for the plant-based food industry, Atlantic Natural Foods, LLC (ANF) has successfully completed the sale of its iconic Loma Linda®, neat™, and TUNO™ brands to Century Pacific North America. This transition, approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, illustrates a strategic pivot for both companies as they seek to strengthen their positions within the growing plant-based market. Under the leadership of Kelly Krause, ANF’s Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, the transition has been meticulously executed over the past two years, ensuring that production capabilities and resources are seamlessly transferred to Century Pacific.
Douglas Hines, the Chairman and founder of ANF, expresses pride in the legacy of Loma Linda, a brand that has been synonymous with plant-based nutrition for over a century. He emphasizes the commitment to the plant-based community, stating that this transition offers a promising future for the brand and its consumers. Century Pacific, founded in 1980 and currently led by the Po family, aims to build a $1.4 billion global business centered on healthy food solutions. The Po brothers, Christopher and Teodoro, are poised to enhance the Loma Linda legacy while introducing their UnMeat brand, diversifying their product offerings in a competitive marketplace.
As part of the transition, Loma Linda products are set to resume shipping effective August 15, maintaining their availability in over 30 countries worldwide. This strategic move not only solidifies Century Pacific's foothold in the plant-based sector but also reflects the increasing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives. The 60-day transition period will allow both companies to ensure clear communication with stakeholders and mitigate any disruptions during the changeover, ultimately reinforcing the significance of this milestone in the evolution of plant-based foods.
In related industry news, Flowers Foods, Inc. continues to grapple with challenges affecting its operations. The company has faced rising costs and supply chain issues, impacting its profitability despite a strong market presence with a diverse product range. As the bakery industry experiences fluctuations due to broader economic conditions, Flowers Foods remains focused on strategic initiatives and product innovations to navigate the current landscape.
Meanwhile, United Natural Foods, Inc. is under scrutiny as Kuehn Law, PLLC investigates potential breaches of fiduciary duties by its officers and directors. Allegations suggest that the company misrepresented essential operational information, hindering its ability to adapt to cost fluctuations and impacting profitability. This highlights the ongoing challenges within the food industry, where transparency and operational efficiency are critical for sustaining market trust and performance.
