#USA #New Orleans #Atlantic Natural Foods #Loma Linda #TUNO

Atlantic Natural Foods Sets Stage for Future Growth

Atlantic Natural Foods, LLC (ANF), a key player in the realm of plant-based shelf-stable foods, has recently confirmed its entry into a structured bidding process following court approval. This process comes as ANF seeks to navigate significant restructuring challenges and secure investment for its flagship brands, which include Loma Linda®, neat™, and TUNO™. On June 24, 2025, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana sanctioned the bidding procedures with Century Pacific North America Enterprise, Inc., a company based in the Philippines, designated as the stalking horse bidder.

As part of this procedure, the court requires that all written bids must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. (CT) on July 24, 2025. If other qualified bids arise, an auction is set for July 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (CT), providing an opportunity for potential investors to step forward and support the company’s strategic direction. Interested parties can reach out to Tristan Manthey at Fishman Haygood, L.L.P. in New Orleans for further information about the bidding process and available documentation.

The decision to pursue an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) with Century Pacific comes on the heels of significant operational transformations, following the cessation of ANF’s production in North Carolina earlier in March. This strategic pivot was made in light of the company’s shift to Philippines-based manufacturing for iconic products including Iconic Big Franks, Fry Chick, and Skallops, all under the Loma Linda brand, targeting their loyal customer base among Seventh-Day Adventists.

Douglas Hines, the Chairman and General Partner of ANF, expressed that various external economic pressures, including escalating tariffs on commodities and substantial increases in operational costs due to IT security challenges, compelled the company to halt operations temporarily. Hines stated, “During this period, ANF experienced rapid cost escalations, with materials directly affected by tariffs on steel, grains, and other ingredients.” He elaborated that the combination of rising governmental tariffs, inflation, labor costs, and cybersecurity attacks have created an unsustainable business environment.

Furthermore, ANF's earlier plans to realign manufacturing capacities with Century Pacific had been in the works for over a year, intended to facilitate resilient supply chain operations in the long run. Hines highlighted the urgency for the company to reposition itself for future growth, reinforcing, “There is simply too much uncertainty right now.”

Despite the current challenges, Hines maintains a sense of pride in ANF’s mission to provide a consistent food source for its loyal consumer base. “The past months have been the most painful business experience in my 50 years in the food industry, but our commitment to our consumers ensures we remain focused on their needs,” he added, indicating a promise for a robust future.

About Atlantic Natural Foods

Headquartered in Nashville, NC, Atlantic Natural Foods stands as a leader in the shelf-stable plant-based food sector, producing popular brands like Loma Linda®, TUNO™, neat®, and Kaffree Roma™. The company prioritizes delivering affordable, sustainable, and nutritious plant-based protein options for an evolving consumer landscape. With operations extending to collaborative manufacturing projects in the Philippines and Thailand, ANF’s products are distributed broadly, reaching markets in the U.S. and over 30 countries, including the U.K., EU, Korea, South Africa, and Australia.

As Atlantic Natural Foods embarks on this new chapter, it emphasizes transparency, consumer trust, and innovation as driving forces in its future endeavors. For additional information and regular updates, consumers and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the official website at www.atlanticnaturalfoods.com or connect via social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.