Atlantic Natural Foods and Pataya Food Group Partner to Provide Plant Protein Meal Solutions

Atlantic Natural Foods (ANF), producer of shelf-stable plant-based protein and owner of the Loma Linda brand, has partnered with Pataya Food Group, producer or protein-based products under Nautilus and other private label brands around the world, to create a complete range of shelf-stable pouch meals made from plant-based proteins. The exclusive agreement will initially impact ANF’s new Loma Linda “Blue” meal solutions, hitting the North American market this summer.

The Loma Linda Blue launch will consist of 16 meal solutions that are packed in shelf-stable, on-the-go, individual microwavable pouches that can be prepared in one minute. The initial offerings will include a collection of portable, healthy meal solutions from around the world that support a vegetarian lifestyle. Research-driven consumer insights helped shape the product line, according to company officials, which will include varieties, such as Spicy Pad Thai, Thai Sweet Chili - seasoned Fishless Tuna, Italian Bolognese, Southwest Chunky Stew and more.

“We are excited to announce this first phase of our partnership with the Pataya Food Group,” says J. Douglas Hines, chairman and general partner of Atlantic Natural Foods. “We have watched them grow for over 20 years and their chairman, Khun Somboon, has always been dedicated to the creation of products that are ahead of their time. We look forward to further alignment of our principals in food creation as well as developing a global platform for future growth.”

The project will work in cooperation with Kasetsart University’s Institute of Food Research and Product Development (IFRPD) to support new product development as well as provide material that will be created at the university’s pilot plant facility. Located in Thailand, the university is home to 30,000 students and 3,000 faculty members engaged in its agricultural program in Bangkhen Campus. The partnership will build new opportunities for graduates wishing to become involved in the food technology area. ANF will also contribute one million Thai Baht over the next four years to help support the university’s efforts.

“We appreciate the support from Atlantic Natural Foods and Pataya Food Group and look forward to a long and special relationship for years to come,” says Chulaluck Charunuch, deputy directory, IFRPD, Kasetsart University.

“We have been researching this area of food development for the past two years and this partnership offers an exciting challenge for us,” adds Khun Somboon, chairman of Pataya Food Group. “Of course, when we can partner with other innovators in the industry while supporting growth in the education sector for the professionals of tomorrow, it is an added benefit. We are also excited to expand the partnership to the Asian and EU markets in 2018 and showing concept samples at this week’s ThaiFex 2017.”