NASHVILLE, N.C. (March 8, 2022)—As a food company that markets in 20 countries and sources materials from all over the world, Atlantic Natural Foods has been closely evaluating myriad supply chain challenges that have worsened since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Today, in response to reports from the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) and David Beasley, executive director of the WFP, the flow of grain out of the Black Sea will increase prices and add further fuel to food inflation at a time when its affordability is a concern across the globe. Douglas Hines, founder and chairman of Atlantic Natural Foods, a leader in shelf-stable, plant-based foods, including the just-announced Loma Linda® Chik’n alternative, said:
“Based on current events taking place in Ukraine, Atlantic Natural Foods wants to underscore how these challenges will impact the world’s global food supply and what we can and are doing to address it.
“The current crisis comes as the WFP estimates 811 million people around the world go to bed hungry every night. The number of people facing acute food insecurity has jumped from 135 million to 283 million since 2019 – a consequence of the pandemic.
“The Black Sea basin is one of the most important areas for grain and agricultural production, supplying upwards of 25% of the world’s grain. The impact on food security, especially on the poorest of the poor, will long be felt beyond Ukraine’s border. Estimates are that one billion people will be affected, with inflation being material across all primary proteins as the loss of grain, soy, sunflower, barley and corn from this region will affect base materials and feed. As a result, Asia and the Americas will constrict in supply to maintain their own requirements, while Europe, Africa and Central Europe will see extreme shortages. Globally, we expect to see prices soar across the board.
“Atlantic Natural Foods, along with other plant-based food producers, must not only continue to take dramatic steps to manage costs in anticipation of supply disruptions, but also optimize output to conserve legacy accountabilities that have a strong impact on human life for which we are all responsible. The challenges in front of us are meaningful to the plant-based foods industry. Now more than ever, alternative food creation is called upon to meet the global food requirements—today and beyond.”
Hines notes that the company is in discussions with key customers, vendors and supply partners to create alternative food opportunities which target value and ensure continued supply of its existing resources.
About Atlantic Natural Foods
Atlantic Natural Foods is the leading shelf stable manufacturer and provider of Loma Linda®, TUNO™, neat®, Kaffree Roma™ and Modern Menu brand products. Its mission is to provide affordable, sustainable, and healthy sources of plant-based protein food for all lifestyles and people to live healthier, longer lives. The company operates its own manufacturing facility as well as a joint venture project in Thailand. The brands are sold throughout the U.S and in 17 countries, including the U.K. and Australia. Atlantic Natural Foods is headquartered in Nashville, North Carolina. To learn more about Atlantic Natural Foods, please visit www.atlanticnaturalfoods.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
