Atlantic Natural Foods, LLC (ANF) officially commissioned its principal plant in Nashville, NC, following consolidation of four separate operations. Nashville Mayor Donald Street was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives of Governor Cooper, Congressman Walter Jones Jr., US Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, members of the chamber of commerce, dignitaries from across North Carolina and the members of The Adventist Distributor AFDA who had travelled from across the country to attend.
 
The ceremony marked the opening of the facility after a $1.4 Million update that combined multiple operations under one roof. The consolidation marks the completion of the first of four phases of development that ANF expects to bring over 100 jobs to the Nashville area in the next three to five years.
 
“This is an exciting time for Atlantic Natural Foods and plant-based protein,” said Doug Hines, chairman and general partner of ANF. “As the global population continues to grow, we will not be able to rely on animal protein alone. Plant-based foods will feed our future and Atlantic Natural Foods along with Nashville, North Carolina are in the perfect position to play a pivotal role in that growth.”
 
ANF is the largest manufacturer of shelf-stable plant-based proteins in the US and will continue to grow as they bring additional operations to the Nashville facility, in addition to the creation of a state-of-the-art research and development center. The R&D center will include a live working kitchen to bring in individuals from institutions, schools, universities and the military, along with nutritionists, to create new plant-based food solutions and provide a platform for education about the world of possibilities with plant-based foods.
 
“While our Loma Linda brand has been around for over 100 years we see this as just the beginning,” said Steve Morris, chief operating officer of ANF. “The possibillities with plant-based foods are endless and we want Nashville to be at the forefront of innovation while making it a destination for people looking learn more about how they can add healthy, sustainable plant-based foods to their diet.”
 
ANF currently produces an array of plant-based foods and beverages under the Loma Linda®, Neat® and Kaffree Roma™ brands. Items include everything from vegan hot dogs to full meal solutions in microwavable, ready-to-eat pouches, and a full line of dairy and gluten free baking mixes. ANF products are available online as well as local retailers nationwide.