Companies that produce certain natural, plant-based food products have struggled to generate adequate revenue and in some cases, establish shelf space in mainstream grocery stores across the country since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Iconic retail food producer Atlantic Natural Foods LLC, which was established in 1890, sells its products in retail stores and markets its plant-based products on Amazon, including its Loma Linda brand Big Franks vegan hot dogs, plant-based canned Tuno fish and canned Chik’n, neat plant-based egg substitute, and caffeine-free coffee alternative Kaffree Roma.

Since 2019, the company’s plant-based food products have been found at various stores, such as Costco, Walmart, Target, and Aldi, according to the company. The company doesn’t have store shelf space problem, as its products are available in over 25,000 stores in the U.S. and 30 other countries.

Atlantic Natural Foods filed for bankruptcy
Nashville, N.C.-based Atlantic Natural Foods, however, filed for Chapter 11 protection on April 7 to reorganize its business five months after terminating a pending merger agreement with Above Foods. The company did not state a specific reason for filing for bankruptcy.

The companies, which withdrew from a sale transaction on Nov. 1, 2024, blamed the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and rising food inflation as the key factors in their decision to cancel the deal.

Those factors also likely impacted the Atlantic Natural Foods’ revenues enough to force it to file for bankruptcy protection.

Another food company that uses natural sweeteners in its products was also forced into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, facing litigation from yet another food company.
True Made Foods files for bankruptcy protection

Heinz ketchup rival True Made Foods Inc, the maker of naturally sweetened ketchup, barbecue sauce, and other condiments, voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, as it is fighting a lawsuit filed against it from food company PIM Brands.