Companies that make certain natural, plant-based foods have struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic to generate enough revenue and, in some cases, set shelves in major grocery stores across the country.
Atlantic Natural Foods LLC, a prominent retail food manufacturer founded in 1890, sells its products in retail stores and sells plant-based products on Amazon, including Loma Linda brand Big Franks vegan hot dogs, plant-based canned tuna and canned Chik’n, a healthy plant-based egg substitute and a caffeine-free coffee alternative.
According to the company, as of 2019, the company’s plant-based foods can be found in stores such as Costco, Walmart, Target, and Aldi. The company does not have a store shelf problem, as its products are available in more than 25,000 stores in the United States and 30 other countries.
But Nashville, NC-based Atlantic Natural Foods, on April 7 filed for Chapter 11 protection to reorganize its business five months after terminating its pending merger agreement with Above Foods. The company did not specify the specific reason for filing the bankruptcy case.
Companies that in 2024 November 1 pulled out of the sale deal, citing the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions and rising food inflation as key factors in the decision to cancel the deal.
More bankruptcy:
These factors also probably had enough of an impact on Atlantic Natural Foods’ earnings to force it to file for bankruptcy protection.
Updated: 6:30 p.m. EDT
Another food company that uses natural sweeteners in its products has also been forced into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and another food company is in litigation.
True Made Foods filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after its products were dropped by major grocery chains.
Heinz ketchup competitor True Made Foods Inc., maker of naturally sweetened ketchups, barbecue sauce and other condiments, has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to fight a lawsuit brought by food company PIM Brands, True Made Foods CEO Abraham Kamarck said in a statement to The LinkedIn.
“We voluntarily filed the lawsuit and only filed it because of the lawsuit brought against us by PIM Brands,” Kamarck said.
True Made Foods’ position is that the lawsuit is frivolous and believes it has a strong counterclaim against PIM, but cannot afford the legal fees, Kamarck said.
“Hopefully we can come out stronger on the other side. Our sales are strong and growing,” Kamarck said.
The Alexandria, Va.-based maker of sugar-free condiments on Oct. 30. filed a petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, citing $500,000-$1 million. USD assets and 1-10 million USD commitments, RK Consultants reported.
Founded in 2015, True Made Foods manufactures and distributes condiments that are naturally sweetened with fruits and vegetables, including ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauces and rubs, and cayenne hot sauce.
True Made Foods Ketchup
True Made Foods Yellow Mustard
True Made Foods Honey Mustard
True Made Foods Original BBQ Sauce
True Made Foods Carolina Red BBQ Sauce
True Made Foods Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
True Made Foods Rib Rub
True Made Foods Pork Rub
True Made Foods everyone rubs
True Made Foods Cayenne Hot Sauce.
According to RK Consultants, the borrower collected more than 6.9 million. USD funding to support the company’s growth and reached its distribution peak, distributing products to more than 5,000 retailers before the pandemic outbreak at grocers such as Kroger and Safeway displaced larger brands.
Walmart (388 locations)
All food
Seedlings
Fresh market
True Made Foods products are still available at retailers such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, The Fresh Market, approximately 388 Walmart stores, as well as other grocery stores, according to the company’s website.
Among the top claims from the debtor’s creditors is more than $361,000 owed to Teton Promotion in Motion for alleged breach of distributorship agreement.
Under the federal bankruptcy statute, all litigation is automatically stayed while the bankruptcy case is pending.
Related: 30-year-old pizza chain to close all but one restaurant
“We’re revolutionizing America’s favorite condiments by replacing sugar with the sweetness of real fruits and vegetables,” the company says on its website.
“The result is naturally delicious taste without compromise. With True Made Foods, you’re taking the first step to removing hidden sugar from your family’s dinner table,” the company said.
Related: Major trucking companies file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
This story was originally reported by TheStreet in 2025. on October 30, where it first appeared in the retail section. Add TheStreet as a preferred source by clicking here.
