Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc., Milwaukie, OR, has unveiled plans for a new world distribution center to be opened this month, and for the expansion of its current production facility. The company also promoted seven long-time employees into new leadership roles.

The plant-based vegan seafood line from Sophie’s Kitchen, Sebastopol, CA, has been certified kosher by COR. The gluten free, non-GMO line contains nine products that use konjac root to mimic real seafood, like vegan shrimp and crab cakes.

The fourth annual Gardens for Good Grant from Nature’s Path, Richmond, BC, Canada, has been awarded to the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative, Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc., and rare Charitable Research Reserve. Each group received $15,000 to help fund local organic gardens and educational programs.

Earthbound Farms, San Juan Bautista, CA, has been acquired for $600 million in cash by WhiteWave Foods, Broomfield, CO, owner of the brands Horizon Organic and Silk.

For the eighth time, multiple products from EDEN Foods, Inc., Clinton, MI, have been recognized in Men’s Health magazine’s annual 125 Best Foods For Men feature.

The Specialty Food Association of New York, NY, announced the acceptance of 152 members into its ranks, including makers of ghost chili sea salt, bacon brittle, burrata and lavender martini mocktails.

The Non-GMO, kosher, grab-and-go granola products from Boca Raton, FL-based Upfront Foods can now display the Vegan Certification logo of the Vegan Awareness Foundation.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, January 2014