The facility, located in Heath, Ohio, was commissioned in 2020 and is exclusively focused on producing plant-based foods. It maintains BRC 'AA' designation, the highest possible rating for the British Retail Consortium for food and product safety. Additionally, the facility has non-GMO Project verification, vegan, halal and kosher certifications, along with multiple allergen-control programs.

"We have dedicated tremendous energy and effort to bringing the factory to life and establishing this crucial infrastructure for the industry," says Joel Gfeller, president, Gathered Foods. "We look forward to working alongside Ahimsa to support its next stage of growth and to advance our collective mission of enabling plant-based production in the U.S."

The Ahimsa Companies, led by Group CEO Matt Tullman, is acquiring plant-based brands, along with manufacturing and sales enablement businesses. The group is nurturing the next generation of the plant-based industry through consolidation, vertical integration and leveraged resources.

"This strategically located plant is a best-in-class production facility and is one that Ahimsa is keen to optimize and utilize in support of the broader industry,” Tullman says. “The plant is a core asset in our consolidation strategy.”

Ahimsa Companies plans to continue co-manufacturing for current and new customers, as well as manufacture proprietary products for its portfolio holdings.

Gathered will continue to develop ingredients and finished goods for the industry, catering to B2B, private label and food service sectors. Its pilot plant and innovation center in Vancouver, B.C., Cultivated Food Labs, remains one of Gathered's most prized assets, complemented by its technical team.