AgriFORCE prepares for the launch of Manna for food manufacturers
by CM Staff
AgriFORCE is on track to pilot test its first branded product in the specialty flour category under the brand un(Think) Foods with businesses and consumers later this year.
VANCOUVER — AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd., an intellectual property (IP)-focused AgTech company trying to advance sustainable cultivation and crop processing across multiple verticals, reported milestones as it advances towards commercialization of its Manna Nutritional Group (MNG) food production and processing intellectual property (IP). As a result, the Company is on track to pilot test its first branded product in the specialty flour category under the brand un(Think) Foods with businesses and consumers later this year.
The Company has also completed the engineering work for a manufacturing line and begun preparation for planned production in Saskatchewan, Canada, with operations expected to commence in second half of 2022. Additionally, the Company reports it has conducted consumer research further validating that a wheat-based alternative flour with substantially higher fiber and protein and lower starch/carbohydrates aligns well with unmet consumer demand.
AgriFORCE previously announced a definitive agreement with MNG on September 15, 2021. MNG, based in Boise, Idaho, has developed a proprietary process to naturally transform grains, seeds and pulses into delicious, nutritious, high-fiber, high-protein and ultra-low-starch baking flours. The Company’s initial focus is on wheat, in which the flour has applications for baked goods, breads and snacks.
AgriFORCE recently conducted a consumer survey with 1,000 respondents from across the United States representing all key consumer demographics. The survey confirmed a strong interest among consumers to purchase a flour alternative that delivers enhanced nutrition, especially among millennials who commonly adopt high protein, high fiber, low carb diets to improve health and wellness. The findings revealed that the majority of millennials are already cooking with and consuming products with flour, with 56% of millennials using flour regularly at home, and 88% consuming flour-based products at least twice per week. However, the study also found that consumers are unhappy with current alternatives and wish they didn’t have to compromise taste and texture to achieve health and diet goals. Furthermore, consumers are expecting and willing to pay a premium for a product with enhanced nutrition that maintains taste and texture, with over half of millennials surveyed willing to pay over 50% more for such a product.
“From the outset, AgriFORCE has aimed to make significant advancements in producing healthy and nutritious food products and ingredients for today’s families,” said AgriFORCE CEO Ingo Mueller. Mauro Pennella, President AgriFORCE Brands added: “Consumer research has confirmed that the products derived from the MNP proprietary process are a perfect fit for today’s millennials and others that are looking for healthy options that also deliver great taste and texture. Our hope is that this wheat-based flour will be the first of many innovative, delicious and nutritious branded plant-based food products that AgriFORCE will bring to market in the years to come.”
