Eshbal Functional Foods is set to begin manufacturing its gluten-free pita bread at a new U.S.-based facility as part of a broader North American expansion strategy.

The company announced the expansion effort in a news release but did not specify the location of the U.S. plant.

The initial rollout will feature a frozen format to meet distributor requirements, while development continues on a shelf-stable version with several months of ambient shelf life. Eshbal’s pita bread is entirely plant-based, gluten-free, and formulated to meet ingredient standards of major health-focused retailers.

This marks the first time the company’s flagship product will be produced and distributed locally rather than exported from Israel, where it has been made for more than a decade.

As part of the expansion, the company has also acquired the assets of Swonder Bread, an Israeli bakery specializing in sprouted, gluten-free sourdough and vegan breads. The acquisition, which closed in mid-June, includes proprietary recipes, trademarks, production equipment, and inventory, and is intended to support Eshbal’s growth in clean-label and gut-health product categories.

Eshbal, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, is a Vancouver-based developer of gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, and supplement-based food products serving retail, foodservice, and industrial clients.

Photo: Eshbal