BELLEVUE, Wash. – (November 3, 2015) – Whole Foods Market, together with Manini’s, a pioneer in gluten free pastas, buns and rolls, and baking flours, is celebrating the launch of a new line of fresh Gluten Free Ravioli. Like all of Manini’s delicious fresh pastas, these Gluten Free Ravioli combine Manini’s proprietary flour mix with local farm fresh eggs to produce a taste and texture not found in other gluten free products. Available in Four Cheese, Portobello & Cheese and Spinach & Cheese, these stuffed ravioli are exclusive to Whole Foods Market. Shoppers can find them in the refrigerator case at all Washington and Oregon Whole Foods Market locations, and in B.C. locations over the next few weeks.
Whole Foods Market began working with Manini’s in 2011, introducing their products to stores in the Pacific Northwest. In 2013, Whole Foods Market awarded Manini’s a Local Producer Loan for $80,000. Funds from this low-interest loan were used to start product testing and, ultimately, production of the Gluten Free Ravioli.
“This launch is a big milestone in our company’s history and Denise Breyley and Whole Foods Market have been walking this journey with us every step of the way,” said Jerry Goldberg, CEO at Manini’s. “Our customers have come to expect only the most delicious gluten free pastas from Manini’s, and we know our Gluten Free Ravioli will live up to their high expectations.”
Our customers have come to expect only the most delicious gluten free pastas from Manini’s, and we know our Gluten Free Ravioli will live up to their high expectations.
– Jerry Goldberg, CEO
“I’m so thrilled to see this new product come to market. This is absolutely one of the best parts of my job,” said Breyley, the Local Forager for Whole Foods Market in the Pacific Northwest Region. “I love working with these local food businesses and seeing their passion and brilliant ideas come to life.”
Customers can sample the new Gluten Free Ravioli at a special launch event at the Bellevue Whole Foods Market store on Saturday, November 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Manini’s will also have management and ownership at the event for any questions or education, and will be raffling off several great prizes.
What began as a mother and father’s search for great-tasting and nutritious gluten free food for their daughter, diagnosed with celiac disease, is the foundation of Manini’s today. The Washington-based company now produces gluten free fresh pasta, baking flours, dinner rolls and buns from naturally gluten free, nutritious ancient grains. These time-tested recipes contain no rice, soy, beans, or casein, and are high in fiber and protein. Most importantly, Manini’s products benefit from the flavor, texture, and nutrition of ancient grains – grains that have not undergone the radical cross-breeding and transformations of more traditional cereal grains.
Some of Manini’s other fresh pasta products include Gluten Free Spaghetti, Lasagna, Fettucini, Linguini, Macaroni, and Rigatoni. Manini’s makes its fresh pasta by hand in a temperature-controlled environment for maximum shelf life, located in a dedicated and certified gluten free facility.
Background on the Local Producer Loan Program
Helping local producers flourish has been a goal at Whole Foods Market since the company’s inception. In addition to featuring local products in stores, Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program will provide up to $25 million in low-interest loans to local and independent food businesses. The program began in 2006 and has already granted more than $18 million in loans so far, including more than $1.6 million in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether it’s helping local partners purchase more animals, invest in new equipment or convert to organic production, Whole Foods Market is committed to helping these budding food businesses shine. And supporting local business means keeping money in the pockets of growers in the communities Whole Foods Market serves.
Loan recipients must meet Whole Foods Market’s quality standards, use the funds for expansion and have a viable business plan. Typical loans range from $1,000 to $100,000 and have fixed low-interest rates.
For more information about the Local Producer Loan Program, please visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mission-values/commitment-society/loan-program-details.
About Manini’s
Manini’s is a world-class food company bringing delicious, fresh and Gluten Free pasta, flours, breads and baked goods served by families and chefs everywhere. All products are made using only the highest quality Gluten Free ingredients, and the finest Ancient Grains. Manini’s gluten-free offerings are nutritious, fiber-rich and provide a great-texture that is deliciously superior in taste and quality. Learn more at www.maninis.com.
About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company’s motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 91,000 team members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 17 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2014, the company had sales of more than $14 billion and currently has more than 431 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.