VANCOUVER, BC. — Five months after saying it was ending its pursuit of Gluten Free Nation, Eshbal Functional Food Inc. reversed course and said it has acquired the Houston-based commercial baker of gluten-free bread and baked foods for approximately $736,000. The two companies failed to reach an agreement in September 2025 after signing a letter of intent in early July.
Gluten Free Nation, the business name of Starcall Broadcasting LLC, specializes in sweet and savory gluten-free baked items. Its offerings include bread products (hot dog buns and English muffins), blueberry muffins, lemon pound cake, pumpkin bread and cookies (chocolate chip and snickerdoodle).
Founded in 2010 by Randi Markowitz, Gluten Free Nation sells its products online and through retail and foodservice channels — including at Walmart.com, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, HEB, Raley’s and Fresh Thyme Market — in 49 states.
At the time the potential acquisition was announced in July 2025, Eshbal said the addition of Gluten Free Nation would expand its product roster in North America and create commercial synergies via the launch of its own gluten-free products through Gluten Free Nation’s current sales and distribution channels. Israel-based Eshbal, whose North American office is in Vancouver, makes a range of gluten-free and better-for-you baked foods and baking products, including packaged pita and other bread, cookies, hot dog buns, bread crumbs, flour, baking mixes, powdered sugar and protein snacks.
Eshbal operates from a 60,000-square-foot facility and produces more than 300 stock-keeping units, including more than 80 gluten-free items. The company went public on the TSX Venture Exchange in mid-April 2025.
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