Eshbal enters sales, marketing deal with Active

Mr. Tomer Bar Meir reports ESHBAL SIGNS WITH LEADING U.S. FOOD BROKER ACTIVE MARKETING GROUP TO SCALE DISTRIBUTION; GRANTS PERFORMANCE EQUITY Eshbal Functional Food Inc. has entered into a sales and marketing agreement with Active Marketing Group (AMG), a leading United States-based consumer packaged goods marketing and brokerage firm. Under the agreement, AMG will represent Eshbal's flagship gluten-free Barili products, as well as additional products that the company intends to bring to the United States market. The agreement with AMG marks Eshbal's first scaled entry into the United States. AMG has a 37-year history of placing grocery and other consumer packaged goods in some of the country's largest grocery, natural, mass-market, on-line and specialty retailers. Under the agreement, AMG will work closely with retailers across the country to build distribution and brand awareness for Eshbal in the better-for-you food category. "Eshbal's pita delivers the closest experience we've seen to traditional bread in a gluten-free format -- both in taste and texture," said Todd Grisoff, president of AMG. "Its authentic feel and thoughtful formulation offer a fresh way to enjoy bread -- without compromise. In a category that often settles for 'good enough,' Eshbal stands out. It's what we call smart eating -- and for retailers, a smart choice." "This partnership marks an important milestone in our go-to-market plan for North America. AMG's deep relationships with major retail buyers, coupled with their strong track record of driving sell-through, creates a strong foundation for the U.S. launch of Barili and other Eshbal brands," said Avi Markus, chief commercial officer, Eshbal. "Bringing our top-selling products into the North American market is a key pillar of our corporate growth strategy. Our products, developed over 20-plus years, maintain the texture and nutritional value of gluten-containing analogues, and we're delighted to be working with AMG to bring these products to Celiac and gluten-averse consumers throughout the United States," said Tomer Bar-Meir, chief executive officer, Eshbal. Equity compensation Eshbal announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1.26 million incentive stock options and 741,000 restricted share units (RSUs) in accordance with the company's omnibus incentive plan, of which 560,000 options and 621,520 RSUs were granted to certain directors and officers of the company. Each option is exercisable to acquire one common share of the company upon payment of an exercise price of 25 cents per common share for a period of up to five years from the date of grant. The RSUs vest as follows: (i) 251,520 of the RSUs vest as to 50 per cent immediately and the remainder in six equal monthly instalments over the next six calendar months at the end of each such calendar month; and (ii) 490,000 of the RSUs vest in equal monthly instalments over the next 12 calendar months at the end of each such calendar month. About Eshbal Functional Food Inc. Eshbal Functional Food is an innovative and profitable food-tech company with a broad offering of gluten-free and better-for-you products. Eshbal, which saw 2024 revenues of more than $11-million (U.S.), is preparing to enter the multibillion-dollar gluten-free market with an initial launch of its successful line of baked goods. We seek Safe Harbor.