Level One to Bring Gardein Meatless Proteins to Club Warehouses Nationwide

SAN RAMON, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 27, 2013) - Level One Marketing announced today that it has partnered with Gardein, an award-winning range of tasty, nutritious, convenient foods people love to eat made from a blend of non-GMO soy, wheat, and pea proteins, organic ancient grains and veggies. The leading club broker business development specialist will work with Gardein to launch its products at major club retailers, with initial plans to debut its Mandarin Chick'n at warehouses in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego and Pacific Northwest. The companies plan to introduce more Gardein products in club retail and expand to national distribution by the end of the year.

"Level One offers our business unparalleled attention at the senior level management level and knowledge of the industry. They are truly born of Costco, and that helps us hone our offering for the unique club environment and create value for members," said Yves Potvin, President at Garden Protein International, the parent company of Gardein. "Costco members are totally experiential and willing to try new items. We see Costco as a great place for consumers to experience our products firsthand. Once they taste it, they love it and see how easily it fits into their healthy lifestyle."

"It's really great to work with Gardein, a revolutionary brand that is transforming America's table with meat-free foods. They're the innovators in meatless protein, a category that has moved to the center of the plate. Demand for meatless foods is on the rise, and in four short years Gardein has achieved national distribution of over 18,000 storefronts," said Jeremy Smith, Chief Operations Officer, Level One Marketing. "Under the leadership of Yves Potvin, Gardein's pedigree and commitment to quality is second to none in the category, and we are confident it will be a huge success in club retailers as families embrace meatless proteins as the center of their home meals."

Gardein's foods have no cholesterol or trans fat, and are perfect for any occasion. Gardein can be enjoyed at breakfast, dinner and even as a fun, late-night snack. Its range of fresh and frozen foods include the recently launched Good Start Breakfast Sandwiches, Sizzling Szechuan Beefless Strips and Crispy Chick'n Sliders. For more information on Gardein's foods, click here.

About Level One Marketing
Level One is a premier club brokerage firm specializing in representation, business strategy and product development. Its founding team, brothers Jonathan and Jeremy Smith, have nearly fifty years of experience from inside the club channel and the advertising and graphic arts industries, providing Level One with unique insider knowledge on how to foster performance in the club channel environment. The company has successfully introduced startup and established brands in product categories including snack food, dairy products, natural foods and energy drinks. Level One is based in San Ramon, California with a satellite office in Indianapolis.

About Gardein
Gardein (garden + protein) is an award-winning line of delicious and healthy meat-free foods. Gardein founder Yves Potvin created the first veggie dog in the 1980s and is now dedicated to elevating -- and beefing up -- the category with a full range of great-tasting, better-for-you meat-free innovations. From its signature Seven Grain Crispy Tenders to the Ultimate Beefless Burger, Gardein offers mouthwatering, foods that deliver real meat taste, texture and nutrition -- with no cholesterol and less fat and calories than traditional proteins. Made with soy and grains, Gardein's foods can easily replace traditional protein in any meal or recipe.

Gardein is popping up everywhere, available in the produce cooler and freezer aisle at more than 18,000 grocery stores in the U.S. You can also find us on college campuses and in your favorite restaurants across the country. For more information and delicious recipes, visit http://www.Gardein.com.