Eshbal Launches Local Production of Its Gluten-Free Pita in North America - First Shipment Already Sold

TSXV: ESBL

VANCOUVER, BC, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Eshbal Functional Food Inc. (TSXV: ESBL) ("Eshbal" or the "Company"), a food-tech company focused on gluten-free and better-for-you products, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed its first North American production run of its signature gluten-free Pita Bread.

The production, completed in February in partnership with Queen Street Bakery ("QSB"), marks an important operational milestone as the Company establishes local manufacturing capabilities to support the initial stages of its commercial activity in North America. Working closely together, the QSB and Eshbal teams were able to successfully reproduce the distinctive taste of Eshbal's gluten-free pita -- including the flexibility, texture and quality that define the product.

Initial Production Already Sold

Importantly, most of this initial production batch has already been sold to a foodservice customer in Northern California, a restaurant group operating several locations across the region.

This initial order represents the first delivery of Eshbal's gluten-free Pita Bread produced locally in North America and provides an early indication of interest in a premium product, while also highlighting the Company's intention to serve multiple sales channels across North America, including foodservice alongside retail and online distribution.

Next Production Runs

Additional production cycles are planned in the coming weeks and are expected to include a greater variety of Eshbal's specialty products.. Management will be closely evaluating these production cycles fitting the right product with the right potential retail partners. Inventory preparation for the Company's developing online sales channels is also underway.

Alongside Eshbal's core gluten-free pita products, the Company's expanding North American portfolio - including Barili, Dare to Be Different Foods (D2BD), and Gluten Free Nation (GFN) - is expected to be distributed across multiple sales channels in North America, including retail, foodservice and online platforms.

About Eshbal Functional Food Inc.

Eshbal Functional Food Inc. (TSXV: ESBL) is a publicly traded food-tech company focused on building a scalable platform of gluten-free and health-oriented food brands across retail, foodservice, and online channels in North America.

Since listing on the TSX Venture Exchange in 2025, the Company has been executing a disciplined brand-focused roll-up strategy targeting established and emerging better-for-you brands with existing market presence and growth potential. Eshbal's model centers on acquiring controlling interests in complementary brands and integrating them into a centralized operating platform designed to enhance distribution reach, improve operational efficiency, and support margin expansion.

Key execution milestones include securing U.S. brokerage representation to expand retail distribution, launching localized North American production in partnership with Queen Street Bakery, completing the acquisition of Gluten Free Nation, and acquiring a majority interest in Dare to Be Different Foods. These transactions expand Eshbal's brand portfolio and provide immediate incremental revenue while strengthening its distribution and production footprint. (Eshbal maintains active digital engagement and investor communications through its corporate website and official social media channels:

Website: https://eshbalfoods.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eshbal-functional-foods/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EshbalFunctionalFoodNorthAmerica/

To learn more, visit:

Website: https://eshbalfoods.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eshbal-functional-foods/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EshbalFunctionalFoodNorthAmerica/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eshbal.food/

Eshbal.com

Disclaimers:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc., nor its Regulation Servicer provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. Words such as "expects" "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management's current expectations, beliefs and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Such expectations,beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. However,there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements.Forward- looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company's reports filed from time to time at sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward- looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements,no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience,and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. The Company is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein in the United States or elsewhere. These securities have not been,andwill not be, registered in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered or exempt therefrom.

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SOURCE Eshbal Functional Foods Inc