March 23, 2004

OLD ORCHARD 100 PERCENT PURPLE GRAPE JUICE WINS PRESTIGIOUS 2004 BEST TASTE AWARD FROM THE AMERICAN CULINARY INSTITUTE

SPARTA, Mich., March 23, 2004 -- The results are in and the nation's best tasting 100 percent grape juice from concentrate is Old Orchard ® Purple Grape Juice, according to a double-blind taste test conducted by the American Culinary Institute (ACI). Old Orchard received the prestigious 2004 Best Taste Award, from the ACI, beating out two other leading national brands.  

Extensive testing was conducted by the ACI, using professional accredited chefs with extensive experience in the beverage category. Judging follows strict criteria. The independent panel of chefs who tasted the three purple grape juices were not given brand names or clues as to the manufacturer of each product. To receive the Best Taste Award, Old Orchard Purple Grape Juice had to receive the highest score in the juice category while meeting specific taste standards.

"The National Chef Board of the American Culinary Institute has put together the most credible, non-biased judging panel and process of food and beverage products possible," said Michael McDonald, vice president of sales and marketing for Old Orchard Brands. "We're extremely pleased to know that others agree that we have the best tasting purple grape juice on the market, and we're confident consumers will agree with the decision of the chefs."

Each eight-fluid-ounce serving of Old Orchard 100 percent Purple Grape Juice contains 130 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C and valuable antioxidants. According to numerous medical studies and the American Heart Association, 100 percent purple grape juice is believed to contribute significantly in maintaining cardiovascular health by slowing the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body.

Old Orchard 100 percent Purple Grape juice from concentrate comes in a 12-oz., microwave-safe plastic container and makes 48 ounces of juice.

Old Orchard is among the top three frozen juice producers in the United States, offering consumers 21 flavor choices, and more blended juice flavors than any other company. The company also recently introduced the nation's only low-carbohydrate grape juice, Old Orchard LoCarb, which can be found in 64-oz. bottles. The LoCarb grape juice offers consumers the same great taste and similar health benefits as the original, but with 75 percent fewer calories, carbohydrates and less sugar.

Sparta, Michigan-based Old Orchard Brands is one of the fastest growing fruit juice brands in the United States. The privately held company started operations in 1978 and offers consumers 29 frozen concentrate flavors and 36 bottled flavors in a variety of 100 percent fruit juices, blends and low-carbohydrate fruit juice cocktails. For more information visit www.oldorchardjuice.com.