August 3, 2004

HEALTHY BENEFITS OF RED WINE ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN 100 PERCENT PURPLE GRAPE JUICE FROM OLD ORCHARD BRANDS

SPARTA, Mich., August 3, 2004 — A good thing has just gotten better. For years, research has suggested that moderate consumption of red wine may help lower the risk of heart disease. Not everyone consumes red wine, or would necessarily want to on a regular basis, and that’s where Old Orchard’s 100 percent Purple Grape juice with grape seed extract can play an important part in helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Old Orchard has added grape seed extract to its list of natural ingredients to provide beverage consumers with yet another reason to include 100 percent Purple Grape juice as part of a regular diet and exercise regime to promote cardiovascular health. Grape seed extract is derived from the small seeds and skins of red grapes and is rich in flavenoids and phytochemicals that have antioxidant properties that many consider even greater than vitamin C and vitamin E.

In the late 1990s, researchers at Northwestern University Medical School identified resveratrol, a natural substance that is highly concentrated in the skin of grapes, as a chemical in red wine that provides potential cardiovascular benefits. By adding the grape seed extract to its 100 percent Purple Grape juice, Old Orchard is bringing along the benefits of red wine to consumers without the alcohol. Resveratrol protects grapes against fungal infections and has been shown to have a number of potentially beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

“Purple grape juice has always been a favorite among kids and moms,” said Michael McDonald, vice president of sales and marketing for Old Orchard Brands. “But with the inherent benefits that the grape seed extract brings to our 100 percent Purple Grape juice, we believe that our beverage consumer base will expand to include more adults looking to reap the benefits of red wine without having to consume alcohol.”

McDonald added that the grape seed extract does not change the taste of its 100 percent Purple Grape juice, which has become a favorite for many families.

Beyond the antioxidant powers that grape seed extract contains, it also is thought to improve blood circulation and help strengthen blood vessels, which benefit people with heart disease and cancer.  The extract’s effects on circulation also are beneficial for people with diabetes, leg cramps and vericose veins.

Old Orchard’s 100 percent Purple Grape juice is available in stores now in 64-oz., recyclable bottles. Old Orchard currently is not adding the grape seed extract to its award winning 100 percent Purple Grape juice from frozen concentrate, but may consider it in the future. Earlier this year Old Orchard’s 100 percent Purple Grape juice from concentrate was presented the 2004 Best Taste Award from the American Culinary Institute (ACI) after a double-blind taste test against the leading national brands.

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.

The statements made in this news release have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Old Orchard 100 percent Purple Grape Juice is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.