December 6, 2004

Old Orchard Launches Exclusive Line Of Certified Organic 100% Juices

Three flavors of Old Orchard Organics to be available in select stores by the end of the month and a prominent National grocery chain by mid-January 2005

SPARTA, Mich., December 6, 2004 — An increased demand for organic ingredients and food products is quickly shaping the way that many manufacturers develop new products. While organic food products have long been regarded by discerning, quality-conscious shoppers, it is only recently that these products have migrated into the mainstream. One company gearing up to meet mainstream demand is juice maker Old Orchard Brands, which is launching a line of premium, certified organic 100 percent juices under the “Old Orchard Organics” banner.

Old Orchard initially plans to offer three of its most popular 100 percent fruit juices in the organic line including apple, red raspberry and cranberry. Old Orchard Organics 100 percent fruit juices will use certified organic ingredients, will be preservative free and will contain no artificial dyes or coloring. A 64-oz bottle will retail for approximately $3.99 depending on region and retailer.

In 2003, North America overtook Europe as the number one market for organic food products and beverages. According to the Food Marketing Institute, natural and organic food sales in the U.S. have nearly tripled over the past decade. Research by the Organic Trade Association showed that sales of organic beverages increased 19.3 percent in 2003 over 2002 to $1.38 billion.

“We work hard to follow consumer buying and consumption habits and a majority of the U.S. population is now using organic products on a regular basis,” said Michael McDonald, vice president of sales and marketing for Old Orchard Brands. “Up until now, the availability of organic juices had been limited to smaller and regional manufacturers and more costly single-serve packaging. With 75 percent of organic food sales now coming from traditional grocery stores, the timing is right to offer consumers the convenience and value of a 64-oz container.”

McDonald added that Old Orchard juices have always been preservative free and made from natural ingredients, including the use of the Aronia berry as a natural coloring for its juices. The Aronia berry contains more than 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, and is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
Old Orchard Organics will begin hitting select store shelves in mid-December followed by a national rollout in early spring 2005. One major Midwest Grocery chain has already placed a major order and plans to begin stocking the Old Orchard Organics in all its stores by 1st. Quarter 2005.

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.