The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) honored PepsiCo with its prestigious "Corporation of the Year" Award on October 28, at the Awards Banquet capping its annual conference. The company was among 73 nominees vying for the award that recognizes a corporate member's exemplary achievements in minority business development.

NMSDC's Corporation of the Year award is regarded as the most significant honor to a major corporation for the utilization of Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American suppliers. In winning the award, PepsiCo demonstrated exceptional strength in areas critical to continuously improving a minority supplier development process.

Supplier diversity objectives are part of PepsiCo senior management's performance goals. The company has a cross-functional Supplier Diversity Executive Council to ensure sustained growth and development in the supplier diversity arena. In 2008, PepsiCo spent $614 million with nearly 400 NMSDC-certified minority businesses. Its first-tier spend increased 10 percent over 2007, despite the downturn in the economy. The company's combined first- and second-tier spend totaled more than $900 million.

"PepsiCo has long embraced forward-thinking procurement principles so that excellent minority-owned businesses have more opportunities to participate in its supply chain," said NMSDC President Harriet R. Michel. "In a year of belt-tightening for many corporations, PepsiCo maintained its solid commitment and continued to rely on the value strong minority businesses bring to the corporation."

PepsiCo established an endowment with NMSDC that continues to fund annual scholarships for minority business owners to attend the organization's Advanced Management Education Program at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Additionally, PepsiCo participates in the NMSDC Centers of Excellence, a capacity-building initiative featuring a network of local corporations and minority firms working together to enhance the minority supplier development process by implementing NMSDC best practices. PepsiCo is also a sponsor of NMSDC's Corporate Plus® Program, a designation for minority businesses that have demonstrated success in handling national contracts.

The corporation is active with a number of NMSDC Regional Councils, the Business Consortium Fund - NMSDC's financing arm - and NMSDC's International Program. PepsiCo was a founding member corporation of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) - a Canadian organization modeled after NMSDC. PepsiCo is also active in Minority Supplier Development United Kingdom (MSDUK), the NMSDC counterpart organization in the United Kingdom.

NMSDC also presented awards for individual leadership in minority supplier development, Suppliers of the Year and Regional Council of the Year.

Benita Fortner, director of supplier diversity at Raytheon Company, received the Minority Supplier Development Leader of the Year award in recognition of innovative minority supplier development activities and exceptional leadership across industry groups and around the country.

Four top minority businesses were recognized as National Suppliers of the Year for excellence in business acumen and community service. They are: The Voice of Your Customer, a marketing and consulting firm in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the category for businesses with sales less than $1 million; information technology software consulting company General Data Kommunications and Networking of Pembroke Pines, Florida, among firms with $1 million to $10 million in sales; MarkMaster, a Tampa, Florida-based stamping and sign company in the category for businesses with sales between $10 million and $50 million; and Artech Information Systems, an IT staffing and consulting firm based in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, for firms with sales greater than $50 million.

Twelve minority businesses were honored as Regional "Suppliers of the Year." They are APR Consulting, Diamond Bar, California; BKW Transformation Group, Piscataway, New Jersey; DFW Urgent Care, Hurst, Texas; Group O, Milan, Illinois; MedSafe, Inc. (dba Medsafe-Equimed), San Juan, Puerto Rico; NK David Constructors, Mission Hills, California; PLM Staffing Systems, Royal Oak, Michigan; Primera Engineers, Chicago, Illinois; River City Furniture, West Chester, Ohio; Sugar Bowl Bakery, Hayward, California; Virtelligence, Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and ZeroChaos, Orlando, Florida.

The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council earned Council of the Year honors for providing stellar services to hundreds of corporations and minority businesses in Georgia.

Benita Fortner and James Lowry, an authority on minority business development, received Special Appreciation Awards for their long-standing accomplishments in minority supplier development and volunteer leadership with NMSDC.

About NMSDC

Providing a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses is the primary objective of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, one of the country's leading business membership organizations. It was chartered in 1972 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.

The NMSDC Network includes a national office in New York and 38 Regional Councils across the country. There are 3,500 corporate members throughout the network, including America's top publicly-owned, privately-owned and foreign-owned companies as well as universities, hospitals and other buying institutions. The Regional Councils certify and match more than 15,000 minority-owned businesses with member corporations that want to purchase their goods and services.

For more information about NMSDC, call (212) 944-2430 or visit the Web site at www.nmsdc.org.

SOURCE National Minority Supplier Development Council

Independently owned and operated 1201 Kitchen, named for its location at 12th and State Streets in the heart of Downtown Erie, PA, is changing the dining landscape of this small town. Erie, Pennsylvania's only Great Lake Port City, has a natural setting of great beauty and four seasons climate making it a wonderful place to live and visit. Complementary, the menu at 1201 Kitchen changes as often as Erie's seasons do, featuring a Latin-Asian fusion menu that is refreshed every five to six weeks. No small feat in a spaghetti and meatball town, like Erie.

1201 Kitchen's contemporary decor and trend-setting culinary advances begin in the kitchen with Chef-Owner Dan Kern and his young staff, all under 25. Featuring creative twists on sushi, steak and seafood, 1201 offers guests something familiar yet something different at each and every visit.

Owners, J.B. Innes and Chef Dan Kern, are excited with the success they've experienced since ownership in May 2009. "As restaurateurs, we had a vision of what we wanted to create. We selected Erie for its small town charm and large-city energy, with a goal to create a contemporary and unique space to define the personality of our region and enhance our quality of life. But at the same time, we needed to listen to what the community wants, and give it to them. 1201 is welcoming to all types of guests; it's a different twist for Erie. We've market-priced our appetizers to start at $5 and with entrees starting at $14, so that everyone can enjoy a fine-casual dining experience," said Innes.

"Erie has one of the lowest average commute times in the nation. Believe it or not, it takes no more than 45 minutes to get from the center city to the farthest reaches of Erie County. Many of our guests meet friends after work or come in for dinner and drinks before one of Erie's diverse cultural events downtown. We hope to promote, support, and develop the dining landscape of Erie and to encourage the forward movement of our city's economic development. We definitely contribute to the increased activity in the downtown area," added Innes. 1201 Kitchen joins Erie's new racetrack and casino, Presque Isle Downs, and the Erie Convention Center and hotel on the Bayfront, toward increasing employment and business opportunities.

More information and reservations are available by calling 814.464.8989 or online at 1201Kitchen.com.

SOURCE 1201 Kitchen

Halloween is the time of year which could make you feel like a kid again... and to some, the treats are one of the best parts of the Halloween tradition.

Listen to this report from Dunkin' Donuts at: http://inr.mediaseed.tv/oneClip_C/?feed=4EsB71VWEvCXPRbnB6aJlK0i1RWYB0RF

Medialink is a division of The NewsMarket. Registered journalists can access video, audio, text, graphics and photos at http://www.thenewsmarket.com.

10NY09-0813

SOURCE Medialink; Dunkin' Donuts

Scheid Vineyards Inc. (Pink Sheets: SVIN) announced today its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended August 31, 2009.

Financial Results

Mike Thomsen, Chief Financial Officer, reported, "Revenues for the six months ended August 31, 2009 increased to $5.6 million from $3.2 million for the same period in 2008, primarily due to increased sales of bulk wine. Revenues for 2009 were offset by cost of sales of $6.6 million; selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.6 million; and interest expense of $2.0 million. Revenues for the same period in 2008 were offset by cost of sales of $3.0 million; selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.8 million; and interest expense of $1.6 million."

Mr. Thomsen explained, "Although revenues have increased from last year's levels, margins are down in 2009 due to decreased demand for certain bulk wine varieties and a resulting decline in the sales price for those varieties. The Company wrote-down its remaining 2008 vintage bulk wine inventories by $2.3 million in the second quarter ended August 31, 2009 to more properly reflect their current market values."

"Losses from operations for the six months ended August 31, 2009 totaled $6.6 million ($7.28 per share), as compared to losses from operations of $5.2 million ($5.16 per share) for the same period in 2008. After adjustments for a benefit from income taxes ($2.8 million), and an increase in the market valuation of an interest rate swap ($0.1 million), the net loss for the six months ended August 31, 2009 was $3.9 million ($4.31 per share). After adjustments for a benefit from income taxes ($1.8 million), and a decrease in the market valuation of an interest rate swap ($0.8 million), the net loss for the six months ended August 31, 2008 was $2.6 million ($2.56 per share). Because of the timing of the Company's annual harvest, which typically begins in the first part of September each year, the Company recognizes the majority of its revenues in the third and fourth quarters of each fiscal year ending on February 28th."

Mr. Thomsen also stated that, "Due primarily to the net loss reported in fiscal 2009, which was the result of a major decrease in grape production in the Company's vineyards, and the losses for the first six months of fiscal 2010, the Company is currently in non-compliance of certain of its financial covenants under the terms of its bank loans. The Company is in the process of working with its bank to resolve this situation."

2009 Harvest

Mr. Scott Scheid, President and CEO, reported that the 2009 harvest will be complete by the end of this week. "Through this date we have harvested approximately 95% of our acreage, with average to above average yields in most of the varieties we have picked thus far."

Scheid Vineyards Inc. (www.scheidvineyards.com) operates approximately 5,300 acres of premium wine grape vineyards, primarily in Monterey County, California. The Company's state-of-the-art winery commenced operations in 2005 and has the capacity to process approximately 30,000 tons of grapes each harvest. The Company's primary business is producing wine grapes and converting them into high quality bulk wine for sale to other wineries. In addition, the Company produces ultra premium wine under the Scheid Vineyards label, which is sold through the Company's tasting rooms, wine club, and Monterey, California area retailers.

The Class A Common Stock of Scheid Vineyards is traded on the Pink Sheets Electric Quotation Service under the stock symbol SVIN. The "Pink Sheets" is a centralized quotation service that collects and publishes market maker quotes in real time, primarily through its website, www.pinksheets.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Statements of goals and strategies and words such as "plan", "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "objectives", "forecast", and "predict" and other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are included in accordance with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, or financial condition to be materially different from any results, performance, or financial condition suggested by the statements in this release.

                      SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                 UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2009 AND 2008
                  (amounts in thousands, except per share data)

                                     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended
                                          August 31,          August 31,
                                        --------------      --------------
                                        2009      2008      2009      2008
                                        ----      ----      ----      ----
    REVENUES:
      Bulk wine sales                   $288      $718    $4,207    $1,257
      Grape sales                          -       280        -        280
      Winery processing and other
       revenues                           90       375      387      1,028
      Vineyard management, services
       and other fees                    169       179      399        399
      Direct sales revenues              342       130      611        262
                                         ---       ---      ---        ---
        Total revenues                   889     1,682    5,604      3,226
    COST OF SALES                      3,072     1,597    6,636      2,960
                                       -----     -----    -----      -----
    GROSS PROFIT (LOSS)               (2,183)       85   (1,032)       266
      General and administrative
       expenses                        1,114     1,320    2,705      2,966
      Selling expenses                   453       494      922        806
      Interest expense                 1,018       770    1,951      1,648
      Market adjustment for
       interest rate swap               (101)      173      137       (773)
      Gain on sale of land and
       equipment                          (3)        -       (5)         -
                                         ---       ---      ---        ---
    LOSS BEFORE BENEFIT FROM INCOME
     TAXES                            (4,664)   (2,672)  (6,742)    (4,381)
    BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES          2,059     1,095    2,831      1,796
                                       -----     -----    -----      -----
    NET LOSS                         $(2,605)  $(1,577) $(3,911)   $(2,585)
                                     =======   =======  =======    =======

    NET LOSS PER SHARE:
       BASIC                          $(2.95)   $(1.57)  $(4.31)    $(2.56)
                                      ======    ======   ======     ======
       DILUTED                        $(2.95)   $(1.57)  $(4.31)    $(2.56)
                                      ======    ======   ======     ======

    WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
     OUTSTANDING:
       BASIC                             883     1,002      907      1,007
                                         ===     =====      ===      =====
       DILUTED                           883     1,002      907      1,007
                                         ===     =====      ===      =====


SOURCE Scheid Vineyards Inc.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. a leading natural and organic products company, today called upon all consumer packaged goods companies to adopt truth in labeling standards. These standards would clearly identify product benefits without masking product negatives by simply addressing actual ingredient and health benefits on packaging in a clear and consistent manner. Recent controversy over front-of-package labeling programs and practices has inspired Hain Celestial to assist consumers in making informed purchase decisions.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050324/NYTH131 )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091029/NY01384LOGO )

"We have long been troubled by packaging practices that lead consumers to believe that a product is healthful, when natural ingredients are just a very small percentage of the product and are accompanied by detrimental ones," stated Irwin D. Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. "For many years, we have advocated "A Healthy Way of Life(TM)" in which the enjoyment of food, including healthful snacking, can be managed without including harmful ingredients. It is time that the consumer packaged goods industry stops practices that create consumer confusion by front-labeling products as natural and healthful. Too often these products contain certain natural ingredients or nutrients, but then they also contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives as well as highly processed and refined ingredients, often only disclosed in the ingredient statement in small type on the package back. Misleading labeling also includes labeling a product as 'healthful' despite its containing high levels of sodium, fat and sugar. At Hain Celestial, our natural products contain only 100% natural ingredients, as we continuously work with our nutritionists to improve the nutritional quality of Hain Celestial products across our portfolio," he continued.

Hain Celestial has published a guide to understanding "The 'ABCs' of Natural", which is available at www.ahealthywayoflife.com. The Company calls to action all consumer packaged goods companies to adopt standards for natural and healthful products that use a similar model to the National Organic Program ("NOP") standards published by the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA"). These standards require any product to be at least 95% organic before stating it is organic, and that the remaining ingredients to only be taken from the NOP approved list. Hain Celestial offers over 1,400 organic products that already meet these labeling requirements. Natural claims on products should follow suit.

"With 'natural' being the second most widely used claim on new products introduced in 2008 in the U.S. according to Mintel, and additional labeling programs being used to identify products with healthy attributes, it is time for companies to restrict the use of natural claims and accompany them with meaningful nutritional information that is consistent. We applaud the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (the "FDA") efforts to review these practices. However, we urge the FDA to not only consider sugar, sodium and fat claims, but to also look at the character of the products and their ingredients. In addition to the quality of ingredients, it is the overall labeling practices themselves which require scrutiny," concluded Irwin Simon.

For more information on the ABCs of natural ingredients and nutrition, visit www.ahealthywayoflife.com. For more information on Hain Celestial, visit www.hain-celestial.com.

The Hain Celestial Group

The Hain Celestial Group (Nasdaq: HAIN), headquartered in Melville, NY, is a leading natural and organic products company in North America and Europe. Hain Celestial participates in most natural categories with well-known brands that include Celestial Seasonings®, Earth's Best®, Terra®, Garden of Eatin'®, Health Valley®, Arrowhead Mills®, MaraNatha®, SunSpire®, DeBoles®, Gluten Free Cafe(TM), Hain Pure Foods®, Hollywood®, Spectrum Naturals®, Spectrum Essentials®, Walnut Acres Organic®, Imagine®, Rice Dream®, Soy Dream®, Rosetto®, Ethnic Gourmet®, WestSoy®, Yves Veggie Cuisine®, Granose®, Realeat®, Linda McCartney®, Daily Bread(TM), Lima®, Natumi®, JASON®, Zia® Natural Skincare, Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica®, Tushies® and TenderCare®. Hain Celestial has been providing "A Healthy Way of Life(TM)" since 1993. For more information, visit www.hain-celestial.com.

SOURCE The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

BAA, developer of the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), is pleased to announce the arrival of Charter One as the airport's new ATM provider. Starting on October 28, 2009, Charter One began offering access to 11 ATMs at CLE and one at Burke Lakefront Airport. Charter One replaces US Bank as the principal ATM provider at both airports.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090304/NE78862LOGO )

"Charter One is a recognized and trusted financial institution in Ohio, and BAA Cleveland is happy to welcome the bank to the airport," said Tina LaForte, vice president of BAA Cleveland. "Moreover, the new ATMs will be more strategically located throughout the terminal at CLE, offering added convenience to travelers who need access to their bank accounts."

"The new ATM program with Charter One will contribute to accomplishing one of the airport's main goals with the new concessions program - an enhanced passenger experience," added Airport Director Ricky Smith.

The City of Cleveland forged a 10-year contract with BAA Cleveland in February 2008 to develop and manage concessions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). The city anticipates the AIRMALL® will double the current participation rate of local and minority-owned companies, double the number of concession jobs, and double retail sales figures during the next decade. When complete, the AIRMALL® at CLE will occupy 76,000 square feet of retail space.

About BAA Cleveland

BAA Cleveland, Inc. is the developer and manager of the retail and concessions program at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). In 2008, BAA entered into a ten-year contract with the City of Cleveland to transform the retail, food and beverage concessions into the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, a strategic combination of well-known national brands and high-quality local concepts offered at "Regular Mall Prices...Guaranteed." BAA Cleveland is a project of BAA USA, the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at the AIRMALLs® at Pittsburgh International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport (Terminals B and E). BAA USA is an affiliate of BAA Limited, the world's leading airport company, which owns and operates seven UK airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Southampton, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow). For more information, visit www.airmall.com or www.baausa.com.

    Contact: Jeff Donaldson
    412-642-7700
    jeff.donaldson@elias-savion.com

SOURCE BAA Cleveland

After being live in the iTunes App Store for just three months, the Pizza Hut App for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch has garnered more than one million dollars in sales. As the featured icon in the iTunes Lifestyle Category, the App is a proven option for customers seeking an innovative way to order their pizza, pasta, and wings from Pizza Hut.

"We are very excited to see our customers respond so positively to our Pizza Hut App," said Brian Niccol, Pizza Hut CMO. "Reaching one million dollars in sales with the App emphasizes the value of ordering innovation to our customers and how important it is for Pizza Hut to continue to create successful new ways to engage with them."

Pizza Hut is the first national pizza chain to introduce an ordering App for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch, and is quickly approaching one million downloads. A leader in App design, this year, the Pizza Hut App was the winner of an OMMA award, and a finalist for one MOBI award and two MMA awards.

The Pizza Hut App is a convenient and entertaining way to order from Pizza Hut. It uses innovative iPhone and iPod touch features including the Multi-touch user interface and accelerometer to make ordering each individual menu item a fun and customized experience:

  • When ordering pizzas, users virtually build their own pizza by choosing a type of crust in the scroll wheel, "pinching" to select size, and dragging-and-dropping toppings onto the pizza, all with visual confirmation. If an overeager pizza customer adds too many toppings, the pizza explodes and toppings go flying across the screen with an alert to make their pizza happier with fewer toppings.
  • The section used to order WingStreet(R) wings starts with a bowl of wings that changes as users choose the type of wings they want. Next they select a sauce and are prompted to "sauce their wings" by shaking their iPhone or iPod touch until the wings are covered. Shake too long and the sauce flies across the screen. As with the pizza ordering, customers finish with a representation of the wings order.
  • The App has a virtual waiter on call to take your Tuscani Pastas order. You can select from four delicious varieties including Meaty Marinara, Creamy Chicken Alfredo, Premium Bacon Mac 'N Cheese and Lasagna.

Pizza Hut also has given consumers a way to pass the time as they wait for their order with a game called Pizza Hut Racer, in which users are challenged to deliver a pizza quickly while avoiding obstacles in the road. The pizza delivery car speeds up or slows down depending upon the angle of the device, and vibrations and beeps alert users when the driver hits the curb or runs into obstacles. Each time a user orders using the App they get 20% off their entire order.

The Pizza Hut App is available from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore, and a video demoing the application's features and functionality can be found at pizzahut.com/iphone. For more information on Pizza Hut, log on to pizzahut.com or interact with Pizza Hut at facebook.com/pizzahut and twitter.com/pizzahut.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America's Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas and today operates more than 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what's new at Pizza Hut visit pizzahut.com.

    Media Contacts:

    Chris Fuller
    Pizza Hut PR
    pr@pizzahut.com

SOURCE Pizza Hut

Life Extension® the global authority on nutrition, health and wellness, as well as a provider of scientific information on anti-aging supplements and therapies, has introduced Glutathione, Cysteine & C product formulated with 50 mg of Setria® Glutathione from Kyowa Hakko USA.

Glutathione, Cysteine & C is available from Life Extension® in 100 count bottles at http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/Item00113/Glutathione-Cysteine-and-C.html.

Glutathione (gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) is a peptide-like (short-protein) molecule synthesized in the body from the three amino acids: L-glutamic acid, L-cysteine and glycine. Glutathione is one of the body's most important and powerful antioxidants helping to detoxify xenobiotics. A major function of vitamin C is to keep glutathione in its reduced form so it can continue to provide free radical-quenching affects.

L-cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid, one of only three sulfur-containing amino acids, the others being taurine (which can be produced from L-cysteine) and L-methionine from which L-cysteine can be produced in the body by a multi-step process. Cysteine plays a role in the sulfation cycle, acting as a sulfur donor in phase II detoxification and as a methyl donor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Cysteine also helps synthesize glutathione, one of the body's most important natural detoxifiers.

Kyowa Hakko USA, with offices located in New York and California, offers manufacturers and formulators one of the industry's most extensive lines of over 50 amino acids and related compounds, including D-Amino acids and branched-chain amino acids, as well as nucleic acids, bio-products and fine chemicals. The vast majority of products are Kosher with the "Circle K" approval.

In addition to Setria® Glutathione, Kyowa Hakko USA also offers an array of branded ingredients including Cognizin® Citicoline, Hydrafend(TM) Hyaluronic Acid, Kyowa CoQ10®, Lumistor® L-Hydroxyproline, Pantesin® Pantethine and Sustamine(TM) L-Alanyl Glutamine.

Life Extension has been offering consumers unique, scientifically innovative nutraceuticals and supplements for over 29 years. They are a pioneer in the nutraceutical field and a respected leader offering innovative products based on research and science. The company's website is www.lef.org.

For more information about Setria® Glutathione visit www.SetriaGlutathione.com or call 212.319.5353.

SOURCE Kyowa Hakko USA

Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. (Nasdaq: PEET) today announced its third quarter 2009 results for the period ended September 27, 2009, which included 13 weeks.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070606/AQW139LOGO)

In this release, the company:

  • Reports third quarter diluted earnings per share of $0.19, an increase of 27% versus last year
  • Reports net revenue of $73.9 million, an increase of 8% versus last year
  • Raises guidance for diluted earnings per share expectations for the full year to $1.04 to $1.06, up from the previous range of $0.97 to $1.00
  • Gives guidance for 2010 of diluted earnings per share of $1.24 to $1.30.

For the 13 weeks ended September 27, 2009, net revenue increased 8% to $73.9 million from $68.5 million for the corresponding period last year.

Net income for the quarter was $2.5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to $2.0 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the corresponding period last year.

"I'm very pleased with our performance," said Patrick O'Dea, CEO and president of Peet's Coffee & Tea. "We are leveraging the significant past investments we've made in our people, direct store delivery (DSD) selling system, the new roasting facility and our store base to produce strong earnings growth. While continuing to grow the Peet's brand, we will add new growth initiatives, such as the current national launch of Godiva flavored coffees, that are consistent with our overall vision to be the leading premium specialty coffee company in all key consumer segments. This strategy should enable us to deliver strong profit growth into the future."

Financial and Operating Summary

Retail net revenue increased 4% to $47.9 million for the 13 weeks ended September 27, 2009 from $45.9 million for the corresponding period last year. The increase was attributed to new retail stores opened in the last 12 months. The company opened three new retail locations in the quarter for a total of seven year to date. The company expects to open one additional store this year.

Specialty net revenue increased 15% to $26.0 million compared to $22.6 million for the corresponding period last year. Within the specialty business, grocery sales grew 24%, foodservice and office was up 13%, and home delivery sales were down 8% compared to the same period last year.

Cost of sales and related occupancy costs decreased as a percentage of net revenue to 46.4%, compared to 47.1% for the corresponding period last year. The decrease from last year was due to lower shipping costs, lower milk costs, effective cost controls in retail stores, and higher prices in retail, partially offset by higher coffee costs.

Operating expenses decreased as a percentage of net revenue to 35.3%, compared to 36.1% for the corresponding period last year. The decrease was primarily due to effective cost management in the retail business and the leveraging of both retail and grocery overhead costs.

General and administrative expenses increased to $5.8 million compared to $5.2 million for the same period last year driven primarily by higher payroll-related costs and higher professional service fees.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to $4.0 million compared to $3.2 million for the corresponding period last year. The increase was primarily due to the opening of 14 new retail stores in the last 12 months and the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system during the quarter.

Fiscal 2009 Full Year Outlook

Looking ahead, Peet's raised its earnings guidance for the year based on current results:

  • Diluted earnings per share are now expected to be in the $1.04 to $1.06 range for the 53 weeks ending January 3, 2010. This is an increase from prior guidance of $0.97 to $1.00
  • Fiscal 2009 net revenue growth is expected to be between 8% and 9% for the 53 weeks ending January 3, 2010.

Fiscal 2010 Outlook

Looking ahead, Peet's provided the following fiscal 2010 guidance:

  • Total net revenue is expected to grow 8% to 12% on a comparable 52 week basis
  • Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the $1.24 to $1.30 range which would translate to 20% to 25% growth on a comparable 52 week basis.

Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. Q3 2009 Conference Call

The company will host a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET on October 27, 2009, which can be accessed by calling 1-877-397-0272. The call will be simultaneously webcast on Peet's Web site at www.peets.com.

A replay of the teleconference will be available from 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET on October 27, 2009 through 8:59 p.m. PT/11:59 p.m. ET on November 3, 2009, at 1-888-203-1112 or 1-719-457-0820, using access code 7832405. It will also be archived at http://investor.peets.com/medialist.cfm through October 27, 2010, at 8:59 p.m. PT/11:59 p.m. ET.

ABOUT PEET'S COFFEE & TEA, INC.

Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc., (PEET), is the premier specialty coffee and tea company in the United States. Founded in 1966 in Berkeley, California by Alfred Peet, an early tea authority who became widely recognized as the grandfather of specialty coffee in the U.S., Peet's offers superior quality coffees and teas in multiple forms, by sourcing the best quality coffee beans and tea leaves in the world, adhering to strict high quality and taste standards, and controlling product quality though its unique direct store delivery selling and merchandising system. Peet's is committed to strategically growing its business through many channels while maintaining the extraordinary quality of its coffees and teas. For more information about Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. visit www.peets.com.

This press release contains statements that are not based on historical fact and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements include statements relating to 2009 and 2010 forecasted net revenue and earnings per diluted share. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management, including financial and operational information, the company's stock price volatility, and current competitive conditions. As a result, these statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The company's actual results could differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, including the current recession and its ongoing negative impact on consumer spending, the company's ability to implement its business strategy, attract and retain customers, and obtain and expand its market presence in new geographic regions; the availability and cost of high quality Arabica coffee beans; consumers' tastes and preferences; complaints or claims by current, former or prospective employees or government agencies; and competition in its market as well as other risk factors as described more fully in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2008. These factors may not be exhaustive. The company operates in a continually changing business environment, and new risks emerge from time to time. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

                                  PEET'S COFFEE & TEA, INC.

                                 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (Unaudited, in thousands, except share amounts)

                                                   September 27,  December 28,
                                                        2009          2008
                                                        ----          ----

    ASSETS

    Current assets
      Cash and cash equivalents                      $16,966        $4,719
      Short-term marketable securities                 4,232         8,600
      Accounts receivable, net                        10,682        11,924
      Inventories                                     30,564        26,124
      Deferred income taxes - current                  2,907         2,922
      Prepaid expenses and other                       8,029         7,193
                                                       -----         -----
         Total current assets                         73,380        61,482

    Property, plant and equipment, net               106,900       107,914
    Deferred income taxes - non current                3,146         3,059
    Other assets, net                                  2,764         3,897
                                                       -----         -----

    Total assets                                    $186,190      $176,352
                                                    ========      ========

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Current liabilities
      Accounts payable and other accrued
       liabilities                                    $8,811        $9,858
      Accrued compensation and benefits                9,568         8,852
      Deferred revenue                                 4,759         6,350
                                                       -----         -----
         Total current liabilities                    23,138        25,060

    Deferred lease credits                             7,264         6,645
    Other long-term liabilities                          950           740
                                                         ---           ---
    Total liabilities                                 31,352        32,445

    Shareholders' equity
      Common stock, no par value; authorized
       50,000,000 shares;
       issued and outstanding: 12,983,000 and
       13,174,000 shares                              88,320        90,123
      Accumulated other comprehensive income           3,838            34
      Retained earnings                               62,680        53,750
                                                      ------        ------

         Total shareholders' equity                  154,838       143,907
                                                     -------       -------

    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity                                         $186,190      $176,352
                                                    ========      ========


                         PEET'S COFFEE & TEA, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
            (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)

                       Thirteen weeks ended        Thirty-nine weeks ended
                      September 27, September 28, September 27, September 28,
                            2009        2008         2009          2008
                            ----        ----         ----          ----

      Retail stores      $47,863     $45,911     $144,686      $136,829
      Specialty sales     26,042      22,575       74,889        68,847
                          ------      ------       ------        ------
    Net revenue           73,905      68,486      219,575       205,676

      Cost of sales
       and related
       occupancy
       expenses           34,291      32,249       99,812        96,478
      Operating
       expenses           26,052      24,715       76,804        72,934
      General and
       administrative
       expenses            5,770       5,237       17,782        16,233
      Depreciation and
       amortization
       expenses            3,962       3,150       11,200         9,395
                           -----       -----       ------         -----
    Total costs and
     expenses from
     operations           70,075      65,351      205,598       195,040
                          ------      ------      -------       -------

    Income from
     operations            3,830       3,135       13,977        10,636

    Interest
     (expense)
     income, net             (15)        130          111           636
                             ---         ---          ---           ---

    Income before
     income taxes          3,815       3,265       14,088        11,272

    Income tax
     provision             1,346       1,247        5,158         4,127
                           -----       -----        -----         -----

    Net income            $2,469      $2,018       $8,930        $7,145
                          ======      ======       ======        ======

    Net income per share:
         Basic             $0.19       $0.15        $0.69         $0.52
         Diluted           $0.19       $0.15        $0.67         $0.51

    Shares used in
     calculation of net
     income per share:
         Basic            12,976      13,603       12,977        13,825
         Diluted          13,343      13,899       13,267        14,111



                             PEET'S COFFEE & TEA, INC.

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (Unaudited, in thousands)


                                                     Thirty-nine weeks ended
                                                   September 27, September 28,
                                                   -------------  ------------
                                                        2009           2008
                                                        ----           ----

    Cash flows from operating activities:
      Net income                                        $8,930         $7,145
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
       provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation and amortization                   12,790         11,025
        Amortization of interest purchased                  36            157
        Stock-based compensation                         2,277          1,962
        Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock
         options                                          (275)          (384)
        Tax benefit from exercise of stock
         options                                           119            246
        Loss on disposition of assets and asset
         impairment                                        184            216
        Deferred income taxes                              (72)           366
      Changes in other assets and liabilities:
        Accounts receivable, net                         1,242         (1,355)
        Inventories                                     (4,440)        (5,215)
        Prepaid expenses and other current
         assets                                           (836)        (5,521)
        Other assets                                       185            (81)
        Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and
         deferred revenue                               (1,904)           872
        Deferred lease credits and other long-term
         liabilities                                       829          1,605
                                                           ---          -----
               Net cash provided by operating
                activities                              19,065         11,038
                                                        ------         ------

    Cash flows from investing activities:
      Purchases of property, plant and
       equipment                                       (11,908)       (20,430)
      Proceeds from sales of property, plant and
       equipment                                             -             67
      Changes in restricted investments                    878              -
      Proceeds from sales and maturities of
       marketable securities                             8,507          5,597
      Purchases of marketable securities                  (371)          (917)
                                                          ----           ----
               Net cash used in investing
                activities                              (2,894)       (15,683)
                                                        ------        -------

    Cash flows from financing activities:
      Net proceeds from issuance of common stock         2,365          2,855
      Purchase of common stock                          (6,564)       (10,017)
      Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock
       options                                             275            384
                                                           ---            ---
               Net cash used in financing
                activities                              (3,924)        (6,778)
                                                        ------         ------

    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
     equivalents                                        12,247        (11,423)
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
     period                                              4,719         15,312
                                                         -----         ------

    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period           $16,966         $3,889
                                                       =======         ======

    Non-cash investing activities:
               Capital expenditures incurred, but not yet
                paid                                      $716         $1,135
    Other cash flow information:
               Cash paid for income taxes                5,023          7,670



                                     SEGMENT REPORTING
                             (Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

                        Retail        Specialty     Unallocated   Total
                        ------        ---------     -----------   -----
                            Percent         Percent                   Percent
                             of Net         of Net                     of Net
                     Amount Revenue  Amount Revenue            Amount Revenue
                     ------ -------  ------ -------            ------  -------

    For the
     thirteen
     weeks ended
     September 27,
     2009
    Net
     revenue        $47,863 100.0%  $26,042 100.0%             $73,905 100.0%
    Cost of sales
     and occupancy   21,179  44.2%   13,112  50.3%              34,291  46.4%
    Operating
     expenses        20,488  42.8%    5,564  21.4%              26,052  35.3%
    Depreciation and
     amortization     2,907   6.1%      463   1.8%      $592     3,962  5.4%
    Segment
     operating
     income           3,289   6.9%    6,903  26.5%    (6,362)    3,830   5.2%

    For the
     thirteen
     weeks ended
     September 28,
     2008
    Net
     revenue        $45,911 100.0%  $22,575  00.0%             $68,486 100.0%
    Cost of sales
     and occupancy   21,130  46.0%   11,119  49.3%              32,249  47.1%
    Operating
     expenses        19,940  43.4%    4,775  21.2%              24,715  36.1%
    Depreciation and
     amortization     2,357   5.1%      372   1.6%      $421     3,150   4.6%
    Segment
     operating
     income           2,484   5.4%    6,309  27.9%    (5,658)    3,135   4.6%

    For the
     thirty-nine
     weeks
     ended
     September 27,
     2009
    Net
     revenue       $144,686 100.0%  $74,889 100.0%            $219,575 100.0%
    Cost of sales
     and occupancy   62,930  43.5%   36,882  49.2%              99,812  45.5%
    Operating
     expenses        60,417  41.8%   16,387  21.9%              76,804  35.0%
    Depreciation and
     amortization     8,449   5.8%    1,325   1.8%    $1,426    11,200   5.1%
    Segment
     operating
     income          12,890   8.9%   20,295  27.1%   (19,208)   13,977   6.4%

    For the
     thirty-nine
     weeks ended
     September 28,
     2008
    Net
     revenue       $136,829 100.0%  $68,847 100.0%            $205,676 100.0%
    Cost of sales
     and occupancy   62,191  45.5%   34,287  49.8%              96,478  46.9%
    Operating
     expenses        58,791  43.0%   14,143  20.5%              72,934  35.5%
    Depreciation and
     amortization     7,244   5.3%    1,029   1.5%    $1,122     9,395   4.6%
    Segment
     operating
     income           8,603   6.3%   19,388  28.2%   (17,355)   10,636   5.2%



SOURCE Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc.

Innova Nutrition announced today the launch of "DiabetEZE," an energy bar designed and developed for diabetics, but great for everyone.

"This bar was designed for diabetics, but is a fabulous protein bar for everyone," said Dr. Rick Posmantur, Vice President and Co-Founder of Innova Nutrition. "DiabetEZE is loaded with vitamins and minerals, has less sugar than other bars and tastes great."

Posmantur, a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist, wanted to develop a great tasting energy bar with pure natural ingredients that would be a healthy choice for his diabetic patients and others.

After extensively researching the most important vitamins and minerals for diabetics, Posmantur and his team came up with a high potency vitamin and mineral core for the bar. DiabetEZE is comprised of only 4 grams of sugar, 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and very high therapeutic levels of the most absorbable and bio-available forms of the 19 vitamins and minerals in the bar.

"Taste was very important as we developed this bar," Dr. Posmantur said. "We experimented with various chocolates before coming upon a sugar-free gourmet Belgian dark chocolate that tasted great when combined with our other ingredients."

It's this attention to detail that makes DiabetEZE such a smart choice for any diabetic or non-diabetic consumer looking for a meal replacement, a snack between meals or a healthy dessert.

The DiabetEZE bar was test marketed in 10 Northwest Costco stores and immediately began outselling the leading diabetic bar by a margin of two to one! The DiabetEZE team is also developing relationships with national pharmacy chains and diabetic product distributors, as well as working with diabetes associations, and diabetes educators who are sharing the good news about the DiabetEZE bar.

And the good news is spreading:

"I have type 2 diabetes that has gotten progressively out of control," said Lori-Jo Arens. "My doctor informed me now that my choices were to lose weight, eat healthy, or go on insulin."

Arens said one of her main problems has always been her love of chocolate. "I can eat it everyday and never be bored with it," Arens said. "Because of the sugar and carbohydrates in regular chocolate, this is not something I can eat every day, until now. I love the Diabeteze bar, I have never had a bar that is good for me and I can eat that tastes like the genuine thing. They really do fill me up and keep me satisfied. I have dropped 10 lbs in 6 weeks, my blood sugars are dropping and getting more in line. I tell everyone they should try the Diabeteze Bar, they will not be sorry!"

DiabetEZE is available at the following Northwest Costco locations:

Washington: Aurora Village, Bellingham, Covington, Everett, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, Issaquah, Kennewick, Kirkland, Marysville, Olympia, Puyallup, Seattle, Sequim, Silverdale, Spokane, Tacoma, Tukwila, Vancouver and Woodinville.

Oregon: Aloha, Clackamas, Hillsboro, Portland, Tigard, Wilsonville.

DiabetEZE costs $24.95 for a box of 12. To purchase DiabetEZE online go to: www.diabeteze.com.

For more information on DiabetEZE visit www.diabeteze.com.

Innova Nutrition was founded by Dr. Rick Posmantur, Riley Livingston and Dr. David Wood in 2007 and is based in Mill Creek, Washington. The company's mission is to provide an energy bar for diabetics, people wanting a healthy low sugar bar, children who want a great tasting snack, athletes, people on the go, and people trying to lose weight.

    For More Information:
    Bill Klaproth
    Next Level Agency
    1-847-749-1321
    bill@reachthenextlevel.com

SOURCE Innova Nutrition

Tallgrass Beef, a market leader in branded grass-fed beef production, will use DNA TraceBack® from IdentiGEN to provide a reliable and accurate traceability system so that every cut of Tallgrass beef can be traced back to the family farm where the animals were raised.

IdentiGEN's DNA TraceBack, which has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture's certification as a "Process Verified Program" (PVP), is a product verification system providing meat companies with a process to manage food safety and quality assurance. Tallgrass Beef packages at the retail meat case will carry IdentiGEN's DNA TraceBack seal, a guarantee to consumers that each cut came from Tallgrass' pasture-based, humane production and processing system.

Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless, winner of Bravo-TV's Top Chef Masters, and owner and Executive Chef of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo restaurants in Chicago, is a long-time Tallgrass Beef customer. "My reputation and that of my restaurants is on the line, which is why I am thrilled that now every cut of Tallgrass beef that reaches my kitchen is traceable back to the animal of origin," Bayless said. "Adding DNA TraceBack is the ultimate reassurance for me and my customers."

Tallgrass Beef is available on the West Coast in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. In the east, flagship customers include Fairway Markets in New York, Sunset Foods and Fox & Obel in Chicago, as well as Sendik's Food Markets in Milwaukee.

Kevin Kelly, meat manager at Sendik's Markets had praise for the verification system. "From a food safety standpoint, DNA TraceBack is extremely valuable to my department," he said. "For our customers, it provides 100 percent reassurance that this is a safe, wholesome product that is what it claims to be."

Bill Kurtis, founder of Tallgrass Beef, commented on the additional proof of authenticity. "I started Tallgrass Beef with the idea of raising cattle the way they should be. Including DNA TraceBack is the final step in the process. It is our assurance that we stand behind every piece of meat, and every product claim we make," Kurtis said. "Anyone can talk the talk. With DNA TraceBack, we are walking the walk."

All Tallgrass Beef comes from cattle derived from special genetic stock, raised by producers who strictly adhere to humane practices and the highest standards of husbandry. Tallgrass beef uses ultrasound technology to safely and humanely detect the right amount of marbling and muscle to produce the most tender, best-tasting beef, and it provides complete food chain traceability through IdentiGEN's DNA TraceBack.

The verification is welcomed by cattle ranchers as well. Allan Waddell, a rancher from Emelle, Alabama, said, "I am proud of my ranch and what I produce for Tallgrass Beef. That is why I believe DNA TraceBack is such a valuable tool. What I like about it is that it relies on the unique DNA of every animal, which is nature's bar code."

DNA TraceBack was developed in 1996 by a group of geneticists from Ireland's Trinity College. The system is widely used by European retailers, including Tesco, Superquinn and Dunnes Stores, to verify product authenticity and country of origin as well as manage food safety. The company now operates its North American headquarters in Lawrence, KS.

"There is a lot of marketing noise out there. The DNA claim cuts through that noise, and provides the ultimate proof of product integrity. Kudos to Tallgrass Beef for raising the bar," said IdentiGEN's Vice President for Sales, Tim Riemenschneider.

IdentiGEN's DNA TraceBack system is an approved USDA Process Verified Program (PVP). PVP designation signifies that the USDA has verified the IdentiGEN system as a consistently reliable program in which meat processors, meat producers, retailers and consumers can have confidence. There are currently 36 approved USDA Process Verified Programs. Additional information can be found at http://processverified.usda.gov/.

About Tallgrass Beef

Founded in 2005 by broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis, Tallgrass Beef Company is the industry leader in the production of grass-fed, grass-finished beef in the United States. After purchasing his 10,000 acre ranch near the town of Sedan, Kansas, Kurtis was compelled to find a sustainable method of raising cattle that was not only good for the environment, but also the animals themselves and the American food consumer. This was the genesis of Tallgrass Beef Company. Today Tallgrass Beef Company relies on a network of family farmers and ranchers across the United States that produce grass-fed, grass-finished cattle according to a strict set of protocols. These stringent standards ensure that food consumers are buying the safest, healthiest, most nutritious beef possible. Available online for consumer purchases, Tallgrass Beef is favored by consumers seeking a healthy, humane source of beef. Additional information about Tallgrass can be found at http://www.tallgrassbeef.com

About IdentiGEN

IdentiGEN Ltd., with its North American subsidiary IdentiGEN, Inc., is a privately-held, venture-backed company, and a leading provider of DNA-based solutions to the agriculture and food industries. The company was founded as a spin-out from the Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, where the company's core area of expertise -- genetic identification -- was developed and is now being deployed in a variety of ways to enhance consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food products. Through IdentiGEN's DNA-based TraceBack® system, retailers, meat processors, producers and local governments, for the first time, have the tools to unequivocally trace the identity of meat back to its source. Additional information about IdentiGEN can be found at http://www.identigen.com.

    For more information:
    Tallgrass Beef:                IdentiGEN/DNA TraceBack:
    Allen Williams                 Dave Juday
    (877) 822-8283                 202-251-6320
    awilliams@tallgrassbeef.com    djuday@identigen.com

SOURCE Tallgrass Beef

Online emergency food and survival products supplier PrepareCo.com (www.PrepareCo.com) today opened its website to the public. The site specializes in long-term preparedness food storage and critical emergency equipment and supplies including solar ovens, portable generators, medical kits as well as water storage and purification. Food options include freeze dry, dehydrated and bulk foods which can be stored for up to 30 years.

A key feature of the site is a tool that helps both sophisticated and unsophisticated buyers quickly recognize what supplies are needed in order to sustain during extended periods of stressful and challenging living conditions, e.g. during pandemics, hurricanes, natural and man-made disasters. PrepareCo.com's exclusive food calculator tells buyers how much of what kinds of foods to consider, along with their calorie levels, number of servings, average shelf life and required storage space. Buyers can then adjust the optimum recommendation to best match their taste and budget. The calculator takes into account the number of people being covered and the desired period of sustainment.

"We are very concerned by the general sense of individual complacency and 100% dependence on local emergency services," said PrepareCo.com founder Aaron Hawkins. "During any natural or man-made disaster emergency services are taxed. Food, water, medical supplies, power and much more will be in short supply. We're endorsing a sense of personal responsibility. Families should not be put in a position of saying 'I wish I would have... This is not extreme it is social prudence!"

"We live in a reaction-based society," says Hawkins. "With our current H1N1 virus situation it doesn't take much imagination to see how something, that even with months of advance warning, could paralyze our society. Just think if something of similar magnitude hit without warning."

"Preparedness through PrepareCo.com is a responsible approach to sustaining your family or business," Hawkins noted.

PrepareCo.com is the online division of CECURUS (www.CECURUS.com), an emergency preparedness consulting business, including sub-surface shelters, which caters to the needs of high net-worth families and their associated businesses/enterprises.

SOURCE PrepareCo.com

Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue.

Reportlinker Adds Drinks Market 2009

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0155748/Reportlinker-Adds-Drinks-Market-2009.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=prnewswire

The UK drinks market is forecast by Key Note to be worth pounds Sterling 58.3bn in 2009, accounting for approximately 6% of total consumer spending. Alcohol isforecast to account for just under three-quarters of the market in 2009, with soft drinks worth pounds 12.98bn and hot drinks pounds 3.4bn.

Beer is the leading alcoholic drink although its share of the total spent onalcohol is down from 50% to 42.9% in this decade. Wine is still the fastestgrowing major alcohol category. A consumer survey for UK Drinks found that adults named white, red and rose wines among their five 'favourite' alcoholic drinks, along with lager and vodka.

Spirits (and liqueurs) are stable in value while cider has been the fast riser of the decade, doubling from pounds 1.2bn to pounds 2.4bn. This is principally down to the fashion for 'over-ice' cider, spearheaded by the imported Irish brand, Magners. The rise of Magners typifies the fashion-influenced aspect of the UK market where young drinkers are adventurous, although many other drinks sectors are noted for their conservative nature (e.g. some spirits, such as Cognac, or fortified wines, such as sherry and port).

Another unusual aspect of the over-ice boom is that it was started by a new brand, whereas most drinks markets feature one or two extremely dominant brands. Some of these -- Smirnoff in vodka, Coca-Cola in carbonated softdrinks, Red Bull in energy drinks, Nescafe in instant coffee -- are powerful enough to influence the direction of the whole market sector.

Evidence of the power of these brands comes from Key Note's consumer research in 2009, which found that 55% of adults drink Coca-Cola regularly, 55% drink Robinsons squash, 51% drink Nescafe and 45% drink Tetley tea.The UK's largest indigenous drinks companies include Diageo, the world leader in spirits (also a major in beer, with Guinness, and in wines, with names such as Blossom Hill) and Unilever, the world's largest tea company. However, globalisation is the trend and foreign multinationals are omni-present inmost drinks markets including coffee (Nestle, Starbucks), beer (Heineken and Carlsberg) and even Scotch whisky production (Pernod Ricard of France).

The author is forecasting very slow growth for drinks as a whole in the 5 years to 2014. In addition to the slow climb out of recession, problems will include possible restrictions on alcohol marketing, downward pricing pressures, the healthy living movement and, generally, saturation in many drinks markets after years of growth and experimentation. Despite these negative concerns, the diversity of the drinks market remains its strength, encouraging innovation and new entrants.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

1. Industry Overview

Report Coverage

Report Background

Economic Trends

Population

Table.1: Uk Resident Population Estimates By Sex

Gross Domestic Product

Table.2: Uk Gross Domestic Product At Current And

Inflation

Table.3: Uk Rate Of Inflation (%),-

Unemployment

Table.4: Actual Number Of Unemployed Persons

Market Size

Table.5: The Total Uk Drinks Market By Sector By Value

Market Segmentation

Table.6: Segments Of The Drinks Market By Key Brands,

Industry Structure

Concentration

Number Of Uk Businesses

Employment

Distribution

Market Position

Key Trends

Legislation

Key Trade Associations

2. Pest Analysis

Political Factors

Economic Factors

Social Factors

Technological Factors

3. Key Note Primary Research

Favourite Types Of Alcoholic Drink

Table.1: Favourite Drinks Among Those Who Drink Alcohol

Top Drinks Brands

Table.2: Penetration Of Selected Drinks Brands Consumed

Other Primary Key Note Drinks Research

Table.3: Attitudes Towards Alcohol (% Of Respondents),

4. Competitive Structure

The Marketplace

Historical Background

Distribution Changes

Globalisation And Consolidation

Market Leaders

Table.1: Leading Drinks Suppliers And Selected Brands

Ab Inbev

Company History

Current Structure

Financial Results

Britvic Plc

Company History

Current Structure

Financial Results

Carlsberg Uk

Company History

Current Structure

Financial Results

Coca-cola Enterprises Ltd (`cce')

Company History

Current Structure

Financial Results

Constellation Brands Inc

Company History

Current Structure

Financial Results

Diageo Plc

Company History

Current Structure

Financial Results

Heineken/scottish & Newcastle

Company History And Structure: Heineken

Company History And Structure: Scottish & Newcastle

Financial Results

Molson Coors

Company History

Current Structure

Financial Results

Company History And Structure

Financial Results

Pernod Ricard

Company History

Current Structure

Financial Results

Other Companies

Spirits And Liqueurs

Other Alcohol

Soft Drinks

Hot Drinks

Marketing Activity

Main Media Advertising

Table.2: Largest Media Campaigns By Brand (pounds m),

Other Marketing

5. Beer

Introduction

Key Trends

Market Size

Table.1: The Total Beer Market By Value And Volume

Market Sectors And Key Brands

Table.2: Key Beer Brands By Market Sector,

Supply Structure

Table.3: Market Shares In Uk Brewing By Value (%),

Distribution

Trade Organisations

Major Players

Heineken/s&n

Ab Inbev

Molson Coors Brewing

Carlsberg

Other Companies

Marketing Activity

Table.4: Leading Beer Brands Advertised In The Main Media (pounds 000), Year To June

Buying Behaviour

Consumer Penetration

Table.5: Penetration Of Beer By Type And Packaging

Demographic Differences

Table.6: Lager Drinkers By Gender, Age, Gender, Social Grade And Region (% Of Adults),

Table.7 Dark Beer Drinkers By Gender, Age, Social Grade And Region (% Of Adults+),

Forecasts

Table.8: The Forecast Uk Market For Beer By Value (pounds m At Rsp),

6. Wine

Introduction

Key Trends

Market Size

Table.1: The Total Market For Wine By Value And Volume

Market Sectors And Key Brands

Table.2: Types Of Wine Bought By Gender (% Of Adults),

Table.3: Leading Brands/named Wines In The Uk,

Supply Structure

Imports By Country

Table.4: Wines Bought By Country Of Origin (% Of Adults),

Corporate Suppliers

Distribution Structure

Trade Organisations

Major Players

Countries Of Origin

Australia

Other Countries

Major Corporate Suppliers

Constellation Europe Ltd

Diageo Plc

Pernod Ricard Uk Ltd

Other Companies

Marketing Activity

Table.5: Main Media Advertising Of Wine (pounds 000),

Buying Behaviour

Consumer Penetration

Table.6: Drinkers Of Bottled Table Wine By Amount Consumed (% Of Adults),-

Demographic Differences

Table.7: Main Types Of Wine Ever Bought By Sex,

Forecasts

Table.8: The Forecast Uk Market For Wine By Value

7. Spirits And Liqueurs

Introduction

Key Trends

Market Size

Table.1: The Uk Market For Spirits And Liqueurs By Value

Market Sectors And Key Brands

Table.2: Sectors Of The Spirits And Liqueurs Market By Value (pounds m At Rsp And %), Forecasts

Table.3: Key Brands In Spirits And Liqueurs By Sector,

Supply Structure

Distribution Structure

Trade Organisations

Major Players

Marketing Activity

Table.4: Main Media Advertising Of Spirits And Liqueurs

Buying Behaviour

Consumer Penetration

Table.5: Drinkers Of All Spirits And Liqueurs

Table.6: Drinkers Of Major Spirits And Liqueurs By Sex, Age And Social Grade (% Of Adults),

Table.7: Drinkers Of Liqueurs And Minor Spirits By Sex,

Forecasts

Table.8: The Forecast Uk Market For Spirits And Liqueurs By Value (pounds m At Rsp),-

8. Cider, Rtd, Fortified Wines And Other Alcohol

Introduction

Key Trends

Market Size

Table.1: The Uk Market For Cider And Other Alcohol By Sector By Value (pounds m At Rsp),-

Market Sectors And Key Brands

Table.2: Key Cider And Other Alcohol Brands

Other Alcohol

Supply Structure

Cider, Alcopops And Rtd

Fortified Wines And Other Alcohol

Distribution

Trade Organisations

Major Players

Marketing Activity

Table.3: Main Media Advertising Of Cider And Perry, Rtd, Fortified Wines And Other Alcohol (pounds 000), Year To June

Buying Behaviour

Consumer Penetration

Demographic Differences

Table.4: Cider, Rtd And Vermouth Drinkers By Gender, Age, Social Grade And Region (% Of Adults),

Forecasts

Table.5: The Forecast Uk Market For Cider, Rtd, Fortified Wines And Other Alcohol By Value (pounds m At Rsp),-

9. Soft Drinks

Introduction

Key Trends

Market Size

Table.1: The Uk Market For Soft Drinks By Value And Volume (pounds m At Rsp And Million Tonnes),-

Market Sectors And Key Brands

Table.2: The Uk Market For Soft Drinks By Sector By Value

Table.3: Key Brands In Soft Drinks By Sector,

Fruit Carbonates

Other Carbonates, Adult And Sports/energy

Fruit Juice

Fruit Drinks

Bottled Water

Dilutables

Supply Structure

Distribution Structure

Trade Organisations

Major Players

Other Companies

Marketing Activity

Table.4: Main Media Advertising Of Carbonated Soft Drinks? By Brand (pounds 000), Year To June

Table.5: Main Media Advertising Of Other Soft Drinks

Buying Behaviour

Table.6: Adult Consumers Of Soft Drinks (% Of Adults),

Forecasts

Table.7: The Forecast Uk Market For Soft Drinks By Value

10. Hot Drinks

Introduction

Key Trends

Market Size

Table.1: The Uk Market For Hot Drinks By Value By Type And Channel (pounds m At Rsp),-

Market Sectors And Key Brands

Table.2: Key Hot Drinks Brands By Market Sector,

Other Hot Drinks

Supply Structure

Distribution Structure

Trade Organisations

Major Players

Marketing Activity

Table.3: Main Media Advertising Expenditure On Hot Drinks By Type And By Brand (pounds 000), Year To June

Buying Behaviour

Consumer Penetration

Demographic Differences

Table.4: Usage Of Hot Drinks By Type By Sex, Age

Forecasts

Table.5: The Forecast Uk Hot Drinks Market By Sector By Value (pounds m At Rsp),-

11. A Global Perspective

Domestic Preferences

Uk Products Abroad

Table.1: Exports Of Scotch Whisky By Destination By Value (pounds m And %),-

Drinks Multinationals

International Economic Trends

12. The Future

Forecast Economic Trends

Population

Table.1: Forecast Uk Resident Population By Sex

Gross Domestic Product

Table.2: Forecast Uk Growth In Gross Domestic Product

Inflation

Table.3: Forecast Uk Rate Of Inflation (%),-

Unemployment

Table.4: Forecast Actual Number Of Unemployed Persons

Forecasts-

Table.5: The Forecast Total Uk Drinks Market

Market Growth

Figure.1: Forecast Growth In The Total Uk Drinks Market (pounds m At Rsp),-

Future Trends

13. Further Sources

Associations

General Sources

Government Sources

Key Note Sources

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SOURCE Reportlinker

Luby's, Inc. (NYSE: LUB) today announced details of its Thanksgiving offerings, designed to give its customers a stress-free holiday season by providing their complete Thanksgiving meal to-go for home or office celebrations. Luby's is also offering a traditional Thanksgiving Day dine-in special at all of its locations.

Home Celebrations

Luby's provides an easy and delicious solution to the traditional holiday meal for families who want to spend more time together this Thanksgiving. Whether serving four or forty, Luby's has four specialized holiday packages to choose from, including the traditional whole roasted turkey, spiral sliced ham, or roasted prime rib. Each Holiday Package comes loaded with traditional Thanksgiving trimmings, such as, corn bread dressing, giblet gravy and cranberry sauce as well as our famous pecan or pumpkin pies. In addition, Luby's famous sides are available a la carte by the quart. Whole turkeys, spiral sliced hams, sliced meats by the pound, and Luby's mouth-watering desserts are also available a la carte. Each package comes fully cooked, ready to heat and serve.

This year, Luby's has lowered all prices due to the tough economic conditions, and packages start as low as $44.99 for six people. Holiday sides and fresh salads are only $7.99 per quart, and homemade desserts start at only $14.99.

"For many families, Thanksgiving in Texas means Luby's," said Chris Pappas, CEO of Luby's. "Each Thanksgiving season, Luby's serves over a quarter-of-a-million pounds of turkey, one-hundred thousand quarts of corn bread dressing, and over eighty-thousand pumpkin and pecan pies.

"We are excited to serve our customers as they celebrate Thanksgiving and hope that our new lower prices will enable our customers to enjoy our delicious feasts to-go and have a stress-free holiday. We offer a wide selection of made-from-scratch Holiday Packages, created to enrich holiday gatherings, both large and small. Luby's encourages customers to call and place their order soon, as quantities are limited."

Office Celebrations

For office celebrations or social gatherings, Luby's offers three delicious selections starting at just $5.99 per person, with all meals coming ready-to-serve. Guests can customize their meal for any size event by choosing from sliced, roasted turkey breast and/or sliced baked ham and an array of Luby's famous holiday sides.

Thanksgiving Day Special

Luby's customers who want the ease of enjoying Thanksgiving Day with neither the preparation nor the cleanup can visit any Luby's location for a delicious and traditional Thanksgiving meal. All Luby's locations will be open and feature a dine-in special of sliced turkey or ham, corn bread dressing, giblet gravy, two sides, a fresh roll, and a holiday dessert for only $11.99.

Customers interested in ordering a home or office package should call 1-877-GO LUBYS (1-877-465-8297) or order on-line at www.lubys.com. Specific pricing, ordering, and other details are available at every Luby's location or online.

About Luby's

Luby's operates 96 restaurants in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, and other locations throughout Texas and other states. Luby's provides its customers with quality home-style food, value pricing, and outstanding customer service.

For more information about Luby's, visit the Company's website at www.lubys.com.

The company wishes to caution readers that various factors could cause its actual financial and operational results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made from time to time in news releases, reports, proxy statements, registration statements, and other written communications, as well as oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the company. Except for historical information, matters discussed in such oral and written communications are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to general business conditions, the impact of competition, the success of operating initiatives, changes in the cost and supply of food and labor, the seasonality of the company's business, taxes, inflation, governmental regulations, and the availability of credit, as well as other risks and uncertainties disclosed in periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.

    CONTACT: Laurie Shults, 713-329-6808
             ljhoffmann@lubys.com

SOURCE Luby's, Inc.

Wilton Brands Inc. ("Wilton" or "the Company") today announced that Richard Conti has resigned as CEO, effective October 31, 2009. Jerry W. Levin, the Company's current Chairman, will serve as Interim CEO until a permanent replacement has been identified.

"The Board and I both feel that Wilton's new owners should have the opportunity to establish new CEO leadership for the Company," commented Mr. Conti. "I've enjoyed my time with Wilton and wish everyone continued success."

Mr. Levin commented: "I want to thank Rich for his hard work and dedication to Wilton and wish him the very best. We are beginning a search for his replacement immediately and an executive search firm has been retained. I would like to assure our employees, customers and vendors that we will not miss a beat in this interim period and will continue our leadership in creativity, innovation and dedication to customer service in the craft industry."

As previously announced on October 12, Wilton's parent company, Wilton Holdings Inc., and its subsidiaries consummated an agreement with their largest creditors, affiliates of TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, to recapitalize Wilton Holdings. The recapitalization provides Wilton Holdings with an improved capital structure, a reduced debt burden, the ability to continue delivering great products and quality service to customers every day, and the opportunity to focus on growth over the long term. As a result of this agreement, affiliates of TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas are the new majority owners of Wilton Holdings.

About Wilton Brands Inc.

Wilton Brands Inc. ("Wilton"), based in Woodridge, Illinois, has united multiple creative consumer products companies to produce a market leader with a strategic focus on product innovation and quality. Wilton's product portfolio includes food crafting, scrapbooking, and other craft products. Wilton has the number one position in cake decorating, bakeware and tea kettles. It offers the industry's most comprehensive and innovative selection of baking, cake decorating, candy making, cookie making, wedding and seasonal products. In addition, the company is the leader in scrapbooking as well as a marketer of some of the craft industry's most respected brands of embellishments, stickers, and punches through the E K Success and K & Company product lines. The company also launched the Martha Stewart Crafts line in May 2007. More information can be found at www.wilton.com.

    Media Inquiries
    Steve Lipin / Gemma Hart
    Phone: (212) 333-3810
    Email: slipin@brunswickgroup.com OR ghart@brunswickgroup.com

SOURCE Wilton Brands Inc.

The Smart Choices Program announced today that it will voluntarily postpone active operations and not encourage wider use of the logo at this time by either new or currently enrolled companies.

This move follows an announcement by FDA Commissioner, Margaret Hamburg, M.D. on Oct. 20, 2009 which said that the agency intends to develop standardized criteria on which future front-of-package nutrition or shelf labeling will be based. In a letter captioned, "Guidance for Industry" and posted on its website, the FDA stated: "We want to work with the food industry retailers and manufacturers alike as well as nutrition and design experts and the Institute of Medicine, to develop an optimal, common approach to nutrition-related FOP... that all Americans can trust and use to build better diets and improve their health."

"We welcome the FDA's interest in developing uniform front-of-package and shelf-labeling criteria," said Mike Hughes, chair, Smart Choices Program and vice president for science and public policy at the Keystone Center. "The Smart Choices Program shares that exact goal, and was designed to provide a voluntary front-of-package labeling program that could promote informed food choices and help consumers construct healthier diets. We continue to believe the Smart Choices Program is an important step in the right direction."

The Smart Choices Program will also continue to work with those who have an interest in front-of-package labeling, such as Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who has asked for information about the development of the program, which the group is providing.

The Smart Choices Program was developed, in part, to respond to earlier governmental calls for a more uniform, voluntary, front-of-package labeling program.

"Our nutrition criteria are based on sound, consensus science," said Hughes. "But with the FDA's announcement this week that they will be addressing both on front-of- package and on-shelf systems, and that uniform criteria may follow, it is more appropriate to postpone active operations and channel our information and learnings to the agency to support their initiative."

"The Smart Choices Program stands ready to work with and support the FDA, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Institute of Medicine in this effort," he added.

The Smart Choices Program was developed during an open and lengthy collaborative process by a diverse coalition of scientists, nutritionists, public health and public interest organizations and food industry leaders. The program's nutritional criteria are based on the U.S. government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the labels comply with all U.S. laws and regulations.

For additional information on the Smart Choices Program, visit www.smartchoicesprogram.com.

SOURCE Smart Choices Program

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation is sharing its legendary treats at a second Raleigh location, a new Neighborhood Shop, beginning Saturday, October 24, at 11 a.m.

The new Neighborhood Shop in City Plaza is located in a pavilion on Fayetteville Street, and will open in conjunction with Raleigh's new City Plaza--a public gathering space that includes open seating, interactive water fountains and LED art panels, granite chess tables and art space. Raleigh Wide Open, a festival featuring live music, food and art vendors, a kids zone, street performers and fireworks, will also be underway.

Following the opening of City Plaza at 11 a.m., the greater Triangle community is invited to be among the first customers at the new shop for a chance to win great prizes. Select prizes include: one free dozen Original Glazed® doughnuts every week for a year; one free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts every month for a year; a Krispy Kreme travel mug with a coupon for a free medium coffee, and an official Krispy Kreme Raleigh T-shirt. Free samples of Kool Kreme® soft serve and other Krispy Kreme treats will be available throughout the day.

The 900-square-foot store will feature Krispy Kreme's unique offerings, including its one-of-a-kind doughnut varieties, signature coffees and espresso drinks, Krispy Kreme Chillers® and iced beverages. The new Neighborhood Shop will also be the second store in Wake County to offer Krispy Kreme's Kool Kreme soft serve menu. Offered in Very Vanilla and Deep Chocolate, Kool Kreme soft serve is available in traditional cones, shakes and sundaes, all paired with a toppings bar.

"We are thrilled to be expanding our presence in the Triangle and excited to be a part of the thriving development underway in downtown Raleigh, especially the new City Plaza," said Cindy Bay, senior vice president of company store operations for Krispy Kreme. "We recently opened a Neighborhood Shop in Knightdale, and are excited to continue building our relationship with the Raleigh community at our newest location."

A ribbon cutting ceremony on October 23, at 12:40 p.m., will feature Krispy Kreme executives, including Cindy Bay, senior vice president of company store operations; Steve Wymer, market manager for North Carolina and the City of Raleigh officials.

Additionally, a Coffee and Kreme social will be held at the shop on Wednesday, October 28, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Customers will get the chance to sample Krispy Kreme's specialty products.

The downtown Raleigh Krispy Kreme Neighborhood Shop is located at 442 Fayetteville Street in the City Plaza, with hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Saturday.

For updates on special promotions, exclusive offers and local events, join "Friends of Krispy Kreme" by visiting www.KrispyKreme.com.

About Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is an international retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature hot Original Glazed® doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Krispy Kreme is proud of its Fundraising program, which for decades has helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds. Today, Krispy Kreme can be found in approximately 530 locations around the world. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Visit us at www.KrispyKreme.com

SOURCE Krispy Kreme

The International Dairy Foods Association applauded Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the Obama Administration for highlighting the importance of offering more low fat milk and dairy products in schools. This was prominently featured in his commitment to improve the quality of school meals, one of the top priorities that the Secretary announced today as he outlined the Obama Administration's agenda for Child Nutrition Act reauthorization.

"Kids are eating far too few low fat dairy products," said Vilsack. This is particularly important because the U.S. Department of Agriculture's school meal programs are often the only source of dairy products in many children's diet.

USDA data shows that per capita milk consumption has been falling for decades, and that this decline corresponds to the dramatic increase in per capita consumption of competing beverages among schoolchildren. The USDA also reports that the vast majority of children do not get the recommended amount of calcium. Only 5 percent of girls and 25 percent of boys aged 9 to 13 get the calcium they need.

"We value the exceptional leadership that Secretary Vilsack is providing to improve the health of our nation's children," said Connie Tipton, president and CEO of IDFA. "Milk is an excellent source of nine essential nutrients and vitamins; dairy foods are by far the most significant source of calcium in the U.S. food supply."

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that school age children ages 9 to 18 consume 3 servings a day of low fat or fat-free milk or dairy products including yogurt and cheese. However, most American children fail to meet the recommended dairy servings.

IDFA estimates that less than half of school age children are consuming milk, and the trend towards declining milk consumption continues through high school.

Earlier this week, USDA announced that it is expanding its Healthier US School Challenge. Originally established in 2004 to recognize elementary schools that are promoting good nutrition and physical activity, the Challenge program will now include middle and high schools.

Schools that participate in the Challenge program and meet requirements established by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service are awarded bronze, silver or gold star status for their accomplishments. Encouraging kids to drink more milk, both flavored and plain low fat and nonfat varieties, are key components in the participation requirements.

"Studies have found that children who have a choice of flavored milk, are more likely to meet their calcium needs without consuming more total fat and calories as compared with their peers that don't drink milk," said Tipton, and we are pleased that USDA recommends that schools offer children a wide variety of dairy products.

The program also requires schools to provide physical education and nutrition education and offers strategies for purchasing, preparing and serving meals consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. (See "Use Low-fat Milk, Cheese and Yogurt for Healthier School Meals" fact sheet for healthier schools meals.) http://www.teamnutrition.usda.gov/Resources/DGfactsheet_milk.pdf

For more details, visit the HealthierUS School Challenge Web page. http://www.teamnutrition.usda.gov/HealthierUS/index.html

SOURCE International Dairy Foods Association

Brooke Webb Masten, featured in Smart for Life broadcast advertising, has maintained her 105-pound weight loss and reached her 3-year milestone. She continues her success by eating Smart for Life cookies, shakes, soups and muffins as well as an exercise routine.

"Smart for Life has taught me to eat small, multiple meals in order to keep my metabolism at optimal levels," Masten explains. "I was a totally different person then. Now I have gained so much - my health, a new wardrobe, and an exercise routine I never would have attempted back then."

Smart for Life is a healthy lifestyle that has helped Masten and thousands of other clients keep the weight off and improve their health. Whether it is to prepare for an upcoming event or vacation, or knock down a few pounds during the holidays, Smart Cookies are ideal for losing and maintaining the weight, and even healthy snacking.

"Brooke and many other clients have shown that by eating small, multiple meals coupled with regular exercise, weight maintenance is achievable with minimal effort," states Dr. Sass (Sasson Moulavi, M.D.), Founder and Medical Director of Smart for Life as well as a board-certified bariatric physician. "Our Smart Foods are not only for an immediate solution, but work well for long-term maintenance. They are tools to achieve health and weight-loss goals that people are always searching for. One big problem is people gain back all the weight they lose. Smart for Life teaches that small, multiple meals and an exercise routine will go a long way to prevent this."

The Smart for Life Cookie Diet program consists of specially formulated foods made with all-natural, 60-percent organic ingredients, triple-filtered water and have functional FDA health claims. The delicious Smart for Life Diet cookies, muffins, shakes, soups and more are made without preservatives and toxins, and contain the nutrients necessary for a balanced meal replacement that help consumers lose weight quickly and safely.

ABOUT SMART FOR LIFE(TM)

Smart for Life Cookie Diet is a comprehensive weight management approach to health and wellness which utilizes natural, hunger-controlling foods to deliver visible results. The company was started by Sasson Moulavi, M.D., "Dr. Sass," on the principle of improving people's lives by providing a quick, safe, easy and affordable means of weight control. Smart for Life(TM)'s e-commerce program is the hallmark of the business, providing an accessible weight-loss management program to consumers across the country. In addition, over 30 weight-loss centers provide in-person counsel to consumers supporting the e-commerce program as well as the in-Center program. Please visit http:// href="http://www.smartforlife.com/">www.smartforlife.com or call 1.877.701.SASS.

    Contact:

    Lisa Goodman
    561-394-5300 ext. 202

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Smart for Life

In a teleconference call with the news media Friday morning, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack highlighted the administration's priorities for the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization, including opportunities to make progress on childhood hunger.

"President Obama has committed to ending child hunger by 2015. Secretary Vilsack has been charged with making that goal a reality, and the strategies he discussed today will put us on the right track," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. "Bread for the World shares many of the same priorities discussed today for improving access to child nutrition programs. We will work with Secretary Vilsack to strengthen these programs so that no child in America goes to bed hungry."

Among the administration's priorities, Sec. Vilsack specifically addressed the need to improve children's access to meals over the school summer break. He highlighted a provision included in the agriculture appropriations bill signed by the president on Wednesday that would study new methods of providing children with food in the summer.

"Child nutrition programs provide an immediate and direct way to reduce child hunger and improve health and educational outcomes. Yet these programs could do far more to reduce hunger simply by reaching more eligible kids," Rev. Beckmann said. "We applaud the administration's focus on improving program access and participation for eligible children so that more hungry children get the food they need."

Of the more than 18 million children receiving free or reduced-price lunches each school day, only 12 percent participate in summer food programs. "Improving access to food assistance in the summer is a top priority if we are to end child hunger," said Rev. Beckmann.

He added that another priority highlighted by Sec. Vilsack is strengthening direct certification provisions that automatically enroll eligible children in school meal programs. "The administration and Secretary Vilsack are taking the right approach by exploring such new and innovative strategies."

Earlier this week, Sec. Vilsack appeared at the White House with First Lady Michelle Obama at a "Healthy Kids Fair" focused on healthy eating and good nutrition for children, and Rev. Beckmann attended.

Bread for the World lists its priorities for child nutrition reauthorization on its website, at http://www.bread.org/learn/child-nutrition/legislative-priorities.html

Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.

SOURCE Bread for the World

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, following a recall by Unilever United States, announced it removed from sale cartons of Breyer's All Natural Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream due to an undeclared allergen. Unilever announced a voluntary recall of Breyer's All Natural Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream because it was mispackaged and may contain undeclared wheat, posing an allergy issue.

The following code dates and UPCs are affected:

  • All Natural Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, 48 oz UPC code of #7756725425 with the following Best if Used by dates:
    • FEB1711GH,
    • FEB1811GH
    • FEB1911GH

Stop & Shop has not received any reports of illness related to the consumption of this product. This product poses no threat to individuals who do not suffer from a wheat allergy. Customers who have purchased the affected products should discard any unused portions or bring their purchase receipt to Stop & Shop for a full refund. Consumers also may call Unilever at 1-877-270-7402 or Stop & Shop Customer Service at (800) 767-7772 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information. Customers can also visit the Stop & Shop website at www.stopandshop.com.

About Stop & Shop

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, based in Quincy, Massachusetts, employs more than 59,000 associates and operates 389 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey.

SOURCE The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company

Akvinta, the Luxury Organic Vodka has been awarded double gold at the Vodka Masters in the Super Premium category and for design & packaging.

John Jeffrey, the UK Brand Director and Catharine Thomas, International Director for Travel and Luxury Retail, were 'thrilled to receive such special recognition for a Brand they have nurtured and grown into one of the top 5 Super Premium Vodka brands in the UK only 2 years since its launch'.

Patience Gould, editor of The Spirits Business, along with an expert panel, judged over 100 different Vodkas based on a number of categories, including region, flavour, design and packaging. All the tastings were conducted blind, and a very strict criteria of excellence applied.

This latest triumph for Akvinta, follows on from achieving USDA Organic certification, the launch into the American market, and key listings with retail partners both in the US and UK, as well as several new high end bars and clubs.

Mr Pavel Ryabov, CEO of Akvinta Vodka said:

'To receive two golds in a category that has many players is an exceptional achievement. Our peers have reaffirmed and effectively rubber stamped our belief that we are working with a drink that not only delivers in terms of looks, but also taste and brand experience. We look forward to taking Akvinta to new heights for the remainder of this year, and on into 2010.'

Notes to Editors

Akvinta, The First Mediterranean Luxury Vodka, is lovingly made in Imotski, Croatia in the foothills of the Dinaric Alps, from Organic Italian Wheat Spirit and Dalmatian Spring Water.

Dalmatia, as well as being a beautiful holiday destination, is one of the last ecologically unspoiled places in Europe. The purity of the air and the water in this area combined with a technically advanced unique 5 stage filtration process through Charcoal, Marble, Silver, Gold and Platinum all contribute to making a truly outstanding vodka.

Akvinta has a light lemon nose, appealing sweetness, luxurious round mouth-feel and a gloriously smooth finish. Delightfully moreish when drunk neat or over ice, its round, luxurious structure adds quality to Cocktails and makes a first class Vodka Martini.

It has organic certification from both Europe and the United States.

SOURCE Akvinta Vodka

NutraCea (OTC: NTRZ), a world leader in stabilized rice bran (SRB) nutrient research and technology, announced today that it has completed the restatements of its financial statements and filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) its Annual Reports on Form 10K for fiscal years 2006, 2007 and for the first three quarters of 2008. All financial information presented in this press release is on a restated basis.

The audited financial statements, based on the findings of internal investigations initiated by the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors during December 2008, in consultation with independent investigators retained by the Audit Committee, have been restated to correct errors and irregularities in the Audit Committee-led investigation and other accounting errors and irregularities identified by the Company in the course of the restatement period.

Jim Lintzenich, interim chief executive officer, stated, "We are pleased to have completed our review and the filing of our restated financials. During our investigation we identified material weaknesses in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting 2008. We have taken, and intend to continue to take appropriate actions to remediate these weaknesses."

As a result of these previously announced restatements full year revenue originally reported as $22.2 million for 2007 was restated to revenue of $12.7 million for 2007 and revenue of $18.1 million for full year 2006 was restated to revenue of $16.5 million. The Company originally reported a net loss of $(11.9) million for its full year ended December 31, 2007; the restated net loss for that period was $(18.0) million. A net loss of $(1.6) million was originally reported for full year 2006, following the restatement the Company reported a net income of $302,000 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2006.

Net revenues for the full year ended December 31, 2008 were $35.2 million compared to net revenues of $12.7 million for full year 2007. The Company reported a net loss of $(64.5) million or $0.40 per share, compared to a net loss of $(18.0) million, or $(0.14) per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007. The net loss for full year 2008 was primarily due to continued low gross margins as a result of excess capacity, a non-cash impairment charge adjustment to goodwill of approximately $32.3 million, and increased administrative costs as a result of the investigations and litigation.

NutraCea expects to file its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 in November 2009, and thereafter will file Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009. Following the reporting of its first three quarters, the Company will host a conference call to discuss year to date results and provide an update on its business. The conference call date will be announced separately.

The Company has set December 4, 2009 as the date for its Annual Shareholders Meeting.

The Board of Directors today appointed W. John Short to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company, replacing Interim CEO James C. Lintzenich, and to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors. David Bensol, chairman of the board stated, "We are very pleased to have John assume this responsibility in leading the Company and thank Jim for his service during these past nine months."

The Board of Directors also announced that Wesley Clark, a director since June 2007 has resigned from the Board. David Bensol commented, "On behalf of the Board I want to extend our thanks to Wes for his contributions over the past two years."

On October 21 NutraCea received a letter from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. stating that based on certain "Events of Default" the Bank has accelerated the entire principal balance due under NutraCea's loan agreements with Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo may exercise its right to set off against NutraCea's demand deposit account it has with Wells Fargo in order to partially satisfy the amounts due under the Agreement. NutraCea is continuing to work with Wells Fargo in order to resolve these issues.

About NutraCea

NutraCea is a world leader in production and utilization of stabilized rice bran. NutraCea holds many patents for stabilized rice bran (SRB) production technology and proprietary products derived from SRB. NutraCea's proprietary technology enables the creation of food and nutrition products to be unlocked from rice bran, normally a waste by-product of standard rice processing. More information can be found in the Company's filings with the SEC and by visiting our website at http://www.NutraCea.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the timing of future periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any possibility of a resolution of the loan defaults or other issues with Wells Fargo. These statements are made based upon current expectations and actual results may differ from those projected, due to various risks and uncertainties. NutraCea does not undertake to update forward-looking statements in this news release to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking information. Assumptions and other information that could cause results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking information can be found in NutraCea's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including NutraCea's most recent periodic reports, including NutraCea's most recent periodic reports.

SOURCE NutraCea

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) today announced that it has partnered with The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: HAIN) and its affiliate Hain Pure Protein Corporation to introduce a new Martha Stewart-branded food line at retail, including poultry from Plainville Farms®, baking mixes from Arrowhead Mills® and dried pastas from DeBoles® using all natural, healthy ingredients. The product lines are expected to be distributed in supermarkets, mass-market retailers and warehouse clubs across the country. Hain Pure Protein is a joint venture between Hain Celestial and Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P.

The new Martha Stewart-branded products will launch with limited distribution of fresh and frozen vegetarian-fed and antibiotic-free turkeys from Hain Pure Protein's Plainville Farms in time for Thanksgiving 2009, including online availability via http://www.marthastewart.com/turkey.

The launch of the turkey products will be followed by natural baking mixes from Arrowhead Mills and dried pastas from DeBoles in Spring 2010, expanding the gourmet quality of the natural baking mixes and dried pastas using recipes from Martha Stewart.

The new offerings extend MSLO's relationship with Hain Celestial, which is producing Martha Stewart Clean, a branded line of all-natural cleaning solutions that is expected to launch next month.

Martha Stewart, Founder of MSLO, stated: "As an avid cook with an appreciation for good food made with wholesome ingredients, I'm delighted to be offering consumers antibiotic-free, vegetarian-fed turkeys that are moist, tender, and absolutely delicious. I'm also pleased to be developing natural, healthy baking mixes and pastas from Arrowhead Mills and DeBoles, two well-respected food brands."

"We're thrilled to be expanding our offerings with MSLO. The name Martha Stewart is synonymous with good food, and Hain Celestial is known for helping consumers to lead A Healthy Way of Life(TM). Working with MSLO is an ideal partnership for Hain Celestial and Hain Pure Protein and for consumers who will benefit from the offerings," said Irwin D. Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hain Celestial.

Food is a cornerstone of MSLO, which encompasses the Martha Stewart and Chef Emeril Lagasse brands. Martha Stewart is widely recognized for her culinary prowess. She first gained national attention with her 1982 book, Entertaining, which showcased over 300 recipes, and has since published numerous bestselling cookbooks, including the recent Martha Stewart's Cooking School and Martha Stewart's Cupcakes and the just released Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home. Food and recipes are a key element of all of MSLO's magazines, including Martha Stewart Living, Everyday Food, Martha Stewart Weddings and Body + Soul. It is also an important part of The Martha Stewart Show, Martha Stewart Living Radio, and marthastewart.com, which features more than 10,000 recipes.

MSLO Executive Chairman and Principal Executive Officer Charles Koppelman said: "Building out our food business is a natural next step for MSLO. We have tremendous brand equity in the space and our partnership with Hain Celestial allows us to take it to the next level."

Turkey from Hain Pure Protein, Baking Mixes from Arrowhead Mills and Dried Pastas from DeBoles

Martha Stewart Turkey from Hain Pure Protein's Plainville Farms is humanely raised on family farms, vegetarian-fed and antibiotic-free with no added growth hormones. It will be packaged with a booklet providing consumers with instructions from Martha Stewart Living's "Turkey 101" and ideas from http://www.marthastewart.com/turkey about how to prepare and cook the turkey as well as recipes for stuffing and gravy. The baking mixes from Arrowhead Mills and dried pastas from DeBoles contain no artificial flavors or preservatives; the relationship may expand into additional categories.

"Our previous experience in the retail food arena has taught us a great deal about how to develop high-quality, healthy and delicious food for the retail shopper. Our expanded relationship with Hain Celestial is part of our merchandising strategy to partner with the best manufacturers who have vast and robust retail distribution networks," said Robin Marino, MSLO's President and Chief Executive Officer of Merchandising.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) is a diversified media and merchandising company, inspiring and engaging consumers with unique lifestyle content and distinctive products. The Publishing segment encompasses four magazines, including the company's flagship publication, Martha Stewart Living, periodic special issues and books. The marthastewart.com website provides consumers with instant access to MSLO's multimedia library search and find capabilities, recipes, online workshops, community and personalization, as well as wedding-planning tools powered by WeddingWire and digital invitations with pingg.com. The Broadcasting segment produces such programming as the Emmy-winning daily, nationally syndicated television series, "The Martha Stewart Show," and Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS channel 112 and XM Radio 157. In addition to its media properties, MSLO offers high-quality Martha Stewart products through licensing agreements with carefully selected companies, including the Martha Stewart Collection exclusively at Macy's, Martha Stewart Everyday at Kmart, Martha Stewart Crafts with EK Success at Wal-Mart, Michaels and independent retailers, Martha Stewart for 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and more. In 2008, Emeril Lagasse joined the Martha Stewart family of brands; MSLO acquired the assets related to Lagasse's media and merchandising business, including television programming, cookbooks, and emerils.com website and his licensed kitchen and food products. For additional information about MSLO, visit www.marthastewart.com.

The Hain Celestial Group

The Hain Celestial Group (Nasdaq: HAIN), headquartered in Melville, NY, is a leading natural and organic products company in North America and Europe. Hain Celestial participates in most natural categories with well-known brands that include Celestial Seasonings®, Earth's Best®, Terra®, Garden of Eatin'®, Health Valley®, Arrowhead Mills®, MaraNatha®, SunSpire®, DeBoles®, Gluten Free Café(TM), Hain Pure Foods®, Hollywood®, Spectrum Naturals®, Spectrum Essentials®, Walnut Acres Organic®, Imagine®, Rice Dream®, Soy Dream®, Rosetto®, Ethnic Gourmet®, WestSoy®, Yves Veggie Cuisine®, Granose®, Realeat®, Linda McCartney®, Daily Bread(TM), Lima®, Grains Noirs®, Natumi®, JASON®, Zia® Natural Skincare, Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica®, Queen Helene®, Tushies® and TenderCare®. Hain Celestial has been providing "A Healthy Way of Life(TM)" since 1993. For more information, visit www.hain-celestial.com.

Hain Pure Protein Corporation

Hain Pure Protein, headquartered in New Oxford, PA, is a joint venture between Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P., with a majority interest, and The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. Hain Pure Protein is a leading supplier of natural, vegetarian-fed and antibiotic-free poultry products. Hain Pure Protein grows and markets turkeys under the Plainville Farms® brand and chicken under the FreeBird(TM) brand for major retailers, specialty and natural food stores and foodservice operators nationwide.

Pegasus Capital Advisors

Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. is a private equity fund manager with offices in New York and Cos Cob, CT. Founded in 1995, Pegasus provides capital to middle market companies across a wide range of industries, and has particular interest in businesses that make a meaningful contribution to society by positively affecting the environment, contributing to sustainability and enabling healthy living. For more information, visit www.pcalp.com.

SOURCE Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.

Grey today announced that Sargento Foods Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of natural cheeses, has selected Grey New York, the agency's flagship office, as its advertising agency-of-record following a review.

Grey New York will be responsible for advertising creative development, strategic planning, media planning and buying and promotional marketing. A new integrated campaign is set for 2010.

Chip Schuman, Vice President of Marketing, Consumer Products Division, Sargento Foods Inc. said, "We were impressed with Grey's creativity, strategic insights, promotional marketing capabilities and passion for brand-building. Together, we look forward to driving our dynamic growth."

"We are delighted to welcome Sargento to our client roster," Jim Heekin, Chairman and CEO of Grey Group, said. "Their iconic brand is a mainstay of American life and we are pleased to partner with them on their exciting plans for the future."

About Sargento

Sargento Foods Inc., headquartered in Plymouth, Wisconsin, was founded in 1953. Sargento is a leading manufacturer, packager and marketer of natural shredded, sliced and snack cheeses, cheese appetizers, ingredients and sauces. Sargento is owned and operated by the Gentine family, and has net sales of $900 million.

About Grey

Grey New York is the flagship and largest office of Grey, the advertising network of Grey Group. Grey Group ranks among the largest global communications companies. Its parent company is WPP (Nasdaq: WPPGY). Grey Famously Effective since 1917 serves a blue-chip client roster of many of the world's best known companies: Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Diageo, Darden Restaurants, Pfizer, Canon, 3M, Eli Lilly, ETrade, NFL, Boehringer Ingelheim, J. M. Smucker and T.J. Maxx. (www.grey.com)

SOURCE Grey

Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. (Other OTC: GDHI) www.gdfbhk.com is pleased to provide a link to StockGuru.com, 1on1 interview with the company's CEO Frank Yglesias. In the interview Mr. John Pentony of StockGuru.com discusses with GDHI's CEO on how the company is doing in the Chinese market as well as recent corporate developments and the future of GDHI. The interview may be heard by clicking on the following link: http://www.stockguru.com/2009/10/gdhi/

About Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc.

Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. (Pink Sheets: GDHI) is a publicly traded company that owns and operates Golden Dragon Food & Beverage Import & Export Company of Hong Kong, Ltd. (GDHK) in central Hong Kong and Beijing Flying Golden Dragon International Trading Co., Ltd in China (BFGD). Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. has agreements with U.S. food manufacturers. GDHI acts as a buying agent for GDHK, negotiating vendor contracts and services with U.S. food and beverage industry partners. The Hong Kong Company plays a strategic role in the importation of products into the Chinese market by leveraging the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with China. Through this arrangement, Beijing Flying Golden Dragon International Trading Co., Ltd distributes some of the most popular U.S. food and beverage brand products directly into the hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores in China. The Company is responsible for order fulfillment for its clients in China, as well as providing advertising and promotion (A&P) services for its U.S. food and beverage products.

Safe Harbor Statement

Information in this press release may contain 'forward-looking statements.' Statements describing objectives or goals or the Company's future plans are also forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the financial performance of the Company and market valuations of its stock, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the 'Safe Harbor' provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

SOURCE Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc.

Today Equator Estate Coffees and Teas (www.EquatorCoffees.com) was named America's 2010 Roaster of the Year in Roast Magazine's highly competitive challenge, triumphing over 40 of the country's best coffee roasters for Equator's special blend of quality, sustainability, and business innovation.

Equator proudly joins the ranks of the very top US-based roasters, including previous winners Intelligentsia, Stumptown and Counter Culture. Competing against industry heavy-weights, Equator was picked as the best roaster in America as much for its long-term commitment to quality, as for its cutting-edge sustainability practices and business innovations including the purchase of a small coffee farm in Panama.

The final round of the Roaster of the Year competition pitted Equator against two other finalists in a blind cupping of their coffees by industry professionals. Equator submitted three coffees: Panama Esmeralda Geisha, Ethiopia Amaro Gayo Organic and Moka Java, winning this round and clinching the Roaster of the Year award.

Like America's Top Chef and the James Beard Award, Roaster of the Year is considered a top award in the $13.65 billion U.S. specialty coffee market.

Among the achievements for which Equator was honored in this year's Roaster of the Year competition were:

  • Equator has a proven track-record of coffee quality, regularly winning awards and attracting some of the industry's most celebrated chefs.
  • Equator was a pioneer in adopting the ultra-efficient Loring Smart Roaster, which reduces carbon emissions by 80%.
  • Equator's biofuel and hybrid vehicles make all deliveries; and the company composts 100 percent of its coffee chaff and burlap bags.
  • Equator has provided micro-loans to coffee partners around the world for quality related investments.
  • Equator has spearheaded social and environmental sustainability projects that benefit food challenged communities in coffee growing regions around the world.
  • Equator recently purchased its own farm in Panama, where they are in the process of growing ultra-boutique, sustainable coffee alongside a team of Panamanians with generations of experience in coffee cultivation.

"Equator Estate Coffees & Teas encompasses the core of a true artisan coffee-roaster," says Connie Blumhardt, Publisher of Roast Magazine. "Roast chose Equator Estate Coffees as our 2010 Macro Roaster of the Year because of their commitment to sustainability, desire to educate their employees and customers as well their continual drive to push the boundaries of what it means to be a coffee roaster. Equator Coffees has a true passion for creating and selling amazing coffee."

Equator was an early champion of fair trade practices that address economic, environmental, and social issues in coffee growing communities. Equator has instituted micro-loan programs in coffee growing countries, and recently partnered with ZERI Foundation and a young Zimbabwean woman named Chido Govero in an innovative "pulp to protein" program that increases food security for people in coffee growing regions.

"The Roaster of the Year award is a tremendous honor. This peer-level recognition validates our efforts to promote sustainability both at home and in the global coffee growing communities with whom we collaborate so closely," said Helen Russell, CEO and co-founder of Equator Coffees. "Equator relentlessly seeks to improve our quality, sustainability and innovation; we are grateful to our employees, customers and farmer-partners whose sincere commitment to our work has made this possible."

About Equator Coffees

A women-owned green business co-founded by Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell in 1995, San Rafael, CA-based Equator Coffees & Teas is a specialty coffee roaster, tea purveyor and coffee farm owner. Equator sources and grows boutique-grade Estate, Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance Certified coffees around the globe. Over the years Equator has built a vast network of suppliers rooted in quality and sustainability. Its experimental geisha varietal coffee farm in Volcan, Panama is under development and is expected to produce its first harvest in 2012. Equator's tea line includes rare Chinese and Japanese offerings, as well as boxed tea under the label Rare Cargo. Bay Area customers include the French Laundry, Bouchon Restaurants and Bakeries, Citizen Cake, La Boulange and Whole Foods Markets. Equator has won numerous awards including the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Business (2008 & 2009), National Association of Women Business Owners - Trail Blazer Award (2009), San Francisco's Business Times Top 100 Fastest Growing Woman Owned Businesses (7 years in a row), the Specialty Coffee Association's annual Roasters Choice Award (2009) and the Women's Initiative: "Woman Owned Business of the Year" (2009). For more information: www.EquatorCoffees.com, www.facebook.com/EquatorCoffees and Twitter: @EquatorCoffees.

SOURCE Equator Coffees

With the curtain about to rise on this year's BCPC Congress, the finalised conference programme is guaranteed to offer something for everyone. This year's event - which runs from 9 to 11 November at the SECC, Glasgow, UK - features over 70 speakers from around the world and offers an unique forum for the global crop production industry.

Welcoming the new format, which was conceived following the alliance of UBM and BCPC, Dr Colin Ruscoe, chairman of BCPC says, "Extensive research was undertaken to ensure that the content of the programme would meet delegates' needs and interests. We are delighted that we now have a comprehensive set of sessions with both strategic and scientific content."

"Top of the agenda will be food security and the role that science and technology can play in providing long term food supply sustainability," says Dr Ruscoe. "Agricultural technologies are once again coming to the fore as vital tools to meet the key challenges facing global agriculture, such as the impact of climate change and the constraints that water can have to global food production. These sessions will provide a great opportunity for debate and discussion on the problems and possible solutions."

For the scientific community, the familiar research-focused sessions on new products, the latest application and formulation technology, biosensors, research funding issues and nanotechnology will be of considerable interest.

"This year's conference is definitely broader in content than ever before," says Dr Ruscoe. "If you want to know what is really threatening the decline of bees and what impact this could have, or want to know what effect biofuels could have of future global food production or if you have an interest in the amenity sector then the BCPC Congress is definitely the place to head on 9 November."

But the Congress is not just about the conference sessions. The Exhibition and Hospitality facilities, which run alongside the conference, attract technical and research delegates along with commercial and technical managers, who will come to do business, entertain clients and keep in touch with industry developments.

With only a few weeks to go delegates are recommended to register as soon as possible to avoid queuing at the registration desk. To see full details of the conference programme and speaker line-up, as well as details on how to register as a delegate, visit the BCPC Congress website at: www.bcpccongress.com.

The British Crop Production Council (BCPC) promotes the science and practice of sustainable crop production. A non-profit making organisation, it has developed an international reputation over 50 years as a forum for good practice and sound science in the fields of agriculture, food and the environment. Its conferences, publications and working groups bring together scientists to form opinion on key issues.

UBM focuses on two principal activities: worldwide information distribution, targeting and monitoring; and, the development and monetisation of B2B communities and markets. UBM's businesses inform markets and serve professional commercial communities - from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewellery traders, from farmers to pharmacists - with integrated events, online, print and business information products. Our 6,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organised into specialist teams that serve these communities, bringing buyers and sellers together, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently. For more information, go to www.unitedbusinessmedia.com

SOURCE UBM Conferences

Nationwide Candy, an Albuquerque-based wholesale retailer of candy and snack products for both the vending and retail industries, has boosted its site's searchable content, increased customer confidence and identified hidden problems through its use of product reviews from RatePoint, a leading provider of customer feedback and online reputation management services.

Research has shown 81 percent of online holiday shoppers read online customer reviews (Nielsen Online, December 2008) and 82 percent of those who read reviews said that their purchasing decisions have been directly influenced by those reviews (Deloitte & Touche, September 2007).

Nationwide Candy General Manager Ken Henson knew product reviews would build trust with online shoppers and generate additional sales. Through RatePoint, the site has generated more than one hundred product reviews from customers and increased the searchable content on NationwideCandy.com, which has boosted the site's search ranking.

"Our customers tell a really touching story in a review, like how they grew up with Cracker Jacks and used to eat them at the ballgame," Henson said. "For other customers, it reinforces that it's a good product."

In addition to sales and search ranking, product reviews have helped Nationwide Candy to find latent issues that it was able to resolve. A product image was matched with the incorrect item and without a product review posted through RatePoint, Henson said Nationwide Candy would have not seen the problem and would have continued to lose sales on that product.

"Customer feedback is very important," he said. "Sometimes you can get stuck in a rut with how you do things until you hear feedback from a customer about improvements that can be made."

Nationwide Candy's story was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal article about improving small business reputation, noting that "a negative review can sometimes be helpful."

This holiday season, many retailers are learning to embrace feedback as a mechanism to build trust as consumers continue to spend from a limited amount of disposable income.

"Many companies fear negative feedback, but failing to recognize and fix customer experiences can harm a company, its reputation and its future sales," RatePoint CEO Neal Creighton said. "Product reviews have proven to build the trust that smaller retailers need to stand apart from their competition."

About RatePoint:

RatePoint, Inc., the leading provider of customer feedback and online reputation management services, helps businesses protect and build their online reputation, allowing businesses to harness the power of credible customer feedback and leverage it into a sales, marketing and customer service asset.

RatePoint's easy-to-use, Web-based communication services include customer feedback tools to collect business and product reviews, email marketing, survey and dispute resolution capabilities to provide small- and medium-sized businesses with the ability to collect, manage and promote customer feedback directly from their Web site. For more information, contact us at: 888-777-1636 or visit: www.ratepoint.com.

SOURCE RatePoint, Inc.

Centerplate, the hospitality partner to North America's premier convention centers, stadiums and arenas, announced today that regional executive chef Sean Kavanaugh won first place in Sysco Corporation's 17th Annual Taste of the Season "Best Chefs of the West" competition held at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel in Glendale, Arizona. As one of 11 competitors in the "Iron Chef" style contest, Kavanaugh was selected as the winner for creating three dishes in under 60 minutes that incorporated key ingredients monkfish, chorizo, quinoa and prickly pear syrup.

Inspired by a recent visit to Vancouver, Chef Kavanaugh's winning presentations were slow poached monkfish medallion glazed with caramelized cane sugar and set on a bed of braised enoki mushrooms with quinoa and candied rind of lemons; minced monkfish and chorizo tsukune with ginger, cilantro and chive sausage, grated dried shiitake mushrooms and mirin; and ebi mayo monkfish served with ginger, compressed watermelon, pineapple and a bowl of braised pork belly garnished with daikon. Included here is one of Chef Kavanaugh's winning recipes:

Monkfish and Chorizo Tsukune

Serves four as appetizer

Ingredients:

8 ounces fresh Monkfish skinned and minced

4 ounces Chorizo finely chopped

1/2 Tbsp. fresh Ginger finely grated

1 Tbsp. Chives chopped

1/2 Tbsp. Cilantro chopped

1/2 Tbsp Mirin

1/2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce

1 Tsp. Sesame Oil

Fresh Lime wedges

Method:

Mix ingredients well

Divide mix into 4 equal portions and roll into balls

These can either be baked, poached or grilled pending the cook's preference

Bake: 350( )degrees for 12 minutes

Poach: Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until firm

Grill: Brush with a little sesame oil and grill over medium/high heat for about five minutes per side if made into a patty shape

Garnish: 1/2 Tsp Smoked Sea Salt sprinkled on top and a squeeze of fresh lime juice

"We are proud to highlight Chef Sean Kavanaugh's latest culinary achievement," said George Wooten, executive vice president of operations for Centerplate. "Because of his ingenuity and culinary expertise, Chef Kavanaugh is a key contributor to our total solution approach in our sports and entertainment venues."

Chef Kavanaugh recently received the Association of Luxury Suite Director's "Best New Idea" award for the University of Phoenix's 'Loft Menu,' which allows guests to create their own packages from an a la carte menu. Also in the past year, he won the Arizona Minor's 100 Percent Natural Chef's Challenge hosted by the American Culinary Federation and was honored as part of the 'President's Circle of Distinction' by the Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona.

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in more than 140 prominent sports, entertainment and convention center venues across North America. Centerplate has provided services to 11 Super Bowls, 19 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, over 100 major College Bowl Games and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

SOURCE Centerplate

Papa Bello Enterprises (Pink Sheets: PAPA) announced today that the company has signed a letter of intent to acquire Pastore's of Rosedale, Inc., a Baltimore based restaurant, deli, and bakery chain. Established in 1999, Pastore's now has two locations in the greater Baltimore area and expects to post revenues of approximately $1.4 million in fiscal year 2009. Pastore's is known for its premium deli meats, cheeses, desserts, and prepared foods. In addition, Pastore's has built a strong catering and delivery program, which Papa Bello will incorporate into its stores as well as the Kebab Cafe. The acquisition is anticipated to close no later than November 30, 2009.

Following the acquisition, Pastore's will assist Papa Bello in the design and deployment of a new franchise concept that the company expects to market nationwide under the name "Pastore's Italian Bistro & Pizzeria."

James Price, CEO of Papa Bello Enterprises, states, "Pastore's is a well known and respected name in the Baltimore area. As we develop this new concept, we will draw from the decade of success that Pastore's has realized and utilize their strengths to forge a strong, profitable franchise model built on high quality food, reasonable prices and impeccable customer service. We intend opening our first new Pastore's Italian Bistro location within the next 60 days in Baltimore, Maryland. This location will be used as the model for franchising the concept as well as training new franchisees."

About Papa Bello Enterprises

Founded in 2005, Papa Bello Enterprises is a Baltimore, Maryland based corporation that owns, operates, and franchises food service restaurants. The company was founded on the principles of providing the consumer with the highest standards of quality, value, and service. For more information on Papa Bello Enterprises or franchise information, please visit www.papabellopizza.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "will," and other terms with similar meaning. These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risks, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

SOURCE Papa Bello Enterprises

Senomyx, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNMX), a leading company focused on using proprietary taste receptor technologies to discover and develop novel flavor ingredients for the food, beverage, and ingredient supply industries, announced today that John Poyhonen, the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, will present a corporate overview on Tuesday, October 27, at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) during the 2009 BIOCOM Investor Conference. The conference is taking place at The Hyatt Regency La Jolla in San Diego, California. During his presentation, Mr. Poyhonen will discuss corporate developments including the Company's pipeline of novel flavor ingredients and its business strategy.

To access the live presentation or a subsequent archived recording, please log onto Senomyx's website at http://investor.senomyx.com. The archived webcast will be available for 30 days following the presentation. Please connect to Senomyx's website prior to the start of the webcast to ensure adequate time to download any software that may be necessary.

About Senomyx, Inc. (www.senomyx.com)

Senomyx is a leading company using proprietary taste receptor technologies to discover and develop novel flavor ingredients in the savory, sweet, salt, bitter, and cooling areas. Senomyx has entered into product discovery, development, and commercialization collaborations with seven of the world's foremost food, beverage, and ingredient supply companies: Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Cadbury plc, Campbell Soup Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Firmenich SA, Nestle SA, and Solae. Nestle is currently marketing products that contain one of Senomyx's flavor ingredients. For more information, please visit www.senomyx.com.

    Contact:
    Gwen Rosenberg
    Senomyx, Inc.
    Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
    858-646-8369

SOURCE Senomyx, Inc.

Coming off the launch of its headline-making, $15 million "Get Crackin'" television advertising campaign debut, Wonderful® Pistachios announced today it will stack up its grass-roots visibility as the 2009/2010 presenting sponsor of the World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA). From domestic regional tournaments and the world championships to the annual global stacking Guinness World Record WSSA STACK UP! event, Wonderful Pistachios now will rally consumers to also "Get Stackin'."

Sport Stacking is an exciting individual and team sport that's crackin' the surface of mainstream America. It originated in the early 1980s in Southern California and was originally known as "cup stacking." Today, it is a full-fledged sport governed by the World Sport Stacking Association. The stack-tacular sport is practiced in more than 30,000 schools and youth organizations around the world, promoting hand-eye coordination, ambidexterity, quickness, concentration and fun!

"Pistachios are an entertaining, tactile nut - you have to crack them open one at a time to experience both their distinctive taste and health benefits," said Dominic Engels, vice president global marketing, Paramount Farms, producer of Wonderful Pistachios. "We hope the Wonderful Pistachios sponsorship of the World Sport Stacking Association will create something new - sport snacking. And with pistachios, parents and kids can snack on the lowest calorie, lowest fat nut - even if it's not the fastest."

Guinness Book of World Records: Stackin' the Odds

At last year's WSSA annual "STACK UP!" Guinness Book of World Records event, 13 countries and all 50 U.S. states stacked specially designed Speed Stacks® cups. And stack they did - 222,560 kids and adults at 1,343 schools and organizations stacked together to set a new world record. And this November 12, Wonderful Pistachios will encourage more than a quarter million stackers of all ages to crack that record.

"Sport Stacking was founded on fun, sportsmanship and healthy competition. Both 'fun' and 'healthy' also are words used to describe pistachios, so we knew the partnership with Wonderful Pistachios was natural," said Mark Lingle, director of the WSSA. "Together, we look forward to raising the profile of both sport stacking and pistachios with families and kids across the country - and world."

Regional Events and World Championships

Seven regional events across the U.S. will culminate in the 2010 WSSA World Sport Stacking Championships on April 10-11 in Denver. At each tournament and championship, Wonderful Pistachios will have tented areas complete with sampling, games and prizes for the families in attendance.

About World Sport Stacking Association

The World Sport Stacking Association promotes the standardization and advancement of sport stacking worldwide. Founded in 2001, this association serves as the governing body for sport stacking rules and regulations, provides a uniform framework for sport stacking events, and sanctions sport stacking competitions and records. The pinnacle sport stacking event - the World Sport Stacking Championships held each spring in Denver, Colorado - is hosted by the WSSA. This event draws competitors from across the globe (2009 saw 12 countries and 29 states send teams and individuals) to attempt to set verified World Records in their age group/division and be declared world-class in sport stacking. For more information visit www.WorldSportStackingAssociation.org.

About Wonderful® Pistachios

The Wonderful Pistachios brand features upscale, premium packaging and a bold contemporary look, appealing to a sophisticated, health-conscious consumer. Wonderful Pistachios are grown in Lost Hills, California, part of the San Joaquin Valley, the agricultural heartland of California. Grown, processed and packaged by Paramount Farms, Wonderful Pistachios are available at retail outlets and grocery stores nationwide including Albertsons, Giant Eagle, Kroger, Safeway, Vons and Wegmans; and are available in 10, 16, 24, and 32-ounce packages to meet a variety of snacking needs.

About Paramount Farms

Paramount Farms is the world's largest vertically integrated supplier of pistachios and almonds. The company's 30,000 acres of pistachio orchards, located in California's San Joaquin Valley, are the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Paramount Farms' pistachios can be found in the produce department of grocery stores nationwide sold under the Wonderful®, Everybody's Nuts!® and Sunkist® brand names. Paramount has also developed PistachioHealth.com, the leading online source of information on the health and nutrition benefits of pistachios as a resource for both consumers and health professionals.

SOURCE Paramount Farms

Diets rich in strawberries, other berries, nuts, and certain spices may lower age-related cognitive declines and the risk of neurodegenerative disease, according to James Joseph, Ph.D., of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. Dr. Joseph describes his breakthrough work on the everyday foods that promote brain health during a presentation this week at Neuroscience 2009, the 39th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience being held in Chicago.

Aging often results in mental decline -- and the world's aging population is large and growing. There are currently 390 million people over the age of 65 around the world with an expected increase to 800 million by 2025. According to Alzheimer's Disease International, dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65. Some 24 million people worldwide are currently thought to experience some form of dementia.

"With the rising cost of healthcare and drugs, patients are increasingly turning to preventive lifestyle actions over which they have some control, such as exercise and diet," said Dr. Joseph. "Emerging science continues to point to natural foods as sources of beneficial nutrients that can have some positive impact on cognitive function."

Strawberries, other berries, nuts, and certain spices contain plant compounds called polyphenols and other plant chemicals, which are believed to provide brain health benefits. Although some of the benefit has been attributed to the antioxidant activity of those compounds, antioxidant activity alone is not predictive in assessing the potency of these compounds against certain disorders affected by aging. In fact, in Dr. Joseph's studies, oxidative stress markers were only modestly reduced by these antioxidant rich foods. The polyphenols in berry fruit like strawberries may be responsible for other mechanisms including enhanced neuronal communication and reduced stress signals due to enhanced neuroprotective stress shock proteins.

According to Dr. Joseph, you can protect yourself against the two major villains of aging, oxidation and inflammation, by including the following foods in your diet regularly:

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
  • Walnuts
  • Fish
  • Turmeric (a spice in curry)

California strawberries are grown and available year-round in supermarkets across the country. As America's favorite fruit, they are an easy addition to a diet that promotes brain health.

Quick Links:

About the California Strawberry Commission

The California Strawberry Commission is a state government agency that represents an industry of more than 500 growers and 60 shippers and processors of California strawberries. With a focus on food safety education, Commission strategies also include production and nutrition research, trade relations, public policy and marketing communications.

SOURCE California Strawberry Commission

For the first time in over a decade, Perkins Restaurants & Bakeries will introduce guests to a completely redesigned, re-engineered menu, which features 25 new entrees, including five Calorie Counter options based on calories, fat grams and protein information, along with a new bakery menu, visually integrated with the graphics of the base menu.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091019/CL94383 )

According to Perkins Senior Vice President of Marketing and Research & Development, Cheryl Ahlbrandt, "While our menu still features those tried and true items that guests have come to expect at their local Perkins, it also offers more variety than ever before across every daypart." Debuting on the new menu will be 10 new breakfasts including the Country Sausage, Cheesy Bacon and Southern Fried Chicken Scrambler entrees; two new Biscuit Platters; a new Burger line including a Sunrise Burger and Sassy Pepper Jack Burgers; new Melts, such as the Frisco Roast Beef Melt; new appetizers like Fried Green Beans; new salads like the spicy Grilled Chicken Chimi Salad; as well as Low-Calorie options including a delicious Florentine Benedict, a Border Grilled Chicken Omelette, an Energizer Wrap made with a mixture of vegetables and EggBeaters, and the Island Tilapia and Honey Dijon Salmon Dinners.

Guests dining at participating Perkins from October 19th on, will immediately notice the departure from the traditional menu jackets to a new book-style menu that features all-new, warm inviting photography, easier to read fonts/typestyle, and new category and entree names reflective of the menu offerings. Both Seniors and Kids Menu offerings will still be available, and Perkins Bakery features will be highlighted in a separate menu, allowing guests to delve visually into the delectable treats ranging from Rich and Real Cream Pies to Fruit Pies, Mammoth Muffins and Bakery To Go items.

According to Cheryl Ahlbrandt, "All elements of the new menu are a direct result of feedback obtained from focus groups conducted over the past year with Perkins guests. Without a doubt, this menu is the People's Menu in that it is a reflection of their taste preferences and desire for high quality food at a great value."

Behind the scenes and over the past few months, employees at Perkins Restaurants have been training and becoming familiar with all the new menu items and recipes in anticipation of going live first thing Monday morning, October 19th.

There are currently close to 500 Perkins Restaurants & Bakeries in 34 states across the country and four Canadian provinces. Information about the company and its new menu is available at www.perkinsrestaurants.com.

SOURCE Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

On Newsstands : For the ultimate Halloween and Thanksgiving party guide, turn to the October/November 2009 issue of Taste of Home, the # 1 cooking magazine in the country. The issue is filled with ideas to wow your party guests. Halloween will be spook-tacular with recipes for creative goodies that are wickedly delicious. This Thanksgiving, serve elegant, easy-to-make dishes that are sure to impress your holiday guests. Katie Lee serves up her flawless party-throwing advice and tips in the new issue. The holiday season is also one of the busiest times of the year; save time with meals from this month's "30-Minute Meals" contest, in which readers share their award-winning 30-minute recipes. For those who want to enjoy holiday favorites but are watching their calories, the October/November issue of Taste of Home features delicious holiday recipes that are low in calories and fat - so you can indulge this Thanksgiving guilt-free!

A Meal to Remember (pp. 24-26)

This Thanksgiving, serve up a meal that creates lasting memories - every recipe you need is in this issue of Taste of Home! Surprise them with a twist on the classic roasted turkey and serve up savory Brined Grilled Turkey Breast that is mouthwateringly delicious. Create a unique signature stuffing with "Everything" Stuffing, filled with mushrooms, apples, sausage and fresh herbs. Change out ho-hum trimmings for Honey & Cherry Chutney, a Taste of Fall Salad with crunchy pecans and juicy pears, and Golden Winter Squash Souffle.

Katie Lee is Hosting a Party (pp. 31-34)

Planning a holiday party doesn't have to be overwhelming. Katie Lee shares her secrets for hosting the best (and easiest!) party ever. Katie offers simple ways to take the stress out of entertaining and keep everyone relaxed and engaged, tips for staying on a budget, and recipes for crowd-pleasing dishes. Katie's perfect party recipes begin with Smoked Salmon-Dijon Creme Fraiche Canapes; these appetizers look elegant but take no time to create. Shrimp Pot Stickers with Ginger are a special treat when coupled with a steaming cup of the Wild Mushroom Soup "Cappuccino," rich and comforting topped with a dollop of whipped cream. For the main course, serve Fresh Chicken and Lettuce Cups, a perfect meal for party guests.

Wholesome Holiday (pg. 40-41)

Everyone loves Thanksgiving food, but it's no secret that this beloved holiday meal can pack on pounds. No need to sacrifice, though: Simply substitute Taste of Home's healthier versions that are just as delicious as the calorie-laden classics. Makeover Fancy Bean Casserole has that delicious green bean casserole flavor but only 213 calories per serving. Mashed potatoes are hard to resist, so lighten up and serve fluffy, creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes with just 220 calories per serving. Finally, dip into the refreshing Sangria Gelatin Dessert, filled with fresh fruit and only 95 calories per serving.

Top-Notch Tacos (pp. 58-64)

The most recent Taste of Home contest asked readers what fabulous entrees they could make in 30 minutes or less. Award-winning recipes include mouth-watering tacos, burgers, ravioli, jambalaya and pizza. Readers prove that all you need is 30 minutes to make a scrumptious and filling meal. The Grand Prize winner, Jennifer Eggebraaten, created delicious Flatbread Tacos with Ranch Sour Cream. These easy and filling tacos are perfect for a buffet-style meal and are simple enough that kids can help prepare.

Fright Night (pp. 76-81)

Serve up a Halloween boo-nanza with spook-tacular treats that will have everyone screaming for more! Try the sweet and scary Sugar Ghost Cupcakes; no one can resist these chocolate cupcakes topped with peanut butter cups and malted milk balls. Have some fun with the Jack-o-Lantern Popcorn Balls, yummy treats with chocolate bars, vanilla frosting and spearmint leaves that will have all your guests grinning from ear to ear. Or try bone-chilling Leg Bones breadsticks, easy and fun to make and great with a favorite soup, stew or chili. Other fun recipes include Arach-Namole, a web of creamy avocado goodness; Swamp Juice a La Slime, a sweet and scary drink; and the slithering saucy Pizza Snake.

A Cut Above (pp. 84-87)

Cheesecake is the perfect holiday dessert; rich and creamy, it never disappoints. Taste of Home brings you new variations of this classic favorite. Try Aunt Ruth's famous Butterscotch Cheesecake for a creamy finish, or the Pumpkin Walnut, a fun alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie. For a tropical take, try the Pina Colada, or for something sweet and fruity, indulge in Peach Melba Cheesecake. Finally, the over-the-top and decadent Layered Turtle Cheesecake, with chocolate, caramel ice cream, pecans, and whipped cream, makes a perfect grand finale.

About Taste of Home

Taste of Home is a leading multi-platform producer of information on food, cooking and entertaining, serving home cooks with engaging media that capture the joy and comfort received from food made with love. Taste of Home publishes three magazines, including the flagship Taste of Home - America's largest cooking magazine, with a circulation of 3.2 million - Healthy Cooking and Simple & Delicious; top-selling bookazines; newsstand specials; and popular cookbooks. Traffic on tasteofhome.com increased 166 percent, to 2 million monthly UVs, from December 2007 to December 2008. Taste of Home is part of Food & Entertaining@RDA (The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.) More information can be found at http://www.tasteofhome.com.

SOURCE Taste of Home

Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18: OYSTER FESTIVAL

Profile America -- Sunday, October 18th. This is National Seafood Month and one of the highlight events is the 43rd annual Saint Mary's County Oyster Festival in Leonardtown, Maryland. By the time the event ends today, some 18,000 people are expected to have attended -- treated to their Chesapeake Bay favorite served in every style from raw to oysters Rockefeller. In between plates, they'll watch the national shucking championship and a hotly contested oyster cook-off among local chefs. During the two days, tens of thousands of oysters will be consumed. Each year, U.S. fishermen harvest 1.1 billion pounds of shellfish, including more than 27 million pounds of oysters. The biggest catch is crabs, at more than 322 million pounds, followed by shrimp. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p. 513

www.usoysterfest.com

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 854

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look under the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

Christie Cookies (www.christiecookies.com) today announced the 12 winning charities in its $25,000 Charity Giveaway, with the top prize of $10,000 going to the National Inclusion Project, co-founded by Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel.

The check was presented Saturday night at the National Inclusion Project's Champions Gala in Raleigh, N.C. Aiken and Bubel accepted the check on behalf of the organization, which is dedicated to inclusion and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.

"We've been fortunate and wanted to celebrate our 25th anniversary by giving something to nonprofits that help people every day," said Fleming Wilt, president of The Christie Cookie Company. "So we held an online contest to let customers vote for causes they love. We're thrilled that more than 300,000 people visited our website to vote, and we congratulate all the winners."

Bubel said, "It was so wonderful to see our supporters get behind this, get excited and help raise funds for the project."

The second prize of $5,000 went to the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County, Tenn., which helps abused and neglected children and their families.

Ten other charities each won a $1,000 check. They are:

  • Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Lenexa, Kan.
  • Young Singers Foundation, Tulsa, Okla.
  • Liz Logelin Foundation, Minnetonka, Minn.
  • Tupelo Children's Mansion, Tupelo, Miss.
  • Coffee County Children's Advocacy Center, Manchester, Tenn.
  • United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, Pittsburgh, Pa.
  • MarineParents.com , Columbia, Mo.
  • Ronald McDonald House, Winston-Salem, N.C .
  • St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.
  • Kyle David Miller Foundation, Golden, Colo.

"Thanks to everyone who voted," said Wilt. "We know these organizations need support and we are happy to help."

About Christie Cookies

Christie Cookies began in a small apartment kitchen in Nashville and has grown to serve customers and corporations nationwide, normally processing 250 mail orders per hour and 900 per hour during the peak season. Christie Cookies ships 250 mail order boxes daily and as many as 7,500 gift packages daily during peak season. Christie Cookies contain no preservatives and are made using only the finest ingredients, including rich chocolate, fresh macadamia nuts, plump raisins, real butter and Heath toffee. Every batch is mixed by hand and cookies are baked fresh when ordered.

SOURCE Christie Cookies

American Dietetic Association's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo -- Parents and caregivers are hearing and following the feeding guidance for infants, yet continued work needs to be done to help them also build good eating habits for their growing children, suggests data from the Nestle Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) released today at a symposium at the American Dietetic Association's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo.

The study reveals both progress and areas of concern in the diets of young children in the United States. The data show some positive trends versus 2002 when Gerber Products Company, now part of the Nestle family, first commissioned the FITS study. Infants are being breastfed longer; and fewer infants and toddlers are consuming sweets and sweetened beverages on a given day. However, other findings are less positive -- on a given day, many toddlers and preschoolers aren't eating a single serving of vegetables or fruit; and many toddlers and preschoolers are consuming diets with less than the recommended 30-to-40 percent of calories from fat. Most preschoolers are eating too much saturated fat and sodium.

The FITS findings suggest that more guidance and support is needed to help caregivers better transition from feeding their babies to meeting the unique nutrition and feeding needs of a toddler or preschooler. As a result, too many young children are mirroring the often unhealthy eating patterns of American adults.

Leveraging science to nourish a healthier generation

"Good nutrition from birth through preschool sets the foundation for healthy habits later in life," said Dr. Kathleen Reidy, Head, Nutrition Science, Meals & Drinks, Nestle Nutrition. "The Nestle FITS data provide a rich source of information and we'll continue to analyze the data for new insights, sharing and applying our findings to advance the quality of children's diets."

Nestle FITS is a dietary intake survey of a large, cross-sectional sample of parents and caregivers that provides a snapshot of the eating patterns and nutrient intakes on a given day of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers living in the United States. Data were collected for a sample of 3,378 children age zero-to-four years and provided important information on what foods are eaten at various different stages of development as children transition from an all milk diet onto the foods of the family. Nestle FITS 2008 is an updated and expanded survey from FITS 2002 that provided dietary data on a sample of 3,000 infants and toddlers age four-to-24 months.

The 2008 study offers a comparison to 2002 for those children age four-to-24 months, and provides new data and insight into the eating patterns and nutrient intakes of children age zero-to-three months and preschoolers. Mathematica Policy Research, a nonpartisan research firm, conducted the study on behalf of Nestle. Mathematica also conducted the FITS 2002 study.

"Parents and caregivers need support and education around the unique nutrition needs of young children," said Dr. Nancy Butte, PhD. Professor, USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine. "The 2008 FITS data shows us that more feeding guidance is needed during the transition to table foods. We are seeing eating patterns in toddlers and preschoolers that mirror those of adults--24 percent of children ages two-to-five are overweight or obese in the United States. We need to put more focus on establishing healthy eating patterns during the first four years."

2008 Nestle FITS Study Highlights

  • Fewer infants are consuming sweets or sweetened beverages. Seventeen percent of infants age six-to-eight months, consumed a dessert, sweet or sweetened beverage on a given day versus 36 percent in 2002. A similar change was seen for children age nine-to-11 months old, with 43 percent in 2008 versus 59 percent in 2002 consuming any dessert, sweet or sweetened beverage.
  • Fruit and vegetable consumption remains a problem for all age groups studied. About 25 percent of older infants, toddlers and preschoolers don't eat a single serving of fruit on a given day, and 30 percent don't eat a single serving of vegetables. These findings are similar to those in FITS 2002 for infants and toddlers.
  • Fewer toddlers were consuming sweetened beverages in 2008 than in 2002. This was especially true among children age 12-to-14 months (14 percent drank a sweetened beverage on a given day in 2008 versus 29 percent in 2002) and children 18-to-20 months (29 percent in 2008 versus 47 percent in 2002).
  • On a given day 23 percent of toddlers 12-to-24 months and one third of preschoolers are consuming diets of less than the recommended 30-to-40 percent of calories from fat. Yet, 75 percent of preschoolers are consuming too much saturated fat.
  • Mothers are breastfeeding their children longer. In 2008, 33 percent of nine-to-11 month olds are still receiving breast milk compared to just 21 percent in 2002.

Other survey findings

  • French fries are still the most popular vegetable among toddlers and preschoolers. However, among older babies there were improvements, and French fries are no longer ranked in the top five vegetables among infants age nine-to-11 months, compared to FITS 2002, when French fries ranked among the top vegetables in the diets of older infants on a given day.
  • There is a significant reduction in the number of infants, age four-to-11 months, consuming juice on a given day, versus 2002.
  • A small but important number of older infants are not getting enough iron. Twelve percent of children from six-to-11 months of age are not getting enough iron on a given day.
  • Seventy-one percent of toddlers and eighty-four percent of preschoolers consume more sodium than recommended on a given day.

A dietary snapshot by developmental stage

The Nestle FITS 2008 findings provide insight into the diets of children at key developmental stages--infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The good news is that caregivers are hearing and following the feeding guidance for infants, yet FITS 2008 shows that more progress is needed in the diets of toddlers and preschoolers. Compared to FITS 2002, the number of months children breastfeed is longer, which builds the child's immunity, aids a growing baby's brain and eye development, and may help to lower the child's risk of developing allergies and infections. What's more, the introduction of juice is being delayed for infants, and fewer are consuming French fries, sweetened beverages and sweets on a given day. While FITS 2008 shows positive trends in the diets of infants, the data reveal that some older infants have low intakes of iron and consumption of iron-fortified infant cereal is being stopped earlier.

As infants grow into toddlers, it is clear from the FITS 2008 findings that more nutrition guidance for parents is needed for this important developmental stage. Overall, on a given day, toddlers are meeting most of their nutrient requirements for healthy growth and development, however, FITS data show gaps in the intake of vegetables, fruit, fiber, vitamin E, potassium and total fat. The data reflect promising downward trends among toddlers in the consumption of French fries, sweets and sweetened beverages, but more improvement is needed.

FITS 2008 provides a first-of-its-kind nutrition snapshot of preschoolers (children ages 24-to-48 months). The findings show that on a given day, many preschoolers have unhealthy eating patterns reflective of the diets of older children and adults in the United States. In particular, preschoolers are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables, fiber, potassium and vitamin E and are taking in too much saturated fat and sodium.

Help for parents: Start Healthy, Stay Healthy((TM))( )

FITS 2002 was the foundation of the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy(TM) nutrition system, Nestle's patent-pending stage-based nutrition system that combines products, education and services to foster healthy growth and development and the early establishment of healthy eating habits from birth to preschool. Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Milestones Symbols(TM) direct parents to the information and products tailored to their child's developmental stage. The insights from FITS, along with dietary recommendations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine (NAS/ IOM) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are the foundation of the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy feeding guidelines and resources(1).

About Nestle

Nestle Nutrition, part of Nestle S.A., the world leader in nutrition, health and wellness is dedicated to infant nutrition, healthcare nutrition, performance nutrition and weight management. Gerber Products Company, founded in 1928, officially joined the Nestle family on September 1, 2007. Nestle and Gerber's combined resources and scientific research expertise have enabled the company to become a worldwide leader in early childhood nutrition. For consumer information about Nestle Infant Nutrition products in the United States visit www.StartHealthyStayHealthy.com.

The Nestle Nutrition Institute is a multidisciplinary educational organization dedicated to the science of healthy nutrition for people of all ages. The Institute provides information, guidance and support to bridge the latest scientific discoveries and their application to achieving optimal nutrition. For more information about Nestle Nutrition Institute visit www.nestlenutrition-institute.org.

For more information about Nestle visit www.nestle.com.

About Mathematica

Mathematica, a nonpartisan research firm, provides a full range of research and data collection services, including program evaluation and policy research, survey design and data collection, research methods and standards, and program management/data system support, to improve public well-being. Its clients include federal and state governments, foundations, and private-sector and international organizations. The employee-owned company, with offices in Princeton, N.J., Ann Arbor, Mich., Cambridge, Mass., Chicago, Ill., Oakland, Calif., and Washington, D.C., has conducted some of the most important studies of healthcare, education, family support, employment, nutrition, and early childhood policies and programs.

1. Not sponsored or endorsed by the USDA, NAS/IOM or AAP

    Contact:
    Emily Korns                                  Jessica Tolliver
    Nestle Infant Nutrition                      Carmichael Lynch Spong
    Office: (973) 593-7421                       Office : (212) 414-7124
    Mobile: (201) 259-3743                       Mobile : (917) 373-8067
    emily.korns@us.nestle.com                    jessica.tolliver@clynch.com

    David Mortazavi                              Brad Ferris
    Nestle Infant Nutrition                      Carmichael Lynch Spong
    Office: (973) 593-7460                       Office: (212) 414-7032
    Mobile: (646) 326-3926                       Mobile: (917) 318-7730
    david.mortazavi@us.nestle.com                brad.ferris@clynch.com

SOURCE Nestle

Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue.

Reportlinker Adds Global Top 10 Food Retailers -- Industry, Financial and SWOT Analysis

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0155126/Reportlinker-Adds-Global-Top-10-Food-Retailers----Industry-Financial-and-SWOT-Analysis.html

Scope:

"Top 10 Global Food Retailers Report: Strategic evaluation of industry and key players" is a business report that provides a comprehensive view of the food retail industry and its top 10 companies.

The report includes the following:

- Industry analysis including market value, market volume, market share and forecast growth till 2013

- Assessment of intensity of competition based on five-forces model including degree of rivalry, substitutes, new entrants, buyer power and supplier power

- SWOT and 5-year financial analysis of top 10 players in the industry

- Descriptive profiles of the leading players including the strategic initiatives undertaken in the last 12 months

The top 10 companies have been ascertained based on their global revenues for the year ended 2008.

Highlights:

The global food retail industry generated total revenues of $3,657.6 billion in 2008, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% for the period spanning 2004-08. The performance of the industry is forecast to accelerate, with an anticipated CAGR of 4.7% for the five-year period 2008-13, which is expected to drive the industry to a value of $4,602.6 billion by the end of 2013.

The top 10 food retailers recorded revenues of $1,057.1 billion in 2008, an increase of 6.4% over 2007. The operating profit of these companies was $43.6 billion in 2008, as compared to an operating profit of $46.6 billion in 2007. The net profit was $21.2 billion in 2008, as compared to a net profit of $27.1 billion in 2007.

The operating margin of the top 10 companies was 3.1% in 2008 as compared with 4.2% in 2007. The net margin was 1.2% in 2008 as compared with 2.4% in 2007.

The global food retail industry posted healthy rates of growth over the past four years and will continue to do so during 2008-13.

Reasons to Purchase

- Gain insights into the industry, leading companies and competitors through a single report

- Benchmark the leading players using 5-year financial analysis, ratios and adjusted financial statement data

- Form opinions about key players using SWOT Analysis to understand internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) influencing the companies

- Determine industry attractiveness from five-forces analysis of constituent segments

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents 2

Executive Summary 7

Industry analysis 7

Industry definition 7

Global top 10 food retail companies 7

Market Value 8

Market Segmentation -- Category 9

Market Segmentation -- Geography 10

Five Forces Analysis 11

Global Top 10 Companies Landscape 19

Revenue analysis 22

Financial performance analysis 23

Company Reports 28

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 28

Carrefour S.A. 33

Metro AG 37

Tesco Plc 40

Kroger Co., The 43

Auchan Groupe SA 48

Aeon Co., Ltd. 52

Seven & I Holdings Co. Ltd. 56

Supervalu Inc. 60

Safeway Inc. 64

Financial Analysis 68

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 68

Carrefour S.A. 71

Metro AG 74

Tesco Plc 77

Kroger Co., The 80

Auchan Groupe SA 83

Aeon Co., Ltd. 86

Seven & I Holdings Co. Ltd 89

Supervalu Inc. 92

Safeway Inc. 95

Appendix 98

FIGURES

Figure 1: Global food retail industry value, $ billion, 2004-08 8

Figure 2: Global food retail industry segmentation--category, % share, by value, 2008 9

Figure 3: Global food retail industry segmentation-geography, % share, by value, 2008 10

Figure 4: Forces driving competition in the global food retail industry, 2008 11

Figure 5: Drivers of buyer power in the global food retail industry, 2008 13

Figure 6: Drivers of supplier power in the global food retail industry, 2008 15

Figure 7: Factors influencing the likelihood of new entrants in the global food retail industry, 2008 16

Figure 8: Factors influencing the threat of substitutes in the global food retail industry, 2008 17

Figure 9: Drivers of degree of rivalry in the global food retail industry, 2008 18

Figure 10: Turnover of global top 10 food retailers, $ million, 2008 20

Figure 11: Revenue growth rates of global top 10 food retailers, 2006-08 23

Figure 12: Operating profit analysis of global top 10 food retailers, 2008 24

Figure 13: Net profit analysis of global top 10 food retailers, 2008 25

Table 1: Global food retail industry value, $ billion, 2004-08 8

Table 2: Global food retail industry segmentation--category, % share, by value, 2008 9

Table 3: Global food retail industry segmentation--geography, % share, by value, 2008 10

Table 4: Turnover of global top 10 food retailers, $ million, 2008 19

Table 5: Revenue growth of global top 10 food retailers, 2006-08 22

Table 6: Key financials of global top 10 food retailers, 2008 23

Table 7: Key industry-specific ratios, 2008 26

Table 8: Wal-Mart--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (1) 68

Table 9: Wal-Mart--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (2) 69

Table 10: Wal-Mart--Key industry specific ratios, 2005-09 70

Table 11: Carrefour--Financial and operational highlights, 2004-08 ($ million) (1) 71

Table 12: Carrefour--Financial and operational highlights, 2004-08 ($ million) (2) 72

Table 13: Carrefour--Key industry specific ratios, 2004-08 73

Table 14: Metro--Financial and operational highlights, 2004-08 ($ million) (1) 74

Table 15: Metro--Financial and operational highlights, 2004-08 ($ million) (2) 75

Table 16: Metro--Key industry specific ratios, 2004-08 76

Table 17: Tesco--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (1) 77

Table 18: Tesco--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (2) 78

Table 19: Tesco--Key industry specific ratios, 2005-09 79

Table 20: Kroger--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (1) 80

Table 21: Kroger--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (2) 81

Table 22: Kroger--Key Industry Specific Ratios, 2005-09 82

Table 23: Auchan--Financial and operational highlights, 2004-08 ($ million) (1) 83

Table 24: Auchan--Financial and operational highlights, 2004-08 ($ million) (2) 84

Table 25: Auchan--Key industry specific ratios, 2004-08 85

Table 26: Aeon--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (1) 86

Table 27: Aeon--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (2) 87

Table 28: Aeon--Key industry specific ratios, 2005-09 88

Table 29: Seven & I--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (1) 89

Table 30: Seven & I--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (2) 90

Table 31: Seven & I--Key industry specific ratios, 2005-09 91

Table 32: Supervalu--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (1) 92

Table 33: Supervalu--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (2) 93

Table 34: Supervalu--Key industry specific ratios, 2005-09 94

Table 35: Safeway--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (1) 95

Table 36: Safeway--Financial and operational highlights, 2005-09 ($ million) (2) 96

Table 37: Safeway--Key industry specific ratios, 2005-09 97

To order this report:

Reportlinker Adds Global Top 10 Food Retailers -- Industry, Financial and SWOT Analysis

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0155126/Reportlinker-Adds-Global-Top-10-Food-Retailers----Industry-Financial-and-SWOT-Analysis.html

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Contact:

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Email: nbo@reportlinker.com

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Intl: +1 805-652-2626

SOURCE Reportlinker

Today, Easter Seals announced the appointment of Friendly Ice Cream Corp. (FICC) CEO and Massachusetts resident Ned Lidvall, to its international board of directors, during the organization's annual convention in Washington, D.C.

"Ned is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families," said James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals. "His executive experience in leadership training and management will be a valuable asset for our organization. And, his support of Friendly's annual Cones for Kids fundraiser for Easter Seals is remarkable."

Lidvall was named President and CEO of Friendly's in December of 2008. Prior to joining the Friendly's team, he was President/CEO of Rock Bottom Restaurants from 1999 to 2008 -- and served as EVP/COO from 1995 to 1999. Lidvall also served as President/COO of Brinker International's On the Border Cafes, Vice President of Food & Beverage/Purchasing for Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurants, and partner/owner and VP of Operations at Western Sizzlin, Inc.

"Friendly's recognizes the importance of giving back to the community and we are proud of our partnership with Easter Seals. Our goal is to raise $1 million for children and adults with autism and other disabilities through Easter Seals next year," said Lidvall. "I look forward to serving in a governing role with Easter Seals."

Lidvall is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where he attended on an athletic scholarship as a 4-year starter on the football team. He lives in Wilbraham, Mass., with his wife Melody.

An Easter Seals partner for 28 years, Friendly's directs proceeds from its annual Cones for Kids fundraiser to Easter Seals Camp Friendly's, which makes it possible for kids with disabilities to enjoy summer camp programs. To date, Friendly's has raised more than $25.8 million to support Easter Seals services and Camp Friendly's locations.

About Friendly Ice Cream Corporation

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is a vertically integrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment in more than 500 company and franchised restaurants throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. The company also manufactures ice cream, which is distributed through more than 4,000 supermarkets and other retail locations. With a 74-year operating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base. Additional information on Friendly Ice Cream Corporation can be found at http://www.friendlys.com/.

About Easter Seals

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For nearly 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.

SOURCE Easter Seals

State and community emergency food assistance officials today renewed their commitment to cooperate in providing services to Pennsylvania's 1.2 million citizens at risk of hunger as they marked "World Food Day."

"Pennsylvania is a worldwide leader in food production and processing, yet one in 10 citizens is uncertain where they'll get their next meal," said acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding during a visit to the SHARE Food Program Inc. in Philadelphia. "The recent economic crisis has many families seeking help from food banks, pantries and soup kitchens to supplement their diets, putting added pressure on these agencies to meet the growing demand.

"In partnership with state and federal programs, our emergency food assistance agencies are better able to extend the reach of programs like CSFP, ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to the food they need."

SHARE Food Program Inc. is one of the state's 1,800 emergency food assistance providers.

Redding highlighted partnerships between the Department of Agriculture and community agencies that support programs like the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, or CSFP.

The federally funded CSFP program is administered by the state Agriculture Department with the Pennsylvania Association of Regional Food Banks, or PARF. The program provides boxes of food each month to more than 14,000 at-risk women, children and senior citizens.

This year, PARF was awarded a grant by the Department of Community and Economic Development to extend the impact of the CSFP program to an additional 2,000 older adults throughout the state, including those served through SHARE.

"SHARE operates through a network of agencies and organizations to provide nutritious food to our clients," said Steveanna Wynn, executive director of SHARE and president of PARF. "It takes cooperation on many levels to ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to one of their most basic rights - food."

Governor Edward G. Rendell proclaimed Oct. 16 as "World Food Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness of the ongoing hunger crisis and promote ways in which Pennsylvanians can help eliminate hunger.

For more information about the state's food distribution programs, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on "Bureaus" and then "Food Distribution," or call 800-468-2433.

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

What does it take to be named the "Unofficial Official Tailgate Recipe of the New England Patriots"? According to Katie Pelczar of Dedham, Massachusetts - the winner of Ocean Spray's first ever tailgating recipe contest - it takes mixing sweet and savory flavors with the irresistible tang of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail and Ocean Spray cranberries. Pelczar's tantalizing Grilled Bacon Apple Bites with Chunky Cranberry Spread tailgate recipe, which exemplifies the spirit of tailgating and highlights the versatility of the cranberry, will be showcased at the New England Patriots Tailgate party on October 18.

Pelczar was among the three finalists today who participated in Ocean Spray's Tailgating Recipe Contest cook-off at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Finalists whipped up cranberry-inspired tailgate recipes using equipment provided by Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place.

Well known Chef Ming Tsai, host of Simply Ming and chef/owner of the award-winning Blue Ginger restaurant in Wellesley, Massachusetts, announced the winner. Pelczar's recipe was awarded the title of "Unofficial Official Tailgate Recipe of the New England Patriots" and she received a prize package including two tickets to the New England Patriots' October 18 game against the Tennessee Titans.

"The recipes were imaginative, bringing the flavors of fall to the grill and the gridiron. It was difficult to choose," said Ming Tsai. "The judges and I felt that Katie Pelczar's recipe displayed the true versatility of the fruit with Grilled Bacon Apple Bites with Chunky Cranberry Spread."

Ming Tsai, a football enthusiast, also got in on the action by preparing several of his favorite tailgate recipes, including his Blue Ginger Cranberry Chicken Wings and Cranberry-Ginger-Soju Fizz cocktail. To view his cranberry inspired tailgate recipes visit, www.oceanspray.com or www.ming.com.

The contest was open to New England residents with a passion for cranberries and tailgating. The recipes had to be original and reflect the overall theme of tailgating. Creations were judged on creativity, use of product, taste, overall appearance and ease of preparation. The respected panel of judges included Chef Ming Tsai, Pro Football Hall of Famer John Hannah and Cindy Taccini, senior test kitchen manager at Ocean Spray.

"Showcasing the versatility of the cranberry and our products year-round is part of everything we do at Ocean Spray," said Larry Martin, vice president of marketing at Ocean Spray. "While cranberry inspired holiday favorites are top of mind this time of year, we're giving consumers yet another reason to enjoy the sweet, tangy taste of cranberries."

The recipe contest was held at Gillette Stadium in conjunction with Ocean Spray's "Patriot Place Bog." The free-standing, 1,500 square foot cranberry bog - created using more than 2,000 pounds of cranberries - is on display and open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 17 and to fans attending the Patriots game on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Visitors are also encouraged to visit Ocean Spray's "Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place." The nature trail, which is free and open to the public from dawn until dusk every day, sits on 16-acres behind the Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place and is a part of a 32-acre wetland system. Visitors seeking light exercise or fun, educational activities for children are invited to enjoy the cranberry bog and wide variety of wildlife and plant life from the trail, bridge or observation platform, which extends across a six-acre pond.

Tailgate Recipes

The winning recipe will be posted on the official New England Patriots website www.patriots.com, delivered to thousands of Patriots fans via the Patriots Now newsletter and featured on www.oceanspray.com.

Grilled Bacon Apple Bites with Chunky Cranberry Spread

Recipe by: Katie Pelczar

    INGREDIENTS:

    1 cup Ocean Spray(R) Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
    1/2 cup water
    1/4 cup Ocean Spray(R) Cranberry Juice Cocktail
    1/4 cup raisins
    1/4 cup sugar
    2 tablespoons cider vinegar
    1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1/2 cup chopped onion
    1 teaspoon chopped garlic
    16 slices bacon
    8 slices hearty whole-grain bread
    4 teaspoons mustard
    1 large apple, sliced
    1/3 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

Directions:

Preheat grill to high.

Bring cranberries, water, cranberry juice cocktail, raisins, sugar, vinegar and ginger to a boil in cast-iron pot or Dutch oven. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.

Meanwhile, heat oil in small cast-iron skillet. Add onion and garlic; saute until soft and slightly brown. Stir onion mixture into cranberry mixture.

Cook bacon on griddle until crisp. Spread 4 bread slices with mustard. Top with bacon, apple and cheese. Spread cranberry mixture on remaining 4 bread slices. Place bread slices, cranberry side down, on cheese to form sandwiches. Grill sandwiches on griddle until browned on both sides and cheese is melted. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles. Serve with remaining cranberry mixture.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

Score big with other game day treats, including Ocean Spray's Ultimate Party Meatballs. For more recipes visit, www.oceanspray.com

Ultimate Party Meatballs

    Ingredients:

    1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray(R) Jellied Cranberry Sauce
    1 12-ounce bottle Heinz(R) Chili Sauce
    1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs

Directions:

Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.

Makes 30 appetizer servings.

Slow cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.

About Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 600 cranberry growers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and other parts of Canada as well as more than 50 Florida grapefruit growers. Ocean Spray was formed over 75 years ago by three cranberry growers from Massachusetts and New Jersey. Florida grapefruit growers joined the Cooperative in 1976. Ocean Spray is North America's leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks, and has been the best-selling brand name in the canned and bottled juice category since 1981. Ocean Spray posted fiscal 2008 sales of $1.9 billion.

SOURCE Ocean Spray

You could win a vacation valued at $5,000 - and help fight hunger in your hometown - by sharing a family holiday anecdote in the Memorable Holiday Moments contest, sponsored by Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls and Meredith Corporation.

The grand prize is a five-night vacation for four to the Riu Palace Mexico resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico and a $5,000 donation to a local food bank. Five first-prize winners will receive $100 gift cards, and the first 10,000 entrants will receive an Internet coupon for $1 off any variety of Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls just for entering.

"My holidays have always been memorable, thanks to the joy I can share with my family and others through my cooking," said Patricia "Sister Schubert" Barnes, founder of Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls. "Because they go from freezer to table in minutes, Sister Schubert's rolls make it easier for families across the country to enjoy the taste of homemade yeast rolls at their holiday and everyday meals. We're hoping that, this year, families will use a little of the time they save to share their memories with us."

To enter, visit SisterSchuberts.com between October 14 and December 24, 2009, and write an essay of up to 200 words about your family's most memorable holiday moment. No purchase is necessary.

Meredith Corporation editors will review all contest entries and identify finalists. Winners will be selected on or about January 31, 2010, by a judging panel including Patricia "Sister Schubert" Barnes and other executives from T. Marzetti Co., parent company of Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls.

For recipes, product information and contest details, visit the www.sisterschuberts.com Web site. Full contest rules are available at www.SisterSchubertSweeps.com.

Contest details also will be featured in advertisements in Meredith Corporation publications, including Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal and Midwest Living as well as in newspaper freestanding inserts in select markets.

About Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls

Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls was founded in Troy, Ala., by Patricia "Sister Schubert" Barnes in 1991. Today, it is a subsidiary of T. Marzetti Company, Lancaster Colony's specialty foods division. Sister Schubert's produces 12 varieties of rolls at three bakeries: the company headquarters in Luverne, Ala.; Saraland, Ala.; and Horse Cave, Ky. For more information, visit SisterSchuberts.com.

SOURCE Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls

Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc. (Pink Sheets: IBGH) has announced they will be manning booth #136 at the annual NACS Show October 20 - 23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090219/DRANKLOGO )

The NACS Show is scheduled to draw more than 20,000 attendees and over 1,200 exhibitors this year, and feature a two-day exhibition, as well as educational sessions with industry leaders such as the CEOs of QuikTrip and QuickChek and moderated by the chairman of the board of Sheetz, Inc. The NACS show will end with a closing session speech from former President Bill Clinton who will share his unique insights and observations from the world stage.

"We recognize that the biggest names and influencers in the food and beverage industry attend the NACS show," said Peter Bianchi, CEO of Innovative Beverage Group. "By appearing at the show and showcasing our product, drank(TM), we continue to cement ourselves as a household name product."

Recently featured on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, Good Morning America, Fox News with Shephard Smith, and the Wall Street Journal, drank(TM) has relaxed the nation with its tall, bold purple and catchy slogan, "slow your roll(TM)." With the calming beverage category skyrocketing in popularity, drank(TM) has successfully carved its niche as the industry leader.

"drank(TM) has become so popular, so fast, and we're excited to showcase our product with those attending the NACS show, as well as the rest of the world," said Bianchi. "The world is still looking for a way to de-stress, and we're happy to provide a non-alcoholic solution to take the edge off. Whether you're getting home from work, picking up the kids, or finishing an arduous workout, drank(TM) has something to offer for everybody."

With a slogan of "slow your roll(TM)," drank(TM) is the antithesis of the herd of energy drinks crowding the functional beverage sector. Since launching in select markets in early 2008, drank(TM) has quickly become the go-to beverage for people looking to relax their mind and body with a calming blend of melatonin, rose hips and valerian root.

For more information about drank(TM), please visit: www.drankbeverage.com, call 877-DRANK-02 or follow the brand on Twitter - www.twitter.com/slowyourroll.

About Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc.

Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc. is a Nevada-based corporation headquartered in Houston, Texas that engages in the distribution and wholesale of products in the New Age beverage category. The Company recently launched its first proprietary product drank(TM). Dubbed the world's first extreme relaxation (TM) beverage, drank(TM) was created to induce a natural calming and soothing effect when consumed. drank(TM) is a lightly carbonated grape flavored beverage formulated with natural calming agents including melatonin, rose hips, and valerian root. drank(TM) is sold in prominent purple, signature 16 ounce cans bearing the slogan "slow your roll" and is available in convenience and grocery outlets in a growing number of regions throughout the United States. Innovative Beverage Group began operations as a distributor for well known national brands of beverage products including Jolt, Rock Star, Crystal Geyser, Sweet Leaf tea, Arizona Ice tea, and Volvic Water. Although the Company continues to distribute many of these well known brands in the greater Houston area, the expansion of Innovative's proprietary product division has become foremost in their business model. Recent corporate strategies have been focused on the marketing and distribution of drank(TM) to accommodate the growing demand for the product. Innovative Beverage Group is also currently working to add additional proprietary products to its line that will complement drank(TM) and provide consumers with an array of new and unique concepts in the New Age beverage category.

All company and/or product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain oral statements made by management from time to time and certain statements contained in press releases and periodic reports issued by Innovative Beverage Group, Inc., (the "Company"), as well as those contained herein, that are not historical facts are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, including those in Management's Discussion and Analysis, are statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations, estimates, or projections of the Company, its directors, or its officers about the Company and the industry in which it operates and are based on assumptions made by management. Forward-looking statements include without limitation statements regarding: (a) the Company's strategies regarding growth and business expansion, including future acquisitions; (b) the Company's financing plans; (c) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations; (d) the Company's ability to continue to control costs and to meet its liquidity and other financing needs; (e) the declaration and payment of dividends; and (f) the Company's ability to respond to changes in customer demand and regulations. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the anticipated results will occur. When issued in this report, the words "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.

For media samples, product photography and additional information, contact Beckerman Public Communications at 201-465-8008 or email drankpr@beckermanpr.com.

SOURCE Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc.

T.L. Cannon Companies, the franchisee for Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in New York and Connecticut, was recently recognized for supporting local neighborhoods and communities. The group won the 2009 New York State Restaurant Association's award for its community-based outreach programs.

The Good Neighbor Award recognizes restaurants for outstanding community service in their communities. This is the fourth consecutive year Applebee's was honored.

T.L. Cannon also won Applebee's coveted "Neighbor of the Year" award, among approximately 50 other Applebee's franchisees nationwide. That award recognizes the Applebee's group that has demonstrated the greatest commitment to serving its communities throughout the year. Last year, T.L. Cannon supported nonprofit and community-based organizations with more than $1.6 million in donations and fundraising activities throughout upstate New York and Connecticut.

"We're honored to be recognized by the New York State Restaurant Association and Applebee's Services, Inc. for our efforts, but this award really belongs to our more than 4,000 employees across both states," said Matt Fairbairn, CEO, T.L. Cannon Companies. "Day in and day out, our staff, managers and leadership teams come together to support non-profit organizations in our neighborhoods."

T.L. Cannon/Applebee's invites groups to choose among a variety of fundraising options that can be booked on its community site www.tlcneighborhood.com. One program, the Flapjack Fundraiser, helped schools, sports teams and youth service organizations raise more than $1.2 million last year. Applebee's provides the venue and food for the breakfasts; the organization sells tickets and provides event volunteers.

"Last year we held more than 1,500 Flapjack Fundraiser breakfasts. Area youth raising money for their schools and sports programs rolled-up their sleeves and volunteered to serve 120,000 people pancakes," Fairbairn said. "This is just one of the programs we are proud to offer in the community.

The group also supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Special Olympics through in-restaurant fundraisers, raffles, staff dress down days and more, and offers multiple education-based programs through its Education Collaboration initiative.

To view and subscribe to more news from Applebee's/T.L. Cannon, visit http://www.pitchfeed.com/tlcannonapplebees/9358.

About T.L. Cannon Companies

T.L. Cannon Companies is the franchisee for Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar in Upstate NY and CT. It currently owns and operates 62 restaurant locations.

SOURCE T.L. Cannon Companies

Richland School District Two, through its school nutrition provider Sodexo, became the first school district in South Carolina to earn the coveted Certified S.C. Grown - Nothing's Finer designation from the state's agricultural department for sourcing more than 25 percent of the produce and products served in schools from local vendors and for supporting healthy eating and local-farming education.

Sodexo, in partnership with the school district, developed a foodservice program that emphasizes local favorites such as collard greens, potatoes and peaches. Three executive chefs from Sodexo developed menu options to highlight local products including grits, cheese and fresh meat and poultry. The initiative to source local products also includes education on local agriculture, including field trips to farms, culinary school programs that promote lifelong skills in preparing healthy food, and cooking demonstrations. Thirty-four schools and centers in the district reaped the benefits of this award, including Keels Elementary, Conder Elementary, Spring Valley and Blythewood High Schools.

"Sodexo works hard every day to deliver services that support student well-being," said Lorna Donatone, president of Sodexo School Services. "We are especially proud of this award because it demonstrates how integral our services are to developing healthy students and local economies."

Certified S.C. Grown - Nothing's Finer is a program designed to promote agricultural products made in the state. Sodexo operations at Richland School District Two received a letter of certification from Agricultural Commissioner Hugh Weathers certifying that Sodexo receives more than one quarter of its produce and products from South Carolina.

"The benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables each day are well documented," said Jack Carter, the district's executive director of operations. "Those benefits seem that much greater knowing we are serving our students and staff fruits and vegetables grown right here in South Carolina."

Sodexo celebrates National School Lunch Week Oct. 12 to 19 and is committed to take measurable sustainable actions that ensure a brighter future in the areas of health and wellness, environmental stewardship and community development. Sodexo School Services focuses on nutrition, achievements, environment, community and activity to promote student well-being.

"Sodexo is thrilled to achieve this honor and to support the goals of Richland School District Two and the Columbia-area economy," said Jeffrey Quasha, Sodexo operations manager for the school district. "We know that when children have good nutrition, they perform better in school, are happier and healthier overall and nothing could be finer than local products from Carolina to achieve that."

Sodexo, Inc.

Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com) is a leading integrated facilities management services company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with $7.7 billion (USD) in annual revenue and 120,000 employees. Sodexo serves more than ten million customers daily in corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, government, and remote sites. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., is a member of Sodexo Group, and funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $11 million in grants to fight hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

Richland School District Two

Richland School District Two is a suburban school district serving the rapidly growing northeastern section of Richland County. The district is proud of its record of state and national achievements. Fourteen of Richland Two's schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education and six of those have earned the award twice. Thirteen schools have been named "Palmetto's Finest" schools, two schools have won the state award twice. Richland Two serves more than 24,000 students in 35 locations throughout the district: 16 elementary schools, six middle schools, four high schools, four magnet centers, two districtwide child development centers and two alternative schools. The district also has an adult education and technology training center.

SOURCE Sodexo, Inc.

Recent studies indicate that Americans of all ages are failing to get their daily recommended servings of fruits and veggies -- despite the fact that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. (State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 2009) Frozen produce, including antioxidant-rich Wild Blueberries are a nutritious solution for families looking to make healthy eating more convenient and affordable.

"Wild Blueberries are one of the original Superfoods, and are a staple in my diet," said Dr. Steven Pratt, M.D., senior staff ophthalmologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California, world-renowned nutrition authority, and author of the best-selling SuperFoods books. "Eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables will help you fight oxidation and inflammation, two conditions related to many diseases of aging. Frozen produce, like Wild Blueberries, is a great option for people looking to fill their pantry with healthy foods. I use frozen Wild Blueberries almost every day making sure to get these super-berries into my diet for a boost of berry nutrition." Dr. Pratt will visit the Wild Blueberry Association booth at the American Dietetic Association's Annual Food and Nutrition Conference signing copies of his latest book SuperHealth: 6 Simple Steps, 6 Easy Weeks, 1 Longer, Healthier Life.

In the spectrum of healthy fruits, Wild Blueberries stand out -- for their delicious taste, small size and big health benefits. With more antioxidant capacity per serving than most other fruits, frozen Wild Blueberries have more of what it takes to combat disease and promote healthy aging (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2004; 52:4026-4037). Just a 1/2 cup of frozen Wild Blueberries satisfies one fruit serving and is a good source of dietary fiber.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are convenient and available year-round. What's more, frozen makes it easy to get the colorful variety needed to ensure the widest range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Plus, the FDA has concluded that frozen produce is just as nutritious as fresh and may even retain its nutritional value longer -- all of which makes frozen an excellent value for consumers wanting to increase their intake while making the most of their food dollar.

"We're going to step up our efforts to direct grocery shoppers to the frozen fruit case as one of the healthiest, and most colorful destinations in the supermarket," said Wild Blueberry Association of North America President J. Kim Higgins. "The frozen fruit case is just as colorful as the fresh produce aisle when you think of all the wonderful berries and exotic fruits now available. We want to see retailers move berries into their own case, and see frozen fruit merchandised like frozen vegetables. Retailers and fruit and vegetable marketers have an obligation to make healthy eating a priority and frozen fruit is one area where we can make a difference."

Wild Blueberry Association of North America

The Wild Blueberry Association of North America is a trade association of growers and processors of Wild Blueberries from Maine and Canada, dedicated to bringing the Wild Blueberry health story and unique Wild Advantages to consumers and the trade worldwide. To learn more about Wild Blueberries visit wildblueberries.com.

SOURCE Wild Blueberry Association of North America

The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) airlifted a shipment of emergency supplies to Indonesia on October 10th from its stockpile in Dubai. In coordination with the Indonesian Red Cross, approximately 20,000 internally displaced personnel will benefit from 45 metric tons of emergency relief supplies including 34 pallets of plastic sheeting, 6,720 hygiene kits, 7,200 jerry cans and 6 generators. In addition to these supplies, USAID provided an immediate $300,000 to Mercy Corps for the distribution of emergency relief supplies and also committed nearly $500,000 to the American Red Cross as well as $500,000 to International Medical Corps.

On October 1, U. S. Ambassador Cameron R. Hume issued a disaster declaration in response to the earthquake in Indonesia and coordinated with USAID/OFDA to provide $300,000 through USAID/Indonesia to support emergency response interventions and the distribution of emergency relief supplies. USAID/OFDA also deployed an 11 member Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) of humanitarian specialists to address the acute crisis in Indonesia. The DART is charged with assessing changing humanitarian conditions, identifying priority needs for additional programming, and facilitating humanitarian coordination and information sharing with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, USAID/Indonesia, Government of Indonesia (GoI), and humanitarian partners.

On September 30, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck approximately 30 miles off the western coast of Sumatra Island in Indonesia, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A magnitude 5.5 aftershock followed the initial earthquake. According to the U.N. Office of Coordination Affairs (OCHA), the earthquakes caused significant infrastructure damage in Padang and Pariaman cities, West Sumatra Province. Following the earthquakes, heavy rains and landslides resulted in additional infrastructure damage and displacement.

On October 1, the GoI declared a state of emergency and has mobilized search and rescue teams and medical staff, and is distributing relief items to affected populations, including blankets, tents, and food items.

For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.

Public Information: 202-712-4810

SOURCE U.S. Agency for International Development

National Beef, Inc. ("the Company") announced today that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of shares of its Class A common stock. The shares of common stock to be sold in the offering are expected to be offered by the Company.

BofA Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC will be the joint book-running managers of the offering. The number of shares to be offered and the price range of the offering have not yet been determined. The Company intends to apply to have its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NBP."

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The offering of common stock will be made only by means of a prospectus. A copy of the preliminary prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: BofA Merrill Lynch at 4 World Financial Center, New York, NY 10080, Attention: Prospectus Department; and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC at One Madison Avenue 1B, New York, NY 10010, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by calling (800) 221-1037.

About National Beef, Inc.

National Beef, Inc. was incorporated in October 2009 for the purpose of becoming the managing member of, and holding an ownership interest in, National Beef Packing Company, LLC ("NBP"). NBP sells fresh and frozen beef, case ready beef and beef by-products to customers in the United States and international markets. NBP is one of the largest beef processing companies in the United States. With corporate headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, the Company has operations in Liberal, Dodge City and Kansas City, Kansas; Brawley, California; Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania; Moultrie, Georgia, and St. Joseph, Missouri.

SOURCE National Beef, Inc.

IZZE® Beverage Company is excited to announce the launch of its "You'll Love What's Inside" campaign, complete with print ads and an online promotion. The new campaign highlights IZZE's all-natural sparkling juices and provides consumers with the opportunity to interact with the brand in a fun, creative way.

Print ads supporting the campaign are currently running in Details, Entertainment Weekly, GQ, InStyle, People and People Style Watch. Featuring the striking visual of real fruit inside of IZZE bottles, the ads show that IZZE products are made of pure fruit juice and sparkling water, with no refined sugars, caffeine, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. Designed by Boulder-based Vermilion, the ads also include a call to action for consumers to create and send messages to their friends at www.IZZE.com/share.

The online campaign centers around a fun, easy-to-use IZZE Sparkle Generator that connects people with their friends. Consumers can send Sparkles to each other - messages that describe what's special about their friends - "what's on the inside." These uplifting messages are lighthearted and creative, reflecting IZZE's core brand equities as well as the positive spirit of IZZE fans. Consumers can also use Facebook Connect to send Sparkles to their Facebook friends directly via www.IZZE.com/share.

"Our consumers are always telling us how they love sharing IZZE with their friends," said IZZE VP Kelly Carioti. "We wanted to provide them with a creative way to share how they feel about their friends."

Sharing what's inside may bring consumers a little something to wear outside - people who send 20 Sparkles and have at least 20 Sparkles accepted by their friends will receive a limited edition IZZE Sparkling Lime t-shirt while supplies last. They can also join the Natural Rewards Program for a chance to win an IZZE branded iPod Shuffle by having 100 Sparkles accepted by their friends!

For more information about "You'll Love What's Inside" or the range of IZZE Sparkling Juices, please visit www.IZZE.com.

About IZZE Beverage Company

IZZE Beverage Company was founded in 2002 by two friends who set out to create a distinctive natural beverage while contributing to a higher purpose and is based in Boulder, CO. IZZE is available in eight flavors: Sparkling Apple, Sparkling Blackberry, Sparkling Blueberry, Sparkling Clementine, Sparkling Grapefruit, Sparkling Lime, Sparkling Peach and Sparkling Pomegranate, and is sold in four-packs, 12-packs, single-serve 12- and 16-ounce glass bottles, and single-serve 8.4-ounce cans. It is sold nationally in Target, Starbucks and Whole Foods Market as well as in a variety of grocery stores, delis, and restaurants across the country. IZZE's philanthropic focus is to improve people's lives through education and to encourage literacy by providing books and educational opportunities to those in need. IZZE brings this focus to life through a partnership with Global Education Fund. For more information, visit www.IZZE.com.

Contact: Alex Jessup, (310) 248-6119, pr@IZZE.com

SOURCE IZZE Beverage Company

Frutarom Industries Ltd. (LSE: FRUT, TASE: FRUT, OTC: FRUTF), announces the launch of its new branding for its activities in 46 locations world wide. Frutarom, one of the world's leaders for flavors and specialty ingredients for the food, beverage, functional foods, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and personal care industries, expresses through its new branding its unique position in the combination of taste and health solutions, and the desire and commitment to innovation, creativity and excellence.

"Our "Passion for Taste and Health" is the leading driver in Frutarom's successful rapid growth strategy," explains Ori Yehudai, President and CEO of Frutarom. "Frutarom's advantage is based on our unique ability to provide tasty flavor solutions together with the scientific basis for health benefits. The combination of a genuine and solid partnership with our customers and the understanding of their needs, allows us to provide full solutions tailored for them. We continue to implement the successful growth strategy that enabled us to become one of the top ten leading flavors and fine ingredients companies. Our strategy combines internal profitable growth with strategic acquisitions that have strengthened our product offering, expanded our customer base and paved our way into new markets."

Frutarom's new branding includes unique colorful elements for each of Frutarom's different products and solutions segments, that are combined in harmonic visuality. Oranges were chosen to represent Frutarom's Taste abilities and its proficiency with flavors and food systems. Established in 1933, Frutarom has a long legacy in citrus specialty products. Chili expresses Frutarom's Savory Solutions abilities, to create fresh, tailor-made products for the convenience food, meat, fish and delicatessen industries. Frutarom Health which provides top quality health ingredients for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and functional food industries is represented by the Echinacea flower and the coffee tree image which was chosen to symbolize Frutarom's activity in the field of flavor & fragrance ingredients.

Each element has been placed on a clean, white background symbolizing naturalness innovation and creativity. The combination of the nature symbols characterizes the synergy between Frutarom's businesses and the unique added value offered to each customer.

Asnat Cinader, Frutarom's Global Marketing Communication Manager says: "We wanted to preserve our 75 years legacy while recreating Frutarom's appearance and adjusting it to the impressive growth we have accomplished in recent years and to our current position. Apart from the harmonic nature symbols of our different activities, our new branding includes also black and white lifestyle imagery with colored ingredients that together reflects the unique understanding we have of the consumer market and its translation to market-leading products."

About Frutarom

Frutarom is a global company active in the world markets for flavors and ingredients. Frutarom has significant production and development centers on three continents and markets its products on five continents to over 13,000 customers in more than 120 countries. Frutarom's products are intended mainly for the food, beverage, flavor, fragrance, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, functional food, food additive, and cosmetic industries.

Frutarom, which employs approximately 1,450 people worldwide, operates through two Divisions:

    - The Flavors Division, which develops, produces and markets
      flavor compounds and food systems;
    - The Fine Ingredients Division, which develops, produces and
      markets natural flavor extracts, natural functional food ingredients,
      natural pharma/nutraceutical extracts, specialty essential oils and
      citrus products, and aroma chemicals.

Frutarom's products are produced at its plants in the United States, England, Switzerland, Germany, Israel, China, and Turkey. The Company's global marketing organization includes branches in Israel, the United States, England, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, France, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan, Hong Kong, India and Indonesia. The Company also works through local agents and distributors worldwide.

    For further information, visit our website: http://www.frutarom.com

    Contact:

    Asnat Cinader
    Global Marketing Communication Manager
    acinader@frutarom.com
    Tel: +972-54-6633935

SOURCE Frutarom Industries Ltd

At-home cooks can whet their appetite for this season's holiday flavors with the American Lamb Board's "Best American Lamb Family Recipe Contest." Starting October 12, fans of lamb are invited to show off their ewe-nique family recipes in this national contest for the chance to win a lamb cut of choice to serve a family of six, a roasting pan and American Lamb goodies. Whether preparing a succulent shank for a Thanksgiving feast or a stunning roast to serve as the centerpiece for a holiday celebration, American lamb is a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy the holidays with loved ones.

From October 12 - November 11, amateur cooks can submit their recipes and a short 200 - 300 word description of why their dish is a family favorite. The winning recipe will be announced on November 17 via Twitter and Facebook sites and featured on the American Lamb Board website.

To submit recipes for "Best American Lamb Family Recipe Contest":

                                      Email:
                               fanoflamb@baltzco.com

                                       OR

                                      Mail:
                     Best American Lamb Family Recipe Contest
                             C/O Baltz and Company
                         49 West 23rd Street, 9th Floor
                              New York, NY 10010

For more information about the American Lamb Board please visit http://www.fansoflamb.com/stealorsharerecipes/recipecontests.aspx. You can follow us on Facebook or Twitter, @FANofLAMB, to keep up to date on news and events.

About the American Lamb Board

The American Lamb Board is an industry-funded research and promotions commodity board that represents all sectors of the American Lamb industry including producers, feeders, seed stock producers and processors. The Board, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, is focused on increasing demand by promoting the freshness, flavor, nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility of American Lamb. The work of the American Lamb Board is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the board's programs are supported and implemented by the staff in Denver, Colorado.

For more information about the American Lamb Board, please contact Chloe Mata Crane (cmcrane@baltzco.com) or Marliese Engel Traver (mtraver@baltzco.com) at Baltz & Company -- 212-982-8300

SOURCE The American Lamb Board

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is staging its first annual Celebrity Chef Classic from November 13-15, 2009. This unique golf Pro-Am showcases five of America's top chefs, where the Chefs are the Pros! As would be expected, in addition to golf on this championship 6,292-yard course, participants will savor some incredible cuisine along the way, including a multi-course post-tournament dinner.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091013/NYFNSM03 )

Featured Chefs include: Jamie West of Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (Ojai, CA); Todd Gray of Equinox (Washington, DC); Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger (Boston, MA); Alan Wong of the Pineapple Room (Honolulu, HI); and Budi Kazali of the Ballard Inn & Restaurant (Santa Ynez, CA).

"We have hosted many tournaments including seven PGA Senior Tour Events, but this one is surely unique. We've built an entire weekend of food, golf and wine designed to test participants' games and further educate their palates," remarked Janis Clapoff, the Inn's Managing Director. "Best of all, the tournament is supporting two worthy charities, making it even more special."

Proceeds for the program go to two worthy charities: Share Our Strength and Help of Ojai. Sponsors of the program to-date include: BMW, California Olive Ranch, Calloway, Evian, Footjoy, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Southern Wine Spirits, Pernod Imports, Constellation Wines, Mondavi Wines, Greg Norman Estate Wines, and Titleist.

The Celebrity Chef Tournament event goes on sale this week. Reservations are strictly limited on a first come basis. For participants with spouses that do not golf, an extraordinary spa program is offered. For information contact Ojai Valley Inn & Spa at 1-800-422-6524, or visit www.ojairesort.com.

About Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Since 1923, vacationing guests have sought the tranquil pleasures of the historic Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, an AAA Five Diamond property located on 220 tree-shaded acres offering an incredible golf course ranked as one of the finest in North America. Located 35 minutes south of Santa Barbara, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is approximately 90 minutes north of LAX. Affirmed by its many prestigious awards, this legendary Inn is one of North America's unique hidden treasures. For reservations, call 1-800-422-6524 or visit www.ojairesort.com.

SOURCE Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Dos Equis today announced the return of "The Most Interesting Show in the World" tour (MISW), a one-of-a-kind, touring upscale, offbeat variety show inspired by the award-winning "The Most Interesting Man in the World" campaign. This year's MISW will once again feature a menagerie of multinational performers, including acrobats, beatboxers, burlesque performers, contortionists, crossbow marksmen and daredevils that will excite and delight audiences in 16 cities from coast to coast.

"We had great consumer response to the launch of the Most Interesting Show in the World last year and are focused on building upon that success to create an even more dynamic and unique brand experience," said Paul Smailes, brand director for Dos Equis. "We're bringing together engaging new entertainers and previous fan favorites to thrill consumers and continue to reinforce Dos Equis as the champion of interesting."

Angelo Moore, poet, spoken word performer, saxophonist and founding member of the influential punk rock band "Fishbone," will serve as the show's host and MC.

Beginning with San Francisco on Oct. 20, the MISW will travel from the West Coast to the East Coast and make 16 tour stops, including shows in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York, enthralling audiences at upscale nightlife venues across the country with a unique blend of humor, seductiveness and visual entertainment.

New York-based Mirrorball is the experiential marketing agency in charge of the development and implementation of the multi-award winning MISW tour.

The show is written and produced by Randy Weiner and Weiner Entertainment Group. Weiner is the creator of the "The Donkey Show," a variety program that has toured New York, London, Madrid and Seoul, as well as the Las Vegas show "Beacher's Madhouse."

The MISW tour will be supported by online media and local in-market promotions.

All MISW attendees must be 21 or over.

For more information, please visit www.dosequis.com/mostinterestingshow.

MISW 2009 TOUR SCHEDULE*

    DATE           CITY                 VENUE
    Oct. 20        San Francisco        Mezzanine
    Oct. 21        Los Angeles          Avalon
    Oct. 22        San Diego            4th and B
    Oct. 23        Scottsdale           Venue of Scottsdale
    Oct. 26        Denver               Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
    Oct. 29        Houston              Warehouse Live!
    Oct. 30        San Antonio          Scout Bar
    Oct. 31        Dallas               Granada Theater
    Nov. 1         Austin               La Zona Rosa
    Nov. 2         Austin               La Zona Rosa
    Nov. 6         Chicago              Park West
    Nov. 10        Atlanta              Variety Playhouse
    Nov. 11        Charlotte            The Visulite Theater
    Nov. 12        Baltimore            Recher Theater
    Nov. 13        New York             Webster Hall
    Nov. 18        Tampa Bay            Skipper's Smokehouse
    Nov. 19        Ft. Lauderdale       Revolution Live

    *Dates and venues are subject to change

About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Premium Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

    For More Information Contact:
    Carlos Manzanillo at Rogers & Cowan
    310-854-8196 or cmanzanillo@rogersandcowan.com

SOURCE Heineken USA

New research from Sodexo School Services shows that buying school lunch provides excellent nutrition and saves parents money and time. Parents with three children can save up to $1,000 per school year and about two 40-hour work weeks of time by purchasing school lunch at one of the 470 school districts Sodexo serves instead of packing a lunchbox.

Sodexo School Services conducted the research for National School Lunch Week, Oct. 12 to 19, to determine if participating in a Sodexo school lunch program is a solution for parents who are concerned about good nutrition, stretching their food budget and are pressed for time.

"Our study assessed how much time and money a sampling of families spent on preparing the contents of a lunchbox and we compared it to the nutritional content, price and time savings of a Sodexo school lunch," said Roxanne Moore, registered dietitian and Sodexo's national wellness director. "The Sodexo school lunch won hands down on price, time, nutrient density and variety to satisfy students' need for change."

The research showed that the average home-packed lunch contains a sandwich, usually peanut butter and jelly, a drink, a snack or two, and fruit, either fresh or in pre-packaged containers. The cost to pack this type of lunch can vary from $2.50 to $4.00 or more depending on portions served. The national average price of a school lunch purchased in a cafeteria is $1.80. The study recommends that the savings could be redirected to provide better nutrition to families on week nights and weekends and could extend a family's grocery budget. Parents in the study group reported spending up to 30 minutes each day preparing and packing their children's lunch. Buying a Sodexo school lunch saves the average family up to $88 and 10 hours per month.

"Families can substitute the time it takes to pack a lunch and use it to be active, read, cook a family meal together or play a game," Moore said. "This balance and good nutrition will benefit children at home and at school."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has established meal pattern and nutrient guidelines for the National School Lunch Program. Schools are reviewed for compliance. Schools offer fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and more whole grain products than ever before.

Sodexo is committed to take measurable sustainable actions that ensure a brighter future in the areas of health and wellness, environmental stewardship and community development. Sodexo School Services focuses on nutrition, achievements, environment, community and activity to promote student well being.

Sodexo, Inc.

Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com) is a leading integrated facilities management services company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with $7.7 billion (USD) in annual revenue and 120,000 employees. Sodexo serves more than ten million customers daily in corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, government, and remote sites. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., is a member of Sodexo Group, and funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.sodexofoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $11 million in grants to fight hunger in America.

SOURCE Sodexo, Inc.

Central European Distribution Corporation (Nasdaq: CEDC) today announced that it is revising full year 2009 net sales guidance from $1.55-$1.68 billion to $1.58 - $1.70 billion and full year comparable fully diluted earnings per share guidance from $2.40 - $2.65 to $2.35 - $2.50. The revised 2009 guidance takes into account the Company's acquisition of additional equity interests in Parliament and the Russian Alcohol Group, which are being consolidated beginning at the end of the third quarter 2009, as well as dilution from the Company's public offering of common stock in July, and recent exchange rate movements. Management's assumptions regarding the full year 2009 average exchange rates used in preparing this guidance have decreased from 3.20-3.30 PLN/USD to 3.10-3.20 PLN/USD and from 32.00-33.00 RUR/USD to 31.50-32.50 RUR/USD.

The Company also announced full year 2010 net sales guidance of $1.80-$2.00 billion and full year comparable fully diluted earnings per share guidance of $3.00-$3.15. This guidance takes into account expected issuances of common stock to Lion Capital LLP in the year 2010 in connection with the Company's acquisition of additional equity interests in the Russian Alcohol Group from Lion, current exchange rates, as well as management's expectations regarding underlying business performance, which includes management's expectations regarding synergies from the integration of the Company's Russian businesses in 2010.

William Carey, President and CEO, commented: "The Company has continued to focus on its key objectives of increasing margins, gaining market share as well as improving working capital to continue to reduce our financial leverage. We believe that with the addition of two new lower mainstream brands that we are launching this quarter to our already leading portfolio in Russia, we are well positioned for a strong year in 2010."

Mr. Carey continued: "We expect that the Company should continue to see further improvements in its gross and operating margins in 2010, which we estimate should be in the range of approximately 200 basis points. This improvement would highlight the Company's continued drive to optimize is operating efficiency and product mix. With our recent acquisition of the remaining outstanding minority equity interests in Parliament, we are starting to move forward on our plans for integrating certain segments of our Russian business in the first quarter of 2010. We have been encouraged that we have seen our markets stabilize over the summer and expect an uptick in consumer demand as we head into our peak sales period and into the year 2010."

CEDC has reported net income and fully diluted net income per share guidance on a non-GAAP basis, referred to in this release as comparable non-GAAP net income. CEDC's management believes that the non-GAAP reporting giving effect to the adjustments shown in the attached reconciliation provides meaningful information and an alternative presentation useful to investors' understanding of CEDC's core operating results and trends. CEDC discusses results and guidance on a comparable basis in order to give investors better insight into underlying business trends from continuing operations. CEDC's calculation of these measures may not be the same as similarly named measures presented by other companies. These measures are not presented as an alternative to net income computed in accordance with GAAP as a performance measure, and you should not place undue reliance on such measures. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures can be found in the section "Unaudited Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" at the end of this press release.

CEDC is the largest vodka producer in Poland and produces the Absolwent, Zubrowka, Bols and Soplica brands, among others. CEDC currently exports Zubrowka to many markets around the world, including the United States, England, France and Japan. CEDC also produces and distributes Royal Vodka, the top selling vodka in Hungary, and produces Parliament Vodka, the leading sub-premium vodka in Russia. CEDC also has an equity stake in the Russian Alcohol Group which produces Green Mark, the number one selling vodka in Russia along with Zhuravli, another top-selling sub-premium vodka in Russia.

CEDC also is the leading national distributor of alcoholic beverages in Poland by value, and a leading importer of alcoholic beverages in Poland and Hungary. In Poland, CEDC imports many of the world's leading brands, including brands such as Carlo Rossi Wines, Concha y Toro wines, Metaxa Brandy, Remy Martin Cognac, Guinness, Sutter Home wines, Grant's Whisky, Jagermeister, E&J Gallo, Jim Beam Bourbon, Sierra Tequila, Teacher's Whisky, Campari, Cinzano, Skyy Vodka and Old Smuggler. CEDC is also a leading importer of premium spirits and wines in Russia with such brands as Hennessey, Moet & Chandon and Concha y Toro, among others.

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, without limitation, statements regarding exchange rate assumptions, future issuances of common stock and expectations regarding business performance (including gross and operating margins) and potential synergies that could be realized in the integration of CEDC's Russian businesses. Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of CEDC to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by our forward looking statements.

Investors are cautioned that forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. CEDC undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements or to make any other forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required to do so by securities laws. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties included in CEDC's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, including statements made under the captions "Item 1A. Risks Relating to Our Business", its Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2009 and in other documents filed by CEDC with the Securities and Exchange Commission and risks arising from current credit market and economic conditions globally and in the markets in which we operate.


    Contact:

    Jim Archbold
    Investor Relations Officer
    Central European Distribution Corporation
    610-660-7817



                      CENTRAL EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION CORPORATION
                    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
                (in thousands, except share and per share information)

    Full Year Guidance, 12 Months Ending December 31,       2009       2010
    -------------------------------------------------       ----       ----
    Range for GAAP Fully Diluted Earnings per Share        $3.88      $2.67
                                                           $4.02      $2.81
                                                           -----      -----
    A. Range for GAAP Fully Diluted Earnings per
    Share with adjusted share count                        $4.18      $2.70
                                                           $4.33      $2.85
                                                           -----      -----
    B. Foreign exchange impact related to USD and EUR
    denominated  financing                                 $1.04      $0.00
    C. Gain on revaluation of equity stake in RAG,
    net of goodwill and brand impairment charges          ($3.09)     $0.00
    D. Adjustment to reflect RAG acquisition at 42%
    ownership                                              $0.03      $0.26
    E. Other acquisition related costs                     $0.13      $0.00
    F. Impact of adoption of ABP14                         $0.05      $0.04
    G. Other non-recurring costs                           $0.01      $0.00
    ----------------------------                           -----      -----
    H. Range for Comparable non-GAAP Fully Diluted
    Earnings per Share                                     $2.35      $3.00
                                                           $2.50      $3.15
                                                           -----      -----


    A.  GAAP fully diluted EPS is calculated based on the forecasted GAAP
    earnings divided by share counts of 56.7 million weighted average number
    of shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2009, and 61.4
    million weighted average number of shares outstanding for the year ended
    December 31, 2010.  GAAP fully diluted EPS with adjusted share count is
    calculated based on the forecasted GAAP earnings divided by adjusted share
    counts of 52.7 million weighted average number of shares outstanding for
    the year ended December 31, 2009, and 60.6 million weighted average number
    of shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Both adjusted
    share counts exclude the impact of 4 million shares to be issued to Lion
    Capital in 2009 and .0751 million shares to be issued to Lion Capital in
    2010 in connection with CEDC's acquisition of Lion Capital's remaining
    equity interests in RAG.  These shares had not been issued yet during the
    respective periods, and this treatment is consistent with the increase of
    minority impact referred to in item C below.

    B.  Represents the net after tax impact of the foreign currency
    revaluation related to our USD and EUR financing (debt as well as the
    convertible note which was purchased from RAG during the 2nd quarter 2009)
    as a majority of these borrowings have been lent down to entities that
    have the Polish Zloty or Russian Ruble as their functional currency. Also
    included is the proportional net after tax impact of the foreign currency
    revaluation related to the foreign currency liabilities included in the
    earnings of our equity method investments ( Russian Alcohol Group and the
    MHWH JV) as these entities have the Russian Ruble as their functional
    currency.

    The amount has been adjusted to reflect only the CEDC portion of foreign
    exchange gains or losses of the Russian Alcohol Group and does not include
    the portion attributable to the minority shareholders.

    The impact of foreign exchange revaluation is inherently unpredictable and
    we have not forecasted the impact thereof; changes in foreign exchange
    revaluation may have a material effect on our financial results.

    C.  As a result of the change in accounting treatment of the investment in
    the Russian Alcohol Group during the second quarter of 2009 from equity
    accounting to consolidation, CEDC was required to revalue the equity
    investment to market value at the time of conversion.  This amount was
    then netted with an impairment charge for RAG goodwill.

    D.  The Company has recorded deferred payments to Lion in connection with
    the RAG acquisition on the balance sheet at fair value and amortizes this
    discount as a non cash amortization expense over the payment period and
    records its investment in RAG as if it owned Lion's shares.  This
    adjustment eliminates the non-cash amortization and increases the minority
    interest for the net profit attributable to the shares held by Lion
    Capital to reflect CEDC results as if it owned 52% of RAG without
    amortization of the deferred payments to Lion.

    E.  Represents other miscellaneous costs, directly related to acquisition
    costs related to the Parliament acquisition in 2008 and RAG in 2009.

    F.  In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, which impacts the
    accounting treatment for convertible debt instruments that allow for
    either mandatory or optional cash settlements. FSP APB 14-1 will impact
    the accounting associated with our $310.0 million senior convertible
    notes. This FSP requires us to recognize additional non-cash interest
    expense on a retrospective basis, based on the market rate for similar
    debt instruments without the conversion feature. Furthermore, it requires
    recognizing interest expense in prior periods pursuant to the
    retrospective accounting treatment. FSP APB 14-1 has become effective
    beginning in our first quarter of 2009 and is required to be applied
    retrospectively to all presented periods, as applicable.

    G.  On June 30, 2008, CEDC terminated operations of the German import
    business acquired as part of the Parliament acquisition and in July 2008,
    moved all German import operations to a 3rd party importer.  The $1.461
    million represents the net loss incurred by the discontinued operation for
    the 3 months ended June 30, 2008.  For 2009 the amount represents one off
    tax charges related to a tax inspection for the period prior to the
    investment in 2008.

    H.  Comparable non-GAAP fully diluted EPS is calculated, as discussed in
    item A above, based on adjusted share counts of 52.7 million weighted
    average number of shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2009,
    and 60.6 million weighted average number of shares outstanding for the
    year ended December 31, 2010.  Both adjusted share counts exclude the
    impact of 4 million shares to be issued to Lion Capital in 2009 and .0751
    million shares to be issued to Lion Capital in 2010 in connection with
    CEDC's acquisition of Lion Capital's remaining equity interests in RAG.
    These shares had not been issued yet during the respective periods, and
    this treatment is consistent with the increase of minority impact referred
    to in item C above.

SOURCE Central European Distribution Corporation

Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11: SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK

Profile America -- Sunday, October 11th. This is National School Lunch Week -- a name which probably conjures up visions of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. But, it's time to note the wholesome lunches being served everyday for school children across the nation and to thank the many patient people who prepare and serve them. There is a recognized link between having a good meal and the ability of a child to learn. This led to the National School Lunch Act more than 50 years ago. There are 56 million children in schools from kindergarten through high school. Of these, 31 million receive either free or reduced-cost lunches because of their family income. More than 10 million of these children also eat breakfast at school. You can find these and more facts about education in America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p. 506

U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB09-FF.14

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 551, 213

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look under the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

In honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the millions of women living with and surviving breast cancer, Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels has created the Pink Ribbon Pretzel. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this delicious "Twist for a Cure" will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to support the fight against breast cancer and help raise awareness of the disease.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091011/CG90656)

Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels, the company known for transforming the soft pretzel from a snack food to an anytime meal, has created The Pink Ribbon Pretzel as a delicious tribute to the strong women facing the disease. The Pink Ribbon Pretzel is an all-natural and nut-free twisted cinnamon roll, stuffed with a buttery, brown sugar and cinnamon filling drizzled with sweet pink icing (see attached photograph).

Visit www.kimandscotts.com to order the Pink Ribbon Pretzels.

Throughout the past year, Kim, a seasoned QVC saleswoman has sold many pretzels, including the Pink Ribbon Pretzel on QVC. A portion of the proceeds for their Pink Ribbon Pretzel went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Like so many families, Kim Holstein's has been touched by the disease. As the president/CEO and Chief Inspiration Officer of Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels, she and her team created this special pretzel as part of its Pretzels for Peace(TM) program. Pretzels for Peace(TM) is an initiative that donates pretzels, time and dollars to not-for-profits that make a positive difference in the world.

Some of the organizations that have benefited from Pretzels for Peace(TM) include: the ALS Foundation, the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, Breast Cancer Network of Strength (the organization formerly known as Y-Me), Children's HeartLink, Homes for Our Troops, National Heart Association, the Special Olympics, and Trees for The Future.

Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels was started in 1995 and is now run out of a 35,000 sq. foot Chicago bakery with annual sales projected at $10-15 million. Almost 15 years later they've transformed the pretzel from a snack to an anytime meal. Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels deliciously touts more than 10 varieties. Each all-natural pretzel is made from scratch and twisted by hand. The company is proud that its pretzels are made in a nut-free facility, a great source of whole grains and free from trans fats, preservatives and hydrogenated oils.

A woman-owned and run company, Kim & Scott's all natural and nut free pretzels are flying off the shelves at Whole Foods, Super Target, major grocery chains, smoothie chains, coffee shops, movie theaters and airports around the country. But it's Kim's bigger commitment to the company's mission to nurture, love and feed the stomachs, spirits and souls of the world community that keeps her churning out "Pretzels with a Purpose."

Kim & Scott's products and philanthropic efforts have been highly praised in 2004 by Fortune Magazine as a company "Breaking Big" and recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the "fastest growing companies in America." Additionally, they have been deliciously touted by USA Today, Entrepreneur, CNBC's Power Lunch, CNBC's Donny Deutsch's "Big Idea," Food Network's Dean Brothers and Food Network's Roker on the Road who even called the pretzels "the talk of the Windy City."

In September 2009, Kim was named the Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year by the Women's Business Development of Chicago for her business model and philanthropic efforts.

Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels was founded in 1995 by husband and wife team Kim and Scott Holstein. Since inception, the company has prided itself on its all natural, twisted by hand soft pretzels made in a nut-free bakery. The pretzels can be found in the frozen grocery aisles of Albertson's, Jewel, SuperTarget, and Whole Foods. Kim & Scott's products and philanthropic efforts were highly praised in 2004 by Fortune Magazine as a company "Breaking Big" and recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the "fastest growing companies in America." Additionally, they have been deliciously touted by USA Today, Entrepreneur, CNBC's Power Lunch, CNBC's Donny Deutsch's "Big Idea," Food Network's Dean Brothers and Food Network's Roker on the Road who even called the pretzels "the talk of the Windy City." For the past seven years, the pretzels have been sold on QVC to an audience of more than 87 million. In September 2009, Kim was recognized as the Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year by the Women's Business Development Center of Chicago.

And for more, visit us on our blog, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.

http://kimandscotts.wordpress.com

http://twitter.com/kimandscotts

http://www.facebook.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/kimandscotts

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimandscotts

SOURCE Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels, Inc.

One volunteer project. One day. Twenty Kraft Foods volunteers. What does that add up to? Families in need whose lives will be touched in the Boston area thanks to Kraft Foods' first-ever global "Make a Delicious Difference Week."

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090420/KRAFTLOGO)

With more than 10,000 employees in 33 countries participating around the world, this special week of service (Oct. 5-10) will benefit roughly 500,000 people in need. The effort will mobilize six times the number of volunteers than in previous efforts and build on the company's commitment to fighting hunger and promoting healthy lifestyles.

With a renewed emphasis on volunteerism, Kraft Foods has recruited more than twenty volunteers in Woburn, including Kraft Foods Woburn Plant Manager Dennis Gordon, to meet this need. "We may be best known for cooking up tasty products like Jell-O gelatin, but this week is all about making a difference in our communities," explained Gordon. "The volunteer spirit of our employees combined with the expertise of Casa Monte Cassino is a winning recipe to support families in need. Knowing our efforts here in Boston are an important ingredient in our first global week of service makes this experience even more powerful."

Local Project Details:

  • Teaming up with Casa Monte Cassino to clean, paint and garden to provide the families living there with a safe, clean place to stay as the children of these families receive medical treatments at local Boston hospitals.
  • Casa Monte Cassino was co-founded by Guido Vittiglio, who has worked with the Kraft Foods Atlantic Gelatin plant as a contractor for nearly three decades. Kraft Foods employees will be giving back to a cause that holds a great deal of meaning at the company's Jell-O plant.

To supplement its employees' efforts, the Kraft Foods Foundation will match U.S. employee cash contributions to nonprofits on a two-to-one basis throughout the week.

Serving Up the Spirit of Service When Needed Most

As the need rises across the metro Boston area, Kraft Foods' commitment to preventing hunger and promoting healthy lifestyles is stronger than ever.

Casa Monte Cassino, in the North End in Boston currently houses six families. The organization assists families such as one that recently traveled to Boston from Chile to receive proper medical attention for their son. The child suffers from a vascular malformation that causes veins to proliferate and swell on his face. They are provided with a free residence as they deal with some difficult times.

"Stories like these give us insight into how important it is to provide these families in need with a home as they deal with high medical bills and intense medical treatments for their children," explains Guido Vittiglio, co-founder of Casa Monte Cassino. The shocking reality is that a great number of families are affected by astronomical medical bills and limited resources here in Boston. By joining hands with my fellow Kraft Foods volunteers, we can achieve our mission of providing these families with a clean, warm and welcoming place to stay in these challenging times."

Spreading the Giving Spirit

Starting Oct. 13, people can visit www.kraftfoodscompany.com to learn how to spread the volunteer spirit through a special online video. Each time this video is viewed, the Kraft Foods will donate money to Feeding America to help provide five meals to those at risk of hunger -- up to 100,000 meals through the end of October.

Kraft Foods Support of Hunger and Healthy Lifestyles

As the second largest food company in the world, Kraft Foods is taking a stand when it comes to fighting hunger and promoting healthy lifestyles. Since 1997, the company has provided more than 1 billion servings of fresh food. Around the world, the company contributes approximately $100 million annually in food and money to community organizations. The company committed $180 million in the next three years to community involvement activities around the globe. The expansion of its global employee volunteer efforts though the first global "Make a Delicious Difference Week" is another example of Kraft Foods' stepped up efforts. In Boston, the company has supported families through partnerships with organizations like Casa Monte Cassino.

Kraft Foods

Kraft Foods (www.kraftfoodscompany.com) makes today delicious in 150 countries around the globe. Our 100,000 employees work tirelessly to make delicious foods consumers can feel good about. From American brand icons like Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings, Maxwell House coffees and Oscar Mayer meats, to global powerhouse brands like Oreo and LU biscuits, Philadelphia cream cheeses, Jacobs and Carte Noire coffees, Tang powdered beverages and Milka, Cote d'Or, Lacta and Toblerone chocolates, our brands deliver millions of smiles every day. Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT) is the world's second largest food company with annual revenues of $42 billion. The company is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Ethibel Sustainability Index.

                                     -make today delicious-

SOURCE Kraft Foods

A class action, antitrust lawsuit was filed Thursday on behalf of Northeast dairy farmers against the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Dean Foods Company ("Dean") in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Vt., according to lead attorney Benjamin Brown, of Cohen Milstein.

The suit charges DFA and Dean each with monopolizing a level of distribution of fluid milk in the Northeast and forcing dairy farmers to join DFA or its marketing affiliate Dairy Marketing Services (DMS) to survive. DMS and milk processor HP Hood also were named in the suit for aiding DFA's and Dean's monopolization and, in the case of DMS for price-fixing with DFA.

Northeast dairy farmers blame DFA, the nation's largest cooperative, and Dean, the nation's largest processor, for lowering the price they receive for fluid milk by making DFA and its affiliates the exclusive suppliers of milk to Dean and Hood. Together the two processors bottle about 90 percent of the fluid milk in the Northeast.

"Monopolization and price-fixing have contributed to the milk-pricing crisis dairy farmers -- especially small, family-owned dairies in the Northeast -- face today," says Brown. "Many dairy farmers have been forced to choose between joining DFA or DMS or going out of business. If they join, they have to pay to market to their own customers at prices fixed by DFA, DMS and other cooperatives. Meanwhile, major milk processors Dean and Hood, which is part-owned by DFA, enjoy the economic benefits."

The DFA, DMS, Dean and Hood domination of the milk distribution system resulted from an unlawful series of contracts, agreements and understandings that defied restrictions that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and various state attorneys general offices imposed, says Brown.

The suit, Alice H. Allen, et al. vs. Dairy Farmers of America, which seeks both monetary damages and injunctive relief that could have far-reaching effects on the American dairy industry, charges that:

  • DFA and others engaged in a string of unlawful mergers, acquisitions and closures of bottling plants -- many of which violated conditions imposed by the DOJ -- to strengthen their control of the fluid Grade A milk market.
  • Defying the explicit instructions of the DOJ, DFA entered into unlawful agreements with Dean Foods, which controls approximately 70 percent of the Northeast market for bottling fluid Grade A milk, and Hood, which controls approximately 20 percent of the market. This ensures that DFA and DMS would supply virtually all of the fluid Grade A milk bottled in the Northeast by Dean and Hood.
  • Independent dairy cooperatives and independent dairy farmers have been forced to pay membership fees and dues to join DFA or DMS so they can obtain access to bottling plants. Access to such plants is the only way they can quality to receive minimum monthly payments on Grade A milk sales set by the United States Department of Agriculture.
  • DFA and DMS suppressed and fixed milk prices for Northeast dairy farmers, thus increasing the profits of Dean and Hood, and permitting DFA's management to divert revenue from farmers to themselves and outside business partners.

"At virtually every stage of this conspiracy, the DOJ or state attorneys general intervened to place conditions on major transactions to preserve competition," says Brown. "Yet time and time again, DFA and others circumvented and thwarted the conditions imposed by DOJ and state antitrust authorities. Now, these Defendants are using their resulting market power to deny farmers the benefits of competition. This has got to stop, which is why we filed this lawsuit on behalf of all Northeast dairy farmers."

For more information about Cohen Milstein, visit www.cohenmilstein.com

SOURCE Cohen Milstein

PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) announced today that it has withdrawn and will refile its notification and report forms filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in order to provide the FTC an additional 30 days to review PepsiCo's proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock it does not already own in its two largest anchor bottlers, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (NYSE: PBG) and PepsiAmericas, Inc. (NYSE: PAS), under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR Act).

PepsiCo originally filed its notification and report forms on September 11, 2009. Today, following informal discussions with the staff (Staff) of the FTC, PepsiCo has withdrawn both its PBG and PAS notification and report forms effective October 13, 2009 and will refile them on October 15, 2009 in order to allow more time for the Staff to review the proposed transactions. PepsiCo will continue to respond to any informal requests by the Staff to provide additional information about the businesses of PepsiCo, PBG and PAS.

Upon refiling of both notification and report forms, the FTC will have a 30-day period in which to determine whether to issue a Request for Additional Information ("Second Request") or close its investigation. During that time, PepsiCo will continue to discuss the transactions and answer any additional questions raised by the Staff. Assuming the refiling occurs on October 15, 2009, the new waiting period under the HSR Act will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 16, 2009, unless this period is earlier terminated or extended by issuance of "Second Request."

However, it is possible that prior to the expiration of the new waiting period under the HSR Act, PepsiCo may voluntarily withdraw and refile its notification and report forms again, if it deems appropriate, in order to provide the Staff with more time to review the proposed acquisition without requiring the Staff to issue a "Second Request." PepsiCo remains committed to working cooperatively with the FTC as it conducts its review of the proposed transactions and continues to expect to close both transactions by late 2009 or early 2010.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo offers the world's largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 18 different product lines that each generate more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. Our main businesses - Frito-Lay, Quaker, Pepsi-Cola, Tropicana and Gatorade - also make hundreds of other nourishing, tasty foods and drinks that bring joy to our consumers in over 200 countries. With more than $43 billion in 2008 revenues, PepsiCo employs 198,000 people who are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth, called Performance with Purpose. By dedicating ourselves to offering a broad array of choices for healthy, convenient and fun nourishment, reducing our environmental impact, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, PepsiCo balances strong financial returns with giving back to our communities worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

Cautionary Statement

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. PepsiCo, Inc. ("PepsiCo") and The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. ("PBG") have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a registration statement on Form S-4 containing a proxy statement/prospectus and other documents with respect to the proposed acquisition of PBG. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to shareholders of PBG after the registration statement is declared effective. The registration statement has not yet become effective. PepsiCo and PepsiAmericas, Inc. ("PAS") have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 containing a proxy statement/prospectus and other documents with respect to the proposed acquisition of PAS. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to shareholders of PAS after the registration statement is declared effective. The registration statement has not yet become effective. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF PBG AND PAS ARE URGED TO READ THE APPLICABLE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statements and the proxy statements/prospectuses and other documents filed with the SEC by PepsiCo, PBG or PAS through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by PepsiCo will be available free of charge on PepsiCo's internet website at www.pepsico.com or by contacting PepsiCo's Investor Relations Department at 914-253-3035. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by PBG will be available free of charge on PBG's internet website at www.pbg.com or by contacting PBG's Investor Relations Department at 914-767-7216. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by PAS will also be available free of charge on PAS's internet website at www.pepsiamericas.com or by contacting PAS's Investor Relations Department at 612-661-3883.

PBG and its directors, executive officers and certain other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed acquisition of PBG. Information regarding PBG's directors and executive officers is available in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2008, which was filed with the SEC on February 20, 2009, and its proxy statement for its 2009 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 7, 2009. PAS and its directors, executive officers and certain other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed acquisition of PAS. Information regarding PAS's directors and executive officers is available in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2009, which was filed with the SEC on March 4, 2009, and its proxy statement for its 2009 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 18, 2009. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in the proxy statements/prospectuses and other relevant materials filed with the SEC.

Statements in this release that are "forward-looking statements" are based on currently available information, operating plans and projections about future events and trends. They inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: PepsiCo's ability to consummate the acquisitions of PBG and PAS and to achieve the synergies and value creation contemplated by the proposed acquisitions; PepsiCo's ability to promptly and effectively integrate the businesses of PBG, PAS and PepsiCo; the timing to consummate the proposed acquisitions and any necessary actions to obtain required regulatory approvals; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; changes in demand for PepsiCo's products, as a result of shifts in consumer preferences or otherwise; increased costs, disruption of supply or shortages of raw materials and other supplies; unfavorable economic conditions and increased volatility in foreign exchange rates; PepsiCo's ability to build and sustain proper information technology infrastructure, successfully implement its ongoing business process transformation initiative or outsource certain functions effectively; damage to PepsiCo's reputation; trade consolidation, the loss of any key customer, or failure to maintain good relationships with PepsiCo's bottling partners, including as a result of the proposed acquisitions; PepsiCo's ability to hire or retain key employees or a highly skilled and diverse workforce; changes in the legal and regulatory environment; disruption of PepsiCo's supply chain; unstable political conditions, civil unrest or other developments and risks in the countries where PepsiCo operates; and risks that benefits from PepsiCo's Productivity for Growth initiative may not be achieved, may take longer to achieve than expected or may cost more than currently anticipated.

For additional information on these and other factors that could cause PepsiCo's actual results to materially differ from those set forth herein, please see PepsiCo's filings with the SEC, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. All information in this communication is as of October 9, 2009. PepsiCo undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE PepsiCo

This week, 250 Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer employees are volunteering at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, a member of Feeding America, during the first-ever global Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer "Make a Delicious Difference Week" (Oct. 5-10), created to address the increasing need for emergency food assistance and promote healthy lifestyles.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090420/KRAFTLOGO)

Second Harvest Foodbank reports, nearly one million more pounds of food were distributed to their partner programs during fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009) than the previous fiscal year. To help manage this rising demand, Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer volunteers will sort, inspect, re-package and label food and other items at Second Harvest Foodbank from October 5-October 10, 2009.

Globally, more than 10,000 Kraft Foods volunteers, employed in 33 countries, will lend a hand to promote healthy lifestyles and build stronger communities during this week. Add it up, and "Make a Delicious Difference Week" is the single largest volunteer effort in Kraft Foods history.

"The Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer volunteer efforts will allow us to meet the increasing need for food assistance and quickly provide food to the more than 400 programs reliant upon us for nutritious options," said Dan Stein, president/CEO of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

Approximately 500 Kraft Foods employees will also be assisting other Wisconsin communities including Waupaca, Wausau, Medford, Beaver Dam and Little Chute by volunteering at the following organizations: CAP Domestic Violence Shelter, Weyauwega Food Pantry, The Neighbors Place, Indianhead Community Action Agency and more.

"The volunteer spirit of our employees combined with the expertise of Second Harvest Foodbank is a winning recipe to fight hunger," said Nick Meriggioli, president, Oscar Mayer. "Knowing that we are helping organizations, like Second Harvest Foodbank, fight hunger right in our local communities, makes this first global week of service even more powerful."

In addition to the volunteer efforts, during Delicious Difference Week the Kraft Foods Foundation will match donations 2:1 made by full-time, US employees (with one-year of service) to eligible non-profit organizations. Every dollar donated for those six days will be double-matched--up to $500,000.

A Call to Action

To help fight hunger in southwestern Wisconsin year-round, Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer and Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin encourage individuals to sign up to volunteer by calling (608) 223-9121 x114 or e-mailing tanyap@shfbmadison.org.

Beginning Oct. 13, people can visit www.kraftfoodscompany.com to learn how to spread the volunteer spirit through a special online video. Each time this video is viewed, Kraft Foods will donate money to Feeding America to help provide five meals to those at risk of hunger -- up to 100,000 meals through the end of October.

Editor's Note: Photography available upon request.

Kraft Foods Support of Hunger and Healthy Lifestyles

As the second largest food company in the world, Kraft Foods is taking a stand when it comes to fighting hunger and promoting healthy lifestyles. Since 1997, the company has provided more than 1 billion servings of fresh food. Around the world, the company contributes approximately $100 million annually in food and money to community organizations in more than 130 countries. The company committed $180 million in the next three years to community involvement activities around the globe. The expansion of its global employee volunteer efforts though the first global "Make a Delicious Difference Week" is another example of the stepped up efforts of Kraft Foods. In Madison, Wis. the company has helped fight hunger through its partnership with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and other non-profit organizations.

About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin, where more than 100,000 people - 40 percent who are children - don't always have enough to eat. Through food and financial donations, Second Harvest acquires and distributes food to more than 400 programs, including food pantries, shelters and meal sites, in 16 counties. From July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009, Second Harvest Foodbank distributed more than 6.8 million pounds of food. It is one of 200 affiliates of Feeding America, the nation's largest charitable hunger-relief organization, engaging our country in the fight to end hunger. For more information, visit http://www.secondharvestmadison.org/.

About Kraft Foods

Kraft Foods (www.kraftfoodscompany.com) makes today delicious in 150 countries around the globe. Our 100,000 employees work tirelessly to make delicious foods consumers can feel good about. From American brand icons like Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings, Maxwell House coffees and Oscar Mayer meats, to global powerhouse brands like Oreo and LU biscuits, Philadelphia cream cheeses, Jacobs and Carte Noire coffees, Tang powdered beverages and Milka, Cote d'Or, Lacta and Toblerone chocolates, our brands deliver millions of smiles every day. Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT) is the world's second largest food company with annual revenues of $42 billion. The company is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Ethibel Sustainability Index.


                               -make today delicious-

SOURCE Kraft Foods

China Nutrifruit Group Limited (NYSE Amex: CNGL) ("China Nutrifruit" or "the Company"), a leading producer of premium specialty fruit based products in China ("PRC"), today announced that it effected the second and final closing of a private placement transaction and issued 43,916 units at a purchase price of $33.00 per unit for gross proceeds of $1.45 million, each unit consisting of one share of the Company's newly-designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and a warrant to purchase 2.5 shares of the Company's common stock. Combined with the initial closing of the offering on October 1, 2009, the Company has received aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $13.31 million, which will be used to add a new glazed fruit line and concentrate pulp production line.

"We are excited to announce the successful completion of our financing," commented Mr. Jinglin Shi, CEO of China Nutrifruit. "With the additional funds, we will increase our production capacity and expand our product offering to enhance our profitability and future growth."

The securities issued in the private placement have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. The Company is obligated to register the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrants within a pre-defined period. Until they are registered, these securities may not be sold by investors in the United States, except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. For more detailed information on this financing, see the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K which were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2009 and October 9, 2009.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About China Nutrifruit Group Limited

Through its subsidiary Daqing Longheda Food Company Limited, China Nutrifruit is engaged in developing, processing, marketing and distributing a variety of food products processed primarily from premium specialty fruits grown in Northeast China, including golden berry, crab apple, blueberry and raspberry. The Company's processing facility possesses ISO9001 and HACCP series qualifications. Currently, the Company has established an extensive nationwide sales and distribution network through 70 distributors in China. For more information, please visit http://www.chinanutrifruit.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward looking statements." All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements." Such statements include, among others, those concerning the offering, our expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans, our future operating results, our expectations regarding the new production lines, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about our relative strength and about future events. These forward looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, see our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), and our subsequent SEC filings. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

    For more information, please contact:

     CCG Investor Relations
     Mr. Crocker Coulson, President
     Tel:   +1-646-213-1915 (New York)
     Email: crocker.coulson@ccgir.com
     Web:   http://www.ccgirasia.com

     China Nutrifruit Group Limited
     Mr. Colman Cheng, Chief Financial Officer
     Tel:   +852-9039-8111
     Email: zsj@longheda.net
     Web:   http://www.longheda.net

SOURCE China Nutrifruit Group Limited

China Agritech, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAGC) ("China Agritech" or "the Company"), a leading national liquid and granular organic compound fertilizer manufacturer and distributor in China, today announced that it is increasing its annual net revenue and net income guidance for the year ended December 31, 2009. This increase in guidance follows a 56.9% increase in net revenues and 91.2% rise in net income for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009.

The Company is now expecting net revenue for the year 2009 to be as high as $70 million versus the previous guidance of over $60 million. The revised guidance for net income is approximately $12.5 million compared with the previous net income guidance of $9.5 million. Diluted earnings per share are now expected to approximate $1.88, based on the current average number of diluted shares outstanding. The new guidance represents almost a 55% increase for net revenues and around a 45% rise for net income over the year 2008 results.

Mr. Yu Chang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of China Agritech, commented, "We are gratified with the success of our new regional production facilities and our expanded line of organic fertilizers. We now offer farmers more solutions to grow their crops and improve soil fertility. We may also benefit from the Chinese government's promotion of organic food and therefore organic fertilizers, as well as from the measures enacted to improve farmers' wealth."

The revised 2009 guidance for net revenue and net income is based on the Company's current views on the operating and market conditions, which are subject to change.

About China Agritech, Inc.

China Agritech, Inc. is engaged in the development, manufacture and distribution of liquid and granular organic compound fertilizers and related products in China. The Company has developed proprietary formulas that provide a continuous supply of high-quality agricultural products while maintaining soil fertility. The Company sells its products to farmers located in 28 provinces of China.

For more information about the Company, please visit http://www.chinaagritechinc.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

This release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of China Agritech and its subsidiary companies, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" or similar expressions, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the continued demand for China Agritech's products, China Agritech's ability to sustain growth for the balance of the year and China Agritech's ability to generally meet all of its objectives. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including all business uncertainties relating to product development, marketing, concentration in a single customer, raw material costs, market acceptance, future capital requirements, and competition in general and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are or will be described in greater detail in our filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, China Agritech is under no obligation to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    For more information, please contact:

    In China:
     Mr. Gareth Tang
     Chief Financial Officer
     China Agritech, Inc.
     Tel:   +86-10-5962-1220
     Email: gareth@chinaagritech.com

    In the U.S.:
     Mr. Kevin Theiss
     Investor Relations
     Grayling
     Tel:   +1-646-284-9409
     Email: kevin.theiss@us.grayling.com

SOURCE China Agritech, Inc.

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CSUH) continues to build the scientific portfolio of their calorie-burning brand, Celsius®, with the presentation of a fifth clinical study. The scientifically formulated, calorie-burning beverage not only burns up to 100 or more calories per can, it also enhances the benefits of moderate exercise, by enhancing body composition and improving cardiovascular health, according to the latest independent clinical study, Celsius Holdings, Inc. The study was funded by Celsius Holdings, Inc.

The Metabolic and Body Composition Laboratory of the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma just announced the results of the fifth scientific study of Celsius, showing that pre-workout consumption of Celsius results in improvements in the benefits of exercise among a test group of previously sedentary overweight and obese women subjects. The study showed that when compared to exercise alone, drinking a single 12 oz. can of Celsius per day for 10 weeks prior to a workout resulted in the following benefits:

  • 46% greater fat loss
  • 27% greater muscle mass
  • 35% greater endurance performance
  • Drinking Celsius with or without exercise resulted in a significant drop in total cholesterol (5 to 13%) and bad LDL cholesterol (12 to 18%). Exercise alone had no effect on blood lipid levels.

"Our data suggest that consuming a single serving of Celsius prior to working out may significantly enhance the positive adaptations of exercise on body composition and cardiovascular health and fitness in previously sedentary overweight women greater than exercise alone," stated Jeffrey R. Stout, Ph.D., who served as the Chief Researcher of the study. He added, "These results are important due to the fact that these positive results were achieved in sedentary overweight women who are considered at risk for cardiovascular and many other diseases."

Naturally refreshing Celsius contains no sugar, no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup, no aspartame, no artificial flavors, and very low sodium- a healthier alternative to energy drinks and other sugary sweet beverages. Celsius drinks are powered by the proprietary blend of ingredients, MetaPlus(TM), that includes Green Tea with EGCG, Ginger, Caffeine, Calcium, Chromium, B Vitamins and Vitamin C. Scientifically shown to raise metabolism over a three-hour period, consuming Celsius results in a sustained calorie burn while keeping you energized.

About Celsius Holdings, Inc.

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CSUH.OB) markets Celsius®, the original, great tasting calorie burner that is backed by science through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Celsius, Inc. Celsius, Inc. is dedicated to providing healthier, everyday refreshment through science and innovation. Information about Celsius Holdings, Inc. is available at our website. More information about Celsius, the original, great tasting calorie burner, is available at http://www.celsius.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are forward-looking in nature (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. The actual results may differ materially from those described or contemplated. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in the reports we filed with the SEC.

Contact Info:

Kim Morgan (561) 750-9800 x233 or kmorgan@transmediagroup.com

Jan Norelid (866) 4-CELSIUS or jnorelid@celsius.com

SOURCE Celsius Holdings, Inc.

Zhongpin Inc. ("Zhongpin", Nasdaq: HOGS), a leading meat and food processing company in the People's Republic of China, today announced that it intends to offer shares of its common stock in a public offering. Piper Jaffray & Co. is acting as the sole book-running manager for the offering and Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP is acting as co-manager.

The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2009 and amended on July 14, 2009. A prospectus supplement relating to the offering will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities law of such state. When available, copies of the prospectus supplement relating to this offering may be obtained by contacting Piper Jaffray & Co. at 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 800, Minneapolis, MN 55402 or by calling (800) 747-3924.

About Zhongpin

Zhongpin Inc. is a meat and food processing company that specializes in pork, pork products, vegetables, and fruits in China. Its distribution network in China covers 20 provinces plus Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Chongqing and includes more than 3,000 retail outlets. Zhongpin's export markets include the European Union and Southeast Asia. For more information about Zhongpin, please visit Zhongpin's website at http://www.zpfood.com.


    For more information, please contact:
    Zhongpin Inc.

    Mr. Sterling Song (English and Chinese)
    Investor Relations Manager
    Telephone +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101 in Beijing
    ir@zhongpin.com

    Mr. Warren (Feng) Wang (English and Chinese)
    Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone +86 10 8286 1788 extension 104 in Beijing
    warren.wang@zhongpin.com


    Christensen

    Mr. Yuanyuan Chen (English and Chinese)
    Telephone +86 10 5971 2001 in Beijing
    Mobile +86 139 2337 7882 in Beijing
    ychen@christensenir.com

    Mr. Tom Myers (English)
    Mobile +86 139 1141 3520 in Beijing
    tmyers@christensenir.com

    Ms. Kathy Li (English and Chinese)
    Telephone +1 212 618 1978 in the US
    kli@christensenir.com

SOURCE Zhongpin Inc.

American Dairy, Inc. (NYSE: ADY; "American Dairy" or the "Company"), one of the leading producers and distributors of premium infant formula, milk powder and soybean, rice and walnut products in China, today announced its participation in the following conferences:

  • Roth Capital Partners China Conference, to be held October 12-14, 2009, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, FL. Management will present at 12:00 pm ET on October 13, 2009 and will meet with institutional investors throughout the day. A live webcast will be available on the Company's investor relations website at www.americandairyinc.com.
  • Citi Greater China Investor Conference, to be held October 14-16, 2009 at The Ritz Carlton in Beijing, China. Management will speak on a panel discussion entitled "Food Safety in China," which will take place from 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm Beijing Time on October 15, 2009. Management will meet with institutional investors throughout the day.

About American Dairy, Inc.

American Dairy, Inc. (NYSE: ADY) is one of the leading producers and distributors of premium infant formula, milk powder, and soybean, rice and walnut products in the People's Republic of China. American Dairy conducts operations in China through its wholly owned subsidiary, Feihe Dairy, and other subsidiaries. Founded in 1962, Feihe Dairy is headquartered in Beijing, China, and has processing and distribution facilities in Kedong, Qiqihaer, Baiquan, Gannan, Longjiang, Shanxi, and Langfang. Using proprietary processing techniques, American Dairy makes products that are specially formulated for particular ages, dietary needs and health concerns. American Dairy has over 200 company-owned milk collection stations, two dairy farms, six production facilities with an aggregate milk powder production capacity of approximately 1,220 tons per day and an extensive distribution network that reaches over 84,000 retail outlets throughout China. For more information about American Dairy, please visit http://www.americandairyinc.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking information about the Company's operating results and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company's plans, objectives, expectations, strategies, intentions or other characterizations of future events or circumstances and are generally identified by the words "may," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "targets," "could," "would," and similar expressions. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, quarterly report on Form 10-Q for its second quarter in 2009, and in current reports on Form 8-K filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE American Dairy, Inc.

PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) today reported solid profit performance in the third quarter of 2009, reflecting the company's balanced approach to investing in value and innovation in key markets as well as productivity and cost discipline across its businesses. Reported EPS was $1.09, and in constant currency the company delivered 5 percent net revenue growth and an 8 percent increase in core EPS.

Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said "PepsiCo's diversified food and beverage portfolio and our advantaged business model continued to drive solid results this quarter. Our teams around the world leveraged PepsiCo's agile go-to-market system to deliver our brands at differentiated value to consumers, who are still feeling the pinch of the global recession despite improving macroeconomic indicators.

"We will continue to make targeted investments across our entire portfolio, and we expect these to ramp up next year as we begin to realize the benefits of the integration of our two anchor bottlers. These investments in innovation, infrastructure, key markets and people development, coupled with our operating agility and focus, give me great confidence in both the near-and long-term growth prospects of PepsiCo," Nooyi continued.

Richard Goodman, PepsiCo Chief Financial Officer said, "As we prepare for 2010, we are targeting EPS growth of 11 to 13 percent in core constant currency. As we progress through 2010, if we do better than this range we will take the opportunity to make additional strategic broad-based investments in our business to enhance our competitiveness. "

*Please refer to the Glossary for definitions of constant currency and core. Core results and constant currency core results are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain items. Please refer to "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP information" in the attached exhibits for a description of these items.


                 Summary of Third-Quarter 2009 Performance

                                 Constant Currency*
                                 -----------------
                                          Division             Division
                                  Net     Operating    Net     Operating
    % Growth        Volume      Revenue    Profit    Revenue    Profit
    --------        ------      -------    ------    -------    ------

    PAF                 2          7           6        -           1
       FLNA             3          5           5        5           5
       QFNA             8          8          (1)       7          (1)
       LAF             (3)         9          11      (10)        (11)

    PAB                (6)        (7)         (5)      (9)         (8)

    PI                2 / 9**     13          31      2.5          20
       Europe        (1)/ 9**     12          18       (2)          1
       AMEA           8 / 9**     13          52        9          49

    Total
     Divisions       2 / 0.5**     5           8     (1.5)          2

    *The above constant currency results are non-GAAP financial measures.
    For more information about our constant currency results, see
    "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Information" in the attached
    exhibits.  Please refer to the Glossary for the definition of
    "Constant Currency."

    ** Snacks/Beverage

Operating Highlights:

  • Focused investments in consumer value and product innovation drove volume growth in global snacks and beverages.
  • PepsiCo Americas Foods gained share in virtually every market in which it operates.
  • PepsiCo Americas Beverages' family of strong brands maintained its leadership position in the U.S. liquid refreshment beverage segment and took the leading position in carbonated soft drinks for both volume and value share in measured channels.
  • PepsiCo International posted strong gains in constant currency operating profit with improving volume trends in developing markets.

Division Operating Summary

All references to net revenue and operating profit are on a constant currency basis.

PepsiCo Americas Foods (PAF) delivered a 7 percent increase in net revenue and a 6 percent increase in operating profit growth.

Frito-Lay North America (FLNA) reported a 3 percent increase in volume and a 5 percent increase in both net revenue and operating profit. Volume growth reflected high-single-digit growth in brand Lay's, combined with strong gains in FLNA's joint venture with Sabra and in variety packs. Product innovation highlights included Baked Lay's inclusions, as well as successful additions of Sabritas-derived flavors to our Ruffles and Fritos lines. Operating profit growth in the quarter was impacted by investments in value and also by the overlapping of price increases in the year ago period. We expect that commodity inflation will continue to moderate through the year and FLNA will remain focused on value initiatives to grow market share.

Quaker Foods North America (QFNA) grew volume and net revenue 8 percent, while operating profit declined 1 percent. Growth in volume and net revenue were favorably impacted by the overlap of last year's flood-related production disruptions at the key Cedar Rapids manufacturing facility. Growth in operating profit was adversely impacted by the overlap of the flood-related insurance settlement.

Latin America Foods (LAF) saw a 3 percent decline in volume, while net revenue increased 9 percent and operating profit grew 11 percent. Operating profit growth was muted by a one-time gain from a fire-related insurance settlement in the comparable prior year period. LAF's results reflected pricing actions, including weight-outs, disciplined cost control and productivity improvements across the region, all of which helped to offset commodity and foreign-exchange-related input cost inflation.

In Mexico, Sabritas and Gamesa both gained value share while delivering strong gains in operating profit. At Sabritas, a sequential improvement in salty volume was driven by the success of its value-oriented, salty-snack innovation as well as its Spinners promotion. In South America, there were broad-based value and volume share gains in key markets like Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

PepsiCo Americas Beverages' (PAB) performance reflected the continued softness in the overall liquid refreshment beverage category in North America, recording a 6 percent decline in volume, 7 percent decline in net revenue and a 5 percent decline in operating profit. PAB continues to make progress on the company's ongoing strategy to refresh its beverage business in North America and the overall liquid refreshment beverage category.

In the U.S., PAB took the number one volume and value share position in carbonated beverages in measured channels. In non-carbonated beverages, the enhanced water portfolio gained share in the quarter, reflecting high-double-digit volume gains in SoBe LifeWater, and energy drink volume was also up double digits. While Gatorade volumes were down, this reflected modest improvement versus the first half of the year as expected. G2 continues to do well with the highest repeat purchase rate of any new LRB product in the past two years.

PepsiCo International (PI) delivered another strong quarter with net revenue up 13 percent and operating profit up 31 percent.

While the macroeconomic environment continued to be challenging in Europe this quarter, Europe drove margin expansion and profitability by balancing revenue growth, tight cost controls and productivity gains. Net revenue grew 12 percent and operating profit grew 18 percent. Acquisitions contributed 10 percentage points to net revenue growth and 6 percentage points to operating profit growth.

Europe snacks volume declined 1 percent, reflecting pricing actions and weight-outs to offset commodity inflation. Acquisitions contributed 3 percentage points of growth. In the U.K., Walkers grew value share through disciplined pricing and its "Brit Trips" promotion, while in Russia the continued success of "locally relevant" flavor innovation on Lay's and the Hrusteam crispbread product drove share gains.

Europe beverage volume grew 9 percent, driven by the Lebedyansky acquisition. Solid improvement in Western Europe and Turkey also contributed to a sequential improvement in volume growth.

Asia/Middle East/Africa (AMEA) net revenue grew 13 percent and operating profit improved 52 percent. The net impact of acquisitions and divestitures contributed 1 percentage point to net revenue growth and 34 percentage points to operating profit growth primarily due to a one-time gain associated with the contribution of our snacks business in Japan to form a joint venture with Calbee Foods Company, the snacks market leader in Japan. The solid operating profit performance excluding this impact was driven by strong flow-through from the growth in volume and cost discipline across the businesses.

AMEA beverage volume grew 9 percent. India delivered very strong volume growth across carbonated soft drinks and non-carbonated beverages as targeted investments in infrastructure, significant improvements in market execution and unseasonably dry weather conditions all contributed to better than 50 percent growth in the country. In China, sequential volume improvement in the quarter was driven by share gains in juice, particularly Tropicana's GuoBinFen line of locally relevant juice drinks, as well as by Gatorade. PepsiCo continues to drive expanded distribution of key beverage products in China including Pepsi Max, Lipton ready-to-drink tea and Tropicana Juicy Pulp Sacs.

AMEA snacks volume grew 8 percent, more than double its growth in the previous quarter. Strong sequential improvement resulted from broad-based geographic growth in India, South Africa and other emerging markets. In India, PepsiCo launched Aliva, a savory cracker product; and in Australia, the company launched Grainwaves, a multi-grain salty snack, augmenting its health and wellness portfolio in the country.

Beverage System Transformation

The company is on-track with its plans to acquire its two anchor bottlers The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) and PepsiAmericas, Inc (PAS), subject to regulatory and stockholder approval. The company filed its Form S-4 Registration Statements in preliminary form on October 1, 2009 and still expects to close on the proposed transactions by late 2009 or early 2010.

Tax Rate

PepsiCo's reported tax rate was 24.9 percent for the third quarter, primarily reflecting the favorable resolution of certain foreign tax matters and certain deferred tax adjustments in the current quarter. Excluding the impact of items affecting comparability, PepsiCo's core tax rate was 24.7 percent for the third quarter. The company expects its full-year reported and core tax rates to be about 26 percent.

Cash Flow

The year-to-date cash flow from operating activities was $4.4 billion, compared to $4.7 billion in the prior year period; 2009 reflects both a discretionary $1 billion contribution to PepsiCo's pension fund and $183 million of cash payments associated with the Productivity for Growth program.

Excluding the impact of its $1 billion discretionary pension contribution (approximately $640 million after-tax) cash from operating activities is expected to be about $7 billion. The company expects to invest about $2.1 billion in net capital spending.

Fiscal 2009 and 2010 Guidance

The company reaffirms its full-year 2009 guidance for both net revenue and core EPS of mid-to high-single-digit core constant currency EPS growth off of fiscal 2008's core EPS of $3.68. Based on current spot rates, foreign exchange translation would represent a mid-single-digit percentage point adverse impact on the company's full-year, core constant currency EPS. Because the company expects to close on the proposed acquisitions of PBG and PAS in late 2009 or early 2010, the company's 2009 guidance does not include the impact of the proposed acquisitions. The company did not repurchase any of its shares in the third quarter and does not expect to repurchase any shares in its fourth quarter.

For fiscal 2010 the company is targeting an 11 to 13 percent growth rate for core constant currency EPS off of expected fiscal 2009 core EPS. This includes the modest year-one accretion related to the proposed acquisitions of PBG and PAS that the company disclosed on August 4, 2009 and the potential benefits from the acquisition-related accounting disclosed in the company's Form S-4 Registration Statements filed in preliminary form on October 1, 2009. This target excludes one-time costs to achieve the synergies and it assumes the company completes its acquisition of PBG and PAS by early fiscal 2010.

Please refer to the glossary for more information about the items excluded from the company's fiscal 2009 and 2010 constant currency core EPS guidance.

The company has not yet received regulatory or shareholder approval for the acquisitions or comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission on its Form S-4 Registration Statements or with respect to its proposed accounting treatment of the acquisitions. In addition, the company is still in the process of completing its annual planning process and its integration planning. Any of these factors, as well as the risks described under "Cautionary Statement" later in this release, the risks described in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and in the company's Form S-4 Registration Statements with respect to the acquisitions could materially adversely impact the company's ability to achieve these results.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo offers the world's largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 18 different product lines that each generate more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. Our main businesses - Frito-Lay, Quaker, Pepsi-Cola, Tropicana and Gatorade - also make hundreds of other nourishing, tasty foods and drinks that bring joy to our consumers in over 200 countries. With more than $43 billion in 2008 revenues, PepsiCo employs 198,000 people who are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth, called Performance with Purpose. By dedicating ourselves to offering a broad array of choices for healthy, convenient and fun nourishment, reducing our environmental impact, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, PepsiCo balances strong financial returns with giving back to our communities worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

Cautionary Statement

Statements in this release that are "forward-looking statements", including PepsiCo's 2009 and 2010 guidance, are based on currently available information, operating plans and projections about future events and trends. They inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: PepsiCo's ability to consummate the acquisitions of The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. ("PBG") and PepsiAmericas, Inc. ("PAS"); PepsiCo's ability to achieve the synergies and value creation contemplated by the proposed acquisitions; loss of key employees or customers or other business disruption as a result of the proposed acquisitions; PepsiCo's ability to promptly and effectively integrate the businesses of PBG, PAS and PepsiCo; the timing to consummate the proposed acquisitions and any necessary actions to obtain required regulatory approvals; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; increased indebtedness as a result of the proposed acquisitions; changes in demand for PepsiCo's products, as a result of shifts in consumer preferences or otherwise; increased costs, disruption of supply or shortages of raw materials and other supplies; unfavorable economic conditions and increased volatility in foreign exchange rates; PepsiCo's ability to build and sustain proper information technology infrastructure, successfully implement its ongoing business process transformation initiative or outsource certain functions effectively; damage to PepsiCo's reputation; trade consolidation, the loss of any key customer, or failure to maintain good relationships with PepsiCo's bottling partners, including as a result of the Proposed Transactions; PepsiCo's ability to hire or retain key employees or a highly skilled and diverse workforce; changes in the legal and regulatory environment; disruption of PepsiCo's supply chain; unstable political conditions, civil unrest or other developments and risks in the countries where PepsiCo operates; and risks that benefits from the Productivity for Growth initiative may not be achieved, may take longer to achieve than expected or may cost more than currently anticipated. For additional information on these and other factors that could cause PepsiCo's actual results to materially differ from those set forth herein, please see PepsiCo's filings with the SEC, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. PepsiCo undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Miscellaneous Disclosures

Conference Call. At 8:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) today, the company will host a conference call with investors to discuss third-quarter 2009 results and the outlook for full-year 2009 and 2010. For details, visit the company's website at www.pepsico.com, in the "Investors" section.

Reconciliation. In discussing financial results and guidance, the company may refer to certain non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations of any such non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial measures in accordance with GAAP can be found in the attached exhibits, as well as on the company's website at www.pepsico.com, in the "Investors" section. Our non-GAAP measures exclude from reported results those items that management believes are not indicative of our ongoing performance and how management evaluates our operating results and trends.

Glossary

Beverage volume: Volume shipped to retailers and independent distributors from both PepsiCo and our bottlers.

Core: Core results are non-GAAP financial measures. 2009 year-to-date core results exclude the commodity mark-to-market net impact included in corporate unallocated expenses and certain restructuring actions in 2009 for restructuring actions associated with the company's Productivity for Growth initiative. 2009 year-to-date core results also exclude costs associated with our proposed merger with PBG and PAS included in corporate unallocated expenses, as well as our share of PBG's and PAS's respective merger costs included in bottling equity income. Core EPS guidance for full-year 2009 excludes the commodity mark-to-market net impact included in corporate unallocated expenses, costs of $36 million ($29 million, after-tax) associated with the Productivity for Growth initiative, the merger costs and the impact of the proposed transactions with PBG and PAS. Core EPS guidance for full-year 2010 excludes the commodity mark-to-market net impact included in corporate unallocated expenses, estimated one-time costs of approximately $250 million to achieve synergies, the gain or loss on previously held equity interests in PBG and PAS, the post-merger one-time impact to earnings of fair value adjustments to acquired inventory, any additional restructuring or integration costs and transaction costs related to the proposed acquisitions of PBG and PAS. For more details and reconciliations of our 2009 core results and 2009 and 2010 constant currency core EPS guidance, see "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Information" in the exhibits attached hereto.

Constant currency: Financial results (historical and projected) assuming constant foreign currency exchange rates used for translation based on the rates in effect for the comparable prior-year period. In addition, the impact on EPS growth is computed by adjusting core EPS growth by the after-tax foreign currency translation impact on core operating profit growth using PepsiCo's core effective tax rate.

Division operating profit: The aggregation of the operating profit for each of our reportable segments, which excludes the impact of corporate unallocated expenses.

Effective net pricing: The combined impact of mix and price.

Mark-to-market gain or loss or net impact: Change in market value for commodity contracts that we purchase to mitigate the volatility in costs of energy and raw materials that we consume. The market value is determined based on average prices on national exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace.

Net pricing: The combined impact of list price changes, weight changes per package, discounts and allowances.

Net capital spending: Capital spending less cash proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment.

Pricing: The impact of list price changes and weight changes per package.

Transaction foreign exchange: The foreign exchange impact on our financial results of transactions, such as purchases of imported raw materials, commodities, or services, occurring in currencies other than the local, functional currency.


                           PepsiCo, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                   Summary of PepsiCo Third Quarter 2009 Results
                                    (unaudited)


                   Division Performance for 36 Weeks Ended 9/5/09

                            Constant Currency*
                            ------------------
                                       Core*                Core*
                                      Division            Division   Division
                              Net    Operating    Net    Operating  Operating
    % Growth        Volume  Revenue    Profit   Revenue    Profit     Profit
    --------        ------  -------    ------   -------    ------     ------

    PAF                -         8        10      1.5          4         4
       FLNA            2         8         8        7          7         7
       QFNA            1         2         5        1          4         4
       LAF            (3)       11        18      (10)        (6)       (7)

    PAB               (6)       (8)       (6)     (10)       (10)      (11)

    PI              2 / 8**     13        22        -          8         7
       Europe      (1)/ 5.5**   13        15       (6)        (6)       (6)
       AMEA         6 / 9**     15        31        8         26        23

    Total Divisions 1 / -**      5         7       (2)         1         -



                    12 Weeks Ended 9/5/09          36 Weeks Ended 9/5/09
                  --------------------------     --------------------------
                                     Constant                       Constant
                                     Currency                       Currency
    % Growth     Reported    Core*     Core*    Reported    Core*     Core*
    --------     --------    ----      ----     --------    ----      ----

    Volume
     (Servings)        1        1                    -         -
    Net Revenue     (1.5)    (1.5)       5          (2)       (2)       5
    Division
     Operating
     Profit            2        2        8           -         1        7
    Total Operating
     Profit           12        2                    5         -
    Net Income
     Attributable
     to PepsiCo        9        1                    2        (2)
    Earnings per
     Share (EPS)      10        2        8           5         1        8

    *Core results are financial measures that are not in accordance with
    Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and exclude the commodity
    mark-to-market net impact included in corporate unallocated expenses,
    certain restructuring actions in 2009 associated with our Productivity for
    Growth initiative and costs associated with our proposed merger with The
    Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (PBG) and PepsiAmericas, Inc. (PAS), as well as
    our share of their respective merger costs.  Core growth, on a constant
    currency basis, assumes constant foreign currency exchange rates used for
    translation based on the rates in effect for the comparable period during
    2008.  In addition, core EPS growth, on a constant currency basis, is
    computed by adjusting core EPS growth by the after-tax foreign currency
    translation impact on core operating profit growth using PepsiCo's core
    effective tax rate.  See schedules A-9 through A-14 for a discussion of
    these items and reconciliations to the most directly comparable financial
    measures in accordance with GAAP.

    ** Snacks/Beverage



                          PepsiCo, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
              (in millions, except per share amounts, and unaudited)

                           12 Weeks Ended                36 Weeks Ended
                           --------------                --------------
                     9/5/09     9/6/08  Change      9/5/09    9/6/08  Change
                     ------     ------  ------      ------    ------  ------

    Net Revenue     $11,080    $11,244    (1.5)%   $29,935   $30,522      (2)%

    Costs and
     Expenses
      Cost of sales   5,181      5,268      (2)%    13,806    14,180      (3)%
      Selling,
       general and
       administrative
       expenses       3,649      3,972      (8)%    10,077    10,560      (5)%
      Amortization
       of intangible
       assets            18         13       22%        42        43      (2)%

    Operating
     Profit           2,232      1,991       12%     6,010     5,739       5%

    Bottling Equity
     Income             146        201     (27)%       290       439     (34)%
    Interest Expense    (86)       (73)      20%      (285)     (205)     40%
    Interest Income      16         14       15%        44        53     (16)%

    Income before
     Income Taxes     2,308      2,133        8%     6,059     6,026       1%

    Provision for
     Income Taxes       575        550        4%     1,517     1,586      (4)%

    Net Income        1,733      1,583       10%     4,542     4,440       2%

    Less:
     Net Income
     Attributable
     to Noncontrolling
     Interests           16          7      108%        30        17      79%

    Net Income
     Attributable
     to PepsiCo      $1,717     $1,576        9%    $4,512    $4,423        2%
                     ======     ======              ======    ======

    Diluted
      Net Income
       Attributable
       to PepsiCo
       per Common
       Share          $1.09      $0.99       10%     $2.87     $2.74        5%
      Average Shares
       Outstanding    1,577      1,593               1,573     1,612



                          PepsiCo, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                        Supplemental Financial Information
                              (in millions, unaudited)

                            12 Weeks Ended                 36 Weeks Ended
                            --------------                 --------------
                      9/5/09     9/6/08  Change      9/5/09     9/6/08  Change
                      ------     ------  ------      ------     ------  ------
     Net Revenue
     -----------

     Frito-Lay
      North America   $3,198     $3,057      5%    $9,336     $8,737      7%
     Quaker Foods
      North America      418        391      7%     1,299      1,292      1%
     Latin America
      Foods            1,396      1,544    (10)%    3,641      4,038    (10)%

        PepsiCo
         Americas
         Foods         5,012      4,992      -%    14,276     14,067    1.5%

        PepsiCo
         Americas
         Beverages     2,656      2,923     (9)%    7,362      8,163    (10)%

     Europe            1,874      1,913     (2)%    4,463      4,734     (6)%
     Asia, Middle
      East & Africa    1,538      1,416      9%     3,834      3,558      8%

        PepsiCo
        International  3,412      3,329    2.5%     8,297      8,292      -%

     Total Net
      Revenue        $11,080    $11,244   (1.5)%  $29,935    $30,522     (2)%
                     =======    =======           =======    =======

     Operating
      Profit
     ---------

     Frito-Lay
      North America     $822       $785      5%    $2,302     $2,153      7%
     Quaker Foods
      North America      131        134     (1)%      438        422      4%
     Latin America
      Foods              199        225    (11)%      603        646     (7)%

        PepsiCo
         Americas
         Foods         1,152      1,144      1%     3,343      3,221      4%

        PepsiCo
         Americas
         Beverages       607        662     (8)%    1,650      1,847    (11)%

     Europe              318        314      1%       673        716     (6)%
     Asia, Middle
      East & Africa      297        199     49%       670        543     23%

        PepsiCo
        International    615        513     20%     1,343      1,259      7%

     Division
      Operating
      Profit           2,374      2,319      2%     6,336      6,327      -%

     Corporate -
      Net Impact of
      Mark-to-Market
      on Commodity
      Hedges              29       (176)   n/m        191       (119)   n/m
     Corporate -
      Other             (171)      (152)    13%      (517)      (469)    10%

        Corporate
        Unallocated     (142)      (328)   (57)%     (326)      (588)   (45)%

     Total Operating
      Profit          $2,232     $1,991     12%    $6,010     $5,739      5%
                      ======     ======            ======     ======

    n/m = not meaningful



                          PepsiCo, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                                   (in millions)

                                                      36 Weeks Ended
                                                      --------------
                                                 9/5/09             9/6/08
                                                 ------             ------
                                                       (unaudited)

    Operating Activities
       Net income                                $4,542             $4,440
       Depreciation and amortization              1,083              1,055
       Stock-based compensation expense             159                169
       Restructuring and impairment charges          36                  -
       Cash payments for restructuring charges     (183)               (24)
       Excess tax benefits from share-based
        payment arrangements                        (16)               (83)
       Pension and retiree medical plan
        contributions                            (1,130)              (132)
       Pension and retiree medical plan
        expenses                                    290                318
       Bottling equity income, net of
        dividends                                  (222)              (372)
       Deferred income taxes and other tax
        charges and credits                          59                275
       Change in accounts and notes receivable     (459)            (1,166)
       Change in inventories                       (128)              (362)
       Change in prepaid expenses and other
        current assets                               17                (49)
       Change in accounts payable and other
        current liabilities                        (241)               212
       Change in income taxes payable               914                566
       Other, net                                  (318)              (189)

    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities     4,403              4,658

    Investing Activities
       Capital spending                          (1,138)            (1,399)
       Sales of property, plant and equipment        33                 85
       Acquisitions and investments in
        noncontrolled affiliates                   (300)            (1,707)
       Divestitures                                 100                  -
       Cash restricted for pending acquisitions      30               (297)
       Cash proceeds from sale of The Pepsi
        Bottling Group, Inc. (PBG) and
        PepsiAmericas, Inc. (PAS) stock               -                342
       Short-term investments, net                   30              1,200

    Net Cash Used for Investing Activities       (1,245)            (1,776)

    Financing Activities
       Proceeds from issuances of
        long-term debt                            1,057              1,733
       Payments of long-term debt                  (188)              (488)
       Short-term borrowings, net                  (997)             2,002
       Cash dividends paid                       (2,032)            (1,879)
       Share repurchases - common                     -             (4,197)
       Share repurchases - preferred                 (4)                (4)
       Proceeds from exercises of stock
        options                                     187                495
       Other financing                              (26)                 -
       Excess tax benefits from share-based
        payment arrangements                         16                 83

    Net Cash Used for Financing Activities       (1,987)            (2,255)

    Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
     and Cash Equivalents                            19                (20)

    Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents     1,190                607

    Cash and Cash Equivalents -
     Beginning of year                            2,064                910

    Cash and Cash Equivalents -
     End of period                               $3,254             $1,517
                                                 ======             ======



                          PepsiCo, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                       Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
                                   (in millions)

                                                           9/5/09   12/27/08
                                                           ------   --------
    Assets                                              (unaudited)
    Current Assets
       Cash and cash equivalents                           $3,254     $2,064
       Short-term investments                                 206        213

       Accounts and notes receivable, net                   5,216      4,683

       Inventories
         Raw materials                                      1,333      1,228
         Work-in-process                                      267        169
         Finished goods                                     1,116      1,125
                                                            2,716      2,522

       Prepaid expenses and other current assets            1,024      1,324

            Total Current Assets                           12,416     10,806

    Property, plant and equipment, net                     12,033     11,663
    Amortizable intangible assets, net                        843        732

    Goodwill                                                6,351      5,124
    Other nonamortizable intangible assets                  1,702      1,128

            Nonamortizable Intangible Assets                8,053      6,252

    Investments in noncontrolled affiliates                 4,339      3,883
    Other assets                                              936      2,658

               Total Assets                               $38,620    $35,994
                                                          =======    =======

    Liabilities and Equity
    Current Liabilities
       Short-term obligations                                $511       $369
       Accounts payable and other current liabilities       8,141      8,273
       Income taxes payable                                   643        145

            Total Current Liabilities                       9,295      8,787

    Long-term debt obligations                              7,434      7,858
    Other liabilities                                       5,713      6,541
    Deferred income taxes                                     347        226

            Total Liabilities                              22,789     23,412

    Commitments and Contingencies

    Preferred stock, no par value                              41         41
    Repurchased preferred stock                              (142)      (138)

    PepsiCo Common Shareholders' Equity
       Common stock                                            30         30
       Capital in excess of par value                         279        351
       Retained earnings                                   33,077     30,638
       Accumulated other comprehensive loss                (4,262)    (4,694)
       Repurchased common stock                           (13,729)   (14,122)

           Total PepsiCo Common Shareholders' Equity       15,395     12,203

    Noncontrolling interests                                  537        476

           Total Equity                                    15,831     12,582

               Total Liabilities and Equity               $38,620    $35,994
                                                          =======    =======



                           PepsiCo, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                Supplemental Share and Stock-Based Compensation Data
                (in millions, except dollar amounts, and unaudited)

                                            12 Weeks Ended  36 Weeks Ended
                                            --------------  --------------
                                            9/5/09  9/6/08  9/5/09  9/6/08
                                            ------  ------  ------  ------
    Beginning Net Shares Outstanding         1,557   1,572   1,553   1,605
    Options Exercised/Restricted Stock
     Units Converted                             2       4       6      14
    Shares Repurchased                           -     (19)      -     (62)

    Ending Net Shares Outstanding            1,559   1,557   1,559   1,557
                                             =====   =====   =====   =====

    Weighted Average Basic                   1,558   1,564   1,557   1,582
    Dilutive securities:
      Options                                   14      24      12      25
      Restricted Stock Units                     4       4       3       4
      ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock/Other     1       1       1       1

    Weighted Average Diluted                 1,577   1,593   1,573   1,612
                                             =====   =====   =====   =====

    Average Share Price for the period      $56.07  $67.14  $52.77  $69.23
    Growth Versus Prior Year                   (16)%     - %   (24)%     5%

    Options Outstanding                        112     108     114     111
    Options in the Money                        81      96      67     107
    Dilutive Shares from Options                14      24      12      25
    Dilutive Shares from Options as a % of
     Options in the Money                       17%     25%     18%     24%

    Average Exercise Price of Options
     in the Money                           $46.26  $47.89  $44.42  $49.26

    Restricted Stock Units Outstanding           6       6       6       7
    Dilutive Shares from Restricted
     Stock Units                                 4       4       3       4

    Average Intrinsic Value of Restricted
     Stock Units Outstanding*               $61.02  $63.27  $61.05  $63.12

    *Weighted-average intrinsic value at grant date.



                          PepsiCo, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
              (in millions, except per share amounts, and unaudited)
                            COMPARISON OF CORE RESULTS*

                               12 Weeks Ended            36 Weeks Ended
                               --------------            --------------
                           9/5/09   9/6/08  Change   9/5/09   9/6/08  Change
                           ------   ------  ------   ------   ------  ------

    Net Revenue           $11,080  $11,244   (1.5)% $29,935  $30,522    (2)%

    Costs and Expenses
      Cost of sales         5,181    5,268     (2)%  13,806   14,180    (3)%
      Selling, general
       and administrative
       expenses             3,677    3,796     (3)%  10,231   10,441    (2)%
      Amortization of
       intangible assets       18       13     22%       42       43    (2)%

    Operating Profit        2,204    2,167      2%    5,856    5,858     -%

    Bottling Equity Income    154      201    (23)%     298      439   (32)%
    Interest Expense          (86)     (73)    20%     (285)    (205)   40%
    Interest Income            16       14     15%       44       53   (16)%

    Income before Income
     Taxes                  2,288    2,309     (1)%   5,913    6,145    (4)%

    Provision for Income
     Taxes                    567      614     (8)%   1,459    1,629   (11)%

    Net Income              1,721    1,695    1.5%    4,454    4,516    (1)%

    Less: Net Income
     Attributable to
     Noncontrolling
     Interests                 16        7    108%       30       17    79%

    Net Income Attributable
     to PepsiCo            $1,705   $1,688      1%   $4,424   $4,499    (2)%
                           ======   ======           ======   ======

    Diluted
     Net Income Attributable
      to PepsiCo per
      Common Share          $1.08    $1.06      2%    $2.81    $2.79     1%
     Average Shares
      Outstanding           1,577    1,593            1,573    1,612

    *Core results are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the commodity
    mark-to-market net impact included in corporate unallocated expenses,
    certain restructuring actions in 2009 associated with our Productivity for
    Growth initiative and costs associated with our proposed merger with PBG
    and PAS, as well as our share of their respective merger costs. See
    schedules A-9 through A-14 for a discussion of these items and
    reconciliations to the most directly comparable financial measures in
    accordance with GAAP.



                           PepsiCo, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                        Supplemental Financial Information
                            (in millions and unaudited)
                            COMPARISON OF CORE RESULTS*

                                12 Weeks Ended            36 Weeks Ended
                                --------------            --------------
                            9/5/09   9/6/08 Change    9/5/09   9/6/08 Change
                            ------   ------ ------    ------   ------ ------
    Net Revenue

    Frito-Lay North America $3,198   $3,057     5%    $9,336   $8,737     7%
    Quaker Foods North
     America                   418      391     7%     1,299    1,292     1%
    Latin America Foods      1,396    1,544   (10)%    3,641    4,038   (10)%

       PepsiCo Americas
        Foods                5,012    4,992     -%    14,276   14,067   1.5%

       PepsiCo Americas
        Beverages            2,656    2,923    (9)%    7,362    8,163   (10)%

    Europe                   1,874    1,913    (2)%    4,463    4,734    (6)%
    Asia, Middle East &
     Africa                  1,538    1,416     9%     3,834    3,558     8%

       PepsiCo International 3,412    3,329   2.5%     8,297    8,292     -%

    Total Net Revenue      $11,080  $11,244  (1.5)%  $29,935  $30,522    (2)%
                           =======  =======          =======  =======

    Operating Profit

    Frito-Lay North America   $822     $785     5%    $2,304   $2,153     7%
    Quaker Foods North
     America                   131      134    (1)%      439      422     4%
    Latin America Foods        199      225   (11)%      606      646    (6)%

       PepsiCo Americas
        Foods                1,152    1,144     1%     3,349    3,221     4%

       PepsiCo Americas
        Beverages              607      662    (8)%    1,666    1,847   (10)%

    Europe                     318      314     1%       674      716    (6)%
    Asia, Middle East &
     Africa                    297      199    49%       683      543    26%

       PepsiCo International   615      513    20%     1,357    1,259     8%

    Division Operating
     Profit                  2,374    2,319     2%     6,372    6,327     1%

       Corporate Unallocated  (170)    (152)   12%      (516)    (469)   10%

    Total Operating Profit  $2,204   $2,167     2%    $5,856   $5,858     -%
                            ======   ======           ======   ======

    *Core results are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the commodity
    mark-to-market net impact included in corporate unallocated expenses,
    certain restructuring actions in 2009 associated with our Productivity
    for Growth initiative and costs associated with our proposed merger with
    PBG and PAS, as well as our share of their respective merger costs.  See
    schedules A-9 through A-14 for a discussion of these items and
    reconciliations to the most directly comparable financial measures in
    accordance with GAAP.


Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Information

(unaudited)

Division operating profit, core results and core results on a constant currency basis are non-GAAP financial measures as they exclude certain items noted below. However, we believe investors should consider these measures as they are more indicative of our ongoing performance and with how management evaluates our operational results and trends.

In the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 5, 2009, we recognized $29 million and $191 million, respectively, of mark-to-market net gains on commodity hedges in corporate unallocated expenses. In the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 6, 2008, we recognized $176 million and $119 million, respectively, of mark-to-market net losses on commodity hedges in corporate unallocated expenses. In the full-year 2008, we recognized $346 million of mark-to-market net losses on commodity hedges in corporate unallocated expenses. We centrally manage commodity derivatives on behalf of our divisions. Certain of these commodity derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and are marked to market with the resulting gains and losses recognized in corporate unallocated expenses. These gains and losses are subsequently reflected in division results when the divisions take delivery of the underlying commodity.

In the 12 weeks ended September 5, 2009, we incurred $1 million of costs associated with the proposed mergers with PBG and PAS, as well as an additional $8 million of costs, representing our share of the respective merger costs of PBG and PAS, recorded in bottling equity income.

As a result of our previously initiated Productivity for Growth program, we recorded restructuring and impairment charges of $36 million in the 36 weeks ended September 5, 2009. In the full-year 2008, we recorded restructuring and impairment charges of $543 million in connection with this program. The program includes actions in all segments of the business, including the closure of six plants that we believe will increase cost competitiveness across the supply chain, upgrade and streamline our product portfolio and simplify the organization for more effective and timely decision-making.

In addition, in the full-year 2008, PBG implemented a restructuring initiative across all of its geographic segments. PBG also recognized an asset impairment charge related to its business in Mexico. Consequently, in 2008, we recorded a non-cash charge of $138 million, included in bottling equity income, as part of recording our share of PBG's financial results.

Additionally, management operating cash flow and management operating cash flow growth are the primary measures management uses to monitor cash flow performance. They are not measures defined by GAAP. Since net capital spending is essential to our product innovation initiatives and maintaining our operational capabilities, we believe that it is a recurring and necessary use of cash. As such, we believe investors should also consider net capital spending when evaluating our cash from operating activities.

We believe investors should consider the following non-GAAP financial measures with respect to our third quarter results:

  • Our 2009 net revenue growth on a constant currency basis;
  • Our 2009 and 2008 division operating profit and our 2009 division operating profit growth;
  • Our 2009 division operating profit growth on a constant currency basis;
  • Our 2009 total operating profit excluding the impact of costs associated with our proposed merger with PBG and PAS and the mark-to-market net gains on commodity hedges and our 2008 total operating profit excluding the impact of the mark-to-market net losses on commodity hedges;
  • Our 2009 effective tax rate excluding the impact of costs associated with our proposed merger with PBG and PAS and the mark-to-market net gains on commodity hedges; and
  • Our 2009 diluted EPS excluding the impact of costs associated with our proposed merger with PBG and PAS and the mark-to-market net gains on commodity hedges; our 2008 diluted EPS excluding the impact of the mark-to-market net losses on commodity hedges; and our 2009 diluted EPS growth excluding the impact of costs associated with our proposed merger with PBG and PAS and the mark-to-market net impact of commodity hedges, on a constant currency basis.

We believe investors should consider the following non-GAAP financial measure with respect to our year-to-date results:

  • Our 2009 net revenue growth on a constant currency basis;
  • Our 2009 and 2008 division operating profit and our 2009 division operating profit growth;
  • Our 2009 division operating profit excluding the impact of restructuring and impairment charges; and our 2009 division operating profit growth excluding the impact of restructuring and impairment charges, as well as on a constant currency basis;
  • Our 2009 total operating profit excluding the impact of restructuring and impairment charges, costs associated with our proposed merger with PBG and PAS and the mark-to-market net gains on commodity hedges; and our 2008 total operating profit excluding the impact of the mark-to-market net losses on commodity hedges; and
  • Our 2009 and 2008 management operating cash flow and 2009 management operating cash flow growth, excluding the impact of a discretionary pension contribution in the first quarter of 2009 and restructuring-related cash payments in 2009 and 2008.

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Information (cont.)

(unaudited)

We believe investors should consider the following non-GAAP financial measures with respect to our projected 2009 full-year results and our 2008 full-year results:

  • Our full-year projected 2009 net cash provided by operating activities, excluding the impact of a discretionary pension contribution in the first quarter of 2009; and
  • Our 2008 diluted EPS excluding the impact of restructuring and impairment charges, mark-to-market net losses on commodity hedges and our share of PBG's restructuring and impairment charges.

We are not able to reconcile our full-year projected 2009 core constant currency results to our full-year projected 2009 reported results because we are unable to predict the 2009 full-year impact of foreign exchange or the mark-to-market net gains or losses on commodity hedges due to the unpredictability of future changes in foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. Therefore, we are unable to provide a reconciliation of these measures. Because the company expects to close on the proposed acquisitions of PBG and PAS in late 2009 or early 2010, the company's fiscal 2009 guidance does not include the impact of the proposed acquisitions.

We are not able to reconcile our full-year projected 2010 core constant currency EPS to our full-year projected 2010 reported results because we are unable to predict the 2010 full-year impact of foreign exchange or the mark-to-market net gains or losses on commodity hedges due to the unpredictability of future changes in foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. Additionally, with respect to our proposed transactions with PBG and PAS, we are unable to predict the 2010 full-year impact of the gain or loss on previously held equity interests in PBG and PAS, the post-merger one-time impact to earnings of fair value adjustments to acquired inventory, any additional restructuring or integration costs and transaction costs related to the proposed acquisitions of PBG and PAS due to the uncertainty of the amounts and/or timing of such items. Therefore, we are unable to provide a reconciliation of these measures.


              Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Information (cont.)
         ($ in millions, except per share amounts and as otherwise noted,
                                     unaudited)

    Operating Profit Growth Reconciliation

                                            12 Weeks    36 Weeks
                                              Ended       Ended
                                            ---------   ---------
                                              9/5/09      9/5/09
                                              ------      ------
     Division Operating Profit Growth            2%          -%
     Impact of Corporate Unallocated            10           5
     Reported Total Operating Profit Growth     12%          5%
                                                ==           =

     Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation

                                                      12 Weeks Ended
                                                      --------------
                                                           9/5/09
                                               ------------------------------
                                               Pre-Tax    Income    Effective
                                                Income     Taxes     Tax Rate
                                               --------  --------   ---------
    Reported Effective Tax Rate                  $2,308       $575     24.9%
    Mark-to-Market Net Gains                        (29)       (10)
    PBG/PAS Merger Costs                              9          1
    Effective Tax Rate Excluding above Items     $2,288      $567*     24.7%
                                                 ======       ====
    *Does not sum due to rounding



    Diluted EPS Reconciliation

                                                 12 Weeks Ended
                                                 --------------
                                               9/5/09      9/6/08 Growth
                                               ------      ------ ------
    Reported Diluted EPS                        $1.09       $0.99   10%
    Mark-to-Market Net (Gains)/Losses           (0.01)       0.07
    PBG/PAS Merger Costs                         0.01           -
      Diluted EPS Excluding above Items         $1.08*      $1.06    2%
                                                =====       =====
      Impact of Foreign Currency
       Translation                                                   6
      Diluted EPS Excluding above Items, on
       a constant currency basis                                     8%
                                                                     =
    *Does not sum due to rounding



    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Reconciliation (in billions)

                                          36 Weeks       36 Weeks
                                            Ended          Ended
                                         -----------    -----------
                                           9/5/09          9/6/08   Change
                                           ------          ------   ------
     Net Cash Provided by Operating
      Activities                            $4.4            $4.7     $(0.3)
     Capital Spending                       (1.1)           (1.4)
     Sales of Property, Plant and
      Equipment                                -             0.1
     Management Operating Cash Flow          3.3             3.3*       $-
     Discretionary Pension Contribution
      (After-Tax)                            0.6               -
     Restructuring Payments                  0.2               -
     Management Operating Cash Flow
      Excluding above Items                 $4.1            $3.4*     $0.8*
                                            ====            ====
    *Does not sum due to rounding



    Diluted EPS Reconciliation

                                                           Year  Ended
                                                           -----------
                                                            12/27/08
                                                           -----------
    Reported Diluted EPS                                      $3.21
    Mark-to-Market Net Losses                                  0.14
    Restructuring and Impairment Charges                       0.25
    PBG's Restructuring and Impairment Charges                 0.07
    Diluted EPS Excluding above Items                         $3.68*
                                                              =====
    *Does not sum due to rounding



    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Reconciliation

                                                              2009
                                                            Guidance
                                                            --------
     Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities           >$6.4 billion
     Discretionary Pension Contribution (After-Tax)       ~640 million
     Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities           ~$7.0 billion
                                                          ============



             Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Information (cont.)
        Reported Growth and Growth Excluding the Impact of Foreign Currency
                                    Translation
                                    (unaudited)

                                                     12 Weeks Ended
                                                     --------------
                                                         9/5/09
                                                         ------
                                                     Net     Operating
                                                   Revenue    Profit
                                                   -------   ---------
    Frito-Lay North America
    -----------------------
    Reported Growth                                      5%          5%
    Impact of Foreign Currency Translation               1           1
    Growth on a constant currency basis                 5%*         5%*
                                                        ==          ==

    Quaker Foods North America
    --------------------------
    Reported Growth                                      7%        (1)%
    Impact of Foreign Currency Translation               1         0.5
    Growth on a constant currency basis                  8%         (1)%*
                                                         =        ====

    Latin America Foods
    -------------------
    Reported Growth                                    (10)%       (11)%
    Impact of Foreign Currency Translation              19          22
    Growth on a constant currency basis                  9%         11%
                                                         =          ==

    PepsiCo Americas Foods
    ----------------------
    Reported Growth                                      -%          1%
    Impact of Foreign Currency Translation               6           5
    Growth on a constant currency basis                  7%*         6%
                                                        ==           =

    PepsiCo Americas Beverages
    --------------------------
    Reported Growth                                     (9)%        (8)%
    Impact of Foreign Currency Translation               2           3
    Growth on a constant currency basis                 (7)%        (5)%
                                                       ===         ===

    Europe
    ------
    Reported Growth                                     (2)%         1%
    Impact of Foreign Currency Translation              14          17
    Growth on a constant currency basis                 12%         18%
                                                        ==          ==

    Asia, Middle East & Africa
    --------------------------
    Reported Growth                                      9%         49%
   
JCOF (www.myjavafit.com), Javalution Coffee Company, (Pink Sheets: JCOF), a fully vertical coffee roasting and distribution company, owner of the multi-level marketing brand, JavaFit, and the retail brand, Cafe La Rica, as well as the category creator of functional gourmet coffee: Announces FINRA approval to trade under the symbol JCOF.

The executive team at Javalution Coffee Company is proud to make this announcement. Becoming a publicly traded company, whose common stock will be quoted on an electronic exchange, has been a goal of ours since inception.

We also achieved another major milestone on September 1st when we completed the acquisition of the remaining outstanding shares of CLR Roasters. We are proud to now be a vertically integrated company that owns and controls the entire manufacturing process. This acquisition not only provides us better quality control, a guarantee of the freshest coffee possible, and a diversified revenue stream, but we also now control the Cafe La Rica brand which is distributed through Wal-Mart, Winn-Dixie and Publix throughout the state of Florida. Obviously, one of our goals for CLR Roasters is to launch the Cafe La Rica brand nationally. "We feel that Javalution Coffee Company will deliver great shareholder value by positioning itself as a coffee company which will, roast and distribute, two company owned national brands. These brands will be marketed through two very different distribution strategies," said Dave Briskie, CEO of Javalution. JavaFit is marketed nationally through its growing network marketing program and Cafe La Rica is distributed directly through various retailers.

Revenue:

Since officially launching the JavaFit brand through a network marketing distribution platform on July 5th we are very proud to report that gross revenue for the 3rd quarter for Javalution Coffee Company and CLR Roasters was $1,251,428. We are continuing to show progress toward reducing our operating losses. See unaudited quarterly numbers in the chart below:

    Javalution Coffee Company/CLR Roasters
    Unaudited Key Performance
    Numbers Quarter by Quarter 2009

                                   Q1 2009     Q2 2009     Q3 2009
    Total Income
    Javalution Coffee Company       $7,418    $605,532    $701,484
    CLR Roasters                  $491,103    $531,052    $549,944
    Consolidated                  $498,521  $1,136,584  $1,251,428

    Cost of Goods Sold
    Javalution Coffee Company      $10,066    $345,095
    CLR Roasters                  $353,368    $376,725
    Consolidated                  $363,434    $721,820

    Gross Profit
    Javalution Coffee Company      -$2,648    $260,437
    CLR Roasters                  $137,735    $154,327
    Consolidated                  $135,087    $414,764

    Expenses
    Javalution Coffee Company     $289,458    $428,476
    CLR Roasters                  $215,686    $208,224
    Consolidated                  $505,144    $636,700

    Net Ordinary Income
    Javalution Coffee Company    -$292,106   -$168,039
    CLR Roasters                  -$77,951    -$53,897
    Consolidated                 -$370,057   -$221,936

    Notes: Javalution Coffee Company owned a 60% interest in CLR for Q1
    Javalution Coffee Company acquired an additional 25% stake in CLR in Q2
    (25% interest in CLR closed June 1 2009)
    Javalution Coffee Company acquired the balance of the interest in CLR in
    Q3
    (Final 15% stake in CLR closed on September 1, 2009)
    Only Revenue Numbers were available for Q3 as of this release
    Final numbers will be provided when available.


Diversified Revenue Model

Traditional Retail: CLR Roasters Cafe La Rica brand is currently sold in Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie and various other small retailers throughout the state of Florida

Private Label: CLR Roasters currently provides roasting service to a number of customers and our coffees can be found in Farm Stores, Walt Disney world Resorts, and various cruise line

Distribution Business: CLR Roasters has been providing coffee to LP Signature Wellness centers for quite some time. In March we were granted distribution rights for other products and negotiated distributorships with Splenda, Filter Pack, Diamond Crystal and other suppliers.

Network Marketing Business: JavaFit is marketed through its own network marketing platform.

Affiliate Growth:

"JavaFit's affiliate network has grown to over 1600 affiliates. For the month of September our affiliate base will grow by 15% which will put us on plan. We believe we can sustain monthly affiliate growth of 15% throughout 2009. We currently have active distribution in 48 states with only Alaska and Rhode Island lacking a distribution," said Scott Pumper, President of Javalution.

Management:

Dave Briskie accepted the position of CEO of Javalution Coffee Company (JavaFit) in 2007. He has guided JavaFit to becoming a fully vertical coffee company and he is energized to bring to JavaFit the experience he has garnered from an exciting and rewarding 18-year career with Drew Pearson Marketing, Inc.(DPM). Dave began his DPM career in 1989 as Executive VP of Finance and Marketing, negotiating a 25% equity position providing he could turn around the struggling, young consumer products company. Being the eternal optimist and believing in his ability to make things happen, he saw a great asset in DPM's loss carry forward and was keen in utilizing his unique background in finance and sales to deliver results for the 2 million dollar headwear company. Four years after he took over the sales effort, DPM's growth rate was phenomenal, reaching $30 million in sales. During this time, The Dallas100 recognized and honored DPM as the 2nd fastest growing privately held entrepreneurial company. By 1996, DPM's sales reached $70 million dollars and now has offices in Dallas, New York, Hong Kong and Minnesota. Through Drew Pearson International (DPI), a sister company formed by Dave in 1992 to capitalize on the growing global demand, Dave's team introduced the Drew Pearson brand to 15 European countries, Canada, Mexico, Latin America and Asia. Named CEO of both DPM and DPI in 1996, he is credited with negotiating multi-million dollar contracts and building relationships with a multitude of fortune 1000 companies including, Disney, Warner Bros, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, all major universities, Anheiser Bush and General Motors. In 2001, Dave orchestrated a merger of DPM and DPI with its key manufacturing partner, Mainland Headwear, and the merged company was taken public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As part of the merger, Dave executed a 5 year employment contract, was a director of the Hong Kong Corporation, and remained as CEO of Drew Pearson Marketing through the conclusion of his agreement. Priding himself on building an amazing team that drove DPM and DPI to meet its lofty goals, Dave's passion is building businesses from start up, so he proudly turned over the reigns of the well-established DPM and DPI to the talented team he assembled and stands ready to build another strong brand and profitable company with JavaFit.

Dave Briskie, CEO stated, "I am proud of the progress our team has achieved in my brief tenor as CEO. I am thrilled to have helped our President, Scott Pumper, achieve his goal of becoming a public company. His knowledge, experience and relationships in the financial world were a key factor. As a CEO, this is the second company I have been involved with that has become public under my watch. The best is yet to come!"

Scott Pumper, co-founder and President of Javalution Coffee Company, Scott has always prided himself with having a passionate work ethic. At the young age of 18 Scott began his career on Wall Street where he ultimately became a licensed stock broker and principal. What he lacked in experience he made up for with an inextinguishable belief that he could not be out worked. Over his 10 year Wall Street career Scott continued to work at a feverish pace, but what really catapulted him to success was his revelation that the most successful companies had strong, diversified, knowledgeable, experienced leadership. Scott's experience extended to all aspects of investment banking including venture capital, IPO's, portfolio management and equity trading. Scott's career on Wall Street concluded with the knowledge that his key to long term success would come from building, trusting relationships.

In 1998 Mr. Pumper left Wall Street to consult companies on how to raise capital, and build strong management teams. After helping several companies pioneer their businesses and doing everything from raising their capital, to building their management teams Scott decided to launch his own venture and started JavaFit.

Scott Pumper has been the founder and President of Javalution Coffee Company since its inception in 2003. He has built a team at JavaFit that is second to none and he is excited to help guide Javalution Coffee Company meets its lofty goals.

Scott Pumper, President said, "I am excited to witness the progress our company has made since Dave Briskie became our CEO. Our diversified revenue, model made possible through the acquisition of our Roasting Operation, has been a great strategic move. I look forward to taking advantage of the opportunities that being a publicly traded company will provide us."

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our business, including anticipated growth and geographic expansion, new products and services, new business development and opportunities, anticipated revenues, possible reduction or elimination of material weaknesses, anticipated revenue growth, expenses, profitability, losses and profit margins. In some cases, you may identify forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "plan," "intend," "potential," "continue," "believe," "expect," "predict," "anticipate" and "estimate," the negative of these words or other comparable words. These statements are only predictions. One should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are qualified by their terms and/or important factors, many of which are outside the Company's control, involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from the statements made. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of the Company's future performance, taking into account information currently available to the Company. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, including those events and factors described in "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, not all of which are known to the Company. The Company will update the information in this press release only to the extent required under applicable securities laws. If a change occurs, the Company's business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in the aforementioned forward-looking statements.

For more information: shareholders@javalution.com

SOURCE Javalution Coffee Company

The Popcorn Factory, a leading gourmet popcorn and edible gifts company, is celebrating 30 years of delicious, fun gifts that delight families, friends, children and business customers. In honor of its 30th anniversary and National Popcorn Month, The Popcorn Factory has launched a "30 Gift Giveaway" sweepstakes. The sweepstakes, which runs now through November 23, 2009, will provide one lucky grand prize winner with 30 gifts for their friends and family (up to a $6,000 value) just in time for the holiday season.

"Our loyal customers have been instrumental in our success during the past 30 years. In addition to their loyalty, many customers have contributed ideas for some of the great gifts we have developed," said Cheryl Zatz, Vice President of Marketing at The Popcorn Factory. "We want to recognize our customers during this milestone celebration year," she said.

Over the past 30 years, The Popcorn Factory has been recognized for its rich history and contributions to the community. For the second year in a row, The Popcorn Factory donated 4,000 bags of fresh popped caramel corn to entice residents in nearby suburbs to donate to Lambs Farm, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adults with developmental disabilities to lead personally fulfilling lives, during Popcorn Days.

The Popcorn Factory has a rich history which goes back to the inventor of the famous popcorn machines, now popular in movie theaters today. In 2006, The Popcorn Factory, a subsidiary of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLWS), was recognized by Guinness World Records for building the World's Largest Popcorn Ball, which weighed in at almost two and half tons with a circumference of eight feet. The record-setting, edible popcorn ball made headlines not only when it was created, but also when it traveled and was destroyed in a festive event held in Denver, Colorado.

The Popcorn Factory continues to bring life and fun to consumers with its endearing gift items and delicious products. In recent years, The Popcorn Factory also has been featured on The Food Network, the TODAY Show, YouTube and iVillage.com.

For more information on the "30 Gift Giveaway" sweepstakes, please visit http://popcorn.celebrations.com/?page_id=565 .

About The Popcorn Factory

For 30 years, The Popcorn Factory®, a subsidiary of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLWS), has been delighting people with delicious, premium popcorn and impressive, all-occasion gift tins, baskets and towers. Whether you are shopping for family, friends or business associates, The Popcorn Factory® has gifts to express every sentiment, and the quality of your selection is always guaranteed. The Popcorn Factory specializes in fresh popped-popcorn in exclusively designed tins. Only the highest quality ingredients are used, including 100% corn oil, real butter, genuine cheddar cheese and a special, private recipe of caramel corn. The Popcorn Factory sells its unique gifts on The Popcorn Factory website, www.thepopcornfactory.com, in its retail store located in Lake Forest, IL, and through its catalogs.

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

The 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, "Gift Shop" also includes gourmet gifts such as popcorn and specialty treats from The Popcorn Factory® (1-800-541-2676 or www.thepopcornfactory.com); exceptional cookies and baked gifts from Cheryl&Co.® (1-800-443-8124 or www.cherylandco.com); premium chocolates and confections from Fannie May® confections brands (www.fanniemay.com and www.harrylondon.com); gourmet foods from Greatfood.com® (www.greatfood.com); wine gifts from Ambrosia® (www.ambrosia.com); gift baskets from 1-800-BASKETS.COM® (www.1800baskets.com) and DesignPac® as well as Home Decor and Children's Gifts from Plow & Hearth® (1-800-627-1712 or www.plowandhearth.com), Wind & Weather® (www.windandweather.com), HearthSong® (www.hearthsong.com) and Magic Cabin® (www.magiccabin.com). 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under ticker symbol FLWS.

SOURCE The Popcorn Factory

Uno Chicago Grill®, America's Healthiest Chain Restaurant(i), is celebrating National Pizza Month by expanding its guests' choices. UNO® has added an all-natural, five-grain flatbread pizza crust option to any of their flatbread offerings. The new crust has 11 grams of fiber, thanks to the combination of whole wheat, toasted wheat germ, oat bran, sesame seed and ground flax seed.

In addition, as part of the limited-time-only "Fall of Surprises" menu, UNO is introducing the new, all-natural, five-grain crust as a central component of their Harvest Vegetable Flatbread Pizza. It provides a remarkable 15 grams of fiber, with the addition of toppings that include house-made salsa, cherry tomatoes roasted with garlic, basil and olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, broccoli, spinach, roasted red peppers and cheese.

"We bend over backwards to make sure we give our guests choices. Our new, all-natural, five-grain flatbread crust is just another example of that commitment, being both nutritious and filled with flavor," said UNO CEO Frank Guidara.

UNO timed the release of their newest pizza for October, which is National Pizza Month(ii). It was first so designated in 1987 and continues to be the traditional time for celebration of one of America's most important and popular foods.

Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza each day, or about 350 slices per second. At last count, 93 percent of Americans eat at least one pizza per month, with approximately 3.5 billion pizzas sold in the U.S. each year.(iii)

"With Americans continuing their love affair with pizza, UNO is delighted to offer a new, healthier version they can enjoy knowing they've made a good nutritional choice," said Guidara.

The company that was the first to develop deep-dish pizza in 1943 is way deeper than pizza. UNO boasts a number of nutritious firsts, including being the first casual-dining chain to eliminate artificial trans fats in their restaurants. The chain was one of the first to offer a gluten-free menu, which has over 30 items ranging from entrees, salads, soups, drinks and desserts. It was also the first national chain to offer a gluten-free pizza. For guest convenience and safety, UNO was among the first to offer nutritional transparency for its menu and clearly identify - via its nutritional kiosks in restaurant lobbies - menu items with ingredients that are linked to the most common food allergies, such as fish/shellfish, soy, tree nuts/peanuts, egg, milk and wheat/gluten. Diners can also preview the menu and nutritional information online via the company's website at www.unos.com.

(i) Health magazine

(ii) Chase's Book of Annual Events

(iii) Source: Blumenfeld and Associates

About UNO:

Based in Boston, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes more than 200 company-owned and franchised full-service Uno Chicago Grill units located in 29 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The company also operates a fast casual concept called Uno Due Go®, a quick serve concept called Uno Express®, and a consumer foods division which supplies airlines, movie theaters, hotels, airports, travel plazas, schools and supermarkets with both frozen and refrigerated private-label foods and branded UNO products. For more information, visit www.unos.com.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Frank Guidara

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=79706

SOURCE Uno Chicago Grill

With the autumn leaves changing colors and temperatures cooling, Dunkin' Donuts, America's all-day, every day stop for coffee and baked goods, today unveiled a harvest of foods and beverages celebrating the flavors of the season. Emphasizing the beloved traditional tastes of pumpkin and apple, Dunkin' Donuts' fall lineup features both new items and returning favorites guaranteed to help people on-the-go capture the spirit of fall, including the brand's very first low-fat muffin.

Available beginning today through November 26 at participating Dunkin' Donuts shops throughout the country, Dunkin' Donuts' fall flavors menu items include:

  • New Low Fat Apple Caramel Muffin: The delicious Low Fat Apple Caramel Muffin is Dunkin' Donuts' very first low-fat muffin, with only three grams of fat. Available at the suggested retail price of $1.39, the new muffin is part of Dunkin' Donuts' DDSMART menu of better-for-you items. DDSMART menu items meet at least one of the following criteria: 25% fewer calories; 25% less sugar, fat, saturated fat or sodium than comparable fare, and/or contain ingredients that are nutritionally beneficial.
  • Pumpkin Coffee and Latte: Pumpkin flavoring adds seasonal flair to these Dunkin' Donuts favorites that can be served hot or iced. The Pumpkin Latte includes whipped cream and a caramel drizzle and is available at the suggested retail price of $2.49 for a small 10 oz. beverage. Coffee with pumpkin flavoring is available at the suggested retail price of $1.39 for a small 10 oz. beverage.
  • New Pumpkin Coffee Coolatta®: This take on the traditional Coffee Coolatta, Pumpkin Coffee Coolatta features a swirl of pumpkin flavor and is available at the suggested retail price of $1.99 for a small 16 oz. beverage.
  • Pumpkin Muffin: The Pumpkin Muffin, one of the most popular seasonal varieties, is topped with white icing and streusel crumbs and is available at the suggested retail price of $1.39.
  • Pumpkin Donut: A pumpkin-flavored, glazed cake donut, the Pumpkin Donut is a seasonal favorite, available at the suggested retail price of 89 cents.
  • "Fall Harvest" Donut: The "Fall Harvest" Donut is a yeast ring donut topped with orange icing and a festive pumpkin sprinkle mix, available at the suggested retail price of 89 cents.
  • Fall Munchkins® Donut Hole Treats: The Fall Munchkins Donut Hole treats are decorated with autumn colored non-pareils and are available at the suggested retail price of $4.49 for a 25 count box.
  • New Spiced Apple Twist (New England only): Served warm, the Spiced Apple Twist features apple flavored filling swirled throughout sweet dough and topped with delicious icing. Available only in New England, enjoy a combo including a Spiced Apple Twist and a Medium Hot Coffee for the suggested retail price of $2.99.

In addition, Dunkin' Donuts is celebrating Halloween by offering a limited time only "Boston Scream" donut from October 25 - October 31. The "Boston Scream" donut features a traditional Boston Kreme donut decorated with orange icing drizzle.

"More than any other time of year, fall evokes a strong emotional connection with the flavors of the season," said Stan Frankenthaler, Dunkin' Brands Executive Chef. "We are excited to bring back seasonal flavors like pumpkin and to add delicious apple products that give our busy customers the opportunity to enjoy the traditional flavors of fall while on the go."

About Dunkin' Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin' Donuts is America's favorite every day, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin' Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories, and the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world. Dunkin' Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for three years running. The company has more than 8,800 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. In 2008, Dunkin' Donuts' global system-wide sales were $5.5 billion. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Dunkin' Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin' Brands, Inc. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

 

    Contact:
    Andrew Mastrangelo
    Dunkin' Donuts
    781-737-5200
    Andrew.Mastrangelo@dunkinbrands.com

    Margaret Skrmetti
    RF Binder
    781-559-0437
    Margaret.Skrmetti@rfbinder.com

SOURCE Dunkin' Donuts

Michelob ULTRA announced today that seven-time Tour de France winner and cycling icon Lance Armstrong has signed a three-year agreement to become the brand's new spokesperson and ambassador.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091006/AQ88326)

"Lance Armstrong is an ideal ambassador for this brand and we are honored to have him represent Michelob ULTRA," said Keith Levy, vice president of marketing at Anheuser-Busch. "Having dominated a sport that requires such a physical commitment, Lance is the perfect athlete to connect with adult beer drinkers who lead active lifestyles."

As part of the agreement, Armstrong will appear in a new Michelob ULTRA television commercial titled "Little Bumps," and he will make a cameo appearance in a second ad titled "Escalator," both which are scheduled to air in 2010. Michelob ULTRA will also use Armstrong's likeness on print, outdoor advertising, digital marketing programs, product packaging and point-of-sale.

"I'm always making decisions that complement my active lifestyle, and this includes my beer choice when I want to enjoy a cold one with friends or when taking a break from training," said Lance Armstrong. "I'm excited about my association with Michelob ULTRA, a brand that supports cycling and running communities across the U.S. and is a favorite among active adults."

Michelob ULTRA has been a strong supporter of the sport of cycling since 2004. As part of its Race to the ULTRA series, the brand sponsors more than 40 major running and cycling events annually across the country.

Since its launch in 2002, Michelob ULTRA has continued to grow in popularity and is enjoyed by adult consumers living an active lifestyle and those looking for a great-tasting beer with lower carbohydrates and fewer calories. Michelob ULTRA has only 95 calories and 2.6g carbohydrates, 0.6g protein and 0.0g fat, per 12-ounce bottle.

About Anheuser-Busch

Based in St. Louis, AnheuserBusch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. AnheuserBusch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. AnheuserBusch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world's largest recyclers of aluminum cans. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc. (OTC.PK: IBGH) today announced that the company has entered into an agreement with Clark Beverage Group to bring the company's signature relaxation beverage, drank(TM), to northwestern Mississippi.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090219/DRANKLOGO )

Clark Beverage Group provides drank to over 1,200 retail and on-premise locations in thirteen counties in northwestern Mississippi which include the areas surrounding the campuses of Ole Miss. University and Delta State University. The company's impressive line of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages includes household names such as Coors(®), Heineken(®), Guinness(®), Miller(®), Sam Adams(®), Gallo(®), Pabst(®), and numerous other imported, specialty and craft beers.

"This is an innovative and cutting-edge new product that leads the way for an exciting new category in the beverage industry," said Jeff Brasher, General Manager for Clark Beverage Group. "As the market-leader in the calming beverage sector, we decided that drank(TM) would be a great addition to our lineup of premier beverages. Not only does drank(TM) offer our consumers a functional, non-alcoholic beverage with superior taste, it also comes with impressive national marketing support and dedicated customers."

"We are excited to work with Clark Beverage Group who, as a premier beverage distributor in northwestern Mississippi, tout an extensive portfolio of solid relationships that they will be able to use to place drank(TM) on store shelves and refrigerator cases of many accounts across the region," said Peter Bianchi, CEO of Innovative Beverage Group. "It is the personal relationships with their accounts that make well-respected local distributors like Clark the key to success for drank(TM) as it continues to grow nationally."

With a slogan of "slow your roll(TM)," drank(TM) is the antithesis of the herd of energy drinks crowding the functional beverage sector. Since launching in select markets in early 2008, drank(TM) has quickly become the go-to beverage for people looking to relax their mind and body with a calming blend of melatonin, rose hips and valerian root.

Clark Beverage Group joins an extensive and growing roster of regional distributors that have added drank(TM) to their New Age beverage lineup. For more information about drank(TM), please visit: www.drankbeverage.com, call 877-DRANK-02 or follow the brand on Twitter - www.twitter.com/slowyourroll. To reach Clark Beverage Group, please call 662-280-8540.

About Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc.

Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc. is a Nevada-based corporation headquartered in Houston, Texas that engages in the distribution and wholesale of products in the New Age beverage category. The Company recently launched its first proprietary product drank(TM). Dubbed the world's first extreme relaxation beverage, drank(TM) was created to induce a natural calming and soothing effect when consumed. drank(TM) is a lightly carbonated grape flavored beverage formulated with natural calming agents including melatonin, rose hips, and valerian root. drank(TM) is sold in prominent purple, signature 16 ounce cans bearing the slogan "slow your roll' and is available in convenience and grocery outlets in a growing number of regions throughout the United States. Innovative Beverage Group began operations as a distributor for well known national brands of beverage products including Jolt, Rock Star, Crystal Geyser, Sweet Leaf tea, Arizona Ice tea, and Volvic Water. Although the Company continues to distribute many of these well known brands in the greater Houston area, the expansion of Innovative's proprietary product division has become foremost in their business model. Recent corporate strategies have been focused on the marketing and distribution of drank(TM) to accommodate the growing demand for the product. Innovative Beverage Group is also currently working to add additional proprietary products to its line that will complement drank(TM) and provide consumers with an array of new and unique concepts in the New Age beverage category.

All company and/or product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain oral statements made by management from time to time and certain statements contained in press releases and periodic reports issued by Innovative Beverage Group, Inc., (the "Company"), as well as those contained herein, that are not historical facts are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, including those in Management's Discussion and Analysis, are statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations, estimates, or projections of the Company, its directors, or its officers about the Company and the industry in which it operates and are based on assumptions made by management. Forward-looking statements include without limitation statements regarding: (a) the Company's strategies regarding growth and business expansion, including future acquisitions; (b) the Company's financing plans; (c) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations; (d) the Company's ability to continue to control costs and to meet its liquidity and other financing needs; (e) the declaration and payment of dividends; and (f) the Company's ability to respond to changes in customer demand and regulations. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the anticipated results will occur. When issued in this report, the words "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.

For media samples, product photography and additional information, contact Avalanche Strategic Communications at 201-488-0049 or email drankpr@beckermanpr.com

SOURCE Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc.

China-Biotics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHBT) ("China-Biotics", "the Company"), a leading Chinese firm specializing in the manufacture, research, development, marketing and distribution of probiotics products, today announced that the Company's management team will attend the 2009 ROTH China Conference held October 12-14, in Miami, Florida.

The date, time and location of China-Biotics' presentation at the conference is as follows:

    2009 ROTH China Conference

    Date:      Wednesday, October 14, 2009
    Time:      11:30 a.m. in Glimmer 2
    Location:  Fontainebleau Miami Beach
               4441 Collins Ave
               Miami Beach, FL 33139

The ROTH China Conference will feature presentations from a select group of US-listed Chinese companies in industries with attractive growth potential. Over 60 companies will be presenting at the conference, including US-listed Chinese companies and US-based companies with growth prospects in China. Most of the presenting companies are covered by ROTH's research team, which will be onsite for discussions with investors.

About China-Biotics, Inc.

China-Biotics, Inc. ("China-Biotics," "the Company"), a leading manufacturer of biotechnology products and supplements, engages in the research, development, marketing and distribution of probiotics dietary supplements. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Shanghai Shining Biotechnology Co., Ltd., the Company has operations in Shanghai. Its proprietary product portfolio contains live microbial nutritional supplements under the "Shining" brand. Currently, the products are sold OTC through large distributors to pharmacies and supermarkets in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. China-Biotics plans to launch 300 Shining brand retail outlets in major cities in China. Currently, China-Biotics is strategically expanding its production capacity of probiotics to meet growing demand in the bulk additive market. For more information, please visit http://www.chn-biotics.com.

    Lewis Fan, CFO
    China-Biotics, Inc.
    E-mail: lewisfan@chn-biotics.com
    Web: www.chn-biotics.com

    CCG Investor Relations
    Crocker Coulson, President
    Phone: +1-646-213-1915 (New York)
    Email: crocker.coulson@ccgir.com
    Web: www.ccgirasia.com

SOURCE China-Biotics, Inc.

Forty volunteer projects. Six days. More than 1,200 Kraft Foods volunteers. What does that add up to? Thousands of lives touched throughout Chicagoland thanks to Kraft Foods' first-ever global "Make a Delicious Difference Week."

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090420/KRAFTLOGO)

With more than 10,000 employees in 33 countries participating around the world, this special week of service (Oct. 5-10) will benefit roughly 500,000 people in need. The effort will mobilize six times the number of volunteers than in previous efforts and build on the company's commitment to fighting hunger and promoting healthy lifestyles.

"We may be best known for cooking up tasty products like Oreo cookies and Kraft Mac & Cheese, but this week is all about making a delicious difference in our communities," explained Dave Brearton, Executive Vice President, Operations and Business Services. "The volunteer spirit of our employees combined with the expertise of organizations, like the Greater Chicago Food Depository, is a winning recipe to help fight hunger. Knowing our efforts are an important ingredient in our first global week of service makes this experience even more powerful."

Activities will take place today, Thursday and Saturday across Chicagoland. Projects include:

  • Packing and sorting donated food for that will be provided to hungry families at Chicago Christian Industrial League, the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), Lakeview Pantry, The Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB), People's Resource Center and St. James Food Pantry
  • Leading "Olympic" events for kids to promote healthy lifestyles at Austin YMCA, Casa Central, Chicago Commons Taylor Center and Chicago International Charter School
  • Planting community gardens at Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp.
  • Using the alphabet to teach children about good nutrition at the Chicago Children's Museum
  • Painting a healthy eating mural in a cafeteria at CARC, an organization for people with disabilities
  • Providing seasonal maintenance for a vegetable garden at Chicago Botanic Gardens

To supplement its employees' efforts, the Kraft Foods Foundation will match U.S. employee cash contributions to nonprofits on a two-to-one basis throughout the week.

Serving Up the Spirit of Service When Needed Most

As the need rises across Chicagoland, Kraft Foods' commitment to preventing hunger and promoting healthy lifestyles is stronger than ever.

Kicking off the season of giving, the company will donate $300,000 to GCFD and NIFB -- organizations that are especially in need during these challenging times. GCFD has seen an unprecedented increase for food this year, serving 35 percent more individuals and 12 million more food compared to last year. And, NIFB witnessed a 36 percent increase in the amount of food distributed between April and June of 2009 versus the same period in 2008.

"The need here in Chicago is unprecedented," said Kate Maehr, executive director of