Women everywhere can finally stop making excuses to spend more time with girlfriends. Studies have shown that time with friends can lead to better health. The "girlfriend" experts at Seagram's Escapes suggest soaking up health benefits by planning girl time on August 1 - National Girlfriends Day - or any day in September during National Women's Friendship Month.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100730/NY43799 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100730/NY43799 )

National Girlfriends Day represents the official time of year when girlfriends should make a conscious effort to inspire, support and encourage each other either through a simple card, get-together, dinner or all-out celebration with your girlfriends.

In 1999, Kappa Delta Sorority created a National Women's Friendship Day. The day was so popular that the celebration expanded to National Women's Friendship Month in 2009, encouraging women around the country to celebrate each other the entire month of September.

"There's something to be said for the power of girlfriends and the unique bonds between women that only women understand," said Jennifer McCauley, brand manager for Seagram's Escapes. "On a bad day, your girlfriends always have your back. At Seagram's Escapes, we understand how important girlfriends are... and these relationships deserve to be celebrated!"

Oftentimes, though, women struggle to balance work and play and they push their friendships to the side. Experts say that's a big mistake because friends are good for the heart and soul.

"Women connect and create friendships through celebrations. Grab your BFFs and celebrate any time of year with a girls' night in or spa day," said Debba Haupert of Girlfriendology.com, an online community for women.

Seagram's Escapes suggests calling up the women in your life and celebrating on National Girlfriends Day and during National Women's Friendship Month. Check out these fun, 'girly' drink recipes in honor of female friendship:

About Seagram's Escapes

Introduced in 1985, Seagram's Escapes currently offers nine varieties of malt beverage flavored coolers, available in four-pack carriers and 24-pack cartons. Sold across the U.S., Seagram's Escapes are produced at The Genesee Brewery in Rochester, New York. North American Breweries owns a perpetual license for Seagram's Escapes from Pernod Ricard USA, LLC, along with the Genesee Brewing Company and Labatt USA. For more information, visit www.SeagramsEscapes.com or http://www.facebook.com/SeagramsEscapes. View and subscribe to more news from Seagram's Escapes here: http://www.pitchfeed.com/seagram'sescapes/18968.

Please unwind responsibly.

SOURCE The Genesee Brewery

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.SeagramsEscapes.com

U.S. Niutang Chemical Inc., a subsidiary of Niutang Chemical, has been awarded the 2010 Viachem Producer Partner of the Year. Viachem Ltd., a specialty chemical distributor, conducts sales and marketing for Niutang's full line of high intensity sweeteners in the U.S. and Canada, including the company's newest product, Niutang Liquid Sucralose.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090528/CG23830LOGO)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090528/CG23830LOGO)

Viachem President and Founder Mike Efting presented the award to Licheng Wang Jr., General Manager of Niutang Chemical, at a dinner at the International Food Technology (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Chicago on July 18, 2010.

"Niutang has proven to be an outstanding partner by demonstrating a high level of dedication and interest in our success," Efting stated. "Their strong commitment to high quality sweeteners and customer service mirrors that of Viachem and has been instrumental in the growth of our business. I am pleased to recognize Niutang as Viachem's Producer Partner of the Year and present them with this award."

In accepting the award, Wang said, "Our relationship with Viachem has been beneficial to both companies. With Viachem's assistance, we have been able to grow our sweetener business in the U.S. and Canada by 36 percent since 2008. Niutang Liquid Sucralose is now being launched with Viachem's sales and marketing support. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the entire Niutang team, and look forward to our ongoing partnership and continued success."

For inquiries regarding Niutang high intensity sweetener sales in the U.S. and Canada, please contact sales@niutang.us or info@viacheminc.com.

About Niutang

Niutang is one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of food additives, chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates that are instrumental to food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and industrial products. Established in 1969, Niutang's commitment to producing the highest quality food additives at competitive prices has ensured its rapid growth into a leading global manufacturer of aspartame, folic acid, and more recently, sucralose. The company is certified in meeting the most stringent U.S. and European manufacturing, compliance and quality benchmarks. Based in China, Niutang also has sales and quality control operations in the United States and Europe that support its strong reputation for integrity and customer service. The company's website is www.niutang.com.

About Viachem Ltd.

Founded in 2006, Viachem Ltd. serves a growing portfolio of international chemical producers by offering exclusive sales and marketing representation for specialty and fine chemicals to customers throughout North America. Viachem specializes in the food and beverage, personal care, paints and coatings, industrial and household cleaners, specialty waxes, pharmaceutical, neutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries. The company is headquartered in the Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas, and maintains warehouses throughout the United States. The company's website is http://www.viacheminc.com

SOURCE Niutang Chemical

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.niutang.com

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (NYSE: DPS) reported second quarter 2010 diluted earnings of $0.74 per share compared to $0.62 per share in the prior year period.  Year-to-date, the company reported earnings of $1.09 per diluted share compared to $1.14 per share in the prior year period.  Excluding a separation-related foreign deferred tax charge in the current year and a net gain on certain distribution agreement changes in the prior year, the company earned $1.14 per diluted share compared to $0.99 in the prior year-to-date period.

For the quarter, sales volume increased 1% on solid branded sales growth.  Contract manufacturing reduced sales volume growth by one percentage point as the company continued to de-emphasize this business.  Net sales increased 3% reflecting sales volume growth, foreign currency benefits and revenue recognized under the PepsiCo, Inc. (PepsiCo) licensing agreements.  Favorable pricing trends in Beverage Concentrates were offset by increased promotional activity in Packaged Beverages.  Segment operating profit (SOP) increased 5% reflecting net sales growth and supply chain efficiencies offset by a $12 million increase in marketplace investments as well as increased productivity office costs.  Reported income from operations was $310 million compared to $297 million in the prior year period.

DPS President and CEO Larry Young said, “While we continue to see some signs of economic stability, consumer confidence remains weak.  Investing behind our brands, driving traffic for our customers and delivering value to our consumers are still a must-do for us.  Our portfolio of preferred flavored CSDs, teas and juices continues to do well despite macroeconomic headwinds and a changing beverage landscape.  For the quarter, we continued to see solid consumer takeaway and we gained value share across the portfolio.  I’m immensely proud of our teams for delivering strong results, achieving ongoing success with Snapple and embracing our Rapid Continuous Improvement initiative.  Looking ahead, we remain confident in delivering on our commitments for 2010 and beyond.”

Net sales and SOP in the tables and commentary below are presented on a currency neutral basis.  For a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures see page A-5 accompanying this release.

BCS Volume

For the quarter, BCS volume increased 3% with carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) growing 3% and non-carbonated beverages (NCBs) up 3%.

In CSDs, Dr Pepper volume increased 3%.  “Core 4” brands – 7UP, Sunkist soda, A&W and Canada Dry – declined 1%.  Canada Dry grew double digits while 7UP and A&W declined low single digits and Sunkist soda declined high single digits.  Additionally, Crush and Squirt volume grew double digits.  Fountain foodservice volume increased 4%.

In NCBs, Hawaiian Punch volume grew 7% on increased promotional activity in the grocery channel.  Snapple grew 9% reflecting continued distribution gains across the portfolio.  Aguafiel declined 10% on lower sales to third party distributors.

By geography, volume increased 2% in the U.S. and Canada and 10% in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Across all measured channels year-to-date, as reported by The Nielsen Company, the company grew U.S. CSD dollar share 0.6 percentage points and flavored CSD dollar share 0.4 percentage points.

Sales volume

For the quarter, sales volume increased 1% on solid branded sales growth.  Contract manufacturing reduced sales growth by over one percentage point as the company continued to de-emphasize this business.

Beverage Concentrates

Net sales for the quarter increased 12% reflecting low single-digit concentrate price increases taken at the beginning of the year, trade favorability and revenue recognized from the PepsiCo licensing agreements.  Segment operating profit increased 11% reflecting net sales growth, partially offset by higher marketplace investments.

Packaged Beverages

Net sales for the quarter decreased 2%.  Volume growth in Snapple and Hawaiian Punch was offset by increased promotional activity and negative product mix.  Contract manufacturing reduced net sales growth by 2 percentage points.  Segment operating profit decreased 6% reflecting net sales declines, higher costs associated with the new Victorville facility and higher productivity office costs partially offset by ongoing supply chain efficiencies.

Latin America Beverages

Net sales for the quarter increased 6% reflecting sales volume growth driven by double-digit growth in Squirt and Crush partially offset by the negative impact of product and channel mix.  Segment operating profit declined 5% as higher net sales were more than offset by increased distribution costs related to company-owned route expansion and higher marketplace investments.

Corporate and other items

For the quarter, corporate costs totaled $81 million including $5 million of unrealized commodity-related mark-to-market losses, $4 million pension-related costs and a $2 million increase in stock-based compensation expense.  Corporate costs in 2009 were $61 million, including $8 million of unrealized commodity-related mark-to-market gains.

For the quarter, productivity office investments recorded in the segments as well as corporate were $8 million.  Additionally, the company recorded a $4 million gain related to the sale of a West Coast facility.

Net interest expense decreased $23 million reflecting lower net debt and lower interest rates.

For the quarter, the effective tax rate was 35.9%.  The tax rate also included a $3 million tax expense related to certain tax items indemnified by Kraft Foods Inc. and/or one of its subsidiaries (Kraft) as well as ongoing tax planning benefits.

Cash flow

Year-to-date, the company generated $1.3 billion of cash from operating activities including a $900 million one-time payment from PepsiCo.  Net capital spending totaled $98 million.  The company repaid $405 million of its debt obligations and returned $633 million to shareholders in the form of stock repurchases ($557 million) and dividends ($76 million).

2010 full year guidance

The company continues to expect full year net sales to increase 3% to 5% and remains on track to invest incrementally in brand health over the year.  Reported diluted earnings per share are expected to be $2.29 to $2.37. The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 38%, including a $13 million separation-related foreign deferred tax charge recorded in the first quarter.  This rate also includes approximately $13 million of items indemnified by Kraft as well as ongoing tax planning benefits.  Excluding the separation-related foreign deferred tax charge, full year 2010 diluted earnings per share are expected to be $2.34 to $2.42.

The company expects net capital spending to be approximately 5% of net sales and remains on track to repurchase $1 billion of its common stock in 2010 subject to market conditions.

Impact of the PepsiCo licensing agreements

On February 26, 2010, the company completed its licensing agreements with PepsiCo.  Under these agreements, PepsiCo began distributing Dr Pepper, Crush and Schweppes in the U.S. territories where these brands were previously distributed by The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (PBG) and PepsiAmericas, Inc. (PAS).  The same applies to Dr Pepper, Crush, Schweppes, Vernors and Sussex in Canada, and Squirt and Canada Dry in Mexico.  These agreements have an initial term of 20 years, with 20-year renewal periods, and require PepsiCo to meet certain performance conditions.

Additionally, in certain U.S. territories where it has a manufacturing and distribution footprint, the company has begun selling certain owned and licensed brands, including Sunkist soda, Squirt, Vernors and Hawaiian Punch, that were previously distributed by PBG and PAS.

The one-time cash payment of $900 million, received February 26, 2010, was recorded as deferred revenue and is being recognized as net sales over 25 years.  The company recognized $9 million of revenue in the second quarter.

Impact of the Coca-Cola Company licensing agreements

On June 7, 2010, the company reached an agreement to license certain brands to The Coca-Cola Company or its affiliates (KO).  Under the new licensing agreements, KO will distribute Dr Pepper in the U.S. and Canada Dry in the Northeast U.S. where they are currently distributed by CCE.  The new agreements will have an initial term of 20 years, with 20-year renewal periods, and will require KO to meet certain performance conditions.  KO will continue to distribute Canada Dry, C’Plus and Schweppes in Canada.  In addition, KO will offer Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper in local fountain accounts currently serviced by CCE and will include Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper on its Freestyle fountain dispenser.

Additionally, in certain U.S. territories where it has a manufacturing and distribution footprint, DPS will begin selling Squirt, Canada Dry, Schweppes and Cactus Cooler, which are currently sold by CCE, shortly after the agreements are completed.

The one-time cash payment of $715 million will be recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as net sales over 25 years.  

These transactions are subject to KO completing its planned acquisition of CCE’s North American bottling business.

Definitions

Bottler case sales (BCS) volume: Sales of finished beverages, in equivalent 288 fluid ounce cases, sold by the company and its bottling partners to retailers and independent distributors and excludes contract manufacturing volume.  Volume for products sold by the company and its bottling partners is reported on a monthly basis, with the second quarter comprising April, May and June.

Sales volume: Sales of concentrates and finished beverages, in equivalent 288 fluid ounce cases, shipped by the company to its bottlers, retailers and independent distributors and includes contract manufacturing volume.

Pricing refers to the impact of list price changes.

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, in particular, statements about future events, future financial performance, plans, strategies, expectations, prospects, competitive environment, regulation, and cost and availability of raw materials. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “intend” or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements have been based on our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Our actual financial performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of estimates, forecasts and projections, and our financial performance may be better or worse than anticipated. Given these uncertainties, you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date that they were made. We do not undertake any duty to update the forward-looking statements, and the estimates and assumptions associated with them, after the date of this release, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

Conference Call

At 10 a.m. (CDT) today, the company will host a conference call with investors to discuss second quarter 2010 results and the outlook for 2010.  The conference call and slide presentation will be accessible live through DPS’s website at http://www.drpeppersnapple.com  and will be archived for replay for a period of 14 days.

In discussing fin

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 on July 10, 2010 the Company successfully completed technological upgrades to its fruit concentrate production lines at its Mudanjiang and Daqing facilities.

As part of technological upgrades, China Nutrifruit installed additional equipment and implemented advanced production techniques at the Company's facilities in Daqing and Mu Dan Jiang. The Company also made systematic upgrades to its existing equipment, replacing inefficient machinery to improve performance and productivity. The Company provided equipment training to equipment operators to ensure operating efficiency. As a result of the technological upgrades, the Company expects to benefit from improved productivity and maximize its resource efficiency, favorably affecting gross margins. China Nutrifruit incurred total capital expenditures of $4.5 million for this project.

"I would like to thank all our staff members for their valuable assistance in completing our technological upgrades on schedule," said Mr. Changjun Yu, Chairman and CEO of China Nutrifruit. "We are pleased with the outcome and look forward to a healthy production season which will begin later this month. Such upgrade will help attract leading international customers as we seek to expand our customer base and penetrate the overseas market. We are always seeking opportunities to improve and maintain our profitability, and upgrading our fruit concentrate production lines will improve our raw material efficiency, productivity and profitability."

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 20 provinces in China. For more information, please visit http://www.chinanutrifruit.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act""). Such statements include, among others, those concerning the Company's expectation regarding the expected performance benefits from technological upgrades to fruit concentrate production lines, ability to penetrate the overseas market, the Company's ability to develop and introduce new fruit and vegetable powder products and its impact on future revenue growth and profitability, and the Company's expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that a number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results of the Company to differ materially from those anticipated, expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "targets," "optimistic," "intend," "aim," "will" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include risks related to new and existing products; any projections of sales, earnings, revenue, margins or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; uncertainties related to conducting business in China; any statements of belief or intention; any of the factors mentioned in the "Risk Factors" section of our filling, and other risks and uncertainties mentioned in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    For more information, please contact:

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

    Investor Relations Contact:
     Elaine Ketchmere, Partner
     CCG Investor Relations
     Phone: +1-310-954-1345 (LA office)
     Email: elaine.ketchmere@ccgir.com
     Web:   http://www.ccgirasia.com

     Mr. Crocker Coulson, President
     Phone: +1-646-213-1915 (NY office)
     Email: crocker.coulson@ccgir.com

SOURCE China Nutrifruit Group Limited

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.chinanutrifruit.com

Yogurtini®, originally established in Tempe, Arizona in 2008, today announces the grand opening of the first Kansas City location. The self-serve frozen yogurt shop has become a sensation in Arizona, building a devoted following of its non-fat, real yogurt, pay by the ounce model.  The 'serve-yo-self®' concept allows customers to make their own frozen yogurt creation, creating bespoke blends just like a signature martini.  Yogurtini® offers a rotating selection of 16 flavors and more than 65 toppings daily.  The initial Kansas City Yogurtini® franchise is located at 8749 NW Prairie View Road in the Zona Rosa retail and entertainment district.

To celebrate its Kansas City premier, Yogurtini® will be giving out FREE self-serve frozen yogurt on Friday, July 30th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.  The festivities will continue on Saturday, July 31st with special events at the store.

Yogurtini® Kansas City is partnering with the Shadow Buddies Foundation, a Kansas City-based charitable organization that provides condition-specific dolls designed to be a friend "just like me" for seriously ill or medically challenged children worldwide.  Donations will be taken during the free hours on July 30th and 10% of sales on Saturday, July 31st will be donated to the Shadow Buddies Foundation (www.shadowbuddies.org).

"We are excited to bring Yogurtini® to the Kansas City area," says Alan Stribling who along with business partner Perry Kessler co-owns the Yogurtini® franchise.  "We researched dozens of business models before choosing to invest in Yogurtini®.  There is nothing like it in the Midwest.  Yogurtini® represents a lifestyle that thrives in Kansas City.  It is for people who like a fun, creative, interactive experience and are conscientious about healthy alternatives," he continued.

Providing its customers with a unique experience upon each visit, Yogurtini® offers 16 fat-free flavors each day, rotating from its extensive list of exclusive frozen yogurts. Yogurtini® regularly has classic flavors such as Ultimate Chocolate, Classic Vanilla, Chelsey's Cheesecake, and Peanut Butter, but there is always a surprise for the more adventurous like Northshore Pineapple Tart, Island Coconut and Green Apple Tart. The incomparable Yogurtini® "House" Tart, along with a non-dairy and no sugar added frozen yogurt option is always a main stay.

"Kansas City is an ideal market for our Yogurtini® franchise," says creator and co-founder Natasha Nelson. "I'm excited for the customers in Kansas City to enjoy the experience of creating their own frozen yogurt treat. We are known for the quality and taste of our signature yogurt flavors and everyone will have a great time mixing and matching all the flavors and extensive toppings," she continued.

About Yogurtini®:

Created by Tempe, AZ natives and sisters, Natasha and Chelsey Nelson, Yogurtini® Self-Serve offers up to 16 rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 65 toppings. Yogurtini® only serves real yogurt that contains live and active cultures approved by the National Yogurt Association.

The popularity of Yogurtini® and the brand has been recognized consistently by customers and the press, where readers recently voted Yogurtini® as "Favorite Place to Chill" in 944 Magazine and "Best Sweet Spot" in College Affair Magazine. Yogurtini® was also nominated for "Best Frozen Yogurt" by The Phoenix New Times. Yogurtini® boasts having some of the most knowledgeable yogurt innovators in the industry. Yogurtini®'s top quality, taste, original flavors, and extensive toppings have been praised by the masses.

The beauty behind the Yogurtini® self-serve frozen yogurt franchise is that customers have complete control. You can serve-yo-self®! Upon entering, customers simply grab a cup and start mixing, just like they might mix their favorite cocktail. They can then visit the topping bar to add any or all of the toppings. Leaving nothing to be desired, a wide variety of toppings are offered ranging from granola, cereals and fresh fruits, to all kinds of candies, sprinkles, cereals and even specialty items such as jalapenos and Sriracha hot sauce. After customers have filled their cups, they weigh their creation on a scale and pay for it by the ounce.

Yogurtini® loves to keep in touch with its customers through its social networking program. Please become a fan at www.facebook.com/yogurtini , www.myspace.com/yogurtini or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/yogurtini . Yogurtini® at the new Zona Rosa location is open daily from 10am-10pm CT.

For more information on Yogurtini® visit www.yogurtini.com. If you are looking to be awarded a frozen yogurt franchise by Yogurtini® (YHI, Inc) you can send an email to franchise@yogurtini.com, speak to us personally at (602) 774-2691, fill out an application at http://www.yogurtini.com/franchise/franchise-application/ or visit http://www.yogurtinifranchising.com

SOURCE Yogurtini

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.yogurtini.com
http://www.shadowbuddies.org