Blog, Summary11 Tiffany Tompkins Blog, Summary11 Tiffany Tompkins

JJ’s Sweets® Awarded Whole Foods Market® Local Producer Loan

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural Marketing, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

Saskia Cervantes, JJ's Sweets, saskia@cocomel.com, tel 303.800.6492

JJ’s Sweets® Awarded Whole Foods Market® Local Producer Loan; Proceeds Used to Launch New Chocolate-Covered Cocomels®, Organic Coconut Milk Caramels

Boulder, CO-based JJ’s Sweets®, maker of Cocomels®, was awarded financing via the Local Producer Loan Program by Whole Foods Market® to launch new Chocolate-Covered Cocomels® in a convenient two-pack, now available to all retailers nationwide. Cocomels, the original coconut milk caramels™, are artisan crafted, smooth and creamy caramel confections that are gluten free, dairy free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher and certified organic.

Boulder, CO (July 14, 2014) – After achieving significant growth and national distribution for its artisan-made, dairy free and certified organic Cocomels®, innovative confectioner JJ’s Sweets® was awarded a small business loan by Whole Foods Market® under its Local Producer Loan Program in the Rocky Mountain Region.

The funding was earmarked to create and launch a new product:  Chocolate-Covered Cocomels®, in a convenient grab-and-go two-pack size, now available to all natural, organic and specialty food retailers nationwide.

Chocolate-Covered Cocomels are handcrafted, luscious, smooth and creamy coconut milk caramels, enrobed in a silky layer of vegan dark chocolate. The new package size is convenient and perfect for the everyday consumer to indulge in a delicious caramel confection, without any dairy or gluten. Chocolate-Covered Cocomels are available in Sea Salt, Vanilla and Espresso varieties.

“Our new Chocolate-covered Cocomels two-pack is the perfect size and price point for customers on the go. They are presented in space-saving, eye-catching display boxes - ideal for point of purchase displays and merchandising on the shelf,” said Saskia Cervantes, Director of Marketing for JJ’s Sweets.

Loan Program Supports Growth of Artisan Producers

The new Cocomels product was made possible by the support of the Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Program in the Rocky Mountain Region. The loan program, established in 2006, is driven by Whole Foods Market’s 11 regions, with support from the company’s central office in Austin, TX. “By playing a role in advancing new ideas, growing businesses and realizing dreams, Whole Foods Market stays connected with both our neighborhood producers and our global food community,” said Betsy Foster, Whole Foods Market Global VP of Growth and Business Development, who helps oversee the local producer loan program.

Speaking to the success of Whole Planet Foundation's micro-credit loans in developing world communities, Whole Foods Co-CEO John Mackey said, “We intend to do a similar thing to support local agriculture wherever we have stores.” Today, the Local Producer Loan Program provides up to $25 million in loans to independent businesses. Since its inception, the program has provided 184 loans to 155 companies.

“We are grateful for the support provided to us by our local Whole Foods Market region,” said JJ Rademaekers, Chief Candyman and Founder of JJ’s Sweets. “The Local Producer Loan Program has allowed us to extend our family of products and bring new Cocomels sizes to all retailers and consumers looking for a delicious treat that is organic, non-GMO, kosher, vegan, gluten-free and dairy free. Our customers will be able to indulge just the right amount with this two-pack size, or if they’re feeling generous, share with a friend!” he said.

About Cocomels® and JJ’s Sweets®

JJ’s Sweets®, maker of Cocomels® – The Original Coconut Milk Caramel – is a Boulder, CO-based company that creates innovative, artisan-crafted candy confections using sustainable practices, premium ingredients and old-world inspiration. Award-winning Cocomels are batch-cooked in copper kettles with dairy-free ingredients to create delicious, smooth and creamy caramels, which are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and USDA certified organic. Inspiration, creativity and love go into each blissfully delicious treat!

Cocomels are available to retailers and consumers nationwide in four delicious flavors: Original, Sea Salt, Vanilla, and Espresso, and come in 3 convenient sizes (Single piece tubs, 3.75 oz. Flagship boxes, and 1.5 oz. pocket packs). Chocolate-Covered Cocomels are available in convenient, 1 oz. two-packs, including Vanilla, Sea Salt and Espresso varieties.

Cocomels can be found throughout the U.S. at leading natural, organic and specialty food stores, including independent co-ops, Whole Foods Market, Fresh and Easy, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Sprouts, PCC, New Leaf Market, Erewon, Lassen’s, Mother’s Market, Dean and Deluca, MOMs, and other leading retailers.

Learn more at www.cocomels.com, and on Facebook and Twitter. Contact info@cocomel.com, tel 303.800.6492.

About Whole Foods Market

Founded in 1978 in Austin, TX, Whole Foods Market® (NASDAQ: WFM) is the leading retailer of natural and organic foods, and America’s first national “Certified Organic” grocer. The company has 386 stores in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.

Communications by Compass Natural Marketing

info@compassnatural.com | 303.807.1042

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Brand New Daiya

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Michael Lynch, Daiya Foods, michael@daiyafoods.com, tel 778.383.1471

Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

Brand New Daiya – Non-Dairy Products Leader Daiya Foods Appoints Healthy Lifestyles, Consumer Products Industry Veteran Terry Tierney as CEO

Natural, organic and consumer packaged goods industry veteran Terry Tierney assumes CEO helm from Daiya Co-founder Greg Blake; new leadership set to propel company to next level of strategic growth.

Vancouver, British Columbia (June 26, 2014)Daiya Foods, creator of best-selling dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free cheese alternative products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Terry Tierney as its CEO. Experiencing massive growth in the non-dairy, cheese alternative products market, the addition of Mr. Tierney to the team brings seasoned, professional leadership that will help propel the company to the next level of strategic growth, said company Co-founder Greg Blake.

The recent growth of Daiya Foods – founded in Vancouver in 2008 and based on an innovative, all natural recipe widely acclaimed for its remarkable cheese-like taste, consistency and melting properties – necessitated the addition of a seasoned executive to help realize the company’s aggressive long-term growth plan. Mr. Tierney has served as a director of Daiya since 2011 and has been instrumental at a strategic level in the company’s success to date.

Mr. Tierney’s career in the natural, organic and conventional grocery industry spans 30 years, serving in previous roles as the President and CEO of MyChelle Dermaceuticals, a leading natural skin care company; President and CEO of Allegro Coffee, one of the nation’s premier specialty and organic coffee brands; Chief Marketing Officer of Frontier Natural Brands, a pioneering natural and organic products company with such prominent brands as Simply Organic and Aura Cacia; and Founder, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Natural Foods. He is, and has been, a board member for numerous natural products companies over the last 20 years. Mr. Tierney began his career in marketing and brand management at Kraft Foods.

“Terry has a long track record of leading companies through various growth stages even while serving as a Director for Daiya. We are thrilled to be in the position to further leverage his vast experience and skills in this new role,” said Daiya Co-Founder Greg Blake.

“It’s an honor and privilege to become a more integral member of the Daiya leadership team. The success that the company has earned to date is a clear testament to the talent, passion and culture that co-founders Greg and Andre (Kroecher) have built from 'Daiya 1.'  I look forward to building on that foundation," said Mr. Tierney.

As the dairy-free trend gains momentum and the non-dairy cheese products category continues to experience double-digit growth, Daiya has doubled its manufacturing capacity to meet current and anticipated consumer demand. By expanding its brand portfolio to other products, including Daiya Slices and Cream Cheese Style Spreads, and the newly launched Daiya Pizza – the industry’s first dairy-free, gluten-free and soy-free frozen pizza – Daiya projects that its products will be sold in more than 20,000 stores by year end.

About Daiya Foods

Daiya products are a deliciously dairy-free alternative that melt, taste and stretch just like dairy-based cheese. Daiya is free of many of the common food allergens, including gluten, dairy, casein, lactose, soy (common to many other non-dairy cheese alternatives), egg, wheat, barley, whey, peanuts and tree nuts (excluding coconut oil). Suitable for vegans, Daiya products are free of animal products, cholesterol, trans fats, and preservatives. To learn more, visit www.daiyafoods.com.

For more information, visit the Daiya News Room, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Communications by Compass Natural Marketing

info@compassnatural.com | 303.807.1042

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2014 SOFI™ Award Finalist JJ’s Sweets® Features Cocomels®

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural Marketing, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

Saskia Cervantes, JJ's Sweets, saskia@cocomel.com, tel 303.800.6492

2014 SOFI™ Award Finalist JJ’s Sweets® Features Cocomels® Organic Coconut Milk Caramels at Summer Fancy Food Show

JJ’s Sweets®, maker of Cocomels®, will be launching nationally with its new Chocolate-Covered Cocomels® in a convenient two-pack size. Cocomels, the original coconut milk caramels™, are artisan crafted, smooth and creamy caramel confections that are gluten free, dairy free, non-GMO, vegan, and certified organic.

Visit Cocomels™ at Booth 5239 at the Summer Fancy Food Show, June 29 – July 1, 2014.

Boulder, CO (June 24, 2014) – Innovative confectioner JJ’s Sweets® is featuring its new Chocolate-Covered Cocomels® now available in a newly redesigned two-pack at the 2014 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. Chocolate-Covered Cocomels are artisan-made, smooth and creamy coconut milk caramels, enrobed in a silky layer of vegan dark chocolate. Available nationwide to retailers in July, this new package size is convenient and perfect for the everyday consumer to indulge in a delicious caramel confection, without any dairy or gluten.

“Our new Chocolate-Covered Cocomels two-pack is the perfect size and price point for customers on the go. They are presented in space saving, eye-catching display boxes - ideal for point of purchase displays and merchandising on the shelf,” said Saskia Cervantes, Director of Marketing at JJ’s Sweets.

The new product was made possible by the generous support of the Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Program in the Rocky Mountain Region. Chocolate-Covered Cocomels are available in Sea Salt, Vanilla and Espresso varieties.

“We are excited to feature our new Chocolate-Covered Cocomels at the 2014 Summer Fancy Food Show along with our existing family of Cocomels® products. The Local Producer Loan program has allowed us to extend our product line and bring new Cocomels sizes to retailers and consumers looking for a delicious, luscious treat that is organic, gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO,” said JJ Rademaekers, Chief Candyman and Founder of JJ’s Sweets. “Our customers will be able to indulge just the right amount with this two-pack size, or if they’re feeling generous, share with a friend!” he said.

Sofi™ Award Finalist

Cocomels Sea Salt Coconut Milk Caramels, in the 3.75 oz. flagship box, has been chosen as a finalist for a 2014 Sofi™ Award in the Outstanding Confection category. The Sofi Award, which stands for “specialty outstanding food innovation,” is

known to carry great prestige in the gourmet and specialty food industry. “Our flagship boxes are our original product line. These Cocomels are presented in beautifully designed packaging. Adding a touch of tradition with modern design, the colorful and appealing boxes really stand out,” noted Rademaekers.

Retailers and foodservice buyers attending the Summer Fancy Food Show will select Sofi Award Gold Winners from the nominated Sofi Finalists.

Cocomels will exhibit at the 2014 Summer Fancy Food Show, North America’s largest annual specialty food and beverage event, June 29 – July 1, 2014, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. The show, now celebrating its 60th year, features 180,000 products from 80 countries showcasing the world of specialty, gourmet, natural and organic foods.

Interested companies and attendees can visit Cocomelsat Booth #5239 at the 2014 Summer Fancy Food Show or contact info@cocomel.com, tel 303.800.6492.

About Cocomels® and JJ’s Sweets®

JJ’s Sweets®, maker of Cocomels® – The Original Coconut Milk Caramel – is a Boulder, CO-based company that creates innovative, artisan-crafted candy confections using sustainable practices, premium ingredients and old-world inspiration. Award-winning Cocomels are batch-cooked in copper kettles with dairy-free ingredients to create delicious, smooth and creamy caramels, which are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and USDA certified organic. Inspiration, creativity and love go into each blissfully delicious treat! Cocomels are available in four delicious flavors: Original, Sea Salt, Vanilla, and Espresso, and come in 3 convenient sizes (Single piece tubs, 3.75 oz. Flagship boxes and 1.5 oz. pocket packs). Chocolate-Covered Cocomels are available in 1 oz. two-packs, including Vanilla, Sea Salt and Espresso varieties.

Cocomels can be found nationwide at select stores including Co-ops, Whole Foods Market, Fresh and Easy, The Fresh Market, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Sprouts, PCC, New Leaf Market, Erewon, Lassen’s, Mother’s Market, Dean and Deluca, MOMs, and many other leading retailers throughout the U.S.

Learn more at www.cocomels.com or facebook.com/JJsSweets or twitter.com/JJscocomels. Contact info@cocomel.com, tel 303.800.6492.

Communications by Compass Natural Marketing

info@compassnatural.com | 303.807.1042

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Fancy Snacking: GoOrganic Candies’ New Non-GMO Organic Fruit Chews

For Immediate Release:

Contact:
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042
Sandy Gencarelli, Hillside Candy, sandy@hillsidecandy.com, tel 973.926.2300

Fancy Snacking: GoOrganic Candies’ New Non-GMO, Certified Organic
Fruit Chews Featured at 60th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York

GoOrganic Candies will exhibit its new Certified Organic, Non-GMO Fruit Chews at the 60th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York, June 29 – July 1, 2014. Visit GoOrganic’s new booth and sample its entire line of delicious, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free and kosher candies at Booth #347.

Hillside, New Jersey (June 19, 2014) – Fresh off of receiving a nomination for the Most Innovative New Products Award in the non-chocolate category by the National Confectioners Association at the 2014 Sweets & Snacks Expo, GoOrganic Candies will introduce its new USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified Fruit Chews to the specialty foods market at the upcoming 60th Summer Fancy Food Show, June 29 – July 1, 2014, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.

Featuring authentic, mouth-watering flavors from Ginger to Pomegranate, all GoOrganic Candies are dairy-free, gluten-free and certified kosher. They contain noartificial flavors, preservatives or colors, and are made in the USA. A welcome addition to GoOrganic’s popular hard candy line, the Chews come in Ginger and Fruit flavors and are a great treat for adults and kids alike because of their chewy consistency.

GoOrganic Candies, a brand of Hillside Candy, recognizes the consumer’s desire for pure ingredients in its confectionery treats. Therefore, all GoOrganic Candies carry the USDA Certified Organic designation, using only organic or all natural ingredients and produced without the use of toxic, synthetic pesticides or genetically engineered (GMO) ingredients.

GoOrganic Hard Candies come in nine delicious flavors, including Ginger, Pomegranate, Cherry, Apple, Honey, Honey Lemon, Blood Orange, Iced Mint Mango, and Ginger Xtreme. With the addition of the new Organic Chews, including Ginger and Strawberry, Raspberry, Sour Apple and Lemon Fruit Chews, the entire GoOrganic Candies line is also Non-GMO Project Verified.

Commitment to Organic, Non-GMO Ingredients

“Obtaining Non-GMO Project Verification for our entire line of candies was important to us – and to our customers. GoOrganic is committed to providing health-conscious consumers and their families with tasty treats, and also the peace of mind that we are committed to sourcing the highest quality, cleanest ingredients available,” says Sandy Gencarelli, Director of Marketing and Export Sales for Hillside Candy, maker of GoOrganic Candies.

GoOrganic Candies’ new booth will be featured at the Summer Fancy Food Show. The new booth is bigger and better with lots of room for information, samples and meetings.

GoOrganic Candy will exhibit at the 60th annual Summer Fancy Food Show, North America’s largest specialty food and beverage exposition, June 29 – July 1, 2014. The show features 180,000 products including confections, cheese, coffee, snacks, spices, ethnic, natural and organic foods and more. Visitors will connect with 2,400 exhibitors from 80 countries and regions. Interested companies and attendees can visit GoOrganic Candies at Booth #347, and contact info@hillsidecandy.com, tel 973.926.2300.

About GoOrganic Candies

GoOrganic™ Candies are available in 3.5 oz. and 30 oz. family size gusseted pouches. Products are available in leading natural, organic and specialty food retailers including:  Whole Foods Market, Fresh Market, Natural Grocers, Fairway Market, Wakefern/Shoprite, Wegmans, Stop & Shop, Hannaford’s, Sweet Bay, Earth Fare, Lunds & Byerly's, Hy-Vee, Sprouts Farmers Market, QFC, Mollie Stone’s, New Seasons Market, and other leading stores, and online at www.hillsidecandy.com. For wholesalers and retailers, GoOrganic™ Candies are available through UNFI, Kehe and other leading distributors.

Upcoming Events
In addition, please visit GoOrganic Candies at these upcoming food industry events:

- Natural Products Expo East, Baltimore, MD, September 17 - 20, Booth 2918

- SIAL Paris, Paris, France, October 19 - 23, Organic Trade Association Pavilion

About Hillside Candy

Hillside Candy, a family-owned business based in Hillside, NJ, and first established in 1945, prides itself on producing premium products made from only the finest ingredients. Hillside Candy offers three very distinct product lines. Each product brand enjoys widespread distribution throughout the U.S. and internationally, including GoLightly Sugar Free Candy, Hillside Sweets, a line of sugar-based hard candy, and GoOrganic Candies, providing Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified Hard Candies and Fruit Chews. Hillside Candy is a member of the Organic Trade Association. For more information, visitwww.hillsidecandy.com, info@hillsidecandy.com, tel 800.524.1304.

Visit the Hillside Candy News Room, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Communications by Compass Natural Marketing

info@compassnatural.com | 303.807.1042

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Snacking Organically: GoOrganic Fruit Chews

For Immediate Release:

Contact:
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042
Sandy Gencarelli, Hillside Candy, sandy@hillsidecandy.com, tel 973.926.2300

Snacking Organically: GoOrganic Adds Fruit Chews to Flavorful,

Certified Organic Confectionery Line – Now Non-GMO Project Verified!

GoOrganic Candies will showcase its full line of Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, premium Hard Candies and Fruit and Ginger Chews at the Sweets & Snacks Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago, May 20-22, 2014. Visit GoOrganic Candies at booth #1127.

Hillside, New Jersey (May 15, 2014) – GoOrganic Candies, hand made in the USA with no gluten or dairy, has added Organic Fruit Chews to the company’s Non-GMO Project Verified product offerings. The Chews come in Ginger and Fruit flavors and are a great snack for adults and kids alike because of their chewy consistency. All GoOrganic Candies are kosher and Certified Organic and contain no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors.

According to Mintel’s 2013 “Non-Chocolate Confectionery” report, the non-chocolate confectionery category has realized a 34 percent growth since 2007. It is estimated that the category will grow another 15 percent through 2017, as consumers enjoy creative products and continue to perceive many of these items as affordable indulgences. Additionally, there is a trend in this category to focus on pure ingredients. Claims such as kosher, all natural and no additives or preservatives are also popular in this category, reports Mintel.

GoOrganic Candies recognizes the consumer’s desire for pure ingredients in its confectionery treats. Therefore, all GoOrganic Candies carry the USDA Certified Organic designation, using only all natural ingredients and produced without the use of toxic, synthetic pesticides or genetically engineered or GMO ingredients.

GoOrganic Hard Candies come in nine delicious flavors, including Ginger, Pomegranate, Cherry, Apple, Honey, Honey Lemon, Blood Orange, Iced Mint Mango, and Ginger Xtreme. With the addition of the new Organic Chews, including Ginger and Strawberry, Raspberry, Sour Apple and Lemon Fruit Chews, the entire GoOrganic Candies line is also Non-GMO Project Verified.

“It was important for us to obtain non-GMO verification for our new Fruit Chews thus making our entire line Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. GoOrganic is committed to providing our customers with tasty treats but also the peace of mind that we are committed to sourcing the highest quality, cleanest ingredients available so consumers can feel good about sharing our treats with their kids. We can’t wait for attendees to sample our candies at the Sweets & Snacks Expo,” says Sandy Gencarelli, Director of Marketing and Export Sales for Hillside Candy, maker of GoOrganic Candies.

A Sweet New Booth for Sweets & Snacks Expo

Also debuting at the Sweets & Snacks Expo is GoOrganic’s newly designed and expanded exhibit booth. The new booth offers ample room for information, product samples, signage and meetings and can be reconfigured for any trade show or event.

GoOrganic Candies will exhibit at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, named one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows in the country by Trade Show Executive, May 20-22, 2014. With more than 15,000 industry professional in attendance, the show will cover 162,000 square feet and is already sold out. Interested companies and attendees can visit GoOrganic Candies at booth #1127 and contact info@hillsidecandy.com, tel 973.926.2300.

In addition, please visit GoOrganic Candies at these upcoming events:

•    Summer Fancy Food Show - New York, NY, June 29 - July 1, Booth 347
•    Natural Products Expo East - Baltimore, MD, September 17 - 20, Booth 2918
•    SIAL Paris - Paris, France, October 19 - 23, Organic Trade Association Pavilion

GoOrganic™ Candies are available in 3.5 oz. and 30 oz. family size gusseted pouches. Products are available in leading natural, organic and specialty food retailers including:  Whole Foods Market, Fresh Market, Natural Grocers, Fairway Market, Wakefern/Shoprite, Wegmans, Stop & Shop, Hannaford’s, Sweet Bay, Earth Fare, Lunds & Byerly's, Hy-Vee, Sprouts, Sprouts Farmers Market, QFC, Mollie Stone’s, New Seasons Market, and other leading stores, and online at www.hillsidecandy.com. For wholesalers and retailers, GoOrganic™ Candy is available through UNFI, Kehe and other leading distributors.

About Hillside Candy and GoOrganic Candies

Hillside Candy, a family-owned business based in Hillside, NJ and first established in 1945, prides itself on producing premium products made from only the finest ingredients. Hillside Candy offers three very distinct product lines. Each product brand enjoys widespread distribution throughout the United States and Internationally, including GoLightly Sugar Free Candy, Hillside Sweets, a line of sugar-based hard candy, and GoOrganic Candies, providing Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified Hard Candies and Fruit Chews. Hillside Candy is a member of the Organic Trade Association. For more information, visitwww.hillsidecandy.com, info@hillsidecandy.com, tel 800.524.1304.

Visit the Hillside Candy News Room, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Communications by Compass Natural Marketing

info@compassnatural.com | 303.807.1042

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Non-GMO Smart Balance® Spread Available Nationwide

For Immediate Release:

Healthier Buttery Spreads Innovator Implements National Distribution of New Non-GMO Flagship Product

BOULDER, Colo., May 14, 2014 – Consumers in search of non-GMO alternatives can now find delicious and flavorful Smart Balance non-GMO buttery spreads in grocery stores nationwide.

Smart Balance, an innovator in great tasting, heart healthier spreads, announced in March the planned transition of its entire product line to non-GMO – the first leading national spread to go non-GMO.  This week, Smart Balance is shipping millions of tubs of the new non-GMO buttery spreads to national and regional grocery stores across the country. Distribution will continue ramping up in May, with a complete transition this summer.

Smart Balance, owned by Colorado-based Boulder Brands, revamped its ingredients sourcing and manufacturing processes in response to growing consumer demand for non-GMO products. The new Smart Balance delivers the same delicious, buttery taste and nutritional benefits with no increase in price to customers. 

“We are delivering on our promise to make non-GMO Smart Balance widely available, and importantly, without raising the cost to retailers who sell our product,” said Duane Primozich, executive vice president of Smart Balance and Balance Brands. “We wholeheartedly agree with consumers and advocates who support greater transparency in food ingredients, and who want healthier, less processed foods with simpler ingredients.”

Grocery shoppers will find the new, distinctive Smart Balance square tubs bearing a prominent “non-GMO” label and pledge. The pledge outlines the commitment to make Smart Balance using only non-GMO ingredients, including expeller-pressed oils from non-GMO seeds. Smart Balance also has taken steps to reduce risk of contact with GMO-containing ingredients in its manufacturing facilities, including adding new processing equipment and storage.

“Getting our flagship spread product – now non-GMO – to consumers across the country is an important milestone on our journey to convert the entire Smart Balance product line,” said Primozich. “At Boulder Brands, we embrace and support the burgeoning consumer movement toward deeper understanding of what’s in – and importantly, what’s not in – the foods that we serve our families.”

Launched in 1997 Smart Balance was the first leading spread to eliminate partially hydrogenated oils, a major source of trans fat, which the FDA recently declared unsafe and has proposed banning from U.S. food products. Smart Balance uses a unique blend of non-GMO oils in its spreads that are clinically proven to help balance cholesterol ratios as part of the Smart Balance Food Plan.

Additional product facts and information are at www.SmartBalance.com/nonGMO.

About Boulder Brands, Inc.

Boulder Brands, Inc. (NasdaqGM: BDBD) is committed to offering food solutions that give consumers opportunities to improve their lives – one product at a time. The company’s health and wellness platform consists of brands that target specific health trends: the Glutino® and Udi’s Gluten Free® brands for gluten-free diets; the Earth Balance® brand for plant-based diets; the Level Life™ brand for diabetes-friendly diets, EVOL foods for consumers seeking simple and pure ingredients; and the Smart Balance® brand for heart healthier diets. For more information about Boulder Brands, Inc., please visitwww.boulderbrands.com.

Corporate Contact:

Director, Caroline Hughes, chughes@boulderbrands.com, 720-550-5018

Corporate Communications, Boulder Brands, Inc.

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Donatos® to Showcase New Gluten-Free Sonoma Flatbread Pizzas

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Eric Drees, Marketing Coordinator, Jane’s Dough Foods, edrees@donatos.com, tel 614.416.6853

Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural Marketing, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

Authentic Restaurant-style Pizza for the Gluten-free Consumer
Sonoma Flatbreads by Donatos® to Showcase its New Gluten-Free
Flatbread Pizzas at Chicago-area Gluten & Allergen Free Expo

Visit Jane’s Dough Foods and sample delicious, gluten-free Sonoma Flatbreads by Donatos®, made with “simply honest ingredients,” at the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo, the largest gluten-free exposition in the United States, April 12-13, 2014, in Schaumburg, IL. Each person that likes Sonoma Flatbreads on Facebook at the Expo will be entered for a chance to win an iPad Mini; drawing will be held on April 14.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – (April 7, 2014) – Coming off a successful exposition of their newest gluten-free pizza at Natural Products Expo West in March, Sonoma Flatbreads by Donatos® is continuing to rise. The emerging new brand will exhibit at the Gluten & Allergen Free (GFAF) Expo in Schaumburg, IL, on April 12-13, 2014. The Gluten & Allergen Free Expo, which attracts more than 20,000 gluten-free and allergen-free consumers each year, is hosting the first iteration of its six-city tour this year in the Chicago area. The Expo features presenters who are experts in the gluten and allergen free space and is touted to be the largest gluten free exposition in the United States.

Appealing to everyday and gourmet pizza lovers alike – and to those who like to personalize their pizza – the newest offering to join the Sonoma Flatbreads line of gluten-free pizzas is Chicken and Fire Roasted Peppers. This 12” pizza has a net weight of 18.88 ounces and includes a special Crushed Red Pepper spice packet.

Exhibiting at Gluten & Allergen Free Expo is timely for Jane’s Dough Foods, an independent, family-owned company celebrating more than 50 years of business, as the company is innovating the way consumers think about gluten-free pizza. “We are redefining gluten-free pizza by combining the flavors and ingredients that speak to today’s consumer with 50 years of restaurant industry know-how,” says Alan Hoover, General Manager of Jane’s Dough Foods, maker of Sonoma Flatbreads. The pizza features antibiotic-free chicken that was fed a vegetarian diet and is minimally processed. The pepper trio includes fire roasted green, red, and yellow bell peppers. A rich tomato sauce and lightly smoked provolone round out the offering. Made with “simply honest ingredients,” there are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in any of the Sonoma Flatbreads line. Each serving of the new pizza flavor provides 14 grams of protein. The suggested retail price is $8.99.

Get Your “Za” at GFAF
In addition to the new Sonoma Flatbreads Chicken and Fire Roasted Peppers variety, three existing gluten-free pizzas will be available for sampling.
They include:

  • Uncured Pepperoni that is nitrate and nitrite-free

  • Three Cheese featuring smoked Provolone with  Parmesan and Romano

  • Margherita featuring fresh pearl mozzarella and Roma tomatoes

The Sonoma Flatbreads by Donatos line was first introduced into the Kroger “Nature’s Market” set in their Columbus, Ohio division in January 2013. Within the first 12 months, the gluten-free pizzas had become the #1 and #2 best-selling gluten-free pizzas in that Kroger division. Sonoma Flatbreads by Donatos are also available at leading retailers including Giant Eagle, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Heinen’s, Roche Brothers, Raisin Rack and numerous independent retailers across the country have taken on the line. Distributors include Bozzuto’s, Lipari Foods, KeHe, Sherwood, Clover Mountain, and Merry Milk Maid.

In the Chicago area, Sonoma Flatbreads by Donatos can be found at Caputo’s, Mariano’s, and other leading supermarkets and specialty food stores.

Win an iPad Mini at GFAF

Each person that likes Sonoma Flatbreads on Facebook at the show will be entered for a chance to win an iPad Mini. The drawing will be held on Monday, April 14, at 5:00 pm EST, and the lucky winner will be notified on Facebook.

About Jane’s Dough Foods
“Jane” really is a person! Jane Grote-Abell is the founder and owner of Jane’s Dough Foods. Founded in 2008, the company is based in Columbus, Ohio, and manufactures dough, pizzas, and flatbreads for retail frozen and deli, foodservice, and convenience stores across the United States, Japan, and Puerto Rico. Jane’s gluten-free dough is certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.

Recently featured on “Undercover Boss,” Jane Grote-Abell is also the Chairwoman of Donatos Pizzeria LLC, an independent family-owned business consisting of 154 Donatos restaurants in six states. Established in 1963 by her father, Jim Grote, Donatos is now celebrating more than 50 years in business.

For more information, visit www.sonomaflatbreads.com or www.janesdoughfoods.com, telephone # 614.416.7700. Also, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Communications by Compass Natural Marketing

info@compassnatural.com | 303.807.1042

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OLOMOMO Nut Company Releases Salty & Savory New Flavor

For Immediate Release:

Media Contact: Annie Brown, annie@brunoredstar.com, tel 303.241.0282

OLOMOMO Nut Company Releases Salty & Savory New Flavor

Vim Vinegar and Sea Salt Dry Roasted Almonds to debut at Expo West, Booth #7109

BOULDER, CO (March 4, 2014)OLOMOMO Nut Co., recently named one of the Top 10 Natural Brands to Watch in 2014 by New Hope Natural Media and known for its premium flavor profiles and product innovation in the nut and snack industry, is launching Vim Vinegar and Sea Salt Almonds, the first of many flavors in its new dry roasted, lightly salted and savory snack line.

Debuting at Natural Products Expo West this week in Anaheim, CA, the new Vim Vinegar and Sea Salt Almond blend combines the exotic Japanese umeboshi plum vinegar, with just a hint of sea salt for a subtle, yet zesty flavor.The new sugar-free flavor, available nationwide along with OLOMOMO’s five other varieties, will be sold in convenient single-serving-size grab and go packets (1.5 oz) with an SRP of $2.49 and larger 4-oz bags (four servings) for an SRP of $4.99. For a taste of this new tangy treat, please visit OLOMOMO in theNEXT Pavilion Booth #7109.

"When my friend Annie brought me this homemade recipe idea for almonds and umeboshi vinegar, the whole team fell in love at first bite. It's the perfect blend of flavor, crunch, and 'je ne sais quoi.' Exotic comfort food, if you will. OLOMOMO's secret sauce is our knack for creating intense flavor experiences that are grounded in nostalgia and familiarity, but with a surprise twist. Instead of plain old sea salt and vinegar, we’re using Japanese style umeboshi plum vinegar and sea salt with almonds! We felt this was the perfect product to debut in the salty and savory snack nut category. And when naming the product, we couldn't help but tip our hats to Mark's Pappy who recently passed - he certainly lived a life full of 'Vim and Vigor,' and that was one of his favorite sayings," said Justin Perkins, Founder and President of OLOMOMO.

Growth and Recognition

In January, OLOMOMO raised $450,000 in growth funding from nearly 30 angel investors with help from CircleUp.com – an accredited investor crowdfunding platform. The company attracted several natural foods industry veterans, a former Skype executive, and well-known tech investor Brad Feld.

“Our products are available in approximately 350 grocery stores and coffee shops in the Rocky Mountain region and around the country, and the investment funding allows us to broaden our reach and continue to develop different products, like the healthfully addictiveVim Vinegar and Sea Salt Almonds,” said OLOMOMO CEO Mark Owens. 

OLOMOMO Nuts are artisan-roasted, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, contain all natural and organic ingredients, and never contain any GMOs, trans fats, added oils, cholesterol, preservatives, artificial colors or artificial sweeteners. Current varieties include: Cherry Vanilla Dream Almonds, Chai Bliss Almonds, Mango Chipotle Zinger Almonds, Righteous Cinnamon Cayenne Almonds, Vim Vinegar and Sea Salt Almonds, and Cosmic Maple Masala Pecans.

The Vim Vinegar and Sea Salt Almonds will also be on display in the grocery section of the New Product Showcase at Natural Products Expo West.

About OLOMOMO Nut Company

OLOMOMO Nut Company - The Good Nuts™ - offers six varieties of healthful, artisan-roasted, all-natural nuts. Since launching in 2008 at a local farmers’ market, OLOMOMO has grown to be the snack of choice for thousands. OLOMOMO is a sustainable business with a commitment to fair labor practices, all natural and organic ingredients, and a wide variety of environmental and social causes. OLOMOMO inspires people to ”Be Nutty.  Be Good.  Be Adventurous™.” Available now at more than 350 natural grocers and cafes nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Alfalfa's Market, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Akin's Natural Foods, and other leading retailers. For more information, visitwww.olomomo.com or join the community at www.olomomo.com/facebook orwww.twitter.com/olomomo.

Look for OLOMOMO Nuts at Natural Products Expo West, the world's largest natural
and organic products trade exposition, March 7-9, 2014, upstairs in the NEXT Pavilion
in Booth #7109 in the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.

Communications by Compass Natural Marketing

info@compassnatural.com | 303.807.1042

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Vital Farms Partners with Hen Meadows Farm

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Dan Brooks, Director of Marketing, Vital Farms, dan.brooks@vitalfarms.com, tel 646.468.5902

Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

Bringing the Pasture to Your Local Grocery: Vital Farms Partners with Hen Meadows Farm to Bring Regionally Produced Pasture-raised Organic Eggs to the Southern California Market

Vital Farms recently affiliated with Hen Meadows Farm, a small-acreage, fourth generation family farm with roots in both San Diego and Ventura Counties, California, to provide regionally produced, pasture-raised USDA certified organic eggs to Whole Foods Markets in the Southern California region. Vital Farms currently works with 49 family farms across the country, and the company will be exhibiting at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exposition, March 7-9, 2014. Visit Vital Farms at booth number 5437 in Hall E.

Austin, Texas (February 26, 2014)Vital Farms, the nation’s leading provider of pasture-raised eggs, has partnered with regional producer and fourth generation family-owned Hen Meadows Farm, with operations in Valley Center and Moorpark, California, to provide Certified Humane®, organic and locally produced eggs to the Southern California grocery market. Vital Farms eggs from Hen Meadows Farm are currently on the shelf in Whole Foods Markets in Southern California.

Pasture-raised organic eggs are gaining in popularity among those who want to ensure their food is ethically produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and genetically engineered or GMO ingredients. Pastured chickens graze outside all year long, and are also provided organic feed that is produced without toxic, synthetic pesticides, hormones, antibiotics or GMOs. These chickens flap their wings, eat bugs, and roll around in the dirt. In short, they act like chickens should.

Vital Farms pasture-raised eggs are now produced on 49 family-owned farms across the US, and, with this new relationship with Hen Meadows, Vital Farms is able to provide locally sourced, pasture-raised Organic eggs directly to the Southern California market.

With roots in San Diego and Ventura Counties, family-owned Hen Meadows Farm has been producing farm-fresh eggs in Southern California since 1941. The company has been producing cage free and organic eggs for more than 20 years, and now pasture-raised eggs in working with Vital Farms.

“We saw an opportunity to support a local business and regional food producer. By working with a small local farm, we are able to reduce the distance from the farm to the table which, in turn, produces a more sustainable, environmentally friendly and fresher product,” said Jason Jones, President and Co-owner of Vital Farms.

About Vital Farms

Vital Farms began on a 27-acre farm in southeast Austin, TX, with the goal of providing the best quality eggs while creating a place where the hens can “flap their wings, stretch their legs, move around, and act like chickens.” Vital Farms works with a network of 49 independent, family-owned farms to produce Certified Humane® pasture-raised eggs for the natural, organic and conventional food markets, and is the largest supplier of pasture-raised eggs in the nation.

For more information, visit www.vitalfarms.com, info@vitalfarms.com, tel 877.455.3063.

Visit Vital Farms at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exposition, March 7-9, 2014. Visit Vital Farms at booth number 5437 in Hall E.

For more information, visit the Vital Farms Blog, like us on Facebook, follow us on YouTube and Twitter.

Communications by Compass Natural Marketing

info@compassnatural.com | 303.807.1042

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Makeena Mobile App - Shopper's Personal Assistant; Brand's Best Friend

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For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, steve@compassnatural.com, tel 303.807.1042

Karen Frame, Makeena, karen.frame@makeena.com, tel 303.204.5446

Introducing the Makeena Location-Aware Mobile and Web App: the Health-Conscious Shopper’s Personal Assistant; the Natural & Organic Brand’s Best Friend

Makeena’s location-aware mobile and web app, publicly launching in Summer 2014, connects healthy lifestyle shoppers with natural and sustainable brands. The company will showcase its app to brand partners in booth #8110 at Natural Products Expo West.

Boulder, CO (February 24, 2014) – Healthy lifestyles shopping app developer Makeena, which connects shoppers with leading natural and sustainable brands, will expand beta testing of its location-aware mobile and web app with shoppers in advance of its Summer 2014 public launch. Also, the company will be demonstrating its app and signing up additional brand partners at Natural Products Expo West, March 7-9, 2014, in Anaheim, CA, at Exhibit Booth #8110.

Makeena is capitalizing on a growing mobile smartphone base and health-conscious consumers hungry for information and value. By 2015, the number of US adult smartphone mobile coupon users is forecast to reach 74.1 million, according to research firm eMarketer. The integration of couponing into social networks, along with an increase in smartphone users, new mobile apps, and location-based deals will be factors fueling the increase.

Launching to the public in Summer 2014, the Makeena app will provide shoppers the ability to add to their mobile smartphones information on healthy and sustainable products, as well as savings for those products. The app provides the following benefits to both shoppers and brands:

Shoppers

  • The ability to locate the shopper's favorite healthy and sustainable products in any retail location

  • The ability to collect coupons and track savings on the shopper's mobile device

  • One location where coupons and savings for natural and organic foods, supplements, personal care, pet food and other natural, organic and eco-friendly items can be found

  • The ability to compare nutritional information on products, as well as add healthy recipes and shopping lists to the shopper's web portal and mobile device

Brands

  • The ability to track shopper engagement and view data to understand product popularity

  • The ability to encourage shoppers to try other items in a brand line

  • The ability to track shopper trends at retailers and focus marketing dollars accordingly

  • The ability to reward loyal customers

In December 2013, Makeena was one of only six companies selected throughout the world to participate in the Telluride Venture Accelerator (TVA), which was created to help launch new high-growth businesses and to stimulate the Telluride regional economy. As part of TVA, Makeenareceived a $30,000 investment.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to work with the five other companies selected for the Telluride Venture Accelerator and hope that the first-class mentors and investors who are involved with the program will help us quickly and successfully launch Makeena to the public," said Karen Frame, Makeena CEO and Founder.

“Also, exhibiting at Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic products trade exposition, will allow us to showcase our mobile and web app to trade partners so that they can better understand its innovative usefulness,” said Frame.

Makeena will be exhibiting at Expo West in booth space #8110 where it will demonstrate the app.

For vendors and brands interested in participating in the Makeena app, please visit booth #8110 at Expo West or contact Karen Frame, tel 303.204.5446.

About Makeena

Based in Boulder, CO, Makeena has built a mobile and web app that increases in-store awareness for natural and sustainable brands by providing the shopper with quick product comparisons and nutritional information, loyalty rewards, shopping lists with aisle information, and coupons. Founded in 2013, Makeena is comprised of an experienced team, including Founder and Chief Executive Officer Karen Frame, and entrepreneurial, marketing, and natural food industry veterans Scott Perlman, Bill Capsalis, and Mark Maggio, serving as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Sales Officer, respectively. Recently selected as a company to participate in the Telluride Venture Accelerator, Makeena is set to publicly launch in Summer 2014. For information, visitwww.makeena.com, tel 408.466.4673.

Visit Makeena at booth #8110 at Natural Products Expo West, March 7-9, 2014, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Expo West is the world’s largest trade exposition of natural and organic products and services.

For more information, visit the Makeena Press Room, like us on Facebook, follow us on LinkedInand Twitter.

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