FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 9, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Natural Harmony Foods, Inc. (Pink Sheets:NHYF), a producer and marketer of unique, natural protein foods, announced today that it has reached an agreement with a qualified Midwestern copacker for production of the company's SoyLean(r) brand products. The copacker already has commenced production of sample SoyLean(r) Beef Patties and SoyLean(r) Breakfast Sausage products to be used in Natural Harmony Foods' retail sales initiatives.
Natural Harmony Foods announced copacker agreements this past October. However, one of the selected copackers experienced a serious fire in December, and as a result, was unable to assume Natural Harmony Foods' production requirements. Natural Harmony Foods was forced to reschedule its planned reentry into the retail marketplace as it sought a new packing partner.
With the new agreement in hand and production underway, Natural Harmony Foods estimates that the new copacker has the immediate capability to produce 10 million pounds of cooked SoyLean(r) products with a retail sales value of more than $50 million.
"Natural Harmony Foods' newest copacker has produced more pre-cooked hamburgers than anyone else; and the products are the best we've ever had," said Sam Dewar, CEO and founder of Natural Harmony Foods. "Our product formulations have been enhanced by the experience this Midwestern producer brings to the table, and it is ideally located to ship to the Eastern half of the United States with ample production capacity at our disposal."
Natural Harmony Foods is in the process of hiring sales brokers and is coordinating sales presentations in which these new samples will be used. The company anticipates that numerous retail accounts will authorize SoyLean(r) brand products by the end of the first quarter with shipments scheduled to begin in March or April 2005.
"We regret the delays," added Dewar, "but we will produce products that will please even the most discriminating consumer."
Natural Harmony Foods' SoyLean(r) brand products marry the taste and nutrition of natural, lean beef, chicken and pork -- all raised without growth promoting hormones and fed an all-vegetable diet -- with heart-healthy soy protein. Targeting a broad range of consumers who enjoy the taste and texture of real meat but who want to eat healthier, the products are low in fat, saturated fat, calories and cholesterol with no trans fats.
For full retail commercial production, Natural Harmony Foods intends to launch a line of five products in the coming months. These will include the company's signature SoyLean(r) Flame Broiled Beef Patties alongside four new items: SoyLean(r) Breakfast Sausage, SoyLean(r) Chicken Patties, SoyLean(r) Beef Meatballs, and SoyLean(r) Chicken Strips.
About Natural Harmony Foods
Natural Harmony Foods, Inc. (Pink Sheets:NHYF) is an innovative food company dedicated to producing healthy, flavorful, convenient foods that fit the lifestyles of individuals looking to make better, health conscious diet choices without sacrificing taste. For more information about Natural Harmony Foods, SoyLean(r) products, and helpful Internet links, please visit www.naturalharmonyfoods.com. NHYF Shareholders are encouraged to register on the "Investor Relations" page to receive ongoing Natural Harmony Foods news updates.
Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: "Forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 may be included in this news release. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. These statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future results or events. Natural Harmony Foods disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. There are important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to risks associated with changes in general economic and business conditions, actions of our competitors, the extent to which we are able to develop new services and markets for our services, the time and expense involved in such development activities, the level of demand and market acceptance of our services, and changes in our business strategies.