DALLAS, Sept. 26, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Fresh America, Corp. (Nasdaq:FRES), a major North American food distribution company, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with The Sholl Group II, Inc. for the Green Giant Fresh Brand to be used in marketing all varieties of tomatoes and bell peppers.
Green Giant is a premier brand in the food industry and one of the most widely recognized names in the industry. Fresh America will supply Green Giant tomatoes and peppers from its seven regional repack facilities and will provide marketing, distribution, logistics and enhanced systems capabilities. The Company believes all of these services will enhance its ability to reach the many customers who will desire these Green Giant products.
Darren L. Miles, Chief Executive Officer of Fresh America, commented, "This new relationship is a natural match in the produce industry and we are very excited about the mutual opportunities. It will combine one of the most recognized names in the food industry with one of the largest fresh food distribution management companies in the country. We look forward to working with other Green Giant Product Partners to enhance the Green Giant Brand throughout retail produce departments."
Jeff Sholl, President of The Sholl Group, commented that this latest addition to the line of Green Giant Fresh products is an "appropriate move associating the premier brand in vegetables with an acknowledged leader in both fresh tomato and pepper industries." Sholl noted that tomatoes and peppers will be major additions to the Green Giant Fresh line. He also suggested that additional extensions to the line should be expected in the future.
Sholl also stated, "We see opportunities to our other Green Giant Fresh product partners through the distribution and logistics that are inherent in Fresh America's assets."
Miles concluded, "We will begin Phase I of the brand initiative rollout through our locations in Atlanta, Dallas and Richmond. We also plan to add Mexican 'hot' peppers and greenhouse tomatoes to the product line in the near future."
Fresh America is an integrated food distribution management company that operates facilities located in Dallas and Houston; Atlanta; Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, Pa.; Richmond, Ind.; Chicago; and Norwalk, Calif.
Forward-looking Statements
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Although Fresh America believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, Fresh America can give no assurance that such expectations or any of their forward-looking statements will prove to be correct, and future results may differ from those discussed in this press release. Important information regarding the factors that may affect Fresh America's future performance is included in the public reports that Fresh America files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresh America disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future event, change in expectations, conditions or circumstances, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The inclusion of any statement in this release does not constitute an admission by Fresh America or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.