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Thursday, August 26, 2004

Manitoba Harvest Anounces ‘Fresh Hemp Foods’ Bulk & Private Label Service

Court Decision and Growing Awareness of Hemp’s Flavor & Nutritional Benefits are Fueling Growth

Manitoba Harvest

Global Hemp Store

Hemp Food

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — In response to growing demand, Manitoba Harvest™ is expanding the hemp food products and services it provides to retailers, food service companies, manufacturers and consumers. The Canadian company has announced a new “Fresh Hemp Foods Service” that includes private label services and new bulk product sizes.

Manitoba Harvest’s “Fresh Hemp Foods Service” is offered for each of their renowned products including Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Nut (shelled hemp seed), Hemp Seed Nut Butter and Hemp Protein Powder. The bulk sizes include: 5 Lb, 25 Lb and 200 Lb pails of Seed Nut, Nut Butter and Protein Powder; and 1-gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon drums of Oil.

“Since we have had increased demand for bulk sizes from manufacturers, retailers and consumers, it is timely to establish a focused initiative to provide those products and services,” says Mike Fata, Manitoba Harvest co-founder and Manager of North American Sales. “In the past few months we have also experienced a spike in interest from companies asking us to produce a private label product for them,” he adds. “Although much of the focus of our new bulk service is on hemp as a flavorful and nutritious ingredient for manufacturers, our individual customers can enjoy great price savings by purchasing our products from bulk retail sections.” notes Fata.

Since Manitoba Harvest™ is the largest integrated producer of hemp food products in North America, they can control production from “seed to shelf” and therefore are better able to ensure price stability, freshness and quality. Manitoba Harvest contracts hemp seed production with local farmers that are shareholders in the company. They process the seed into hemp foods at their 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art kosher certified and USDA certified organic facility.

Demand for healthy hemp foods has been a juggernaut since a landmark court decision was handed down in February of this year. The unanimous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit permanently blocks U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) rules that attempted to ban nutritious hemp foods. The hemp food industry won yet another legal victory on June 28 when the court denied a DEA petition seeking a rehearing on the February decision. “Consumer and retailer confidence created by the favorable resolution of the legal issue boosted us to our best sales quarter ever,” states Fata.

In addition to the legal victory, more and more scientific studies have emphasized the health benefits of essential fatty acids (EFAs) — in particular omega-3 and omega-6. “Hemp is nature’s best and most-balanced source of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs and that is fueling major interest from nutrition experts, consumers, retailers and manufacturers,” says Fata.

In addition to the high concentration of EFAs, hemp foods are gaining the attention of nutrition experts due to their strong digestible protein profile, soluble and insoluble fiber content, and wealth of vitamins and minerals. Not only is hemp good for human health, it is also good for the planet. “Hemp farming is sustainable agriculture at its best,” says Fata. “Our eco-friendly hemp seeds are grown without pesticides and herbicides,” he adds.

One of the key attributes of Manitoba Harvest hemp foods is the innovative “Packaged On” and “Best Before” window of freshness found on every product. All Manitoba Harvest products are packaged in containers that are impermeable to light and oxygen to prevent degradation of the nutrients, and the packages are flushed with an inert gas to seal in freshness. Hemp Seed Nut is in the highest demand as an ingredient. It has a soft texture, attractive sesame seed-like appearance and offers a nutty flavor similar to pine nuts. Although there are many uses, hemp seed nut is especially delicious when sprinkled on salads. It is also used by food companies as an ingredient in bread, cereal, cookies, nutrition bars, muffins and grain dishes. Examples of successful natural food companies that add hempseed to their products include French Meadow Bakery (bread), and Nature’s Path (waffles & cereal).

To create Manitoba Harvest™ Hemp Seed Oil, hemp seeds are freshly cold pressed to extract the oil. The cold press ensures that valuable enzymes are not destroyed and vitamins, minerals and nutrients remain intact. The oil is primarily known as a tasty base for salad dressings and as a nutritious addition to smoothies. Since it has a variety of health benefits, hemp oil is also a personal care ingredient that is growing in popularity. Made from ground 100% shelled hemp seeds, Hemp Seed Nut Butter is an innovative creamy spread for breads, bagels, crackers, fruit and croissants.

Manitoba Harvest™ Hemp Protein Powder stands out from other hemp powders and flours because of its higher percentage of protein (50% protein content compared to 30% in most brands). They do this by removing excess fiber through a cold milling process. Unlike the isolate protein powders on the market, their protein powder is a whole food that is free of the enzyme inhibitor found in other protein powders that can prevent protein absorption and cause digestive problems. Hemp Protein Powder is a power-packed addition to smoothies, juices and shakes.

Founded in 1998, Manitoba Harvest uses high quality non-GMO hemp seeds grown in Manitoba, a Canadian Province with deep roots and history in hemp cultivation. Manitoba Harvest™ products are offered nationwide by more than 1,500 natural food retailers, including Whole Foods Markets. For more information, please visit www.manitobaharvest.com or call 1-800-665-HEMP (4367).

Copyright © 2004, Manitoba Harvest. All rights reserved.

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