YOCREAM ANNOUNCES NEW JARRITOS® FROZEN BEVERAGE PRODUCT LINE
PORTLAND, OR., MARCH 22, 2007 - YOCREAM International, Inc. (PINK SHEETS:YOCM), a leader in frozen yogurt, smoothies and frozen beverage manufacturing, has signed an exclusive agreement with Novamex to manufacture and sell frozen beverages under the Jarritos® brand in the United States. Jarritos® was the first national soft drink brand in Mexico and is an icon entrenched in the Hispanic community in Mexico and the U.S. The sodas are made from natural fruit extracts and reflect the flavor and popular tastes of the Mexican people. YoCream is now bringing those tastes to the frozen beverage category with Jarritos® Frozen Beverage introductory flavors of Mandarin, Fruit Punch and Pineapple. The concentrated frozen beverage mixes are available in shelf stable bag-in-box packaging for use in frozen carbonated beverage (FCB) dispensers and frozen un-carbonated beverage (FUB) dispensers.
"Our initial tests with select customers have been very successful," stated Tyler Bargas, Director of Sales. "The strength of the Jarritos® brand brings immediate acceptance to the product because consumers know what to expect and our flavor profiles are on target." Jarritos® is the number one Mexican soft drink brand in the U.S. Its superior, authentic fruit flavor and powerful brand equity create strong consumer loyalty.
"YoCream is delighted to introduce Jarritos® as a frozen beverage to the growing Hispanic community here in the U.S.," continued Bargas. Approximately 26 million of the 40 million Latinos in the U.S. are of Mexican ancestry. "Frozen beverages appeal to younger generations and Jarritos® Frozen Beverage fits the fun, social and family identities of the brand," Bargas stated.
YoCream first entered the carbonated and slush frozen beverage market in late 2005 with the introduction of Jolly Rancher® frozen beverages. The Company has enjoyed double digit growth in the category and sees the extension of the Jarritos® brand as a positive step in expanding the opportunities for both product lines.
"YoCream is committed to mixing up the frozen beverage category with new flavors and brands," stated Suzanne Gardner, Director of Marketing. "Consumers want choices and exciting reasons to come back to the beverage station. We provide those product options to operators allowing them to grow their sales with repeat customers and entice occasional customers to purchase more often." Development of the next two Jarritos® flavors, Tamarind and Lime, will be completed for introduction this spring.
About Yocream International, Inc.
YoCream International, Inc., with headquarters and a dairy and manufacturing facility in Portland, OR, is a pioneer and leading producer of frozen yogurt. Founded in 1977, YoCream produces, markets and sells frozen yogurt, ice cream and frozen custard mixes as well as fruit and dairy smoothies and frozen beverages. The Company has 30 years experience of providing solutions to the away-from-home foodservice market: Quick serve and full service restaurants, business & industry, education, college & university, military, healthcare and convenience stores. With a proven history of providing high-quality products and solution-based customer service, YoCream International is an established food service vendor, co-packer, and industry leader poised for long-term growth. The common stock of the Company is traded on Pink Sheets® under the symbol YOCM. For more information, log on to www.yocream.com .
About Novamex
Novamex (http://www.novamex.com/) is an importer and distributor of authentic Mexican food and beverages. The company markets and sells Jarritos®, the #1 Mexican soft drink in the U.S. Companies interested in learning more about Jarritos® brand licensing should contact Kirk Martensen at 800-456-7210 or kirkm@goldmarks.net.
SOURCE YOCREAM International, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.yocream.com
For more information, contact Terry Lusetti, YoCream Investor Relations, 503-256-3754