International Yogurt Company and Blimpie International Sign Agreement for New Smoothie Concept - Rollout Will Start With 40 Units in the Southeast PORTLAND, Ore., April 28 -- Smoothies are the hottest category in foodservice today, and International Yogurt Company (NASDAQ:YOCM) and Blimpie International, Inc. (AMEX:BLM) are leading the way. International Yogurt has developed an innovative line of smoothies that Maui Tacos International, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Blimpie International, Inc. will utilize for Smoothie Island(TM). Smoothie Island, a new brand developed by Blimpie International, Inc. under the umbrella of Maui Tacos, will capitalize on the dynamic growth and demand for fruit and yogurt based blended beverages. International Yogurt's YOCREAM(R) brand will be the base mix for Smoothie Island's smoothie drink recipes and will have brand recognition on the menu board, cups, and other merchandising elements. New York-based Blimpie international is the world's largest publicly held submarine sandwich franchiser with over 1,875 BLIMPIE(R) Subs and Salads units. Smoothie Island will be franchised by Maui Tacos International, Inc. which will also franchise Maui Tacos(TM), a new concept in the Blimpie International family of brands which capitalizes on the emerging "Fresh-Mex" trend. More and more restaurants today are establishing alliances with manufacturer brands like YOCREAM(R). Smoothie Island will leverage the quality and brand recognition of YOCREAM(R) through utilization of co-op marketing funds and training programs. "We keep asking ourselves, 'How can we provide more value to our customers?'" said Michael Sheridan, International Yogurt Company's Director of Sales & Marketing. "In addition to signage and equipment programs, we are committed to providing all levels of appropriate support to ensure Smoothie Island's long-term success. Their success is also ours." Along with bundling into Maui Tacos(TM) locations, many Smoothie Island(TM) units will be co-branded with existing BLIMPIE(R) Subs and Salads and Pasta Central(TM) locations. Pasta Central(TM) is a Blimpie International home meal replacement concept featuring baked pastas. Sharing the same roof will enable Blimpie International complementary operations to draw more consumers, take advantage of all day parts, and maximize back-of-the-restaurant efficiencies. Smoothie Island(TM) will also aggressively pursue non-traditional locations like airports, colleges, health clubs, business and industry, and retail grocery stores. "This is a significant event for International Yogurt Company," said Sheridan. "To have YOCREAM(R) branded within Blimpie International concepts is a high growth, high visibility opportunity for us." International Yogurt Company, a public corporation, is a leading innovator of frozen dessert, snack, and beverage products. In addition to its blender smoothie base mix concept, the YOCREAM(R) Smoothie line has recently been extended to include an all-natural smoothie premix to be dispensed through frozen beverage equipment. International Yogurt Company stock trades on Nasdaq under the symbol YOCM. For more information, contact Terry Lusetti, Director of Investor Relations, at 800-YOCREAM (phone) or www.yocream.com (website). SOURCE International Yogurt Company For more information, contact Terry Lusetti, Director of Investor Relations EMAIL or 1-800-YOCREAM