Mariani Launches Organic By Mariani™

“It's the quality of the product that affects the quality of our lives…”
Vacaville, CA -October 12, 2007 – Mariani Packing Company, the leading independent dried fruit manufacturer, announces the release of Organic by Mariani™, a complete portfolio of organic dried fruit snacks, nuts, and seeds. With the market forecasted to reach $3.4 billion in 2010 – a 27% increase over 2005, the time to introduce organic dried fruits and nuts is now. (Ref: Mintel, Nuts & Dried Fruit Report; February 2006). This new, exciting line offers consumers an organic option to cooking and baking ingredients, as well as healthful, convenient on-the-go snacking.

Part of the Organic by Mariani™ portfolio is Life Snacks™, a unique combination of plump California raisins and crunchy nuts and seeds. The new portfolio also offers a range of nuts and seeds, from the popular cashews and almonds to the more exotic pumpkin seeds. Sales of nuts and seeds are increasing at exploding rates, with these additions sure to make an impact to the category.

The new Organic by Mariani™ portfolio includes a mixture of dried fruits, such as orchard fruits like, plums and apricots, as well as cranberries and blueberries. This mix of dried fruits makes sense: plums and apricots collectively 25% of all dried fruit sold in conventional grocery stores, while cranberries and blueberries are the fastest growing dried berry fruits in the other fruits category. (Ref: IRI, latest 52 weeks ending 8/13/06). These snacking alternatives will allow retailers to meet their customers growing organic needs.

The Organic by Mariani™ line will offer retailers a destination organic category, merchandised in a rack that displays the organic products in a unique and exciting way, sure to attract consumers to the rapidly growing category. About Mariani Packing Company.

Mariani Packing Company offers a complete line of premium quality dried fruits and fruit ingredient products for the retail, foodservice and industrial markets. The product assortment includes dried plums, raisins, apricots, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, apples, and an array of tropical and mixed dried fruits. Mariani products can be found in national brand breakfast cereals and as a base for sauces and marinades. Founded by Paul Mariani, Sr. a pioneer and leader in the dried fruit industry, this fourth generation, family-owned company recently celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2006. Mariani procures, grows, dries, processes and packages premium dried fruits for more than 50 countries around the world. Mariani Packing Company is headquartered in Vacaville, California.