Sundia builds certified organic manufacturing plant, expands ready-to-eat, single-serve cut fruit line
True Fruit™ Organic for health conscious, environmentally aware, on-the-go consumers to arrive in stores in July
OAKLAND, Calif. – June 9, 2008, – Sundia Corporation, the nation’s fastest growing produce brand, today announced the company’s certified organic manufacturing facility is open for business. The new facility will process and package True Fruit Organic, fruit cups filled with perfectly ripe, organically grown mango, peach, or pineapple.
Following the resounding success of the True Fruit premium cut-fruit line that began shipping in July 2007, Sundia began construction of its own manufacturing facility in Thailand. The new facility is equipped with proprietary, state-of-the-art equipment that meets stringent safety standards while being capable of meeting production capacities required to meet the growing demand for organic foods.
“We chose Thailand for a number of reasons, the first being the country’s early commitment to adhering to the principles of sustainable, organic agriculture,” said James Kairos, vice president of manufacturing for Sundia Corporation. “Thailand is internationally respected for its early support for organic farming practices, influenced in large part by an overwhelmingly Buddhist population that believes that organic production is harmonious with nature.”
Kairos also noted that Thailand enables Sundia to meet international demand for organic foods, which has been rising by 20 percent a year in the United States, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, and Singapore.
True Fruit Organic is aimed at environmentally aware and health conscious consumers. For these consumers, healthy eating revolves around chemical-free foods that have minimal impact, if any, on the environment. According to the Organic Trade Association, nearly 75 percent of Americans now buy organic products at least once a year.
“True Fruit Organic makes it easy for these consumers to get their recommended two cups of fruit per day,” said Kairos.
Organic Certification Earns True Fruit the “USDA Organic” Label
Sundia’s manufacturing processes in its new Thailand facility have been certified to adhere to The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 which outlines the substances that cannot be used in organic production or during handling operations.
To achieve maximum food safety, the company is also using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles for the processing of its True Fruit products.
“It’s a step beyond what’s required for the manufacturing of products like True Fruit, but consumers today want their food suppliers to take all the steps possible to ensure food safety,” said Kairos.
Proprietary Grab ‘n Go Packaging Promises to Boost Impulse Purchases in Produce Sections
Designed for ultimate convenience, True Fruit Organic is packaged with a “spork,” a combination spoon and fork that makes the fruit truly ready-to-eat. The cup also fits neatly into auto cup holders and lunch boxes. Sundia executives believe that the Grab ‘n Go packaging will boost impulse purchases for the category.
“Category growth has been spurred in large part by convenience and year-round availability of fruit,” said Kairos. “The Grab ‘n Go packaging simply underscores the convenience aspect in the minds of consumers. Eventually, the same spork will be provided across the entire single-serve True Fruit line.”
True Fruit Organic’s suggested list price is $1.99 for a 10.75 ounce cup.
About Sundia Corporation
Sundia Corporation is the fastest growing produce brand in North America. With a goal to promote increased consumption of fruit and vegetables, the Company is rapidly building its product line with innovative products.
Sundia’s products include Sundia Watermelon Juices, Sundia Fresh Watermelon, Sundia Watermelon Concentrate (patent no. 6589581), True Fruit ™, cantaloupe, honeydew, tomato, mango and onion -- are sold in produce sections of grocery stores nationwide.
For more information about Sundia, visit www.sundiafruit.com
For more information:
Myrna Nickelsen
Gear Seven Communications
myrna@gear7.com
(510) 236-8505
