Nature Valley Expands with New Flavor and New Variety Pack.

Business Editors/Food Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 2003

Nature Valley(R), the brand that created the granola bar category in 1975, continues to set the standard for innovation in the grain snacks category with two new product introductions. Starting in late June, consumers will find both a new flavor and a new variety pack in the wholesome snacks aisle.

Bringing the great taste of Apple Crisp to granola bars for the first time, Nature Valley introduces Apple Crisp Crunchy Granola Bars. Along with the delicious flavor of Apple Crisp, Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars provide a 100 percent natural source of energy to fuel consumers' healthy, active lifestyles. Suggested retail price per package is $2.79.

Building on the success of Nature Valley Chewy Granola Bars with naturally flavored yogurt coating introduced last fall, Nature Valley introduces a variety pack featuring all three current flavors: Strawberry Yogurt, Vanilla Yogurt and Blueberry Yogurt. Nature Valley Chewy Granola Bars with naturally flavored yogurt coating strike the perfect balance between taste and nutrition bringing together the goodness of whole grains and the nutritional benefits of calcium. Suggested retail price for per package is $2.79.

"We're constantly looking for ideas to keep consumers coming back to Nature Valley," said Chris Brandt, marketing manager for Nature Valley. "It's exciting for us to introduce the first Apple Crisp flavor in the category and we hope to continue the success we've seen with Chewy Granola Bars through the new variety pack."

Nature Valley will support the new product launches with targeted print and outdoor media along with product sampling at grocery stores nationwide, PGA TOUR events, U.S. Ski Team events and Vail Resorts.

Nature Valley, a General Mills brand, created the granola bar category in 1975 and brings variety to healthy, active consumers looking for wholesome and great-tasting snacks. The brand currently manufactures and markets various flavors of Crunchy Granola Bars, Chewy Trail Mix Bars and Chewy Granola Bars with naturally flavored yogurt coating. Nature Valley is the official natural energy source for the PGA TOUR and U.S. Ski Team. In addition, Nature Valley is a sponsor of The Nature Conservancy and the Warren Miller Film Tour.

General Mills, with annual net sales of $10.8 billion, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Haagen-Dazs, Old El Paso and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. General Mills is also a leading supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and commercial baking industries.