TalkingRain Beverage Company Launches VitaRain Across the Northwest.

Health & Food Editors

PRESTON, Wash.--(BW HealthWire)--April 2, 2002

Enhanced Vitamin Waters with Juice Meet Consumer Demand for Great

Flavor and Added Nutrients without Added Preservatives or Sugar

TalkingRain Beverage Company debuts a new line of enhanced vitamin waters with juice called VitaRain to regional grocery chains and convenience and club stores throughout the Northwest this week, President Doug MacLean announced today.

Albertson's, Larry's Markets, Top Food and Drug, Bartell Drug Stores, WINCO, Tidyman's Foods, and Fred Meyer Stores are among the many retailers participating in the launch timed to take advantage of the peak summer sales window. MacLean said that national distribution is the ultimate goal for VitaRain, and the addition of new distributors will help the company achieve that goal.

MacLean estimates that the new naturally low calorie, no sugar added VitaRain product line will help TalkingRain Beverage Company capture 5% of the functional beverage market -- a market that is estimated to grow to $175,000,000 in 2002 according to Beverage Market Institute N.U. 2002. TalkingRain Beverage Company is the Pacific Northwest's number one manufacturer of water and natural beverages.

Mike Fox, vice president of sales for TalkingRain Beverage Company, suggests that the new line of VitaRain has the potential to increase sales for the company by at least 1/3 and perhaps more in the initial rollout year.

"In the last 30 days, we have gotten authorizations from 12 grocery chains in over 700 stores across eight states, including Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington," Fox said, adding, "We are investing time to educate retailers and consumers about this new beverage category of enhanced, naturally flavored waters, and it is paying off."

Vice President of Marketing Nina Morrison said that retailers and consumers are receptive to the bright, colorful packaging. "It's an inviting presentation that tells them immediately what the product can do for them," she said.

VitaRain is a non-carbonated blend of purified water and natural fruit juice with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. TalkingRain's product development team worked closely with Roche Vitamins in the research and development process for VitaRain to determine the appropriate level of nutrients for each flavor blend to deliver the greatest health benefit. Each flavor is intended to enhance important functions such as vision, focus, and energy. According to FDA guidelines, each serving of VitaRain offers an excellent source of recommended vitamins and minerals.

Each of the six flavors of VitaRain offers a convenient, nutrient-packed solution for the active consumer looking for flavorful, refreshing, and healthy beverages.

The flavor choices include Cranberry Blueberry -- VitaVISION, Kiwi Strawberry -- VitaLOOKS, Orange Tangerine -- VitaENERGY, Key Lime -- VitaACTION, Melon Berry -- VitaFOCUS, Passion Peach -- VitaHEART.

Cranberry Blueberry -- VitaVISION, for example, is infused with vitamins A, C, E, and lutein. Studies have shown that taking 6 mg. of lutein per day cuts the risk of macular degeneration by 48%.

Kiwi Strawberry -- VitaLOOKS is blended with vitamins A, C, E, and biotin. Biotin is essential for the maintenance of healthy hair, skin, and nails.

MacLean says there are a wide variety of new age beverages that are high in calories, perceived as too sweet by consumers, and absent of credible consumer benefits whereas VitaRain offers a crisp, clean taste with the benefit of low calories, with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients with natural fruit flavors.

For additional information about VitaRain and the company, including product photos, visit www.talkingrain.com. For information about distribution opportunities, email [e-mail].

Founded in 1987, TalkingRain Beverage Company is headquartered in Preston, Wash. The company's bottling plant employs 60 people that produce TalkingRain Mountain Spring Water and Flavored Sparkling Waters, Diet Ice Botanical Fruits and Teas, and Airwater Oxygenated Water. Talking Rain is a community-oriented company that donates product to over 400 events each year and supports a variety of causes, including Special Olympics and United Way.