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Becomes Largest Packaged Fresh Herb Company East of California August 1, 2002, Homestead, FL -- Shenandoah Growers, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy A. Heydon announced today the acquisition of Herbonics, Inc., headquartered in Homestead, Florida on July 26, 2002. In making the announcement, Mr. Heydon stated, "The Eastern half of the United States deserves a fresh herb company with the ability to deliver products fresh and refrigerated within the day of harvesting. With consumers demanding a full selection of culinary herbs at their grocery and super stores, Shenandoah Growers is ready to deliver for the increasing demand." Mr. Heydon continued, "Combining the excellent employees and extensive growing operations of Herbonics and Shenandoah Growers is a perfect strategic step for both companies at this time. We extend each company's abilities to serve customers, combine logistics, and increase efficiencies without increasing costs for our customers or owners. At the same time, all Herbonics and Shenandoah Growers customers can expect a seamless transition of ownership, with business as usual." The addition of this second Florida facility positions the company as the largest packaged fresh herb company in Florida, among the top three in the United States, and the largest outside of California. Shenandoah Growers currently sells fresh herbs to major retail supermarket customers from New York to Florida. The new acquisition provides the company with a larger agriculture base, closer access to customers in the Southeast, and an expanded product line of fresh herb blends and salad mixes, potted herbs, edible flowers, and refrigerated Fresh Herb Dressings under its Aberfoyle & Nith®, Shenandoah Growers®, and Kateri's® brand labels to major retail grocery and warehouse operations and to foodservice customers. The fresh herbs and herb blends are sold in a variety of packages. Additional and popular products include edible flowers sold in 20 count packaging, potted herbs, and Fresh Living Basil, a living basil plant with root system intact in a floral sleeve with UPC code and product information. The company has three separate agriculture facilities: Shenandoah Growers' original Shenandoah Valley farm, its McAlpin, Florida farm acreage and greenhouses, and the Homestead facility. These assure all Herbonics and Shenandoah Growers' customers an increased year-round supply of fresh herb products. Fully aware that discerning consumers demand the freshest possible herbs, Shenandoah Growers' ground-based refrigerated transportation at all three facilities delivers herbs to customers within hours of cutting, a key and unique competitive edge for retail and foodservice customers and consumers. This temperature controlled processing and transportation assures the freshest taste and longest shelf life. The Commonwealth of Virginia has certified Shenandoah Growers' produce "Organic Grown" and recognized its fresh herbs as "Virginia's Finest." Shenandoah Growers' consumer-oriented website www.freshherbs.com offers seasonal recipes and cooking tips for using fresh herbs. |
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