Press Release

Canadian Grand Prix Finalist

Mar 18th 2002

New Brunswick. A new product developed and produced by Northumberland Co-operative Dairy has been nominated by the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors (CCGD) as a product finalist in the Canadian Grand Prix New Products Awards for 2001 and 2002. Northumberland MAX! Cranberry Cocktail is a finalist in the cold and hot beverage category.

The CCGD is an association that promotes Canada's Grocery distribution business; this in turn benefits consumers. Its members ensure consumers get the best value and safest products. The CCGD holds a national conference which attracts members of the food and grocery industry to come together to discuss various issues such as food safety and food labeling.

A highlight of the conference features the Annual Canadian Grand Prix Awards, which marks excellence in the food trade. The Canadian Grand Prix is Canada's Food Oscars where the spotlight shines on the world of grocery distribution; it is the equivalent of the Academy Awards. The awards are considered a benchmark for excellence and innovation in new product development and more importantly provide consumers with unique products. The awards are opened to any new products introduced to store shelves between January 1, and December 31, 2001. The entries cover 22 categories of food and non-food items. Each products is rigorously evaluated on the basis of such criteria as innovation, added benefit to consumers, package design, labeling, environmental friendliness, price quality relationship and saleability.

A panel of 20 judges narrow the field. The jury panel is drawn from consumers, the media, as well as food and food industry experts from across Canada. "To be nominated as a finalist is an achievement in itself", said Jack Christie General Manager of Northumberland Co-operative Dairy. "We believe in the attributes of Northumberland MAX! Cranberry and certainly it is encouraging that the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors and the panel of judges from across Canada also see the innovation and value of this product to consumers."

This year Canadian Grand Prix New Product Award winners will be unveiled at the Gala event during the national conference, at the end of May, in Whistler, British Columbia. Many of the past winner products have become household staples and they include such companies as: Kraft Canada's Delisso Rising Crust Pizza, Uncle Ben's Natural Select Flavoured Rice, Kellogg Canada Vector Meal Replacement, Highliner's Salmon Fillets, and Cloverleaf Seafood's Tuna Salad to name a few.

Northumberland Co-operative Ltd is primarily a dairy processor and this year is celebrating its 60th year of service. The company has recently expanded into the juice and beverage producing category.

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