Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2013) - Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. (TSXV: NSP) (the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its recent qualifying transaction and business activities.
The Company
Naturally Splendid is in the business of developing and marketing natural superfood product lines. The Company is currently focused on a line of hemp-based food products available in a retail network of over 250 stores throughout British Columbia and Alberta including; Save On Foods; London Drugs; Urban Fare; Marketplace IGA; Sobeys; and numerous independently owned retail outlets. The Company's existing products consist of; Premium Shelled Hemp Seeds, Premium Hemp Protein, Organic Hemp Oil and Hemp-based Omega Supplements.
Naturally Splendid CEO Craig Goodwin states, "Hemp has been a source of nutrition for thousands of years but, more importantly, it has shown significant sales growth in recent years".
New Age Marketing and Brand Development Inc. to promote Naturally Splendid Products across Canada
Naturally Splendid is pleased to announce that New Age Marketing & Brand Development Inc. (New Age) will begin to represent and promote Naturally Splendid's product lines across Canada.
New Age has been working within the Canadian natural food channels since 1987 and has been instrumental in the introduction and support of many top selling natural brands throughout the Canadian marketplace such as Mary's Organic Cracker's and Bakery On Main.
New Age President, Frank Gallucci states, "The healthy food sector has been growing faster than traditional grocery sales in recent years and we are pleased to be representing Naturally Splendid product lines across Canada".
Canada Brand Program
Naturally Splendid was officially accepted into the federally run Canada Brand Program in June of 2012 and eligible to post the Canada Brand logo as a "100% Canadian Product" on our packaging and marketing materials.
Canada Brand's research shows that the maple leaf symbol is strongly associated with Canada and that Canada is associated with good things that food buyers value. 80% of consumers polled in a recent study claimed they would be more likely to buy a food product that is clearly labeled as Canadian.
Non Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Project Verification Project
Naturally Splendid has received acceptance in the Non-GMO Project Verification Program and has approval to post the Non GMO label on our Premium Shelled Hemp Seed; Premium Hemp Protein and Organic Hemp Oil.
Non-GMO certification on products is a significant driver for consumer buying trends. Polls consistently show that a significant majority of North Americans would like to know if the food they're purchasing contains GMOs
The Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance
"The Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) is very pleased with the announcement that Naturally Splendid is the first CHTA Member to become a publicly traded hemp food company. This is a very significant development for our sector" said Kim Shukla, Executive Director of the CHTA. "Naturally Splendid is a member of CHTA and we congratulate them on taking their company to another level. To see our members continuing to grow their businesses speaks volumes about the exciting future for hemp nationally and globally."
Russ Crawford, Vice President of the CHTA, independent agricultural consultant and advisor to Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. adds, "According to Health Canada*, seeded acres and exports of hemp products are at record levels. And, according to Statistics Canada**, no other crop is experiencing the same growth trend in Canada as hemp. We forecast this shift in production and consumer demand to remain strong for the foreseeable future for two reasons. Firstly, the profitability of hemp as a rotational crop and, secondly, the nutritional benefits of hemp food are becoming more widely known and understood. The coming together of these two forces will continue to drive the sector".
*Health Canada Report on Sept 5, 2012
**Statistics Canada, CATSNET Analytics of March 1, 2013
For further information please contact:
Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd.
Suite 605, 1166 Alberni Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3Z3
J. Craig Goodwin, CEO
(604) 472-0902
Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Naturally Splendid cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Naturally Splendid's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to New Age's ability to promote Naturally Splendid's products across Canada. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Naturally Splendid undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.
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