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MEDIA CONTACT: Marina McLachlan Essenza Communications, Inc. 303-803-5711 [email protected]

CHOICE ORGANIC INTRODUCES FOUR NEW VARIETIES

Seattle, WA (January 2012) — CHOICE ORGANIC TEAS, the first exclusively organic crafter in the United States and the first in the country to introduce Fair Trade Certified™ teas, is adding four new varieties to its Original line of teas as part of its “go beyond” campaign. Starting in January, customers can purchase Premium Korean Green, Decaffeinated Green, , and Chai. The four new teas reinforce Choice Organic Teas’ commitment to offer high quality teas from around the world while honoring their traditions.

• Premium Korean Green () – This lush tea hails from Jeju Island, South Korea’s “Island of the Gods.” From fertile volcanic soil to subtropical forests, this pristine isle offers rich tea-growing terroir. The leaves are steamed, rolled and dried in the tradition, for a fresh and savory cup.

• Decaffeinated Green (Decaf Green Tea) – Delight in the best of both worlds with a cup that’s both decaffeinated and flavorful. This crisp green tea grown in the mountains of India is gently decaffeinated using carbon dioxide, the only certified organic method. Enjoy the true essence of this refreshing and wholesome tea day or night.

• Masala Chai () – things up with this bold classic, featuring malty from India’s Brahmaputra River Valley. Choice Organic Teas blends rich, robust black tea with masala (, , , , and ) for a spirited cup that warms your body and soul. It blends perfectly with milk and sweetener for an authentic chai.

• Rooibos Chai (Herbal Tea) – Thrill your senses with this naturally -free twist on traditional chai. Choice Organic Teas blends rich South African rooibos with the finest masala spices (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and black pepper) for a cup that’s warming, robust and subtly sweet. It’s a luscious treat that pairs wonderfully with milk and sweetener.

“After careful consideration and research, we determined we needed to add these four varieties to round out our product line,” said Anne-Marie Phillips, Head of Sales and Marketing for Choice Organic Teas. “Made with pure ingredients, these perfectly balanced teas are sourced from some of the most beautiful places on earth. We invite our customers to go beyond their horizons and discover the world one cup at a time. We feel confident our customers will fall in love with these flavorful new teas.”

Phillips provides additional thoughts on each of the additions:

“Our Premium Korean Green is the only tea from this source available in a , and is our first and only tea from South Korea, reflecting our ongoing objective to offer high-quality tea from around the world.”

“There are very few Decaffeinated Green teas on the market because it’s challenging to retain a pleasing flavor through the process. We are excited about this tea and think consumers will be surprised at its smooth taste.

“The Masala Chai provides a well-balanced vibrant blend of black tea and traditional spices, indicative of an authentic chai.”

“We needed a caffeine-free chai and rooibos provides an excellent base for the traditional masala spices while lending an understated natural sweetness.”

The four new teas are available starting this month through Choice Organic Teas’ website (www.choiceorganicteas.com), and will be available at independent natural food stores starting in February. The suggested retail price for the teas is $4.69 for a 16-count box. The teas are organic, Non- GMO Verified, kosher, and gluten-free, and three of the four are Fair Trade Certified.

About CHOICE ORGANIC TEAS A brand of Granum, Inc. of Seattle, CHOICE ORGANIC TEAS made its debut in 1989. As North America’s #1 selling exclusively certified organic tea line, Choice Organic Teas has promoted the growth and development of organic agriculture in tea estates worldwide and offers more than seventy- five varieties of teas and herbal available in tea bags, tea pyramids, and loose leaf. In 2000, Choice Organic Teas became the first tea crafter in the United States to offer Fair Trade Certified™ tea. Choice Organic Teas is one of the few tea companies that packages its own tea, which gives the company direct control over quality, food safety, and costs. And, since it is all packed in the United States, it contributes to U.S. jobs. Visit www.choiceorganicteas.com for more information.

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