For immediate release:

Wholesome Sweeteners and Forge Partnership For A Healthy Breakfast Offering Provides the Perfect Touch of Natural Sweetness at Starbucks®

SUGAR LAND, TX January 15, 2013 –Wholesome Sweeteners is proud to announce that the company’s delicious Organic Blue is the chosen sweetener topping for the new Hearty Blueberry Oatmeal at Starbucks®.

Starbucks has led the restaurant industry by offering nutritious yet convenient meal options for health-conscious customers on-the- go. Wholesome Sweeteners has led the retail industry in offering the most delicious, ethically-sourced sustainable sweeteners on the market. A partnership between these companies is timely as consumers increasingly desire and demand healthy menu options with no sacrifice to outstanding flavor.

Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Agave Syrup is a natural fit for a healthy oatmeal breakfast. Agave metabolizes slowly in the body without spiking blood . This is due to its low (GI). Additionally, Agave is 25% sweeter than sugar so consumers use less sweetener overall.

Starbucks’ new steel cut oatmeal featuring Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Agave Syrup has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from consumers who want healthier alternatives to typical fast food. This 280 calorie breakfast contains 7g of and 6g of fiber to leave the customer satisfied.

“Wholesome Sweeteners is proud to be a part of Starbucks’ initiative to provide healthy, sustainable and convenient food options to its customers,” said Wholesome Sweeteners CEO, Nigel Willerton. “Agave Syrup answers the demand from health- conscious consumers who want the best-tasting all natural alternatives. Grown in Mexico to USDA Organic Standards, Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blue Agave is cultivated and pressed without chemicals, is 100% natural, gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO.”

Starbucks Hearty Blueberry Oatmeal with Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blue Agave is available in approximately 4,500 Starbucks company-operated stores across the U.S.A.

About Wholesome Sweeteners Wholesome Sweeteners is the nation’s leader in Fairtrade Certified, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, and sustainably produced , , nectars and honeys, all made from nature’s best resources. Since 2005 Wholesome Sweeteners has paid more than $7.5 million in social premiums over and above the price of the product to benefit our Fairtrade partners, farming and beekeeping cooperatives in the developing world. Fairtrade means that farmers can buy land, send their kids to school, and build thriving communities. Premiums paid by Wholesome Sweeteners have brought clean water, electricity, schools and health care to villages in India, Malawi, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. www.WholesomeSweeteners.com

About Starbucks Corporation Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the high-quality Arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

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Media Contact Christy Lee 713-594-2141 [email protected]

Sarah Miller [email protected]