Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Partners with VitaZest Vitamin & Fruit Enriched Water

13/09/06 The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation and VitaZest Vitamin & Fruit Enriched Water, a product of Triple A Products, LLC, today announced a new partnership that will help consumers quickly identify a healthful and great tasting source of hydration. VitaZest contains no carbohydrates, no calories, no sugar, no caffeine, and no preservatives. A portion of the proceeds of all VitaZest sales will support the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to fund research at the world-renowned Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at the University of Miami. As a result of the new agreement, VitaZest becomes the only vitamin enriched water with a major affiliation with a leading national diabetes organization.

The Diabetes Research Institute logo will be printed on all VitaZest product packaging in the Vitamin and Fruit Enriched line of waters and other materials to indicate the company's commitment to supporting the cure-focused work being conducted at the DRI. The appearance of the DRI logo will immediately alert consumers, such as those who have diabetes or who are at risk of developing diabetes, that VitaZest is a healthy and enjoyable option.
  
The partnership between VitaZest and the DRI Foundation has been formed at a time when the incidence of diabetes and obesity continues to rise exponentially in this country. According to a study published last month by the Harvard School of Public Health in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Americans' increased consumption of soda and other sugary soft drinks over the last four decades has greatly contributed to excessive weight gain. The researchers contend that an extra can of soda a day can add up to 15 pounds in a single year.

"With the recent news that beverages with high sugar content, especially sodas, are contributing to the obesity problem in America, VitaZest Vitamin & Fruit Enriched Water offers a healthier alternative for hydration. Because it contains no carbohydrates and no sugar, this flavored beverage is a better option for those that need to be careful about their carbohydrate and caloric intake," said Luigi Meneghini, M.D., Director of the Eleanor and Joseph Kosow Diabetes Treatment Center at the Diabetes Research Institute.

"We are grateful to VitaZest for their support of our mission to cure this disease and for their concern for all people affected by diabetes," said Robert A. Pearlman, president and CEO of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. "This partnership is a natural fit for our organization, and we are looking forward to a very successful relationship."

Consumers can purchase VitaZest at various retail outlets across the country, or they can order directly from the company's website at http://www.drinkVitaZest.com, which offers an added benefit. Internet shoppers can get $10 off their initial purchase of a case of VitaZest by entering discount code DRIF10 at checkout. The 24-bottle assortment usually retails for $41.99. Customers' future purchases of VitaZest will also be discounted by $2 per case when used with the special Diabetes Research Institute Foundation code, DRIF.

When customers place an online order by the case using the special discount code, the organization will receive an additional contribution. Shoppers can find the discount code on the Diabetes Research Institute's website, http://www.diabetesresearch.org.

"We couldn't be more proud of an affiliation with a leader like the Diabetes Research Institute and its Foundation, and we'll do all we can to support their efforts to find a cure," said Ziv Alcalay, VitaZest Vice President of Operations. "We look forward to attending and working with the DRIF at their events, with their donors and through whatever channels we can to make sure awareness is raised about the fact that VitaZest is a good choice for consumers, especially those with diabetes."