YoCream Announces New Jarritos Frozen Beverage Product Line

26/03/07 YoCream International, Inc., a leader in frozen yogurt, smoothies and frozen beverage manufacturing, has signed an exclusive agreement with Novamex to manufacture and sell frozen beverages under the Jarritos brand in the United States. Jarritos was the first national soft drink brand in Mexico and is an icon entrenched in the Hispanic community in Mexico and the U.S. The sodas are made from natural fruit extracts and reflect the flavor and popular tastes of the Mexican people. YoCream is now bringing those tastes to the frozen beverage category with Jarritos Frozen Beverage introductory flavors of Mandarin, Fruit Punch and Pineapple. The concentrated frozen beverage mixes are available in shelf stable bag-in-box packaging for use in frozen carbonated beverage (FCB) dispensers and frozen un-carbonated beverage (FUB) dispensers.

"Our initial tests with select customers have been very successful," stated Tyler Bargas, Director of Sales. "The strength of the Jarritos brand brings immediate acceptance to the product because consumers know what to expect and our flavor profiles are on target." Jarritos is the number one Mexican soft drink brand in the U.S. Its superior, authentic fruit flavor and powerful brand equity create strong consumer loyalty.

"YoCream is delighted to introduce Jarritos as a frozen beverage to the growing Hispanic community here in the U.S.," continued Bargas. Approximately 26 million of the 40 million Latinos in the U.S. are of Mexican ancestry. "Frozen beverages appeal to younger generations and Jarritos Frozen Beverage fits the fun, social and family identities of the brand," Bargas stated.

YoCream first entered the carbonated and slush frozen beverage market in late 2005 with the introduction of Jolly Rancher frozen beverages. The Company has enjoyed double digit growth in the category and sees the extension of the Jarritos brand as a positive step in expanding the opportunities for both product lines.

"YoCream is committed to mixing up the frozen beverage category with new flavors and brands," stated Suzanne Gardner, Director of Marketing. "Consumers want choices and exciting reasons to come back to the beverage station. We provide those product options to operators allowing them to grow their sales with repeat customers and entice occasional customers to purchase more often." Development of the next two Jarritos flavors, Tamarind and Lime, will be completed for introduction this spring.