YoCream International introduces Jolly Rancher® candy flavors

26/01/06 YoCream International, Inc., a leader in frozen yogurt and smoothie manufacturing, announces the introduction of a new frozen carbonated beverage (FCB) line featuring Jolly Rancher® candy flavors. The beverage bases are bursting with bold fruit flavor and come in the original candy flavors of Green Apple, Watermelon, Grape, Cherry and Lemon. The Jolly Rancher® trademark and trade dress are used under license from The Hershey Company.

Jolly Rancher® FCB provides foodservice operators the opportunity to capitalize on the "famous for flavor" brand recognition to spur frozen beverage sales this spring and summer. "YoCream's outstanding Jolly Rancher® beverage base tastes just like the hard candy," stated Tyler Bargas, Director of Sales for YoCream International, Inc, "and the brand appeals to people of all ages." Jolly Rancher® Candy was originally introduced in 1949 and is now a product of The Hershey Company, Hershey, PA.

The frozen concentrated beverage bases are available in shelf stable bag-in-box packaging for use in frozen carbonated beverage (FCB) dispensers and frozen un-carbonated beverage (FUB) dispensers. "We also identified the need for a ready-to-use product to simplify operator handling," stated Bargas. "Jolly Rancher® ready-to-use base can be served in any frozen beverage equipment from granita machines to bowl dispensers."

YoCream sampled Jolly Rancher(TM) Frozen Beverage during exhibition at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show in November 2005. "Response to product showings has been outstanding, and we anticipate strong sales growth in this category," continued Bargas.

YoCream International, Inc., with headquarters and a dairy and manufacturing facility in Portland, OR, is a pioneer and leading producer of frozen yogurt. Founded in 1977, YoCream produces, markets and sells its flagship product under the Dannon® YoCream® Frozen Yogurt brand. The Company also produces ice cream and frozen custard mixes under the YoCream brand. YoCream's frozen beverage product lines include Fruitquake® Smoothies, ready-to-use aseptically packaged real fruit smoothies; Frozen Dannon® Frusion® Smoothie, a ready-to-use frozen blended yogurt and fruit smoothie; and new Jolly Rancher(TM) Frozen Beverages, shelf-stable bag-in-box drink mix. With a proven history of providing high-quality products and solution-based customer service, YoCream International is an established food service vendor, co-packer, and industry leader poised for long-term growth. The common stock of the Company is traded on Pink Sheets® under the symbol YOCM.

The Hershey Company is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 and Hershey's Cookies. In addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, and PayDay Pro. It also markets Hershey's cocoa, Hershey's syrup and other branded baking ingredients, toppings and beverages.

In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets such premium chocolate offerings as Scharffen Berger, known for its high-cacao dark chocolate products, and Joseph Schmidt, recognized for its fine, handcrafted chocolate gifts.

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