Last month, California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA, to the list of chemicals known to the State of California to cause reproductive toxicity for purposes of Proposition 65.

BPA is a chemical that has been produced in large quantities in recent years for use in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It has come under scrutiny by health officials and the media in recent years due to concerns about its use in some food and beverage packaging that can leach into the food items. It is also found in some medical devices and water supply pipes.

For most people, the primary source of exposure to BPA is through their diet. Workers who manufacture products that contain BPA can also be exposed. 

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 'Bisphenol A can leach into food from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned foods and from consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage containers, water bottles, and baby bottles. The degree to which BPA leaches from polycarbonate bottles into liquid may depend more on the temperature of the liquid or bottle, than the age of the container. BPA can also be found in breast milk.'

One company that has been helping manufacturers and the public test for BPA is LA Testing. 'The CDC recently conducted testing of over 2,500 participants and found BPA in nearly all of the subject's urine samples,' reported Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing's Garden Grove facility. 'Unfortunately, many of us may be exposed to BPA on a regular basis. LA Testing provides advanced analytical testing procedures to detect the presence of BPA to help prevent unnecessary exposure to this potentially dangerous chemical,' he continued.

To learn more about testing for BPA or other health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.  LA Testing has laboratories throughout California to service commercial clients and government agencies as well as the general public.

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Dariusz Opieriowiec, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, stated: 'As is the case for all Group subsidiaries in Africa, Pernod Ricard Nigeria aspires to establish healthy, sustainable positions with our new partner, in strict compliance with local laws and regulations. This distribution contract testifies to our long-term commitment to one of the most promising markets on the continent.'

Based in South Africa, where the Group has been firmly established since 1993, the goal of Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa is to develop the entire premium portfolio of the world's co-leader in wines and spirits on the African continent. Driven by the middle class boom in the region, during the first half of the year Pernod Ricard reported 12% growth in the area, where the Group intends to roll out its growth model based on a portfolio of international brands, wholly-owned subsidiaries and a premiumisation strategy.

In 2012, Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa incorporated no less than five subsidiaries in the key African markets of Ghana, Angola, Kenya, Namibia and Nigeria since January 2013. Laurent Pillet, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa, concluded: 'In less than one year, we have managed to open direct subsidiaries in the region's main markets, which is a condition precedent to laying the foundations for strong and sustainable growth with our local partners.'

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world's co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of € 8,215 million in 2011/12. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: ABSOLUT Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine's, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob's Creek, Brancott Estate (formerly Montana), Campo Viejo and Graffigna wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of nearly 18 800 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 'Brand Companies' and 75 'Market Companies' established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard's strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.
Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.

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- Anna Manz, Finance Director, Diageo Asia Pacific, is appointed as Strategy Director and will join the Diageo Executive Committee on 1 July 2013.

Paul S Walsh, Chief Executive of Diageo said:

'Jim has served on the Executive Committee of Diageo since 1997 and has played a major role in this business for more than 20 years: first leading strategy for Grand Metropolitan's food business, then for Grand Metropolitan itself and most recently as Group Strategy Director for Diageo. I am very grateful to him for his commitment to our brands, values and our people over his long and successful career with Diageo.

It is a great pleasure to welcome Anna Manz to the Executive. Since she joined the Diageo Treasury team in 1999 Anna has undertaken a series of assignments with great accomplishment. She has wide experience of our company having worked in various roles including Vice President, Finance, Diageo North America, Group Treasurer and latterly Finance Director, Diageo Asia Pacific. Anna will bring a significant depth of knowledge to the Strategy team.'

Notes to Editors:

About Diageo

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan's and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

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The arrests were part of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security's nationwide operation that began in January to crackdown on food safety violations.  Authorities have arrested 904 people and have broken up 1,721 illicit facilities, workshops, and shops due to suspected sales of fake, diseased, toxic or adulterated meat. Despite these arrests the ministry stated that diners still have reason to worry.

In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has taken actions to improve caution over imported foods, according to an FDA spokeswomen. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FASMA) allows the FDA to hold imported foods to the same safety standards as domestic foods.

'Fraudulent adulteration of food products can pose a threat to consumers' health and safety, and therefore food manufacturers should test their products and comply with regulations,' states Dr. Jason Dobranic, EMSL Analytical Inc.'s Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences. 'EMSL Analytical now offers food authenticity testing for a variety of products, including meats, to assure consumers protection against fraudulent practices in the food industry.'

For more information on EMSL's food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com , or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

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US-based consumers will now have greater access to all of the company's popular products, including Only Protein high protein powder and Only Protein meal replacement, which comes in jugs and sticks in three flavors: vanilla, chocolate and mocha. The company has also recently launched a new fat burning meal replacement that curbs the appetite while living up to Only Protein's all natural, non-GMO and gluten-free standards.

'We've seen tremendous demand for Only Protein across the US,' said White Pine Labs CEO, George Hofmann.  'With this distribution agreement, more people will be able to try our products and loyal customers will have the option to pick up product from their local GNC as opposed to only being able to get it online.'

Only Protein™ has unique health benefits because of its natural ingredients. The protein supplement, which contains 18 grams of protein per 100-calorie serving, is sweetened using only pure stevia and monk fruit. The Only Protein line of products contains a 'no junk formula,' of no chemicals or artificial ingredients. All products are gluten-free, soy-free, GMO-free, and hormone and antibiotic free.

About White Pine Labs

White Pine Labs is the maker of clean diet products with a focus on health and wellness for men and women alike. From all-natural whey protein from New Zealand to supercharged all-natural energy products, White Pine Labs continues to be a zeitgeist in the healthy food and drink culture, using only the purest ingredients, sourced right from Mother Nature. The White Pine Labs brand is dedicated to individual wellbeing, instilling the values of dynamic lifestyle, maintaining optimal body weight, and getting the most out of life—whether it's in the gym, on the trail, or on the path to weight loss.

The founders of White Pine Labs are passionate about health, fitness, and the abundant lifestyle now being embraced by an active nationwide community transforming how it eats, lives, works, and plays.

For more information, please visit www.onlyprotein.com.

PR Contacts:
George Hofmann                                                     Bruce Law
White Pine Labs                                                      Sprout Marketing
hofmann@onlyprotein.com                                       Bruce@sproutmarketing.com  

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MINNEAPOLIS – – Americans are looking to 'sip to their health' with great tasting functional beverages. A recent Mintel study indicates that sales of functional beverages have grown as much as 267 percent since 2004, and forecasts the category will grow 19 percent through 2014. Visitors at Cargill's booth #925 during this year's Healthy Beverage Expo will have the opportunity to sample prototypes and finished products made with ingredients to help support joint health, provide balanced energy, and promote general wellness. The Healthy Beverage Expo takes place June 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

'Cargill is proving its leadership in ingredient and applications expertise. Consumers want great taste and convenience, as well as wholesome ingredients that make them feel good about their beverage choices,' said Pam Stauffer, Cargill marketing programs and communications manager. 'Beverage makers can count on Cargill to help them bring more great tasting healthier beverages to market.'

Cargill will present several delicious prototypes and commercial products that are on trend in the functional beverage category:

- Hansen's Drink Stix made with Truvia® stevia leaf extract, a natural zero calorie sweetener.
- Joint Juice® sticks made with Regenasure® glucosamine, the only vegetarian GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) glucosamine sourced and produced in the U.S.
- A sparkling beverage prototype made with Xtend® sucromalt for balanced energy delivery without the blood glucose peaks and valleys of traditional carbohydrate sweeteners.
- A lightly sweetened grapefruit water prototype made with Zerose® erythritol, a natural bulk sweetener that has zero calories, zero grams of sugar and zero aftertaste, and Truvia® stevia leaf extract.

For more information visit www.cargill.com/food/health or the following product-specific sites: www.zerosesweetener.com, www.truvia.com and www.regenasure.com.

About Cargill

Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 142,000 people in 65 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit Cargill.com and its news center.

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Abbie Chueng is an online marketing consultant and a huge part of the Shim Sham Kitchen site and its parent Shim Sham Life.  Cheung specializes in finding information and product markets with a heavy demand of internet searches but low supply of websites providing information, reviews, and other resources.  From there Cheung takes the lead on getting our team to provide quality, in-depth, honest reviews of the best and most popular products, in this case providing quality food dehydrator reviews.

"Shim Sham Kitchen is definitely the biggest online presence I have undertaken, and I am very excited to build something of such substance" says Cheung.  "I personally have never thought about having a food dehydrator until now so this has been an especially enlightening experience to do all the research and have our team pull together the reviews."

Cheng continues, "With the increased awareness about health living and healthy eating, food dehydrators are becoming much more popular.  The folks who manufacture the best food dehydrators, however, are not that well known.  So I like the fact that we can give better exposure to these great products, especially the Nesco Food Dehydrators and Excalibur Food Dehydrators which are amongst the most reliable and most popular, including a special review of the bestselling Nesco American Harvest FD-37 Food Dehydrator.

Cheung continues to state that especially in this busy day and age of special diets, more and more people want to make their own food.  Food dehydrators give people the ability to create their own snacks whether for healthy diets, camping supplies, or emergency supplies.   

Cheung continues to work her aggressive schedule and is very happy to launch the research center to compare food dehydrators.

For more details, visit ShimShamKitchen.com.

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It is important that those who engage in cleanses, fasts, or short and long term detox products know which foods will help during a cleanse for health, detox to pass a drug test, and fasts to lose weight. There are foods to run to, and foods to avoid while detoxing.

For those engaging in long term detox diets or cleanses to remove toxins from the body, staying away from starchy, carbohydrate loaded foods for duration of the detox cycle is recommended—toxins and residues are likelier to hang on to the body while these items are consumed.

Instead, stick with lean, protein-filled foods such as boneless, skinless chicken, salmon, leafy greens, and low-carb whey diet shakes and protein powders to help move toxins through the body faster. To help with a fat flush or drug test detox, add milk thistle to assist the liver as well.

In addition, drink plenty of water. The daily diet for the average person calls for 8 eight-ounce glasses of water per day—those engaging in a cleanse will want to increase that to 16 eight-ounce glasses at least during the use of a permanent detox product. Some dieticians and nutritionists also recommend this formula: Drink at least one ounce of water for half of body weight (in pounds) each day. For example, someone who weighs 200 pounds should drink about 100 ounces of water per day during a long-term detox or fast—this is also a good recommendation for the summer months or as a guideline for athletes.

For those facing a drug test, there is a caveat for water consumption: The final 48 hours before taking a urine test, return to 'normal' water consumption and add in other fluids, such as sports drinks and teas. The reason for this is that those who have too much water in their bodies could be called back to the lab for a second test due to a 'negative-dilute' drug test result.

The key to any long term cleanses or permanent detox diet (three to ten days) is patience, and believing it actually can be done. So stay healthy, drink water, and relax—the hindrance of stress hormones on the body will work against the goals of any detox plan.

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"Canada has a world-class food safety system and our Government is committed to taking real steps to make it even stronger," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This Action Plan is one of the steps our Government is taking to ensure that our system continues to provide safe food for Canadian families today and in the future."

Through the Action Plan, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will launch a number of significant food safety enhancements over the next two years. Most notably, the CFIA will work with consumer groups and industry to develop new regulations that will bring into force the Safe Food for Canadians Act, passed in November 2012.

As a first step, the CFIA is strengthening some of its beef safety rules and has implemented new mandatory requirements that will strengthen the control of E. coli in federally-registered beef plants.

Also, by July 2, 2013, federally-registered plants that produce mechanically tenderized beef cuts, such as steaks or roasts, will be required to label those products as tenderized and with cooking instructions.

While these actions are specific to federally-registered plants, Health Canada also intends to propose broader mandatory labels to identify beef that has been mechanically tenderized at retail outlets like supermarkets. This voluntary practice has been in place since 2012.

This spring, the CFIA will launch a review of the food regulations in Canada that will need to be revised in order to bring the Safe Food for Canadians Act into force. It is expected this work will take up to two years. Active consumer and stakeholder engagement in the process will be important to the success of efforts to bring the new legislation into force.

Consumer groups and stakeholders will have that opportunity at an upcoming food safety regulatory forum in June.

For more information on the Action Plan, visit the CFIA's website at www.inspection.gc.ca/safefood.

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CHICAGO, Ill – State Fair® Brand, the number one branded corn dog business*, announced today its first ever 'Find the Golden Stick' promotion, a nationwide contest and treasure hunt where consumers have a chance to share in a $100,000 prize pool. Providing two opportunities to play for a chance to win within specially marked packages of State Fair Classic Corn Dogs, thousands of prizes are up for grabs, ranging from $2,500 cash awards to gift cards worth up to $100 each.

Beginning today, consumers should keep their eyes peeled for the lucky gold-colored corn dog stick game pieces, hidden in five specially marked packages of State Fair Corn Dogs. Confirmed winners who uncover the 'Golden Sticks' will each be awarded $2,500 in cash. Additionally, all specially marked packages include an in-pack game code. The code can be entered at www.corndogs.com/goldenstick – where consumers will then have the chance to instantly win prizes, including gift cards for grocery retailers, movie tickets and gas.

'Golden Stick' game pieces and in-pack game codes can be found within specially marked packages of the following State Fair Corn Dog varieties:

- 6-Count Classic Corn Dogs – The original State Fair Corn Dog, this sweet, delicious honey batter-wrapped hot dog on a stick is bursting with flavor in every bite.
- 16-Count Classic Corn Dogs – Fun for the entire family, consumers can enjoy the same tasty honey-sweetened batter-wrapped hot dog on a stick in a conveniently larger package-count.
- 46-Count Classic Minis – State Fair Classic Mini Corn Dogs offer large bite-size turkey hot dogs combined with smooth, sweet batter that are perfect for snacking, appetizers, kid's meals, parties—or anytime!

'The State Fair Brand stands for simple, wholesome fun, and the 'Find the Golden Stick' promotion is designed to bring the joy inherent in our brand to many of our consumers in an exciting and entertaining way,' said Valerie Zanchettin, senior brand manager, State Fair Brand. 'The way we see it, it wouldn't be 'fair' to award just one or two consumers with great prizes. Through this promotion, we're offering many of our valued consumers a chance to win an assortment of exciting and useful prizes while enjoying our delicious Classic Corn Dog varieties.'

Specially marked packages of State Fair Corn Dogs are available at stores beginning on or around May 19, 2013 through the middle of August, while supplies last. 'Golden Stick' game pieces and in-pack game code prizes can be redeemed through September 22, 2013. For more information on the 'Find the Golden Stick' promotion and to enter game codes online, visit www.corndogs.com/goldenstick.

About State Fair Brand

State Fair Brand produces a variety of delicious corn dogs featuring a signature honey-sweetened cornbread batter. Filling every day with flavor, the State Fair Corn Dog line-up includes Classic, Beef, Fiesta, Whole Grain and Minis. State Fair Corn Dogs are available in the freezer section at grocery stores across the country. For more information, visit www.corndogs.com or https://www.facebook.com/StateFairCornDogs.

About The Hillshire Brands Company

The Hillshire Brands Company (NYSE: HSH) is a leader in meat-centric food solutions for the retail and foodservice markets. The company generated approximately $4 billion in annual sales in fiscal 2012 and has approximately 9,500 employees. Hillshire Brands' portfolio includes iconic brands such as Jimmy Dean, Ball Park, Hillshire Farm, State Fair, Sara Lee frozen bakery and Chef Pierre pies, as well as artisanal brands Aidells and Gallo Salame. For more information on the company, please visit www.hillshirebrands.com.

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Operating from a production facility in Kimstad, Sweden, Biovelop produces oat beta glucan under the brand name PromOat™ for use in the food, beverage and supplement markets, and under the brand name Avenacare™ for use in the cosmetics industry. In addition, it produces a range of other oat-based ingredients including PrOATein™ (oat protein), oat dextrin and insoluble oat fibre. Biovelop's products are manufactured from non-GMO oats sourced from within Sweden using a chemical-free process.

Beta glucan is a soluble fibre which has widely approved health claims, including EFSA, for lowering cholesterol and reducing post prandial glycaemic response.

Biovelop is a relatively early-stage business having been founded in 2005 and made its first sale of commercial product in 2010.

Olivier Rigaud, President, Speciality Food Ingredients for Tate & Lyle said: 'We are delighted to welcome the Biovelop business and its employees to Tate & Lyle. The addition of Biovelop's soluble oat beta glucan, supported by strong scientific health claims, represents an excellent addition to Tate & Lyle's existing fibres and health and wellness portfolios.'

End

About Tate & Lyle:

Tate & Lyle is a global provider of ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage and other industries, operating from over 30 production facilities around the world.

Tate & Lyle operates through two global business units, Speciality Food Ingredients and Bulk Ingredients, supported by Innovation and Commercial Development. The Group's strategy is to become the leading global provider of Speciality Food Ingredients through a disciplined focus on growth, and by driving the Bulk Ingredients business for sustained cash generation to fuel this growth.

Speciality Food Ingredients include starch-based speciality ingredients (corn-based speciality starches, sweeteners and fibres), no calorie sweeteners (including SPLENDA® Sucralose) and Food Systems which provides blended ingredient solutions. Bulk Ingredients include corn-based bulk sweeteners, industrial starches and fermentation products (primarily acidulants). The co-products from both divisions are primarily sold as animal feed.

Tate & Lyle is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol TATE.L. American Depositary Receipts trade under TATYY. In the year to 31 March 2012, Tate & Lyle sales totalled £3.1 billion. http://www.tateandlyle.com. SPLENDA® is a trademark of McNeil Nutritionals, LLC.

TATE & LYLE KÖPER SVENSKT HAVREBETAGLUKANFÖRETAG

London, Storbritannien, 20 maj 2013 - Tate & Lyle PLC ('Tate & Lyle'), en ledande global leverantör av ingredienser och lösningar för speciallivsmedel, meddelar att man har förvärvat Biovelop, en svensk tillverkare av havrebetaglukan.

Vid sin produktionsanläggning i Kimstad i Sverige tillverkar Biovelop havrebetaglukan under varumärket PromOat™ för användning på livsmedels-, dryckes- och kosttillskottsmarknaderna, samt under varumärket Avenacare™ för användning inom kosmetikaindustrin. Dessutom producerar företaget ett sortiment bestående av andra havrebaserade ingredienser, som t.ex. PrOATein™ (havreprotein), havredextrin och olösliga havrefibrer. Biovelops produkter tillverkas av GMO-fri havre av svenskt ursprung genom en process, fri från kemikalier.

Betaglukan är en löslig fiber som har godkända hälsopåståenden, bl.a. från EFSA, om sänkt kolesterolvärde och reducerad glykemisk respons efter maten.

Biovelop är ett relativt nytt företag som grundades 2005 och sålde sin första kommersiella produkt 2010.

Olivier Rigaud, President of Speciality Food Ingredients vid Tate & Lyle säger: 'Vi är glada över att kunna välkomna Biovelops verksamhet och anställda till Tate & Lyle. Biovelops lösliga havrebetaglukan som stöds av starka vetenskapliga hälsopåståenden, utgör ett utmärkt tillskott till Tate & Lyles befintliga portfölj med fiber- och hälsoprodukter.'

Slut

Om Tate & Lyle:

Tate & Lyle är en global leverantör av ingredienser och lösningar till livsmedels- och dryckesindustrin samt andra industrier, och är verksamt vid över 30 produktionsanläggningar runtom i världen.

Tate & Lyle verkar genom två globala affärsenheter: Speciality Food Ingredients och Bulk Ingredients, som understöds av Innovation and Commercial Development. Gruppens strategi är att bli den ledande leverantören av speciallivsmedelsingredienser genom att disciplinerat fokusera på tillväxt och driva verksamheten med bulkingredienser för bibehållen generering av inkomster för att understödja denna tillväxt.

Speciallivsmedelsingredienser omfattar stärkelsebaserade specialingredienser (spannmålsbaserade specialstärkelseprodukter, -sötningsmedel och -fibrer), kalorifria sötningsmedel (som t.ex. SPLENDA®-sukralos) och livsmedelssystem som erbjuder blandade ingredienslösningar. Bulkingredienser innefattar spannmålsbaserade bulksötningsmedel, industriella stärkelseprodukter och fermenteringsprodukter (framför allt surhetsreglerande medel). Samprodukter från båda avdelningarna säljs primärt som djurfoder.

Tate & Lyle är listat på London Stock Exchange under symbolen TATE.L. Handel med American Depositary Receipts sker under TATYY. Under det räkenskapsår som avslutades 31 mars 2012 nådde Tate & Lyle en total försäljning på 3,1 miljarder brittiska pund. http://www.tateandlyle.com. SPLENDA® är ett varumärke som tillhör McNeil Nutritionals, LLC.

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'We believe everyone deserves a great cup of coffee and Seattle's Best Coffee is now here to provide that cup,' said Frank Sica, vice president and general manager for Seattle's Best Coffee. 'With the opening of 10 new drive-thrus in one day, we're welcoming coffee drinkers from across Dallas/Fort Worth to experience a piece of Seattle in their hometown—it's what we call 'visiting Seattle, TX'—where the coffee flows fast, friendly and delicious.'

Seattle's Best Coffee® Menu and Value 'Combos'

'In addition to our 40 years of experience roasting high-quality arabica coffee, we are bringing a delicious breakfast to Dallas,' said Jennifer Dimaris, vice president, brand management, for Seattle's Best Coffee. 'We invite customers to value their mornings with a great cup of coffee and a menu of breakfast sandwiches, all at a price that you'll come back for every day.'

Drivers pulling up to Seattle's Best Coffee beginning May 20 will find a menu that includes high-quality arabica coffee beverages and dashboard-friendly foods with 12 different 'combos' priced under $5. The combos offer quick picks: a medium cup of coffee or soft drink paired with a hearty egg sandwich on a biscuit or muffin, stuffed pretzel melt or handheld sweet or savory 'Tasty Pies.' In addition to mochas and lattes, those looking for a treat can choose from many dessert-inspired specialty coffee drinks such as Birthday Cake Lattes and S'mores Mochas, available hot, iced or frozen.

Fans can get a 12 oz. specialty drink FREE by going to the Seattle's Best Facebook Page and emailing three friends to 'visit Seattle, TX' during Free Coffee Week.

Now Open: Find a Seattle's Best Coffee in Dallas/Fort Worth

Commuters can easily find the 10 new Seattle's Best Coffee drive-thrus roadside at busy intersections and outside of popular shopping centers throughout Dallas/Fort Worth, with bold red exteriors and prominent signage. The 10 locations are listed below and are open from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the weekends. Visit SeattleTX.com for more information.

* Burleson – 971 SW Wilshire Blvd., Burleson
* Lancaster – 160 N. I-35 E., Lancaster
* Love Field – 3036 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
* Marsh & Frankford – 3560 Frankford Road, Dallas
* McCart – 7441 McCart Ave., Fort Worth
* McKinney – 1658 W. University Drive, McKinney
* Rockwall – 778 E. I-30, Rockwall
* Tarrant & Beach – 4525 N. Tarrant Pkwy, Fort Worth
* Timbercreek – 6057 Skillman St., Dallas
* Wheatland – 3233 W. Wheatland Road, Dallas

Seattle's Best Coffee Enters Dallas/Fort Worth with Ground-Breaking Speed

Dallas/Fort Worth – one of the fastest growing and most populous markets in the country1 – was selected as the first market for the multi-store expansion of Seattle's Best Coffee drive-thru following the exciting launch of the concept in Seattle last fall.

'Our new drive-thrus are designed to create a different kind of coffee culture – one that combines the quality and passion of a coffeehouse with speed, convenience and value,' said Sica. 'This concept is for coffee drinkers who are purchasing coffee outside of cafes at places such as convenience stores, gas stations and fast food restaurants2. This is our opportunity to give time-pressed coffee drinkers a better cup of coffee and a better breakfast.'

The new locations opened in Dallas/Fort Worth with speed and efficiency, thanks to a new small footprint design and innovative real estate strategy. Using this model, the brand significantly cut its market entry time, reduced initial investment costs and developed locations that previously were not suitable for a traditional sized coffee shop. The 10 locations opening 'overnight' on May 20 were built in DeSoto, Texas, before being transported on flatbed trucks to their current locations across Dallas/Fort Worth.

More Seattle's Best Coffee Locations to Open Late Summer

Seattle's Best will offer a better cup of coffee at even more convenient locations starting in late summer 2013. Four new drive-thrus will open in Dallas/Fort Worth at the following locations:

* Lewisville – address coming soon
* South Cooper – 4951 S. Cooper St., Arlington
* Westworth – 400 State Hwy 183, Westworth Village
* Wylie – 2584 W. FM 544, Wylie

In total, the 10 new stores employ approximately 150 full- and part-time partners who underwent intensive training for more than 30 hours each to prepare to provide fast, friendly service worthy of Seattle's Best for the synchronized opening.

About Seattle's Best Coffee

Seattle's Best Coffee LLC has been roasting premium coffee since 1970 and today roasts more than 20 million pounds of coffee every year and millions of cups of our coffee are served every day. A freshly-brewed cup of 100% arabica coffee from Latin America, Seattle's Best Coffee is currently available in more than 50,000 locations, including cafes, college campuses, restaurants, hotels, airlines, cruise ships, grocery stores and movie theatres. Seattle's Best Coffee is a featured brand within Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX). For more information, please visit Seattle's Best Coffee online at www.seattlesbest.com, become a member of the coffee community at www.facebook.com/SeattlesBestCoffee or follow Seattle's Best Coffee on Pinterest for unique coffee inspiration at www.pinterest.com/seattlesbest.

1 Census Bureau, 2010

2 According to Study Logic, 2012; includes coffee shops, QSR, C-stores; Includes brewed, espresso, iced and blended coffee drinks

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In addition to a large selection of stock vacuum sealer bags, Plastic Bag Partners is also offering the #1 selling brand of vacuum sealers on the market, manufactured by American International Electric, Inc. Quality made Vacuum Sealers can vacuum seal bags from 14' to 24' wide and up to 20 mil in total thickness, perfect for most commercial applications.

Headquartered in Bayville, NJ, Plastic Bag Partners is one of the nation's leading distributors specializing in industrial and commercial grade plastic bags and related poly products.

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Atlanta, – Extraordinary style isn't limited to high-fashion runways or design studios. Look around any office, college campus or city block and you'll see people with a passion for fashion and an eye for design getting creative and having fun with their individual style.

To celebrate the spirit of independent stylists and fashionistas everywhere, Diet Coke is launching the second season of its annual Diet Coke Young Designer Challenge – an opportunity of a lifetime for a style maven to become the next great fashion designer. Diet Coke is the number one calorie-free brand and number two beverage in the country behind Coca-Cola.The brand is inviting creative individuals to submit a Diet Coke-branded T-shirt design inspired by the extraordinary style of its new partner Taylor Swift for the chance to have their original creation featured in all U.S. Target stores this fall. Fans can submit their design through May 31 at DietCoke.com/DesignerChallenge.

While submissions were only accepted from students at select design schools last year, the fashionable twist in 2013 is that anyone in the U.S. with a creative and inspired idea can submit a Diet Coke T-shirt design.

Adding to the excitement, acclaimed fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff, along with the top creative minds at Diet Coke and Target, will select the winning Diet Coke T-shirt design. The judges will select the top design from a pool of 10 finalists, which will be determined from an online public vote in June.

'The Diet Coke brand is the epitome of style, and I'm delighted to be involved in this unique design challenge as a judge,' said Minkoff. 'As someone who took a chance and moved to New York to chase a dream, I can't wait to join Diet Coke and Taylor Swift to support a young, talented individual in pursuing their own dreams.'

In addition to having his or her design available in the soft drink aisle in all U.S. Target stores beginning September 1, the grand-prize winner also will receive a $10,000 cash prize to pursue creative endeavors, plus a fly-away trip to meet Swift at one of her final U.S. RED Tour stops in Nashville, Tenn., this September.

'Season two of the Diet Coke Young Designer Challenge gives all of our fans the extraordinary opportunity to make their dreams of becoming the next big designer a reality,' said Erik Jenkins, Diet Coke Brand Manager. 'We're excited to see how fans infuse the aspirational and modern Diet Coke brand and Taylor's chic style into their design submissions.'

Fans interested in submitting a T-shirt design can visit DietCoke.com/DesignerChallenge to view inspirational photos and contest rules, download hi-res assets and learn more about the Diet Coke Young Designer Challenge. Budding designers also will find creative inspiration from a video featuring Swift sharing her thoughts on personal style and how she approaches fashion. T-shirt designs must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, May 31.

The top 20 designs will be posted online at DietCoke.com/DesignerChallenge beginning June 16. Through June 30, people who vote for their favorite Diet Coke T-shirt design will have the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Nashville, Tenn., this September to meet Swift and attend one of the final concerts on her U.S. RED Tour.

The grand-prize winner of the contest will be announced later this summer. To encourage the talented finalists to continue pursuing their creative passions, two runners-up also selected by Minkoff and the judging panel each will receive $2,500. The remaining 17 finalists will receive $250 each. The winner of the 2012 Diet Coke Young Designer Challenge was Gustavo Alonso, an up-and-coming design student at Miami International University of Art and Design, who wowed the judging panel with his design featuring a mysterious woman in a chic, red trench coat.

About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's portfolio features 16 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.

About Taylor Swift
Lauded by The New York Times as "one of the most important pop artists of the last decade," and by Rolling Stone as "one of the few genuine rock stars we've got these days," 23 year-old Taylor Swift is a seven-time GRAMMY winner, and is the youngest winner in history of the music industry's highest honor, the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. With the 2012 release of her album RED, she is the only female artist in music history (and just the fourth artist ever) to twice have an album hit the 1 million first-week sales figure. She holds the record for the biggest digital sales week ever for a song by a woman, and for the second-largest song sales week overall, as well as the worldwide iTunes record for highest ever first-week album sales. With RED, Taylor became the first artist since the Beatles (and the only female artist in history) to log six or more weeks at #1 with three consecutive studio albums.

Taylor has an album on Rolling Stone's prestigious The 50 Greatest Albums of All Time (by women) list, and Time magazine has named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. She is Billboard's youngest-ever Woman of the Year, and her more than 100 industry award wins have included the American Music Awards' Artist of the Year, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year and three European Music Awards.

Taylor, who writes all of her own songs, has career record sales in excess of 26 million albums and 75 million song downloads worldwide, and her two most recent albums are two of only 18 albums in the entire history of music to sell more than 1 million copies in a single week. She has had singles top both the country and pop radio charts around the globe, and has thus far scored 13 #1 singles across multiple radio formats. She is one of the top 5-selling digital music artists worldwide, and is the top-selling digital artist in country music history.

About Rebecca Minkoff
With a vision of building a lifestyle brand for the downtown romantic, San Diego-born designer Rebecca Minkoff founded her company in 2001 after she developed a small apparel line. She spent the next few years working on the small collection until 2005 when Rebecca developed the 'Morning After Bag'. The bag became an overnight sensation and Rebecca began solely concentrating on developing additional styles to build out her romantically themed day-to-night handbag collection. After four years of consistent growth in accessories under her belt, Rebecca returned to her original love of apparel design and introduced a ready-to-wear collection in 2009. Rebecca Minkoff's designs are a favorite for modern, trend-setting everyday women and celebrities alike.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,832 stores – 1,784 in the United States and 48 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/corporateresponsibility.

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Each panel member is a leader in his or her field and was invited to join the panel because of their demonstrated interests across a broad range of issues related to raising farm animals responsibly. Panel members will help to determine research priorities and suggest ways to improve the audit program. Their participation is not a public endorsement of the FarmCheck program, Tyson Foods or any specific animal well-being program.

Tyson Foods launched the FarmCheck program initiative in October 2012 to focus on a broad array of animal well-being issues. In addition to the advisory panel of experts, the FarmCheck program includes:

· auditing the treatment of animals at livestock and poultry farms that supply the company

· using research to identify potential new and better methods for animal care and handling

· reaffirming Tyson's commitment to animal well-being issues with a dedicated senior management team

'The FarmCheck program continues our long-standing commitment to responsible farm animal care,' said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. 'This Advisory Panel is a diverse group of experts who bring valuable perspective on animal well-being. They will help shape the future of the program and ensure its effectiveness.'

Members of the panel include:

· Ryan Best, 2011-2012 president, Future Farmers of America

· Anne Burkholder, cattle feedlot owner

· Ed Cooney, executive director of the Congressional Hunger Center

· Gail Golab, Ph.D., DVM, director of American Veterinary Medical Association's Animal Welfare Division

· Temple Grandin, Ph.D., professor of animal science, Colorado State University

· Karl Guggenmos, dean of culinary education, Johnson & Wales University

· Tim Loula, DVM, co-founder and co-owner of Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minnesota

· Miyun Park, executive director, Global Animal Partnership

· Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs, National Chicken Council

· Richard Raymond, M.D., former U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Food Safety

· Janeen Salak-Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor in Animal Sciences, University of Illinois

· Janice Swanson, Ph.D., chair and professor, Animal Behavior and Welfare, Michigan State University

· Bruce Webster, Ph.D., professor of poultry science, University of Georgia

Each panelist will serve independent of their professional affiliations and will bring their unique perspectives to bear in the FarmCheck™ program. Their individual biographies are available at http://bit.ly/10AxJgd.

A one-page summary about the FarmCheck™ program is available at http://bit.ly/12DHOMr.

About Tyson Foods, Inc.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to be involved with son Don Tyson leading the company for many years and grandson John H. Tyson serving as the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tyson Foods produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. The company provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

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AUSTIN, Tex. -– Memorial Day is America's unofficial kick-off to summer grilling season and for many people, meat is on the menu. To recognize farmers and ranchers that raise animals with respect, Whole Foods Market is celebrating May 20-27 as Animal Welfare Week.

In stores nationwide, the company is calling out its commitment to animal welfare and working to educate customers about how the way an animal is raised affects the taste of the meat. Many stores will host events, including regional Best Butcher contests to showcase local producers and the skilled craftsmanship of Whole Foods Market's meat cutters. Events are listed on store pages at wholefoodsmarket.com.

'When an animal is raised the way nature intended, the meat tastes better. It has more flavor because the animals lived like animals ought to live - with consideration of their natural preferences and behaviors,' said Theo Weening, Whole Foods Market's global meat buyer. 'With Animal Welfare Week, we're highlighting the suppliers and practices that make a better life for the animals – as well as better meat for our fresh cases.'

Since 2008, Whole Foods Market has partnered with Global Animal Partnership (GAP). The company uses GAP's 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating to indicate to customers how the animals were raised for the beef, pork, chicken or turkey they are buying. The tiered system rates animal welfare practices and conditions from Step 1 to Step 5+. To get certified to the program (earn a Step 1 rating) farmers must satisfy more than 120 requirements that define the animals' environment; their ability to perform normal behavior; handling, transport, diet and more. At each higher Step level, standards build upon those defined in the previous level. The detailed standards are listed at www.globalanimalpartnership.org.

'Many of our supplier partners have built animal-centered systems,' said Anne Malleau, Whole Foods Market's assistant global meat coordinator. 'For example, Pitman Farms in California uses mobile chicken houses for their Step 5 birds so they always have fresh pasture for foraging. And at Thompson Farms in Georgia, pigs always have lots of pasture and wallows so they can cool off in the hot summer sun.'

For more information about Whole Foods Market's commitment to animal welfare, visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/meat.

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Working Mother has selected General Mills as one of 25 'Best Companies for Multicultural Women' in the U.S. for its ability to hire, retain and advance women of color.

'Each of us comes to work with a uniquely different perspective that is born from our experience,' said Ken Charles, vice president of Global Diversity and Inclusion for General Mills. 'We find that a genuinely inclusive environment that acknowledges, respects and values those differences drives greater employee engagement and innovation. Supporting and valuing the talents and perspectives of working moms is critical to our workplace environment, contributing immensely to our success.'

This year marks General Mills' tenth consecutive year on the annual list, and the company received special recognition by ranking among the Top 5 'Best Companies' along with Deloitte, KPMG, PwC and State Farm. The full list appears in the June/July issue of Working Mother magazine and online at WorkingMother.com.

'The Best Companies for Multicultural Women know that a truly diverse workforce makes for an effective team, one that's plugged into the needs and desires of its customers,' said Carol Evans, president of Working Mother Media. 'Grooming female leaders has become a crucial mandate, and great companies are simultaneously weaving diversity into their culture. However, many challenges lie ahead for all U.S. companies to build a pipeline of diverse talent to represent them at every level of decision-making and management.'

In this month's Working Mother magazine, Eliana Wahnon, Global Consumer Insights manager for General Mills, details how her multicultural upbringing has provided inspiration for her current role at General Mills. Wahnon also participated in a Q&A feature discussing the award and her personal experience as a multicultural mom on General Mills' corporate blog, A Taste of General Mills.

The current issue of Working Mother also includes a company profile of General Mills, which highlights the company's success in advancing women of color and its comprehensive employee resources including employee networks and mentoring programs.

Methodology
The Working Mother Best Companies for Multicultural Women requires candidates to have at least 500 employees. The winners were selected based on responses to an extensive questionnaire on representation; hiring, attrition and promotion rates; recruitment, retention and advancement programs; and company culture. The Working Mother Research Institute created a scoring algorithm based on the previous year's benchmark results to determine the winners.

For more information on the Best Companies for Multicultural Women, visit WorkingMother.com.

About General Mills
General Mills is one of the world's leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries. Its brands include Cheerios, Fiber One, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, and Wanchai Ferry. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., USA, General Mills had fiscal 2012 worldwide sales of US $16.7 billion.

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The company is extending its distribution centre at its manufacturing site in Vorsino in the region of Kaluga to better serve consumers across Russia and other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.

The investment will have created about 100 new jobs by the time the new facilities are fully operational in October this year.

Wide range of products

'We are taking an important step to strengthen our supply chain in Russia,' said Maurizio Patarnello, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé in Russia.

'The distribution centre will deliver a wide range of pet food products from Nestlé Purina and all dry grocery items sold by Nestlé in Russia, including Nescafé coffee, Maggi culinary products, Nestlé infant nutrition and Bistroff cereals.

'We believe in Russia's long-term potential, which is why we continue to invest in the development of local facilities,' he added.

Factory inauguration

Nestlé made the announcement at a ceremony to mark the official opening of an almost CHF 40 million (more than 1.4 billion roubles) extension to its Purina PetCare factory on the Vorsino site this week.

The company's investment in the factory has enabled it to increase total production of well-known pet foods such as Friskies, Felix and Pro Plan by almost three quarters.

Nestlé Purina is one of the market leaders in the Russian pet food industry, which although relatively new is growing rapidly.

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Atlanta, – Following The Coca-Cola Company's announcement of its global wellbeing commitments last week, Coca-Cola USA gears up for a summer of activity and fun with its 'Get The Ball Rolling' initiative.

'Summer is a great time of year for people to come together to enjoy activities and sports that make them happy,' said Stuart Kronauge, General Manager, Sparkling Beverages, Coca-Cola USA. 'We're taking programs and events to which we have access and making sure that people who participate in them rediscover the joy and fun of being active.'

Coca-Cola USA will 'Get the Ball Rolling' this summer with events available to millions across America. Here are a few fun ways people can refresh their summer with activity:

-Thousands of Coca-Cola soccer balls will be given out at major events – like the Coca-Cola Swelter Stopper – and through MyCokeRewards.com, the Company's online affinity program.
-Every summer weekend – starting June 21, the first day of summer, to Labor Day, September 2 – one Shine™ activity tracker by Misfit will be distributed every hour from sunrise to sunset Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) to a lucky individual through MyCokeRewards.com. This elegant device allows users to track activities, such as swimming and biking, while syncing with their smartphones.
-Coca-Cola USA is encouraging families to be active this summer on behalf of their favorite national, state and local parks. Through the America Is Your Park campaign, kicking off this June, people can turn fitness activities into votes for parks to win recreation grants.
-Coca-Cola Happiness Trucks will be rolling into town and inspiring people to get on their feet and move to the beat of some of the hottest music during a series of dancing and activity events across the country.

Coca-Cola USA's 'Get The Ball Rolling' effort contributes to the Company's global commitments to help fight obesity and be part of the solution, announced last week by Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. These commitments include:

-Offer low- or no-calorie beverage options in every market.
-Provide transparent nutrition information, featuring calories on the front of all of our packages.
-Help get people moving by supporting physical activity programs in every country where we do business.
-Market responsibly, including no advertising to children under 12 anywhere in the world.

The Coca-Cola Company continues to make the health of communities around the country a priority. We are working together with willing organizations, individuals and government to be part of the solution to obesity. Through collaborative partnerships and programs, the Company is delivering more beverage choices, calorie information and physical activity opportunities than ever before. To learn more, visit www.coke.com/comingtogether.

About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's portfolio features 16 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo or visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com.

About Misfit Wearables
Misfit invents and manufactures wearable sensing devices that inspire people be more active and develop healthy habits. Misfit's first product, the Shine, is an elegant wireless personal activity tracker that you can wear anywhere on your body, using different accessories, and because of its sleek all-metal construction, can be worn to any occasion: a black tie event, the office, or a friend's birthday party. Simply tap Shine and a halo of lights appear to tell you how close you are to completing your personal daily activity goal. Carved out of a solid block of aircraft grade aluminum, it was built to last a lifetime and is water-resistant for swimming. www.misfitwearables.com/shine

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BANGKOK, - Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq:SBUX) chairman, president, and ceo Howard Schultz, today inaugurated the first Starbucks community store outside of the United States, in the Langsuan neighborhood of Bangkok, Thailand. Schultz was in Bangkok celebrating 15 years in market with Starbucks partners (employees) and to officially open Starbucks first community store in Asia, where 10 percent of sales from Starbucks hand-crafted beverages will be directed to the farming communities of Northern Thailand.

As the Company continues to accelerate growth in Southeast Asia, Thailand will play a critical role in that development and expansion. Today Starbucks Thailand announced the doubling of its store count over the next 5 years. With 15 years in the Thailand market, Starbucks is humbled by the strong relationship it has built with customers and is committed to continued innovation and community investment.

'As I join the team today to celebrate 15 years in market, there is an unparalleled passion our partners demonstrate for delivering the Starbucks Experience to our customers in Thailand; I have never been more confident in our ability to grow this market, doubling store count over the next 5 years,' stated Schultz. 'As we continue to grow, it is critical that we stay true to our more than 40 years of heritage, continuing to build our business with a focus on taking care of our people, creating moments of connection with our customers and giving back to the communities where we do business. The community store in Langsuan signifies our ongoing commitment to give back to communities, and more specifically, to support and sustain local coffee and farming communities in Northern Thailand,' stated Schultz.

This is Starbucks fourth community store globally. Currently, Starbucks operates three community stores in Los Angeles, New York and Texas. Each store operates with a commitment to serving the local community, with the recognition that when communities thrive we all benefit. While the profit-sharing models of each store varies according to the specific needs of the local community, one thing remains constant - the belief that when communities come together, there can be positive change.

As part of this unique collaboration, 10 percent of sales of hand-crafted beverages purchased at the Langsuan community store will be directed to The Integrated Tribal Development Program (ITDP). The funds will contribute to the building of a learning center in Mae KheeMukNoi and Kong Kai village's, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai and, thereafter, will be dedicated to supporting sustainable education, health and irrigation projects. Starbucks Thailand has been supporting the farming communities in Thailand for more than 10 years with 5 percent of the Thai sales of Starbucks Muan Jai® blend, sourced from the region being invested back in the local coffee farming communities.

'Daily life for many farming communities in Northern Thailand is challenging, with limited access to healthcare or education and almost no opportunities to break out of poverty. Starbucks commitment to these communities has already made an enormous difference with several thousands of people benefiting through improved water access, local medical clinics and schools. Many communities now are starting to thrive, but there is still a lot of work to do and I am very excited that the new community store at Langsuan will be part of that progress - giving hope and a better future to thousands of hill tribe communities, who, in return, will continue to grow high quality coffee,' said Mike Mann, Director of ITDP.

Many Langsuan neighborhood customers may have never visited the farming communities of Northern Thailand; the Starbucks community store will work to bridge these two communities allowing the people in the Langsuan neighborhood to contribute to making the lives of the people in a distant, challenged coffee growing community, stronger.

Dating back 80 years, the Starbucks Langsuan community store location is itself a testament to tradition and culture. Housed in a traditional Thai style home, the interior space reflects local sentiment and pays homage to local culture, taking inspiration from the northern hill tribe farming communities.

Starbucks community store is in process of gaining LEED® certified approval, adhering to the most stringent global standards for environmental stewardship. This includes using reclaimed wood and local sourcing materials.

'Our new community store is unique to Thailand and our hope is that this powerful relationship – which allows coffee farming communities to receive contributions from Starbucks through The Integrated Tribal Development Program (ITDP) – will be an inspiration to our partners and customers,' said Murray Darling, managing director, Starbucks Coffee, Thailand. 'We have been sourcing coffee from Thailand since 2002 and created our own Muan Jai® blend with coffee grown in this region, and this community store underscores the strong relationship and the significant commitment we have with the coffee farming communities in Northern Thailand. Working together, we hope to make long-term, positive change.'

Starbucks Langsuan community store is now open and located at 39/1 Soi Langsuan, Lumpini Patumwan, Bangkok 10330.

For more information about Starbucks Global Responsibility programs please go to: http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility

About Starbucks Corporation

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality Arabica coffee in the world. 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.

About Starbucks Coffee Thailand

Starbucks Coffee (Thailand) Co., Ltd. was founded in Thailand in July 1998. Starbucks Coffee (Thailand) now operates 168 retail locations throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. The company is dedicated to making the Starbucks Experience a rewarding part of the day for all its customers in Thailand, while contributing positively to the community through its sponsorship of sustainable coffee production with Thai hill tribes under the name of Muan Jai® (Thai blended coffee). http://www.starbucks.co.th

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