Mr. Vince Timpano reports

LASSONDE INAUGURATES EXPANSION OF PLANT IN HENDERSONVILLE

Lassonde Industries Inc. has unveiled its newly expanded and enhanced beverage manufacturing facility in Hendersonville, North Carolina, which includes the addition of a new single-serve aseptic juice production line and a 104,000-square-foot distribution centre.

These improvements are thanks to a $53-million (U.S.) investment and deliver on Lassonde's pledge to customers and consumers to provide new and more of its great-tasting products and convenient packages that make everyday life easier and more delicious.

"The expansion and improvements at the Hendersonville facility demonstrate Lassonde's commitment to a growth strategy that builds long-term value by continuously seeking new ways we can meet customer needs, particularly in the U.S. market," said Vince Timpano, president and chief operating officer of Lassonde Industries. "Our investment in Hendersonville will produce immediate and long-term benefits, including higher volumes and more variety of the products consumers enjoy and have come to expect from us."

Lassonde is now operating its first aseptic single-serve line in the United States, which offers personal convenience with 10-ounce and 16-ounce beverage sizes that come in handy six-pack, 12-pack and 24-pack solutions for consumers on the go. Aseptic processing and packaging also delivers a great-tasting product while lowering the amount of plastic used and reducing water and energy usage during production.

In addition, a new 104,000-square-foot distribution centre will increase overall distribution capacity. Together, these improvements are helping to make Lassonde's operations more sustainable.

For current and future employees, the expansion in Hendersonville represents not only 30 additional full-time positions but also a workplace featuring state-of-the-art facilities with a strong focus on safety as well as opportunities to learn new skills and build careers with Lassonde. "Our teams of employees came together to share their expertise and turn this vision into reality," added Mr. Timpano. "I want to thank them all for their dedication, hard work and innovative thinking, which was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition." For customers, Hendersonville serves as a model for Lassonde's goal to work more efficiently while delivering products that consumers can count on for quality and price.

About Lassonde Industries Inc.

Lassonde is a leader in the food and beverage industry in North America. The corporation develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of private label and national brand products, including ready-to-drink beverages, fruit-based snacks as well as frozen juice concentrates. It is also a leading producer of cranberry sauces and specialty food products such as pasta sauces, soups, fondue broths and sauces. The corporation also produces, imports and markets selected wines from several countries of origin and produces and markets apple cider and cider-based drinks.

The corporation is active in two market segments:

• Retail sales consist of sales to food retailers and wholesalers such as supermarket chains, independent grocers, superstores, warehouse clubs and major pharmacy chains;
• Food service sales consist of sales to restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools and wholesalers serving these institutions.

The corporation operates 18 plants located in Canada and the United States and produces its superior-quality products through the expertise of over 2,700 full-time equivalent employees.

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