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Press Releases

October 2008
Amy’s Kitchen Debuts New Product Category at Expo East ’08!

Presenting Amy’s New Cakes in zesty Orange and rich Chocolate

Santa Rosa, California - Amy's Kitchen, the nation's top-selling brand of natural and organic convenience foods, is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary and is pleased to debut a new line of organic vegan Cakes at the Natural Products Expo East Show, October 16 - 18, 2008, in Boston. Visit Amy’s Kitchen at Booth #1774.

Amy’s New Cakes:
Everyone will love these cakes, especially warm and topped with ice cream. They’re also delicious with fruit or your favorite non-dairy topping. No one will believe they’re not homemade! Both are organic and vegan to boot.

Amy's CakesOrange Cakes:
(SRP $3.89 - $4.49/11oz)
Typically, Amy would rather have a slice of cheese pizza than dessert, but she can’t resist Amy’s Orange Cake. When she was in high school, Amy would have a piece (made by Susan, Amy’s chef Fred’s sister) in her lunch every day. Amy’s Orange Cake is moist, light and delicious with the sweet taste of orange. Vegan.

Amy's CakesChocolate Cakes:
(SRP $3.99 - $4.49/11oz)
Amy’s dad, Andy, wears a t-shirt that says, “I would give up eating chocolate but I am no quitter.” Andy grew up eating chocolate cake from his father’s bakery. He describes this new chocolate cake as “rich … moist … light … chocolatey … irresistible.” Vegan.

More New Frozen Items

Amy's Roasted VEgetable TamaleRoasted Vegetable Tamale (SRP $4.29 - $4.99/10.3 oz)
Traditionally prepared corn masa made from organic white corn is filled with savory fire-roasted organic vegetables and covered with a special (not too spicy) red sauce that lets the flavors of the tamale come through. A side of perfectly seasoned black beans complements this warm and sustaining meal. After you eat it, you might very well agree with those who say tamales ARE the best food ever created – and you won’t have to spend hours preparing them! Gluten free. Vegan.

Amy's Roasted VEgetable LasagnaRoasted Vegetable Lasagna (SRP $4.29- $4.99/9.8 oz)
There’s no getting around it … customers love Amy’s lasagna. Ever since the first veggie lasagna was introduced in 1992, people keep asking for more. Amy’s Roasted Vegetable Lasagna is a unique and delicious lasagna – combining savory fire-roasted organic vegetables layered with our slow-simmered marinara, a creamy white sauce and tender organic pasta, then topped with baked bread crumbs. Why eat out at an expensive Italian restaurant when you can enjoy Amy’s Roasted Vegetable Lasagna in the comfort of your own home?

About Amy’s
Amy’s is the nation's leading source of natural and organic convenience food. The market for organic foods is among the fastest-growing grocery categories, with sales expanding at more than 10 percent annually. Now celebrating its 20th year, Amy's is a family-owned and operated business based in Sonoma County, California. Its products are available nationally in natural foods stores, most supermarkets, select warehouse club stores, as well as internationally.

Amy's uses certified organic ingredients, including vegetables, grains and fruits grown without pesticides. Fats are used sparingly and selectively; all dairy ingredients are made with pasteurized rBST hormone free milk and do not contain animal enzymes or rennet. No dishes contain meat, fish, poultry or eggs. Amy's products are non-GMO and do not contain hydrogenated fats or oils.

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November 7th 2008
URGENT FOOD RECALL
ALLERGY ALERT

 
Amy’s Kitchen Inc. Issues Allergy Alert and Voluntary National Recall due to Possible Undeclared Milk in Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich; Lot Code H148
 
Contact:
Bill Twieg
Technical Director
707-568-4566
 
 
 For Immediate Release: Santa Rosa, California, November 6, 2008.   Amy’s Kitchen Inc. of Santa Rosa, California is voluntarily recalling Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich Lot 10 H148, because of the presence of milk in a product that is labeled non-dairy.  The 4.0 oz net wt frozen product, sold in U.S. grocery stores, comes in a retail package labeled as Amy’s Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich. The code date printed in white on the easy open zipper end is
 
10 H148 A,B,C or D

The products could cause an allergic reaction if consumed by any individuals allergic to milk.  People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.   Consumers without milk allergies can safely consume the product.
 
The recall was initiated after one report of an allergic reaction due to this product, which was not labeled as containing dairy ingredients. Testing has shown the presence of milk.
 
 No other products or code dates of Amy’s Kitchen products are affected by this recall. 
 
Consumers allergic to milk should contact Amy’s Kitchen for a replacement or refund. The product is distributed to retailers only. Retailers are instructed to destroy the affected product.

Amy's Kitchen is cooperating with FDA and will also issue an alert via the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.
 
For instructions or questions, consumers may call the company collect: 707-568-4500 and ask for the consumer services department at ext 4571.  Consumers who are not allergic to milk ingredients can consume the product or call for a full refund.  

To speak with someone at Amy's Kitchen, please contact us at: 707.568.4500 ext 4571

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May 2008
Amy’s Celebrates 20 Delicious Years
Amy’s Kitchen - Born out of Love

Amy's Kitchen is 20!Santa Rosa, California – Twenty-one years ago, Amy Berliner was born. The company that became her namesake was founded a few months later, in 1988, by mom Rachel and dad Andy—longtime vegetarians. Amy is now a sophomore in college, and Amy's has become the nation's top-selling brand of natural and organic convenience foods.

“We didn’t set out to become the nation’s leading natural frozen food brand,” says Andy Berliner. “All we wanted to do was create a business that would allow us to earn a living by providing convenient and tasty natural vegetarian meals for people like ourselves, who appreciated good food, but were often too busy to cook from scratch.”

AmyThe idea for the company was born one night when Amy was just a few weeks old. Rachel sent Andy to a natural foods store with instructions to find a quick and easy vegetarian meal for dinner. He came home with their first microwavable meal. “It was horrible,” he recalls. Realizing that other people must also be looking for a quick-yet-tasty meal of the nontraditional kind, Rachel and Amy devised a plan to start making great-tasting convenience food for vegetarians.

The company started on a shoestring, with Rachel and Andy’s house and barn as headquarters. The founding meetings were held in the same room where the two were married and where Amy was born. The company’s first product, Vegetable Pot Pie, became an instant success. When the pies hit regional markets, Northern Californians gobbled them up and, within months, they landed on health food store shelves nationwide. Other products followed in rapid succession, and the two entrepreneurs discovered that their products were not only being eaten by vegetarians and those interested in natural foods, but by millions of people looking for great-tasting, convenience foods.

AmySince then, Amy’s has created more than 150 products, including 115 frozen items (pizzas, pocket sandwiches, pot pies, entrées, bowls, snacks and whole meals) and a grocery line that includes canned soups, beans and chili, as well as jarred pasta sauces and salsas. Today, the company has two beautiful facilities in California and Oregon and distributes its products to natural food stores, supermarkets and club stores across the nation, as well as to Canada and abroad.

Besides traditional American favorites, Amy’s chefs draw on rich ethnic traditions to create authentic Mexican, Italian, Asian, and East Indian meals for their customers to enjoy. Always on the lookout for new and innovative dishes, Amy’s recently introduced four varieties of lightly sweetened, slow-cooked frozen cereal in a bowl. The company also has a brand new line of Kids’ Meals geared to the tastes and portion preferences of children (if only Amy were a toddler again!).

Always attentive of the special dietary preferences of its customers, Amy’s Kitchen also provides soups and meals that are lower in sodium, as well as many gluten free and vegan choices. For all of its products, Amy's uses certified organic ingredients, including vegetables, grains and fruits grown without pesticides. Fats are used sparingly and selectively; all dairy ingredients are made with pasteurized rBST hormone free milk and do not contain animal enzymes or rennet. No dishes contain meat, fish, poultry or eggs. Amy's products are non-GMO and do not contain hydrogenated fats or oils.

Andy and Rachel, who imagined Amy’s as a niche business back in the 1980s, unwittingly rode a tidal wave into the next decade. Their business grew an average of 20% per every year since 1988, with their success mirroring the rise of the organics movement.

In spite of their phenomenal growth and in spite of being an industry giant, Amy’s remains a family effort--with Andy as CEO, Rachel as Director of Marketing, Eleanor writing Web and packaging copy, Amy helping in the plant during summers, and everyone participating in taste-testing. Just like the first veggie pie back in 1988, each Amy’s recipe is still made from scratch.

“Amy’s is just a large kitchen,” says Rachel Berliner. “While our pots may be large, the techniques for preparing food are much the same as those used in cooking at home.” Each burrito is hand rolled, each pizza crust hand stretched and topped, and broccoli is hand placed in the pot pies. “From choosing the very best ingredients, to baking pastry to perfection, every detail is given our full attention. We are cooking for you in the same way you would cook for yourself.” In fact, the Amy’s plant has twice the national average of the number of people involved in making a unit of food.

 

Rachel and Andy Berliner are available for interviews by arrangement.
Please contact Debby Fortune for more information: fortunepr@aol.com or 510-548-1097

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May 2008
Amy’s Serves Up Delicious Meals for Millions of Consumers with Lactose Intolerance and Dairy Allergies

Santa Rosa, California – Amy’s Kitchen, the nation’s top-selling brand of natural and organic convenience foods, offers over 80 delicious, satisfying choices that are either lactose-free or completely dairy free. Adults and kids of all ages who suffer from lactose intolerance or dairy allergies will appreciate the options and convenience of Amy’s foods.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a type of sugar in milk and other dairy products. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (part of the National Institutes of Health) lactose intolerance affects approximately 30 to 50 million Americans, including the majority of African Americans, Ashkenazi Jews, Asian Americans, and American Indians, as well as many Hispanics. Conversely, only a tiny percentage of the populace who trace their roots to northern Europe has lactose intolerance. Products identified as “Lactose Free” do not contain any lactose (milk sugar), although they may contain caseinate, a milk protein. Amy’s produces 84 “Lactose Free” products—most of which are also completely dairy-free.

Dairy allergies, though less common, can produce symptoms more severe than lactose intolerance, and in rare cases, even anaphylactic shock. With dairy allergies, a person’s immune system reacts to the presence of milk proteins in the body by producing histamines, which can cause a range of allergic reactions. Physicians agree that the best way to treat dairy allergies is to avoid consuming dairy products, lactose or the dairy proteins casein and whey. Amy’s “Dairy Free” products do not contain lactose or milk proteins. If you need to avoid milk proteins or dairy completely, you should purchase only Amy’s products that are labeled “Dairy Free,” “Non-dairy,” or “Vegan.”

Lactose Free Products from Amy’s

New from Amy'sAmy’s offers a wide range of lactose-free options (currently 84 Amy’s products are lactose-free), such as Macaroni & Soy-Cheeze (SRP $2.79 - $3.29)—perfect for kids and adults who miss this childhood favorite, Soy Cheeze Pizza (SRP $6.29 - $6.99), made with Amy's delicious pizza crust and sauce, topped with a high protein, mozzarella-style, soy-based cheese, and Tofu Vegetable Lasagna (SRP $4.29 - $4.99), which has the same delicious sauce, organic pasta and vegetables as Amy’s Vegetable Lasagna but is made with tofu and soy cheese.

For a complete list of Amy’s Lactose Free Products go to:
http://amys.com/special_diets/images/lactoseFree.pdf

Dairy-Free Favorites from Amy’s

New from Amy'sMost of Amy’s lactose-free foods are also dairy-free (currently Amy’s offers 81 dairy-free products), including a hearty Black Bean Vegetable Enchilada (SRP $3.79 - $4.49) and a great grab-and-go Bean & Rice Burrito (SRP $2.39 - $2.79)—both are satisfying, dairy-free options that can be made in just minutes. Pizza, a favorite fast food usually off-limits for people who avoid dairy, can be enjoyed again with Amy’s cheese-less Roasted Vegetable Pizza (SRP $7.29 - $8.49). Amy’s is also pleased to offer a selection of dairy-free soups, including their popular Lentil Soup (SRP $2.39 - $2.79) and Lentil Vegetable Soup (SRP $2.39 - $2.79).

For a complete list of Amy’s Dairy Free Products go to:
http://amys.com/special_diets/images/Dairy_Free.pdf

Letters from Consumer with Dairy Allergies

Dear Amy,
I want to thank you for providing quality products for families like mine that have many diet restrictions. My son is allergic to milk and its by products and pizza is his weakness. Without your pizza he would have missed numerous pizza parties.

Thank You,
Hanifah Rios

Dear Amy,
Thank you so much for making such fabulous, tasty, healthy food. My kids it, and I especially love your dairy-free options. I became allergic to dairy about 10 years ago, and your Roasted Vegetable pizza has been such a treat.
All the Best,
Kelly Line


Dear Amy,
I just want to take the time and tell you how "WONDERFUL" your dairy-free products are. My daughter Morgan is now 8, and very allergic to all dairy. So naturally we are very creative with meals and they are great! Low and behold we came upon AMY'S in our grocery store. She loves everything you have non-dairy. The store doesn't carry all the
non-dairy items, but we keep going back at least once a week to see. Today they had the vegetable pocket, WOW, she gave it a "10". Keep up the great job! Between Amy's and Tofutti, the children can have a normal life, thanks so much, looking forward to new non dairy items.
Peg and Morgan Pietruch

Letters from Consumers with Lactose Intolerance

Dear Amy,
I nearly cried in the grocery store on Thursday. Soy Mac N Cheese? I couldn't wait to tell my 12-year-old son. He is totally lactose intolerant. Can't stomach even a sip of milk. I've made Mac n Cheese from scratch, it's a pain, but he loves it. He is so happy to have your soy cheese pizza. When I saw that box of Soy Mac N Cheese, something he's been wishing and hoping for, ASKING for, I had to buy 2, because I knew he'd eat one right away and want another one the next day. Thank you for making soy cheese foods, and for making our day! I'll be stocking up and waiting to see what you do next!
From Beth

Dear Amy,
Words can't describe how thankful I am for your awesome products! When I discovered that I was lactose intolerant, it was difficult to adjust to a life without dairy... and most dairy-free foods just taste terrible.
But your meals taste great and keep me very happy (especially the tofu
lasagna! Yum!) Keep up the great work!
From Lyra

Dear Amy,
I am not vegetarian but I am lactose intolerant. I decided to try your meals after a friend at work brought one in for lunch. Your products are a godsend. I had tried some vegetarian frozen foods before and had been less than impressed. Your foods are great and the seasonings are perfect. With such a variety of dairy free meals I found this week I had been a lunchtime vegetarian! Thanks I will keep looking for more of your products.
Bev


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Click below to read previous Amy's Press Releases.
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1998

Click below to download official Amy's Press Items.

- Backgrounder
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For press inquiries, please contact Debby Fortune at 510.548.1097.
Or click here for email.

What's Your Favorite?
What's Your Favorite?

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have bought your products before and enjoyed them all, but your new Matter Paneer is the best."
>> Eliz Guyer, IA