www.greengiantfresh.com

July 2003

Holtzinger Fruit Company has partnered with The Sholl Group II Inc., the Minnesota-based marketer of selected Green Giant Fresh® produce products to pack Washington apples, pears and cherries under the Green Giant Fresh® label.
The Sholl Group, Inc. was formed by Jeff Sholl to bring the Green Giant® brand to the fresh produce industry. Consumers universally recognize the brand for fresh, wholesome produce.

"We are pleased to partner with C.M. Holtzinger Fruit Company, which has a strong reputation in the fruit industry for quality products and exceptional service," said Don Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer of The Sholl Group II, Inc. "Holtzinger is recognized worldwide for its quality apples, pears and cherries and Green Giant Fresh® is recognized as providing fresh, quality produce—a strong partnership for both businesses and a great benefit for the consumer."

The Green Giant Fresh® brand apples and pears will be available nationwide in the fall of 2003 and cherries will be available in June 2004. "Retailers continually tell us that brand names are of importance to their customers—customers who will ultimately be consumers of our products," said C. Mark Holtzinger, President and CEO of C.M. Holtzinger Fruit Company, Inc. “The Green Giant Fresh® brand is universally recognizable and held in high regard by these consumers. We can now give our retailers a means by which to assure their shoppers of quality.” He adds, “As a true partner in the Green Giant Fresh® program, we are excited about the long-term potential.”

The program will start with "New Crop" apple and pear varieties. These include Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Pink Lady R, Jonagold, Cameo and Rome apple varieties, as well as Bartlett, Anjou, Bosc and Red pears.