THANASI Foods Introduces BIGS™ Sunflower Seeds

Big Seeds with Big Flavor – in a Re-sealable Bag


BOULDER, CO – January 12, 2008 - THANASI Foods LLC, a leading developer and supplier of branded foods, today announced BIGS™ - its first proprietary branded line of sunflower seed snacks, featuring jumbo-size sunflower seeds in a line-up of exciting flavors. BIGS is the first in the sunflower seed category to feature flavor co-brands, including Bacon Salt®, FRANK’S® REDHOT®, and Vlasic®.

BIGS™ Sunflower Seeds will launch to distributors and retailers nationwide in March, 2009. Initial flavors include Original Salted & Roasted, FRANK’S® REDHOT® Buffalo Wing, Vlasic® Dill Pickle, Zesty Ranch, and the world’s first bacon-flavored sunflower seed, Bacon Salt® Sizzlin’ Bacon. Every BIGS bite will taste as fresh as the first because all BIGS seeds will be packaged in a re-sealable bag. www.BIGS.com.

“Demand shows that consumers are trending toward larger sunflower seeds and innovative flavors,” commented Justin Havlick, president and CEO of THANASI Foods and one of the acclaimed “BIGS” brothers. “Our new BIGS line offers larger-size seeds than most competitive products, with delicious flavors that match the authentic flavor profiles of our co-brand partners’ foods. The blend of BIGS’ tasty flavors and leading national co-brands is sure to become a favorite among seeders looking for a new and truly-unique brand on the shelf. We are proud to be the first to bring ingredient co-brands to the category, and see BIGS as a home run opportunity for retailers looking to grow their snacks sales.“

“We also pride our line on being USA-made, and delivered in a functional re-sealable bag,” added Havlick. “Consumers can expect only the freshest tasting seeds off the shelf from our package innovations. Even more, active seeders no longer have to wrestle with sunflower seeds spilling out in the dugout, in the car, on the job, in the backpack, and on the go. That’s big news for our many fellow seed fans!”

BIGS™ FRANK’S® REDHOT® Buffalo Wing Sunflower Seeds will join THANASI Food’s award-winning line of FRANK’S® REDHOT® snacks, including FRANK’S™ REDHOT™ Sausage Sticks, FRANK’S™ REDHOT™ Beef Jerky, and FRANK’S™ REDHOT™ Steak Strips. www.FRANKSREDHOTSNACKS.com.

“Combining the savory heat of FRANK’S® REDHOT® with BIGS™ Sunflower Seeds is a cause for celebration for seed lovers everywhere,” stated Barbara Yaros, Director of Marketing Services at French’s Foods. “For our many FRANK’S® REDHOT® fans that say ‘I Put That **** On Everything™’, they will not be able to resist FRANK’S® REDHOT® on BIGS Sunflower Seeds. We are pleased to be a part of this new and exciting product launch.”

New to THANASI Foods’ distinguished group of brand partners is Vlasic®, maker of America’s favorite dill pickles. www.VLASIC.com

“Just like our pickles, BIGS™ Vlasic® Dill Pickle Sunflower Seeds offer the great flavor of Vlasic and are low in calories and fat,” said Stefan Aps, Senior Brand Manager, at Vlasic. “We invite sunflower seed fans everywhere to experience the power of the Vlasic dill pickle crunch in a big, brand new way. The Vlasic brand’s tie-in to the BIGS program is a natural fit.”

Participating in the development of the world’s first bacon-flavored sunflower seed is new brand partner Bacon Salt® from J&D’s Foods, Inc., a company that makes low sodium, zero calorie, zero fat, vegetarian and kosher seasonings that make everything taste like bacon. www.BACONSALT.com

“For anyone who loves bacon and sunflower seeds – and who doesn’t – this is a combination made in hog heaven. BIGS™ Sizzlin’ Bacon Sunflower Seeds are the perfect blend of our Original Bacon Salt® and BIGS™ delicious roasted sunflower seeds,” commented Dave Lefkow and Justin Esch, founders and “bacontrepreneurs” at J&D’s Foods. “This is sure to hit a home run with seed and bacon fans everywhere.”

About THANASI Foods
THANASI Foods LLC is a privately held and family-owned Boulder, Colo.-based developer and supplier of household branded foods. Established in 2003, THANASI Foods’ award-winning Jim Beam®, FRANK’S® REDHOT®, and STUBB’S® branded snack products can be found in over 40,000 U.S. retail locations today with a growing retail share. For information about THANASI Foods and the company’s products, visit the website at www.THANASIFOODS.com.


BIGS™ is a trademark of THANASI Foods LLC.

FRANK’S® and REDHOT® are registered trademarks owned by Reckitt Benckiser Inc.

I Put That **** On Everything is a trademark of Reckitt Benckiser Inc.

Bacon Salt® is a registered trademark of J&D’s Foods, Inc.

Jim Beam® is a registered trademark owned by Jim Beam Brands Co.

Vlasic® is a registered trademark of Pinnacle Foods Group LLC



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Note to editors: For product samples, a high-resolution product photo or to speak with THANASI Foods President and CEO Justin Havlick, please contact Marilyn R. Kroner of Kroner Communications at marilyn@kronercommunications.com.

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