Clif Bars Go Kosher; Also Dairy-free and Sulfur-free

Business Wire, March 12, 1999

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 1999--All 10 flavors of Clif Bar(R) have been certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union, exciting news for millions of consumers who prefer kosher foods for quality, religious or dietary reasons.

Clif Bars, a leading brand of all-natural energy bars, will reach retail shelves with a kosher seal this summer.

In addition, every Clif Bar sold will now be dairy-free, with soy-based chips replacing dairy-based chips in the Carrot Cake and Cookies `n Cream flavors. Apricot Clif Bar will soon contain only sulfur-free apricots, an important change for people allergic to sulfites (sulfur compounds). Dairy-free Clif Bars are in stores now; sulfur-free Apricot Clif Bars should arrive at retail outlets this summer.

Clif Bar Inc., a top producer of all-natural energy foods, announced these product innovations today at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif. The company also introduced LUNA(TM), a delicious, whole nutrition bar designed especially for women. LUNA's retail debut is scheduled for this summer.

"Our consumers asked and we listened," said Clif Bar Inc. co-founder Gary Erickson, in explaining the new improvements to Clif Bars. "That's one of our hallmarks, along with a respect for -- and sensitivity to -- the many lifestyles and preferences in this country."

Consumer interest in kosher foods has been growing dramatically. Kosher food sales exceed $3.25 billion annually, and an estimated 9 million consumers will purchase kosher foods annually by the year 2000. The Orthodox Union, kosher certifier of Clif Bars, is the largest, oldest and most recognized label in kosher certification.

Millions of Americans cannot consume milk because they are lactose intolerant or suffer from milk allergies -- making foods that are dairy-free essential to their daily lives. In addition, vegans exclude animal products from their diets.

Sulfites, which are present in most dried fruits, can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including people with asthma.

Headquartered in Berkeley, Calif., Clif Bar Inc. was founded on the principle of promoting healthy snacks without highly processed ingredients. The result is Clif Bar, a great-tasting, all-natural energy bar. Today, Clif Bar Inc. is a leading producer of all-natural energy foods and ranked as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America by Inc. magazine. Clif Bar Inc.'s ethic of social responsibility includes an active community service program and extensive annual support for hundreds of charities and charitable events.