A first in North America

Montreal, September 29, 2003 — Natrel, the leader in Quebec’s milk-consumption sector, announced today it is launching Natrel Omega-3, a new variety of enriched milk beverage that contributes to a healthy diet and helps in the prevention of certain illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease.

Omega-3 are essential fatty acids that the human body is unable to produce on its own and, consequently, must be incorporated into one’s daily diet. However, few foods contain Omega-3: mainly fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, salmon, tuna and sardines, as well as certain oils such as flaxseed, and, to a lesser extent, canola and soya oils.

“Quebecers eat very little fish, » said Monique Raymond, Head of Product Development at Natrel. “Undoubtedly, that is why their intake of Omega-3 averages only about 0.17 grams per day, while the daily intake recommended by Health Canada to maintain a healthy lifestyle is between 1 and 1.5 grams per day. In response to this particular consumers’ need, we have decided to create Natrel Omega-3 using a special technology that enables us to add Omega-3 to 1% milk and still be able to preserve its naturally good milk taste.”

Marthe Côté-Brouillette, a nutritionist-consultant who is a consultant for Natrel, says the intake of essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3, is indispensable to a person’s diet. A deficiency in essential fatty acids can be as damaging for a healthy heart as a diet regimen that is overly high in saturated and trans fats

“In fact, most scientific research affirms that Omega-3 fatty acids can help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases by promoting a reduction of the levels of cholesterol* and blood triglycerides and by preventing the build-up of blood platelets,” added Ms. Côté-Brouillette. “Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential in a child’s brain and visual development. There is a direct correlation between the intake of Omega 3 and mental functions.”

The value-added element of the milk product makes the new Natrel Omega-3 a functional food, one whose health benefits extend beyond the basic nutritional functions.

Available in stores in one- and two-litre sizes at the end of September, Natrel Omega-3 will be sold at the same price as Natrel Calcium.

“After introducing calcium-enriched milk and lactose-free milk, we are extremely proud to provide consumers with Omega-3 enriched milk, ” stated Monique Raymond. “The arrival of this product on the market definitely reinforces Natrel’s leadership role in the field of functional foods – or, ‘ health-added’ products, as we like to call them – and it demonstrates Natrel’s keen interest in the health of Quebecers.”

One of the major players in Canadian industry and the leader in the fluid milk sector in Quebec, Natrel is a growing national company with operations mainly in Quebec, as well as in Ontario and British Columbia. Natrel has 1,550 employees, including almost 1,000 in Quebec, and some 800 agent distributors across the country. It has nine manufacturing plants and 83 distribution centres or satellite warehouses. Natrel produces 800 million litres of milk a year and supplies more than 30,000 customers. The company’s headquarters are in Longueuil.

* According to the Quebec Heart Disease Foundation, 49% of Quebecers have a higher cholesterol level than the recommended norm.

Source: Jean Brodeur Agropur (450) 375-1991 / 1 (800) 363-5686 Information: Diane Jeannotte, ext 207 / Johanne Lépine, ext 234 Torchia Communications Tel.: (514) 288-8290