MILL VALLEY, Calif., Aug 22, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Corazonas Foods, Inc., creators of great-tasting, all-natural, heart-healthy snack foods, announced it has "spun out" from Brand New Brands, Inc. This significant milestone for the entrepreneurial venture comes less than six months after the successful launch of its debut product, Corazonas heart-healthy tortilla chips -- the first snack chips clinically proven to lower cholesterol.

"While many Americans want to eat food that is healthy, they often turn to options that are not truly enjoyable, or give up some of their favorite indulgent snacks altogether. What's ground-breaking about our debut product -- Corazonas heart-healthy tortilla chips -- is that they deliver a delicious and full-flavored taste that is unprecedented, and even unexpected, in the healthy snack arena," said Ramona Cappello, co-founder and chief executive officer of Corazonas Foods. "The overwhelming positive feedback that we've received from consumers, retail and foodservice partners, and investors on Corazonas heart-healthy tortilla chips clearly demonstrates that we're addressing an unmet market need for heart-healthy snack alternatives in the $24.3 billion salty snack category."

The company also announced Charles A. Lynch is chair of the board of Corazonas Foods. "Corazonas Foods pioneered the first tortilla chip that is clinically proven to reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 15 percent," said Lynch. "As a stand-alone company, Corazonas will continue to be a trailblazer in offering delicious, heart-healthy, all-natural snack alternatives to consumers." Lynch is also chairman of the board of Market Value Partners Company, a management mentor and advisor resource for existing and emerging businesses, and nSpired Natural Foods. Previously in his career Lynch served as chairman and chief executive officer of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation and Saga Corporation and on the board of directors of Spectrum Organic Products.

Additionally, Edward Marra is joining Corazonas Foods' board of directors. Marra most recently served as executive vice president at Nestle S.A., where he was responsible for strategy, innovation and renovation for all Nestle categories worldwide. These businesses included some of the world's most powerful brands such as Nescafe(R), Kit Kat(R), Stouffer's(R) and Haagen Dazs(R). In addition to the board of directors of Corazonas Foods, Marra currently is a board member of Beverage Partners Worldwide, the Nestle/Coca- Cola joint venture.

Why Heart-Healthy Foods?
According to new guidelines issued by the American Heart Association in June 2006, a healthy diet and lifestyle are key weapons in the fight to prevent cardiovascular disease -- the nation's number one cause of death for both men and women. Among their recommendations are achieving and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Yet at least 50 percent of the American adult population, or almost 107 million people, suffer from borderline to high cholesterol, defined as a total cholesterol count of 200 mg/dL or higher.

Inspired by the Spanish word for heart, corazon, Corazonas chips feature whole oats and plant sterols and offer proven heart-health benefits. This delicious and innovative chip is the first snack chip that is clinically proven to lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a.k.a. "bad cholesterol," by up to 15 percent. Additionally, Corazonas chips are cholesterol free, trans fat free, low in saturated fat, all natural, and depending on flavor, a low or reduced-sodium snack.

Corazonas heart-healthy tortilla chips are available in three scrumptious flavors -- Original, Salsa Picante and Jalapeno Jack -- and in 2-ounce and 7-ounce packages. They can be purchased at Mollie Stone's, Andronico's, Lunardi's and other select retailers and foodservice operators in Northern California; Wild Oats, Henry's and Ralphs in Southern California; King Soopers stores in Colorado; online at Amazon.com (AMZN) and at more than 530 Jamba Juice stores nationwide. For a complete listing of Corazonas' availability, please visit www.corazonas.com .

About Corazonas Foods
Inspired by the Spanish word for heart -- corazon, Corazonas Foods was founded by a team of passionate entrepreneurs whose mission is to provide heart-healthy, all-natural alternatives to Americans' favorite snacks without sacrificing taste, texture or fun. Corazonas heart-healthy tortilla chips are the first snack chip clinically proven to lower cholesterol and are crafted with whole oats, fiber and plant sterols. For more information on Corazonas and to find where they can be purchased near you, visit www.corazonas.com .

About Brand New Brands, Inc.
Brand New Brands is a groundbreaking new company that brings together the entrepreneurial spirit of a start-up and the resources of an established corporation to create new foods and beverages that promote health and wellness. Founded by successful innovators Will Rosenzweig (founder of Republic of Tea) and Pete Mattson (founder of Mattson & Company), Brand New Brands is committed to the mission of improving and enhancing Americans' lives through healthful foods. The privately held company is headquartered in Mill Valley, California. For more information on Brand New Brands, visit www.brandnewbrands.com .