(Winnipeg, Manitoba – October 25, 2005) – The leading hemp foods company in North America has strengthened its team with the addition of industry veteran Robb Wagg.   Manitoba Harvest has appointed Wagg as the Midwest and Eastern Regional Sales Manager.  He has been working in the natural products industry since 1978, including sales stints with leading companies such as White Wave and Cloud Nine, Inc.

Hemp foods are hot.  According to data from SPINs, a leading market research firm, the hemp foods industry grew by more than 60% in 2004.  “We are on track to double our sales from last year to more than $2.5 million in 2005,” says Manitoba Harvest co-founder Mike Fata.  “Robb has a ton of experience, contacts and know-how and is sure to crank things up a notch for us in the Midwest and Eastern U.S. where people are less familiar with the great taste and nutrition of hemp foods and oils,” Fata adds.  

The booming international demand for healthy hemp foods has enabled Manitoba Harvest™ Hemp Foods & Oils to expand their employment and production line to 3 shifts working 24 hours per day.   The busy Winnipeg company has also added a new oil press machine and other manufacturing equipment to increase the capacity of their operation.  Since Manitoba Harvest™ is the largest integrated producer of hemp food products in North America, they distinguish themselves from the competition by controlling production from “seed to shelf.”  Because of this advantage, they are better able to ensure price stability, freshness and quality.  Their expansion will help them continue to deliver their products fresh on-demand – an approach that maximizes freshness – which is important for ensuring the nutritional value and flavor of hemp foods. 

“Foods and supplements that offer omega-3 essential fatty acids like hemp are hot because medical evidence touting the health benefits continues to grow,” notes Fata.  Hemp foods also have a strong digestible protein profile, fiber and an abundance of vitamins and minerals.  “People are learning that hemp is a nutritional powerhouse,” says Fata.  “Education has been a focus for us from day one and Robb has a great track record in this area,” adds Fata.

Manitoba Harvest ™ contracts more than 4,000 acres of hemp seed production in Manitoba with 20 local farmers that are shareholders in the company.   They process the raw seed into hemp seed oil, shelled hemp seed, hemp seed nut butter and hemp protein powder at their 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art kosher certified and USDA certified organic facility.   Manitoba Harvest™ products are distributed to more than 2,500 stores and are also sold in bulk to manufacturers of bars, cereals, cosmetics and other products.  For more information, please visit www.manitobaharvest.com or call Mike Fata at 1-800-665-HEMP (4367).

Contact:
Mic LeBel
mic@planetfriendlypr.com