READY PAC LAUNCHES NEW BABY ARUGULA SALAD Baby Arugula is Newest Addition to Signature European-Style Salads

Ready Pac Produce, one of the countrys leading providers of fresh-cut produce, today announces the launch of the latest addition to their award-winning line of signature European-style salads, Baby Arugula. This new salad, available in convenient, pre-washed, five-ounce breathable bags, brings to the American consumer a high quality and tasty alternative to conventional salads.

Irwindale, Calif., November 5, 2002 -Ready Pac Produce, one of the countrys leading providers of fresh-cut produce, today announces the launch of the latest addition to their award-winning line of signature European-style salads, Baby Arugula. This new salad, available in convenient, pre-washed, five-ounce breathable bags, brings to the American consumer a high quality and tasty alternative to conventional salads.

Regarded as an aphrodisiac by the ancient Romans and Egyptians, arugula is extremely popular in European cooking and, recently, has established a presence in fine American restaurants. More tender than full-leaf arugula, baby arugula is well known and widely enjoyed by itself or mixed with other greens in a salad. With a slightly nutty and peppery taste, arugula is increasingly called for in a wide number of cooking applications. It is ideal as a sautéed vegetable side dish for entrées such as salmon or chicken, and as an ingredient to spice up soups, stews and pastas. More than just delicious, Baby Arugula contains Lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium.

For the past decade, Ready Pac has been known for introducing restaurant-style salads in the United States that reflect popular European culinary trends," says Bill Zinke, vice president of marketing for Ready Pac Produce. Our new Baby Arugula is an indication of our continued commitment to offering consumers convenient, premium quality fresh foods that are on the cutting edge."

Ready Pac uses a proprietary European processing technology that preserves the freshness and flavor of Baby Arugula and its other European-Style salads. The companys exclusive packaging system cushions each tender leaf for protection against bruising. Ready Pac also uses a rigorous, yet gentle, triple-wash technology that pre-washes the arugula before packaging. Baby Arugula will be sold in supermarkets in the United States and Canada.

California-based Ready Pac is a premier processor of fresh-cut produce. With processing facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada, Ready Pac's award-winning salads, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables are distributed in supermarkets and restaurant chains across North America.