PL Thomas to Operate Vitiva Products in US

14/03/06 Slovenia-based Vitiva announced today the appointment of P.L. Thomas as its strategic partner for the sale of Vitiva products in the United States and Canada. PL Thomas, a New Jersey-based ingredient supplier, will market Vitiva's extensive line of high-value, natural antioxidants based on rosemary extracts; including INOLENS, an oil- soluble rosemary extract that has been deodorized through a special proprietary process; and AquaROX, a water- soluble rosemary extract containing rosmarinic acid as its primary active ingredient. These antioxidant ingredients are particularly beneficial in processed meats and poultry, oils, salad dressings and beverages. At the same time, PLT will be working with dietary supplements producers who have long recognized the outstanding health benefits of rosemary.

"After interviewing numerous market participants, we decided that P.L. Thomas is the best choice to help us successfully gain entry into the US market", explains Ohad Cohen, Vitiva's CEO. "PLT has a strong commitment to serving its customers well through effective sourcing, marketing, and support. They have built an excellent reputation spanning many decades and are active in the nutraceutical, food, and beverage industries."

"Our goal is to penetrate the fast-growing dietary supplement market in the USA, as well as develop the food market for rosemary extracts with emphasis on its powerful antioxidant benefits", continued Cohen.

"Vitiva is a leading global supplier of natural rosemary antioxidants, with its production facilities in northeastern Slovenia, near the Austrian border. Its team of scientists develops tailor-made solutions for a wide range of applications. PLT welcomes the opportunity to offer these excellent products to our customers and is very enthusiastic about working closely with the Vitiva team," states Paul Flowerman, president of PLT.