Woolworths is expanding its award-winning ‘really good food for babies’ offering with the launch of a new range of long-life certified organic baby food products. Last year, Woolworths achieved a South African ‘first’ with its launch of freshly-made ‘really good food for babies’, which was recently the winner of the 2007 South African Food Review Product of the Year Award. Recognised for its innovation and relevance to the consumer, Woolworths is now expanding mothers’ options by complementing the fresh range with convenient, long-life, organic baby food options. “We know that her child’s nutrition is top of mind for every mother,” says Catherine Bunn Woolworths Foods: Product Developer. “The modern Mom prizes time-saving and convenience but never at the expense of her child’s health and development. She wants baby food options that provide the essential nutrients and energy for a rapidly growing body.” Convenient, the new Woolworths long-life baby food has the added benefit of independent organic certification, a mother’s guarantee that the food her baby eats has been grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilisers. In addition, global organic certifier, Ecocert, ensures that the entire production process adheres to European Union’s defined organic standards. Woolworths long-life baby food is free of major allergens, additives such as colourants and flavourants. Organic certification excludes the use of any genetically modified ingredients. Fresh, certified organic produce is sourced from the Western Cape and Limpopo Provinces. Gentle processing that retains the fullness of flavour of organic produce, takes place in strictly-controlled, ultra-hygienic conditions. The Woolworths long-life organic baby food offering involves two easy steps to ensure baby’s gentle introduction and transition to solid foods. Step 1 foods comprise of 80 ml servings of four popular single component fruit and veg – apple, pear, butternut and guava. Step 2 foods accommodate baby’s growing appetite and also enable its palate to now adapt to delicious combinations of flavours. Apple and Pear, Butternut and Apple, Butternut and Marrow; as well as the top favourites, Apple, Pear and Butternut are all available in 120 ml servings. The range is suitable for babies from 6 months of age and will be available on Woolworths’ shelves in November 2007. Woolworths fresh and long-life organic ‘really good food for babies’ ensures wider choices for the busy mother who wants the peace of mind that comes with providing her child with easy nutrition. ENDS Editor’s Notes 1. What does organically-grown mean? Organically-farmed fruit and vegetables are produced in harmony with Nature without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. Organic farmers make use of approved techniques such as building soil fertility, mulching, companion-planting and natural pest repellents to produce flavourful fresh produce, as Nature intended. 2. How does organic food processing work? The production of certified organic processed foods adheres to stringent international organic regulations that govern every aspect of the factory process. It starts with sourcing only certified organic ingredients and ensuring full traceability of these ingredients throughout the processing facility. Processed organic food may contain only a limited number of approved additives (e.g. cultures to make cheese). It may not contain any synthetic flavourants or colourants. 3. Why is organic certification important? Organic certification is the consumer’s guarantee from an independent, recognised organic certifier that the food they are buying has been produced in full compliance with European Union’s organic standards. Organic certifiers conduct regular audits of organic farms and organic processing plants to ensure consistent adherence to the standards. Certified organic products carry the logo of official certification on the product packaging. 4. Why is organic food particularly of benefit to children? Children are more vulnerable than adults to toxic loads, due to their smaller bodies. Organic production does not allow the use of pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilisers. In addition, organic production does not allow the use of genetically modified ingredients or the use of added hormones. Processed organic foods may not contain additives such as colourants or flavourants. 5. What are the other major benefits of buying organic? Buying organic is a responsible consumer choice, and an essential contributor towards more sustainable living. Organic products are produced in ways that protect the environment. Organic farmers build soil fertility, reduce water pollution and help to conserve the biodiversity on their land. Issued on behalf of: Woolworths Issued by: liquidlingo Communications Contact: Tanya Pangalele/ Jackie Busch +27 21 424 1530 tanya@liquidlingo.co.za jackie@liquidlingo.co.za

Woolworths is expanding its award-winning ‘really good food for babies’ offering with the launch of a new range of long-life certified organic baby food products.