BRYN MAWR, Pa., Oct. 26, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Creative Enterprises International, Inc. (Pink Sheets:CEII) announced today that they have entered into an exclusive U.S. and Canadian distribution agreement with the Agrokor Group's subsidiary, Jamnica d.d. Jamnica, the producer of Jana Artesian Water is the leading bottler of water in Eastern Europe with 2003 production in excess of 300 million liters. In addition to Jana Artesian Water, Agrokor manufactures and distributes premium ice creams, margarines, olive oils, sea salts, and wines throughout Europe, as well as owning and operating the Konzum retail supermarket chain.
The first product to be introduced by Creative Enterprises is Jana Artesian Water, which flows from a 3000 year old aquifer in the hills of St. Jana, located off the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The St. Jana aquifer, located 2500 feet below ground is responsible for the exceptional taste and balance of the water. Jana Water has won a series of awards for both taste and bottle design, including the prestigious Aqua Expo 2003 EAUSCAR award, a competition between hundreds of European waters held each year in Paris.
Under the terms of the agreement, Agrokor will provide Creative Enterprises with production capacity in excess of 100 million liters annually beginning in 2005. Jana Artesian Water is scheduled to be launched in U.S. markets, by Creative Enterprises International, in leading retail chains, restaurants, and hotels.
Michael Salaman, President of Creative Enterprises International said, "We are fortunate that we have found a partner who shares in our vision and commitment to make Jana Artesian Water a household name in the U.S. Our relationship with Agrokor will provide us with all of the necessary tools to successfully distribute a complete portfolio of premium bottled waters and enhanced water products in the North America."
About The Agrokor Group
The Agrokor Group, www.agrokor.hr, is the largest privately owned, and one of the most successful companies in Croatia. The Group's core businesses are the production and distribution of foods and beverages, as well as owning and operating the Konzum chain of supermarkets. The Agrokor Group is the market leader in bottled water with Jamnica and Jana, ice cream with its Ledo brand, as well as vegetable oils, margarines, frozen foods, mayonnaise, and wines. During its 25 years of operations, Agrokor's clear business vision has transformed a small family-owned flower production business into the largest food conglomerate in South East Europe.
By making carefully planned investments in modernization, development and new technologies, Agrokor has grown to be one of the most advanced European water bottling plants, with annual production in excess of 300 million liters.
Agrokor's beverage products are divided into seven brands: natural carbonated mineral water and natural non-carbonated artesian water; Juicy -- natural fruit juices; Juicy Fruits Jana -- natural artesian water and flavored artesian water; Sarajevski Kiseljak -- natural mineral water; carbonated soft drinks under the Sky and Planet Cola brands, and Mladina wines.
At the International water fair in Paris, Aqua Expo 2003, Jamnica natural mineral water won the prestigious EAUSCAR award. At Aqua Expo 2004, Jana strawberry guava also won the EAUSCAR award.
About Creative Enterprises International, Inc. (Pink Sheets:CEII)
CEII is an International marketing and distribution company that identifies emerging trends in consumer products. Once CEII identifies a growing trend, it then creates or sources top quality products to fulfill the anticipated consumer market demand. For more information about Creative Enterprises International go to: www.creativepi.com
This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, risks set forth in documents filed by the company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by, or on behalf of, the Company, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof