ST. CHARLES, Ill., June 27, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Universal Food & Beverage Company, (OTCBB:UFBV) is pleased to announce today that its newly-commissioned hot fill line is operational. The line, located in Independence, Virginia, is expected to add a potential annual production capacity of over eight million cases. This translates to $22 million in potential additional revenues. The planned production increase is aimed to meet the demand for Universal's products.
The hot fill line effectively eliminates the use of preservatives which affect the taste of products. The process requires the beverage to be filled into the container at 180-195 degrees to sterilize the inside of the bottle and cap.
Completion of the hot fill line also allows for the introduction of additional product lines, namely isotonic beverages such as the company's own sport drink label Sport2O(tm), along with teas, juices and vitamin-enhanced flavored beverages.
"Eliminating the unnecessary use of preservatives is instrumental to improve the product's taste and quality without affecting its shelf life," stated Duane Martin, Universal's Chairman & CEO. "Our approach is to take advantage of a bottled water and enhanced beverage market that's growing at a rapid pace. With a hot fill line, not only can we begin to provide a variety of beverages to a broader group of consumers, but we can also deliver on our co-packing capabilities to other brand owners and private label clients."
About Universal Food & Beverage Company
Universal Food & Beverage Company is a full-service provider of Universal branded beverages and co-pack private label products for the health-conscious consumer.
The Company continues to develop nutritional, controlled-calorie products that promote a healthy lifestyle. Universal also develops, tests and perfects production systems including new aseptic processing and packaging systems to enhance product quality. The Company's innovative range of products and systems are developed for both domestic and international markets.
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