GONZALES, La., Nov. 8, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Crown Crafts, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCBB:CRWS) today announced it has entered in to a licensing arrangement with Apolo Textil, S.A. de C.V. Under the agreement, Crown Crafts will develop, produce, market and sell infant home furnishings and accessories under the "Baby Mink" brand. The Company's reach will extend into the Hispanic channels of distribution by adding Hispanic distributors while continuing to sell through our existing customer base.
The "Baby Mink" brand was introduced by Apolo Textil in 1970 and today is the national leader and most successful brand in the infant market in Mexico, representing 80 percent of the market share in baby blankets. "Baby Mink" products are sold in over 25 countries including the United States. The Company will offer a full product line including infant and toddler bedding, blankets, bibs, bath products and accessories.
"This license is a continuation of our efforts to offer differentiated products and reach new consumers," commented E. Randall Chestnut, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. "We will now be able to tap into the Hispanic market, which has become increasingly important over the past few years."
Nanci Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Crafts Infant Products, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, added "We are excited to distribute the `Baby Mink' brand. Our goal is to offer a broad assortment from bedding to bibs and bath products, welcoming consumers into the world of `Baby Mink' and its message of tenderness and love for life."
Alberto Kuri, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Grupo Apolo stated, "Baby Mink is a brand present in the majority of Mexican families in Mexico, many in the United States, and in every Latin American Country. We are confident that Crown Crafts, Inc. with its excellent knowledge of American distribution, will position `The World of Baby Mink' not only in the Mexican origin households but also in all of those that appreciate good design and the warmth of a carefully made product. We have known Crown Crafts for many years and are very pleased to enter into this agreement."
The World of Baby Mink logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3030
About Crown Crafts, Inc.
Crown Crafts, Inc. designs, markets and distributes infant and juvenile consumer products, including bedding, blankets, bibs, bath and accessories and luxury hand-woven home decor. Its subsidiaries include Hamco, Inc. in Louisiana, Crown Crafts Infant Products, Inc. in California and Churchill Weavers, Inc. in Kentucky. Crown Crafts is America's largest producer of infant bedding, bibs and bath items. The Company's products include licensed and branded collections as well as exclusive private label programs for certain of its customers.
About Apolo Textil, S.A. de C.V.
Apolo Textil, S.A. de C.V. was established in 1969 in Puebla, Mexico as a domestic manufacturer and distributor of adult blankets. In 1970, the company launched the brand "Baby Mink" to get into the baby blanket and accessories market. Apolo Textil has four plants, three established in the city of Puebla and one in the city of Tlaxcala, Mexico. The company employs over 1,000 workers.