JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 13, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Mariner's Choice International Inc., (Pink Sheets:MCII) announced today that a major North American co-operative of marine parts and products distributors has dramatically increased orders for the Company's "eco-safe" marine products since the beginning of 2008.
The two largest constituent distributors within the co-operative, Ankeny Iowa-based Lorenz & Jones Marine Distributors, Inc. and Drummondville, Quebec-based Kimpex, Inc., have more than doubled their orders since Mariner's Choice first introduced its catalog of eco-safe cleaning and performance products to the 'Marine 1One' co-operative at the November, 2007 Marine 1One Distributor Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both Kimpex and Lorenz & Jones initiated a distribution relationship with Mariner's Choice at the show with significant product orders and have since re-ordered. They will continue to order as product demand increases through direct, online and catalog sales.
Kimpex - www.kimpex.com - is one of the largest distributors of Marine, Recreational Vehicle (RV), All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Snowmobile parts and accessories in Canada, with a significant dealer network, which now surpasses 5000 sales partners throughout Canada and parts of the U.S. Kimpex has actively begun distributing Mariner's Choice products and will successfully develop a presence for the eco-safe products in some of the largest marine retailers in Canada, including Steveston Marine & Hardware - www.stevestonmarine.com - in British Columbia. Kimpex has been in business for more than 40 years, and currently operates 3 distribution centers, and Kimpex USA, based in Champlain, NY, oversees the expanding American market.
Lorenz & Jones - www.lorenzandjones.com - has been in business for 76 years and is one of the most renowned marine distributors in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, which collectively represent approximately 25% of the recreational marine market in the United States. Lorenz & Jones has also seen the value of Mariner's Choice eco-safe products and has been successfully promoting the products to retailers and marinas in the United States and beyond, including Canada and other international markets.
Mariner's Choice U.S. Vice President, Pete Hellwig, commented, "Our orders continue to grow as the Mariner's Choice brand gains traction in recreational and industrial marine operations and retailers throughout North America. The feedback we are getting from distributors and retailers alike is that our products have become synonymous with performance, quality and environmental consciousness. Consumers who are exposed to our brand and breadth of product line have been impressed with every aspect of our offering. While the 'green' movement is paramount, the superior level of performance and ease of use are equally sought after." He continued, "We look forward to continued sales traction and market share gains facilitated by our existing distributor and retailer network, as well as new and exciting distributor and retailer relationships to come online in the foreseeable future."
About Mariner's Choice International, Inc.
Mariner's Choice provides high-performance and eco-safe recreational and industrial solutions to the marine industry utilizing leading edge biodegradable technologies. Mariner's Choice products reduce the cost of ownership, operations, and maintenance of marine assets. Each product is tested to exacting standards and performance levels of excellence, while providing the greatest benefit and satisfaction to the recreational and industrial customer. Mariner's Choice "green" products and nano-technology is a timely response to the environmental and health concerns that affect people globally. For more information on the Company, please visit on the Internet at http://www.marinerschoice.net.
Safe Harbor
This press release contains statements, which may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Mariner's Choice International, Inc., and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.