NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SoupMan, Inc. (OTCBB:SOUP) announced today that its Original SoupMan soups, the long-adored and best-tasting soup brand in the world, has selected KCBS, LLC, www.kcbscinn.com, a member of Beacon United, a nationally-recognized food brokerage organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio to coordinate sales of its new shelf stable, Tetra Recart packaged soups.
With clients such as Arizona Ice Tea, White Castle and Ghirardelli, KCBS has a track record of Brand building that will be of great value to Original SoupMan as its products are made available - in Tetra Recart packages - for the first time in the main soup aisle, adjacent to their canned competitors, where over $6 billion in annual soup purchases occur.
KCBS will provide a fully integrated "go-to-market strategy." Its corporate and divisional sales team will bring The Original SoupMan their experience and expertise in maximizing distribution and customer promotion within stores nationwide, thus allowing The Original SoupMan to optimize the ROI on its marketing programs.
"KCBS could not be more excited to be partnering with the world class team at The Original SoupMan," said John Rutherford, President of KCBS. "The innovative and miraculously spiced recipes and fresh ingredients used in their small-batch soups are the stuff of legend. The ability to now deliver soup products with this level of excellence and national appeal to the supermarket shelf via Tetra-Recart, is a combination that could change the soup industry. KCBS is proud to represent the Original SoupMan brand as a client."
"We are thrilled to have KCBS represent us as one of The Original SoupMan's food brokers," said Arnold Casale, CEO, The Original SoupMan. "We chose KCBS because we believe their ability to provide customer expertise is unmatched. We look forward to building our relationship with KCBS and having a mutually beneficial partnership."
The new Tetra Recart carton packaging enables the The Original SoupMan soups to be handled like traditional canned soups allowing soup aficionados nationwide to enjoy the same spectacular ingredients and innovative flavors that have made the New York City flagship storefront a soup mecca since 1984.
The Original SoupMan Tetra Recart soups will feature the same obsessive perfectionism and eclectic varieties for which the brand is famous, including Lobster Bisque, Chicken Noodle, Lentil and Tomato Bisque.
The product will be available to ship to fine grocers nationwide beginning in March 2012. The suggested retail price is $3.79 to $3.99 for a two serving 17.3 oz package.
About SoupMan, Inc:
In 1984, The Original SoupMan opened its doors at 55th Street & 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The tiny storefront - too small for a single table - quickly became a worldwide destination. Rated #1 by Zagat and praised by the New York Times as "Art, not Soup" it set the standard for innovation and excellence long before the famous Seinfeld episode made it a cultural icon. Today, The Original SoupMan is on its way to becoming America's #1 soup in multiple channels. The Company's franchise operations include highly visible locations in Fisherman's Wharf, Mohegan Sun Casinos and more. The Company's branded soup is also being offered by Tim Horton's, Earl of Sandwich and other leading QSRs. Beginning in March, Original SoupMan products will be available in the soup aisle of major supermarket chains, thanks to an innovative shelf stable Tetra Recart package. The Company also distributes its products through the food service channel, including school lunch programs in large systems. Shaquille O'Neal serves as an advisor and equity partner in the Company, as does Mr. October, Reggie Jackson. On February 1, 2011, SOUPMAN INC, parent company of The Original SoupMan www.originalsoupman.com, commenced trading on the OTC Bulletin Board® (OTCBB) under the ticker symbol SOUP. For additional information on SoupMan, Inc. please visit: www.soupmaninc.com Follow us on Twitter @OriginalSoupMan and "Like" us on Facebook
About KCBS:
KCBS is a full service food broker whose expertise is calling on one of the Nation's Largest Grocers. KCBS provides manufacturers a comprehensive and unique Business Solution for Managing the Sales Planning, Trade Promotions, Marketing and Retail Services. www.kcbscinn.com
Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections made by management. The Company intends for the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," or variations of such words are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, statements regarding the anticipated availability and success of the Company's new product and the contribution of KCBS. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements such as the failure of the new product to obtain market acceptance or to result in increased sales and the risk factors discussed in the Business and Management's Discussion and Analysis sections in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Copies of these filings are available at www.sec.gov