SPARTA, Mich., August 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading juice beverage manufacturer, Old Orchard Brands, announced today a new program to increase its support of The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF), the world's leading supporter of medical research on type 1 diabetes and related complications, with up to $1,000,000 of new funding. The JDRF Healthy Balance Challenge launches today and continues through January 31, 2008.
The JDRF Healthy Balance Challenge will raise funds through a Universal Product Code (UPC) collection program to coincide with the non-profit's more than 150 "Walk to Cure Diabetes" events to be held across the U.S. this fall. Old Orchard will earmark $.20 to the JDRF for each UPC label collected from its Healthy Balance line of low-sugar fruit juice cocktails. In turn, the JDRF will work with its local "walk" families and constituents to ensure each one of its more than 200 walk events is a successful collection point in the drive.
This incremental funding is above and beyond the nearly $650,000 worth of cash and product donations Old Orchard has pledged through 2009 as part of the original partnership forged with the JDRF last year.
The partnership is based on Old Orchard's popular line of low-sugar, reduced-calorie Healthy Balance fruit juice cocktails, the leading reduced-sugar fruit juice on the market. The line includes 13 varieties, and it can be found at nearly every major grocery chain nationwide for an average retail price of $2.49 per 64-ounce bottle.
The line works well in diets that require careful management of blood sugar levels, carbohydrates and calories, such as those of people with diabetes. Each of the fruit juice cocktails contain 75 percent less sugar, carbohydrates and calories compared to other juice products of the same variety.
Old Orchard Brands is one of the nation's leading fruit juice brands. The Company produces more than 80 million bottles of juice annually.
"We are grateful to have partners such as Old Orchard Brands who care deeply about the work we do in researching a cure for type 1 diabetes," said Arnold Donald, CEO of the JDRF. "They continue to support our organization with innovative retail-driven programs that increase funding for research, and that's a rare and valuable partner to have."
"The JDRF is making a tremendous difference in the lives of many children living with diabetes, and we are fortunate to be in a position to advance the great work they do," said Mark Saur, president and founder of Old Orchard Brands. "This partnership is a perfect match for both the foundation and for the families looking to provide their kids with good beverage alternatives that fit well within sugar-restricted diets."
As a bonus incentive, the JDRF walk family that collects the most UPCs will win a 2008 Mazda Tribute, courtesy of Old Orchard. Direct employees of the JDRF are not eligible to win.
Those not directly affiliated with the JDRF can participate in the drive by sending UPCs to: JDRF Healthy Balance Challenge c/o Old Orchard Brands, P.O. Box 66, Sparta, MI 49345. Old Orchard will donate $.20 per UPC for type 1 diabetes research.
About Old Orchard Brands - Sparta, Mich.-based Old Orchard Brands is one of the fastest-growing fruit juice brands in the United States. Established in 1985, the privately held company offers consumers 30 frozen concentrate flavors and 62 bottled varieties in a range of 100 percent fruit juices and blends, premium juice and juice blends, fruit juice cocktails, low-sugar fruit juice cocktails and juice-infused teas. Old Orchard Brands is an Allied Capital company. For more about Old Orchard, visit http://www.oldorchardjuice.com/.
About Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - JDRF was as founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes - a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $900 million to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and education about research. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information about JDRF please visit http://www.jdrf.org/.
Old Orchard Brands
