KALE TREND GETS A ZESTY KICK WITH NEW “KALE ITALIA”

KALE TREND GETS A ZESTY KICK WITH NEW “KALE ITALIA” FROM EARTHBOUND FARM

 America’s organic pioneer adds to its popular line of kale-based Deep Green Blends and

to its Half & Half line

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Calif. – Earthbound Farm, a pioneering organic food company and the nation’s leading grower of organic produce, is expanding its popular line of kale-based Deep Green Blends with Kale Italia – a zesty mix of baby kale blended with popular Italian greens, arugula and radicchio – available in a 5oz clamshell package. Available now, this new addition reflects the continuing growth in consumer fascination with all things kale.

“We’ve heard the demand for more delicious ways to eat kale, and we’re delivering with an enticing new blend of flavors to meet the need,” said Nicole Glenn, Director of Product Innovation at Earthbound Farm. “Baby kale is so versatile that it satisfies that desire for an all-purpose green that works in smoothies, cooked recipes, and salads equally deliciously. And combined with the Italian greens in this blend, people will rave about Kale Italia as a tasty new take on the popular superfood.”

Lighter than Earthbound Farm’s other kale-based Deep Green Blends (Power or Zen), Kale Italia still has a crave-worthy crunch and a robust flavor. Beyond salad, this new blend is ideal for pastas, risottos, sautés and more. “Kale Italia has the versatility and freshness people want at a price they can afford,” added Glenn. “And the fact that it’s so nutrient-dense is a driving factor of its popularity.”

For ideas and recipes for new Kale Italia, visit ebfarm.com and search “Kale Italia.” Some favorites include:

• Kale Italia Panzanella Salad
• Chickpea Lentil Salad with Shallot White Wine Vinaigrette 
• Kale Italia with Roasted Red Peppers and Mushrooms Over Pasta
• Creamy Kale Italia Artichoke Dip
• Kale Italia and Chicken Sausage Sauté
• Kale Italia Risotto with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sundried Tomatoes
• Crispy Baked Kale Phyllo Triangles with 3-Ingredient Feta Yogurt Dip

Earthbound Farm’s Kale Italia (5oz clamshell) is packed in a modified atmosphere to maximize freshness and quality and is available nationwide with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $4.99.

Ever flavor-forward, Earthbound is also adding a new blend, Half & Half: Baby Spinach & Arugula, which builds on the popularity of its Half & Half: Spring Mix & Baby Spinach mix. With consumers often purchasing several varieties of greens at a time and blending them into recipes, packaging the popular varieties together into a single blend makes it easier and more convenient for the shopper. Half & Half: Baby Spinach & Arugula is available in a 5 oz. clamshell with a SRP of $3.99. 

Like all Earthbound Farm fresh produce, these greens are grown in accordance with the company’s industry-leading food safety and organic integrity programs packaged in sustainable packaging made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled bottles.

For product coupons in addition to tips and recipes for happier, healthier living, sign up for Organic Bound, Earthbound Farm’s web-based magazine and newsletter.

About Earthbound Farm

Earthbound Farm, based in San Juan Bautista, Calif., is a leading organic food company bringing the benefits of fresh, flavorful and healthy organic foods to as many people as possible. From its signature Spring Mix to its fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, herbs and snacks, Earthbound offers an array of tasty and nutritious food with the goal of making a healthy difference in the way America eats. Whether fresh, frozen, dried or packaged, for 30 years Earthbound has specialized in growing food from the soil organically, fostering the health and harmony of the ecosystem. For more information, visit www.ebfarm.com and follow @earthboundfarm on Twitter.

Certified Sommelier Mike Ward Launches Website to Pair Wine with People

St. Louis, MO (April 15, 2015) - St. Louis-based Wine Educator, Mike Ward, excitedly announced this morning the launch of his website, Wardonwine.com. Designed to help people find a wine they appreciate, pair that wine with food, and help them enjoy that wine to the fullest, Wardonwine.com was developed with the mission of 'Pairing wine with people.' Utilizing the website on a mobile device enables the user to search for a specific wine by grape variety, food pairing, or region, and helps them to locate the wines they love quickly and easily in a restaurant or retail store environment. Whether searching for a favorite wine, or perhaps a new one, the website's database also provides useful information to enhance the experience, such as a customized tasting note, tips on how to enjoy the wine at its best, as well as the wine's general price point and rating.

The website is equally useful for both wine novices and full-blown oenophiles. According to Ward, "A little education can go a long way in ensuring your ultimate gratification of and appreciation for wine," hence, the website also refers the user to local wine classes, tastings, and events.

Mike Ward

Mike began his career in the restaurant industry managing such establishments as Mike Duffy's Pub and Grill, Remy's Kitchen and Wine Bar and Cafe Eau and Eau Bistro in the St. Louis Chase Park Plaza. He also served as Director of Purchasing at The St. Louis Adam's Mark Hotel, and Food and Beverage Director at The River Port Doubletree Hotel. From early on, Mike had a fascination with, and a passion for, all things wine. This fascination and passion led him to his position as Missouri State Wine Educator for Major Brands, Inc., a distributorship in St. Louis.  Ward on Wine was founded in 2014 when Mike made the decision to branch out on his own.

Ward is a Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Spirits, Certified Wine Educator, and member of the Society of Wine Educators. He has also successfully completed the Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 2 Intermediate exam, as well as certification at the Napa Valley Wine Educators Academy.

On his philosophy of pairing wine with people, Ward said, "There is a wine out there for every person, every occasion, every journey, every place in time - Ward on Wine is designed to help you discover those wines, learn about those wines, and share those wines."

For more information please visit: www.Wardonwine.com, and follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.