Gardenburger Inc. (Nasdaq: GBUR) announced today that it has begun making its famous Gardenburger® meat alternative products with traditional soybeans unaltered by genetic engineering, known as "non-GMO" soy. Gardenburger Inc. is the only food company among the major veggie burger producers to make such a commitment to consumers.

"Feedback from our customers and several national studies demonstrate a strong consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients," said Jim Linford, Interim President and CEO of Gardenburger. "Our company has always been known for making products that consumers feel good about eating. As the leader and the last remaining major independent manufacturer in our category, we're responding by making the choice of non-GMO soy available to consumers who want it."

Soybeans have attracted considerable attention because more than half of the current domestic crop is planted with genetically modified seed, increasing the likelihood that soy products on store shelves contain these altered beans. A 1999 poll by Time magazine showed that 58 percent of consumers would not buy genetically modified products if they were labeled as such. The impact is significant with soy burgers, a popular convenience product made almost entirely of soy.

Three manufacturers account for approximately 89 percent of the soy burgers sold in grocery stores in the United States: Gardenburger, Boca Burger from the Kraft division of Philip Morris, and the Morningstar Farms brand from Kellogg.

To ensure that the soy used in Gardenburger products is not genetically modified, the company is requiring its suppliers to certify that the entire supply -- from the seed through the manufacturing process -- meets strict non-GMO standards. In addition, Gardenburger randomly tests its raw materials as well as its finished product.

Gardenburger makes several varieties of great tasting soy-based products, including Gardenburger Flame GrilledÔ Hamburger Style and Chik'N Grill, a new chicken-like filet. These Gardenburger products carry a prominent "Made from Non-GMO Soybeans" label. The newly produced and packaged products will begin shipping to grocers immediately and will be widely available on grocery store shelves starting mid-February.

Founded in 1985, Gardenburger Inc. is an independent company that distributes its Gardenburger® products to more than 35,000 foodservice outlets throughout the United States and Canada. Retail customers include more than 30,000 grocery, natural food and club stores. Based in Portland, Ore., the company employs approximately 200 people.

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