Down to Earth Launches ALL VEGETARIAN Preferred Brand Program

Honolulu, HI (March 10, 2010) -- Down to Earth ALL VEGETARIAN Organic & Natural has launched a new program that gives preferred treatment to ALL VEGETARIAN brands that meet stringent criteria to set them apart from other products.

To be recognized as an "ALL VEGETARIAN Preferred Brand" at Down to Earth, the manufacturer must exclude meat and meat-based ingredients from their entire product range, and make them from natural, organic, and GMO-free ingredients.

"The goal of the program is to advance the widespread adoption of a vegetarian diet by encouraging more vendors to become ALL VEGETARIAN," says Mark Fergusson, Down to Earth's Chief Vegetarian Officer. "Down to Earth believes that the single most important thing an individual can do for their health, for the environment, and for the sake of the innocent animals is to adopt a vegetarian diet. There are a small number of natural foods and natural products manufacturers that have made the laudable decision to be ALL VEGETARIAN. Down to Earth seeks to support and recognize those businesses."

Fergusson said brands that meet the company's stringent set of criteria will be awarded a special “ALL VEGETARIAN Preferred Brand” logo to help increase consumer awareness of them.

Preferred Brands will be given preferential in-store product positioning and preferential product promotion in marketing communications (website, flyer, newsletter, special sales, etc.).

Elaborating on the stringent criteria required for Preferred Brand status, Fergusson explained that the brands must be:

1. ALL VEGETARIAN. The manufacturer must make a conscious choice to be ALL VEGETARIAN; all of their products must be ALL VEGETARIAN (contain no meat, fish, fowl, eggs, or ingredients from slaughtered animals).
2. Natural. All products must be natural, without artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or additives, and products must be minimally processed.
3. GMO-free. All products must be GMO-free, preferably verified by the Non-GMO Project: http://www.nongmoproject.org/retailers/understanding-our-seal/
4. Organic. Brands must be using at least some organic ingredients, and preferably be all-organic.

Fergusson says some of the industry's best-known brands meet these criteria and are Down to Earth's first ALL VEGETARIAN Preferred Brands:

Amy’s: In 1988, Andy and Rachel Berliner didn’t set out to create the nation’s leading natural frozen food brand. They simply wanted to make delicious, convenient vegetarian meals that they enjoy and share them with other busy families. Twenty two years later, Amy's sells over 170 delicious items to satisfy all tastes. http://www.amys.com

Dr. Bronner's: Classic liquid and bar soaps certified under the USDA National Organic Program and also certified Fair Trade! Product line includes a new range of high-quality organic products, from hair rinses to shaving gels – all certified under the same USDA program that certifies organic foods. http://www.drbronner.com

Field Roast: Started in 1997 when Chef David Lee combined the traditional idea of Buddhist food "Mien Ching" with bold European flavors. Field Roast now makes an exceptional line of vegetarian grain meats that includes roasts, deli meats, sausages, etc. http://www.fieldroast.com

Follow Your Heart: Brand name for a line of vegetarian, all-natural sandwich spreads, soy cheeses, veggie meats, and salad dressings. Well known for its Vegenaise® product, the best all-natural, refrigerator-fresh, eggless mayonnaise. http://www.followyourheart.com

Food for Life: Products include breads, buns, English muffins, pocket breads, cereals and pastas, among others. Special product categories, ingredients and processes include: organic, flourless, sprouted grain, high fiber, wheat-free, gluten-free, low sodium, unsweetened, fruit juice sweetened, dairy-free, low fat, and yeast-free baked goods. http://www.foodforlife.com

Hugo Naturals: As a former chef, Hugo Saavedra is passionate about finding the best, most unusual ingredients and combining them in unique and exciting ways. Hugo Naturals handcrafts over 100 different vegan and all-natural body care products, including soaps, lotions, shower gels, scrubs, hair care, and more. www.hugonaturals.com

Road's End Organics: Products include organic and dairy-free Mac & Cheese® pasta dinners as alternatives to some of America's most popular comfort foods. Products are soy-free, nut-free, vegan, trans fat-free and cholesterol-free. http://www.edwardandsons.com/reo_info.itml

Turtle Island: At Turtle Island Foods, Tofurky® and tempeh products are created to promote the health and vitality of both the people and the ecosystems of our "island" home. http://www.tofurky.com

VegLife®: Started in 1992, the VegLife® brand is committed to helping create a compassionate world by providing premium quality dietary supplements that are 100% free of animal by-products. VegLife also offers a great-tasting line of Peaceful Planet® protein drink mixes using soy, organic sprouted brown rice, pea and hemp proteins! www.veglife.com

Wai Lana: Wai Lana offers all-natural supplements, body care products and a line of delicious healthy snacks. The Wai Lana line includes natural health, fitness, and beauty products that are practical and effective as well as beautiful and inspiring. Wai Lana also provides yoga and Pilates products for both adults and children. http://www.wailana.com