JUICE PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION BROADENS MEMBERSHIP INTO JAMS, JELLIES, PRESERVES AND FRUIT SPREADS

WASHINGTON, DC (March 4, 2005) – The Juice Products Association (JPA), headquartered in Washington, D.C., recently welcomed members of the International Jelly & Preserve Association (IJPA) into their fold. According to Rick Kress of Northland Cranberries and Chair of JPA, "With the current membership and industry representation, the Association further solidifies its position as a leading representative of the fruit and juice industry both domestically and internationally."

Formed in 2003 with the integration of the National Juice Products Association and the Processed Apples Institute, JPA is the trade association for the fruit and juice products industry. Members include juice processors, packers, extractors, brokers as well as marketers of fruit juices and vegetable juices and juice beverages. The recent integration with IJPA has broadened JPA’s scope to include the interests of those involved in the manufacture of jams, jellies, preserves and fruit spreads as well as the suppliers to this industry.

IJPA was founded in 1898 and was comprised of 32 member companies in the fruit spread and Concord grape industries. Under the umbrella of JPA, the interests of former IJPA members will continue to be served by separate Fruit Spread and Concord Grape sections. For more information on JPA, visit www.juiceproducts.org.

According to Ross Elkin of Welch’s, a JPA member and former Chair of the International Jelly & Preserve Association, "JPA provides representation and important information for fruit processors with interests in not just the juice category but other fruit products as well. JPA is clearly the leading organization for the fruit processing industry."

With this most recent move, JPA will serve as an even stronger voice for the fruit processing industry and will continue to serve its members and their consumers in the areas of business practices, technology, trade, legislative and regulatory affairs, research, and the promotion of high, uniform standards both within the United States and abroad.

JPA is managed by the Kellen Company, an association management company with offices worldwide (www.kellencompany.com).