Hemp Foods Will "Strut Their Stuff" at Natural Product Expo West
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael LeBel, 207-563-7695, mic@planetfriendlypr.com
March 3rd, 2004
Hemp Foods Will "Strut Their Stuff" at Natural Product Expo West
The Hemp Food Industry is Energized After Federal Court Rejects Proposed Ban on Hemp Foods
Portland, Maine - The hemp food industry is in a celebratory mood. On February 6th, 2004 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit permanently blocked Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations that would effectively ban hemp foods. Out of the shadow of inappropriate regulations, several natural food hemp food companies will educate Expo attendees about their nutritious products under the banner of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) at the Natural Products Expo West show in Anaheim, California March 4-7.
"The court decision clears up a false "drug" stigma about hemp foods and eliminates regulatory uncertainty for consumers and for hemp industry farmers, manufacturers, retailers and investors," says Arthur Hanks, Executive Director of the CHTA. "This is a huge boost to the hemp food market, and so we will have a "celebration of liberation" on display at this year's Expo West."
Hemp foods are gaining more and more recognition from nutrition experts due to their high concentration of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids, strong digestible protein profile, soluble and insoluble fiber content, and their host of vitamins and minerals. Chefs and consumers are enjoying hemp because of its pleasant nutty flavor. Shoppers can now discover a wide range of products at leading health food stores.
"People are learning that hemp seed foods are tasty powerhouses of health and nutrition," says Hanks. "Expo West is an excellent showcase for the industry."
Expo West is the natural product industry's largest event, featuring more than 1,500 exhibitors and 50,000 products in a space covering 239,000 square feet. Several CHTA members including Ruth's Hemp Foods, Hemp Oil Canada, Fuel Bar, Farmer Direct Management and Midlake Specialty Food Products will display their foods and services at Expo West at CHTA booths # 4105 and #4828. Other CHTA members have their own booths, including Nature's Path Foods (#3845), Nutiva (#1896), Alpsnack (#2884), French Meadow Bakery (#3848), Living Harvest (at Mega Food #1833) and Manitoba Harvest (#4115).
DIVERSE & DELICIOUS HEMP FOODS
Hemp is a delicious, versatile and healthy ingredient in a wide range of products and recipes. Examples include: vegetarian Omega-Burgers from Ruth's; bread from French Meadow Bakery; granola cereal from Nature's Path; hemp coffee from Hemp Oil Canada; oil and salad dressings from Hempola; Hempower raw whole-food bars from Living Harvest Conscious Nutrition; hemp/almond/fruit bars from Alpsnack; non-dairy frozen desserts and energy cookies from Cool Hemp; Natural Endurance Bars from Fuel; Organic Protein Powder from Nutiva; and hemp seed nut from Manitoba Harvest. Companies offering both hempseed and hemp oil include Hemp Oil Canada, Living Harvest, Manitoba Harvest, Nutiva, and Ruth's Hemp Foods.
Hemp's emerald green oil and sesame-like seeds have a "nutty" flavor that means that taste does not have to be compromised for health. The nutty taste helps to make hemp foods such as oil and seed nut easy to incorporate in popular foods such as pasta, veggies, sauces, dips and smoothies. The fact that hemp does not need pesticides or herbicides to thrive is an added environmental bonus.
The Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA), was formed in 2003 to help the emerging industry continue to grow and expand into new markets. The CHTA is composed of farmers, processors, marketers, and researchers from across Canada and the United States. Its inaugural activities were made possible with the support of Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada.
For more information about hemp foods and the CHTA please contact Arthur Hanks at (306) 757-HEMP, or Michael LeBel, 1-207-563-7695.
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For membership inquiries and other information about CHTA/ACCC please contact:
Arthur Hanks
Executive Director, CHTA
Tel: (306) 757-HEMP (4367), Fax: (306) 757-4365
Email: arthur@hemptrade.ca
Web: http://www.hemptrade.ca
