Beech-Nut Offers Free Food for Babies Born on January 1, 2009

LATHAM, N.Y., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Every day in the United States, approximately 10,000 babies are born. On January, 1 2009, Beech-Nut will help thousands of these growing families across the country welcome their babies into the world by offering coupons for free baby food to ring in the New Year. Parents of 2009 New Year's babies can go to http://www.beechnut.com for more information on how to get their New Year's Baby coupons for free Beech-Nut foods.

"Beech-Nut is excited to help families kick off an all-natural New Year," said Christoph Rudolf, president and CEO of Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation. "We know the real gift is the new addition to the family, and giving parents a head start on their New Year's Resolution to feed their baby right is our part in their celebration."

In addition to Beech-Nut's offer to all babies born in the United States this New Year's Day, the first baby born in the following 17 cities will receive free Beech-Nut products, from infant through toddler-hood, a $500 value: Seattle, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, San Antonio, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Charlotte, Tampa, Albany, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Orlando, Raleigh, San Francisco, and Sacramento.

Babies Need Good Nutrition Habits Too!

Moms may also consider "providing good baby nutrition" on their New Year's resolutions list this year. To help meet her resolution, the Beech-Nut Corporation has pledged to provide mom with the most nutritious foods to support the healthy development of infants and toddlers through its new platform "Beech-Nut Advancing Nutrition."

"With their baby's diet being on the forefront of mom's minds," said Rudolf. "Beech-Nut can proudly say we already provide the right nutrition for baby so we can ease that extra worry in mom's day."

Beech-Nut(R) Advancing Nutrition

The "Beech-Nut(R) Advancing Nutrition" initiative involves new product innovations and nutrition education as well as strict standards for infant and toddler food, including the following three pillars:

-- All natural: all natural ingredients, no added refined sugar, no artificial colors or flavors, no artificial preservatives, no trans fats, no modified starches, and no harsh spices.

-- Essential nutrition: A balanced ratio of protein, carbohydrates and fats for optimum nutrition, along with the enrichment of vitamins and minerals as needed for healthy development.

-- Proactive nutrition: Enhanced benefits to support brain and eye development, and digestive health, including nutrients such as DHA omega-3 and prebiotics.

Nutrition Education

The Beech-Nut Institute for Infant Nutrition has a mission of researching science and educating on Nutrition. It is supported by an Advisory Board composed of leaders in the fields of pediatric nutrition research, food science, infant and toddler dietetics, and pediatrics. They advise Beech-Nut on new developments in nutrition and the best practices for feeding infants and toddlers.

The launch of Beech-Nut Advancing Nutrition is part of the company's historic and ongoing commitment to innovation in infant and toddler nutrition. More information can be found at http://www.beechnut.com.

About Beech-Nut

Since 1931, Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation has been built on a history of innovation and dedication to infant nutrition. Headquartered in Latham, New York, Beech-Nut is the number two leading baby food brand in the United States and is committed to deliver more nutritious choices for parents and babies. As a subsidiary of Hero Group of Lenzburg, Switzerland, a global leader in consumer goods and infant feeding, Beech-Nut is able to combine resources to continuously improve food and nutrition for infants.

For information contact: Ann Balsamo, 314.552.6723 Abalsamo@webershandwick.com Michelle Riley, 312.988.2109 Mriley@webershandwick.com

Beech-Nut

CONTACT: Ann Balsamo, +1-314-552-6723, Abalsamo@webershandwick.com , or
Michelle Riley, +1-312-988-2109, Mriley@webershandwick.com , both for
Beech-Nut

Web site: http://www.beechnut.com/