990526 Soy-Based Boca Burger Asks: Y2Soy?

Chicago - Chicago-based Boca Burger, Inc. is asking 1999 Food Marketing Institute (FMI) attendees at McCormick Place, "Y2Soy?" And the answer is simple. Because soy may be one of the most important foods of the new millennium.

"As we move closer toward the Year 2000, more and more Americans are discovering the benefits of soy-based products," says Katie Torres, vice president of marketing for Boca Burger, Inc. "Partly, it's because the new generation of soy products, like our meatless Boca Burgers, really tastes delicious. Also, it's the realization that adding soy to your diet is one of the healthiest choices a person can make.

Western scientists have discovered that soy is not just a cholesterol-free alternative to animal proteins; it's also an important component to a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tentatively concluded, based on the scientific evidence in more than 50 studies, that 25 grams of soy protein incorporated into a daily diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. In an effort to make it easier for consumers to understand and realize the benefits of soy, the FDA is expected to approve a health claim for soy products suggesting their role in reducing the risk of heart disease. "Like they did upon hearing heart-healthy news about oat bran a few years back, more consumers than ever will be looking for ways to incorporate soy protein into their diets," says Torres. "That's where Boca Burger comes in.

"Boca Burger products offer simple and delicious ways for consumers to enjoy the health benefits of soy protein. And let's face it, food products have to taste good and they have to be convenient," she says. "And now, with the introduction of three great-tasting new products, Boca Burger makes it even simpler and more delicious for consumers to add soy to their diets," Torres said.

New Boca Burger product introductions include: The Original Boca Breakfast Patties(TM), The Original Boca Breakfast(TM) Links, and The Original Ground Boca Burger(r) Recipe Basics(TM).

"We're reinventing breakfast," says Torres. "Now, health-conscious consumers can replace traditional breakfast meats with Boca Breakfast Patties and Links," she adds.

Boca Breakfast Patties and Links are great tasting, all natural, and completely meatless. Made of high quality soy and wheat protein, they have the same delicious taste and texture of traditional breakfast sausage, without the guilt. Boca Breakfast Patties and Links contain no cholesterol, are low in fat and calories (only 3 grams of fat per serving), and offer the better-for-you fiber and protein benefits of soy. Conveniently pre-baked, Boca Breakfast Patties are available in 8 oz. packages of 6 patties, and Boca Breakfast Links are available in 8 oz. packages of 10 links. They come individually quick frozen and packaged in an inner-wrapped freshness tray to preserve their great taste.

"Like our flagship Boca Burger products, our new Ground Boca Burger Recipe Basics tastes, looks, and cooks so much like ground beef, no one will believe it's meatless," says Torres. Made of high quality soy protein from Boca Burger's #1 selling Vegan formula, Ground Boca Burger Recipe Basics is fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in calories (70 per half-cup serving). It's fully cooked and pre-seasoned, making it simple to use in place of ground beef in everyone's favorite pasta, chili, taco or even lasagna recipes. Boca Burger Recipe Basics is available in frozen, convenient, resealable 12 oz. bags.

Retail prices for all three delicious new products will range from $3.09 and $3.29.

According to Boca Burger, Inc., the new product introductions will be supported by national print advertising; a national public relations initiative; and a consumer promotions plan that includes recipe dissemination, dedicated dollar-off FSIs, in-store sampling and couponing, and direct-mail. Boca Burger products are also supported by the company's website at www.bocaburger.com.

In addition to their new product offerings, Boca Burger distributes three varieties of its 2.5-ounce Boca Burger product, including the Vegan Original, Hint of Fresh Garlic and Chef Max's Favorite with real cheddar cheese. According to the latest information, Boca Burger holds three of the top four meatless burger spots in the natural food channel, including the No. 1 position.*

Boca Burger, Inc. was founded in 1993 by a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based natural food restaurateur who saw the need for a great-tasting meatless hamburger alternative. In February 1997, the company was acquired by a group of private investors that is aggressively expanding distribution nationwide.

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