PLAINVILLE, N.Y., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- A joint venture between Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. and The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: HAIN) today announced the launch of Kosher Valley(TM), a new complete line of certified kosher antibiotic-free (ABF), vegetarian fed and humanely raised all-natural chicken and turkey products. The Kosher Valley brand leverages the experience of longtime leaders in the ABF poultry category and unlike most kosher poultry companies, will focus exclusively on ABF poultry.

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Unlike conventionally raised kosher poultry, they are fed a diet of pure corn and soybeans that is free of animal by-products. The chickens and turkeys are humanely raised with room to roam and ready access to vegetarian feed and fresh water at all times. All Kosher Valley products are certified by Rabbi Yechiel Babad and the Orthodox Union and produced in Plainville, New York.

"Because we leverage the knowledge and expertise of some of the leading pioneers in ABF poultry, Kosher Valley offers a history of consistent quality to discerning retailers and consumers," said Joseph A. DePippo, President of Kosher Valley. "We also believe that customers appreciate the unwavering quality we can offer, because of our sole commitment to antibiotic-free kosher, rather than offering ABF as a sideline."

The kosher market has been growing at the rate of approximately 15% annually, according to the Food Marketing Institute. This growth appears to be coming from a new group of consumers who say that they believe kosher products hold a higher mark of safety than non-kosher items, as reported in a 2006 research study by Mintel International Group. Kosher Valley maintains high safety standards and takes great pride in delivering quality products to its consumers.

"Since our turkeys and chickens are raised on a pure vegetarian diet, we can offer clean and great tasting kosher poultry to the marketplace. Kosher Valley provides unmatched quality and the price value opportunity that retailers and consumers have been looking for," concluded Joe DePippo.

Poultry that is raised on vegetarian diets with no antibiotics and room to roam is naturally flavorful with a taste that has been described as both clean and old-fashioned. Kosher Valley Turkey offers a full line of fresh and frozen whole young turkeys, as well as a variety of tray packs, including ground turkey. Kosher Valley Chicken offers a complete line of tray pack chicken as well as fresh or frozen chicken in four sizes.

Kosher Valley products will be available at Whole Foods Market and other select retailers beginning the week of July 6, 2009.

Pegasus Capital Advisors

Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. is a private equity fund manager with offices in New York and Cos Cob, CT. Founded in 1995, Pegasus provides capital to middle market companies across a wide range of industries, and has particular interest in businesses that make a meaningful contribution to society by positively affecting the environment, contributing to sustainability and enabling healthy living. For more information, visit www.pcalp.com.

The Hain Celestial Group

The Hain Celestial Group (Nasdaq: HAIN), headquartered in Melville, NY, is a leading natural and organic food and personal care products company in North America and Europe. Hain Celestial participates in almost all natural categories with well-known brands that include Celestial Seasonings(R), Terra(R), Garden of Eatin'(R), Health Valley(R), WestSoy(R), Earth's Best(R), Arrowhead Mills(R), MaraNatha(R), SunSpire(R), DeBoles(R), Gluten Free Cafe(TM), Hain Pure Foods(R), Hollywood(R), Spectrum Naturals(R), Spectrum Essentials(R), Walnut Acres Organic(R), Imagine(R), Rice Dream(R), Soy Dream(R), Rosetto(R), Ethnic Gourmet(R), Yves Veggie Cuisine(R), Granose(R), Realeat(R), Linda McCartney(R), Daily Bread(TM), Lima(R), Grains Noirs(R), Natumi(R), JASON(R), Zia(R) Natural Skincare, Avalon Organics(R), Alba Botanica(R), Queen Helene(R), Tushies(R) and TenderCare(R). Hain Celestial has been providing "A Healthy Way of Life(TM)" since 1993. For more information, visit www.hain-celestial.com.

SOURCE Kosher Valley

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