For Immediate Release

And they said it couldn’t be done:   FoodTech International Inc. launches meatless hot dogs and sausages that deliver great taste, texture and healthy benefits under the Veggie Patch™ brand.

All-Natural Simply the Best Veggie Dogs™, Simply the Best

Jumbo Dogs™ and Veggie Patch™ Gourmet Sausages

  Add New Sizzle to the Meatless Category

NEW HAVEN, CT – APRIL 26, 2006 – Vegetarians and healthy eaters alike have not one but five new, delicious reasons to fire up the grill this summer: All-natural Simply the Best Veggie Dogs™, Simply the Best Jumbo Dogs™ and Veggie Patch™ Gourmet Sausages in three flavors.   All are made by FoodTech International Inc. of New Haven , Connecticut — a leading provider of meatless premium prepared lunch, dinner and snack foods.

This isn’t just a product launch.   It’s a breakthrough. Until now, consumers have had to sacrifice texture and taste to get a healthy meatless alternative.   Although there are a number of other meatless hotdog and sausage products on the market, Simply the Best Veggie Dogs™, Simply the Best Jumbo Dogs™ and Gourmet Sausages are the first that are true to the meat versions. They offer rich flavor, a good, firm “bite” and color.   No more cardboard taste, no more mushy texture and no more anemic coloring. And yet they’re still all-natural, lower in fat (up to 60% lower), contain no transfats, little or no cholesterol and no nitrates.   Finally, consumers don’t have to lower their expectations to get a healthy alternative.

“We set out to prove that you can create healthy, meatless hotdogs and sausages that deliver the same taste and texture, the same eating experience, as their meat counterparts,” says FoodTech International Inc. founder Eli Soglowek. “It took some doing. We wanted to be sure we got it right so we took our time and worked closely with consumers to perfect the balance of flavors, spices and texture.”

FoodTech International Inc. also relied on independent testing to make sure Simply the Best Veggie Dogs™ and Simply the Best Jumbo Dogs™ in particular would pass muster with the market.   According to taste and texture tests conducted by Cornell University , a full 80% of 100 respondents preferred Simply the Best Veggie Dogs™ and Simply the Best Jumbo Dogs™ over the two leading competitors.   In fact, FoodTech International Inc. is so confident that they’ve finally created a satisfying vegetarian hot dog that they’re offering a money-back guarantee right on the package.

“Of course, the real test is the kids,” observes Soglowek.   “Mom’s can steam or microwave a Simply the Best Veggie Dog the same way you would a regular hot dog, put it in a bun and it will fool even the pickiest child.”

All-Natural Veggie Patch™ Gourmet Sausages give consumers a meatless alternative to popular chicken, turkey and other meat-based sausages that feature fancy flavors and ingredients.   The new Veggie Patch™ Gourmet Sausages are available in Sun-dried Tomato & Artichoke, Jalapeno Cheese and Spiced Apple varieties.

As with the Simply the Best Veggie Dogs, the sausages grill, fry and microwave like their traditional counterparts.   But they have 60% less fat, no trans fat, very little or no cholesterol (the Jalapeno Cheese variety has 5mg from real cheese) and are nitrate-free.   They can be enjoyed as a main entrée; sliced up and used as a pizza topping or in pasta dishes; or as an adult hot dog.   Just place it in a bun and add your favorite mustard, chutney or relish.

Simply the Best Veggie Hot Dogs™, Simply the Best Jumbo Hot Dogs™ and Veggie Patch™ Gourmet Sausages are now available in mainstream supermarkets and healthy food stores from coast to coast.   Simply the Best Veggie Hot Dogs™ are in packages of five, Simply the Best Jumbo Hot Dogs™ come in a package of four and they both retail for an MSRP of $2.99 per package. All 3 flavors of   Veggie Patch™ Gourmet Sausages come in packages of four and retail for an MSRP of $3.49 per package.