Survey Shows Parents are Looking for More Organic Choices for Their Kids Ragu(R) Launches New Line of Organic Sauces ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtually all parents (96 percent) recently surveyed by Ragu(R) believe good eating habits are formed during childhood. However, more than half (53 percent) struggle on a daily basis with the challenges of getting their kids to say "yes" to a serving of vegetables. One of America's favorite brands, Ragu, has simplified that task by introducing a delicious new line of organic sauces. Ragu Organic Sauces are 100 percent natural, certified organic and are available in three flavor varieties -- Traditional, Garden Veggie and Cheese. All contain a full serving of fresh tasting organic vegetables in every 1/2 cup serving of sauce. Since most kids prefer their pasta sauces smooth rather than chunky, all the sauces are smooth and delicious. "We understand that today's parents are concerned with their kids' eating habits more than ever," said Jill Denison, Director, Ragu. "As a result, parents need nutritious food options that their kids will eat and enjoy. Serving Ragu Organic will help appease the often picky appetites of children while helping your kids eat well." The entire line of Ragu Organic Sauces is certified organic under the strict guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is approved to carry the USDA seal on its label. Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food. "I prefer to buy organic as much as possible, but as a working mom of two highly active kids, I don't always have the time to shop at organic markets. With Ragu Organic sauces now in my local supermarket, I can easily make nutritious meal choices for my family," said Barbara Albright R.D., Nutritionist and food author. "As a nutritionist, I applaud Ragu for introducing this smart and nutritious organic product. As a mom, I'm thrilled because my kids get their veggies in each serving -- it's a win-win with no mealtime whining!" In the "Healthy Eating" survey, parents of children under the age of 13 were asked about their feelings on their kids' eating habits. Forty-two percent say that getting their kids to eat vegetables is always a challenge and more than two-thirds (68 percent) of those surveyed wish more major food companies would offer organic selections. Seventy-five percent of moms say that pasta and tomato sauce is one of their kids' favorite meals. Of the current organic foods available, 44 percent of the parents surveyed said they occasionally buy organic, while 12 percent say they buy organic when the choice is available. Fourteen percent stated they want to make a concerted effort to buy more organic foods for their families. As a testament to how people feel about the importance of organic foods in their diets, 60 percent said they would be willing to pay more for organic food selections. Eighty-one percent feel the USDA Organic Certification is either very important (38 percent) or somewhat important (43 percent). Ragu Organic Sauces are available in the pasta sauce aisle at all major grocery stores. Average retail price is $2.79 for a 1lb 10oz (737g) jar of sauce. For delicious recipes and ways to use Ragu Organic Sauces, consumers are encouraged to visit http://www.ragu.com/. The "Healthy Eating" survey of 1,763 adult men and women was conducted by Impulse Research Corporation in March 2005. The random sample closely matches the U.S. population demographics. The sampling error is +/- 2.5% at the 95% level of confidence. About Unilever Unilever [NYSE: UL, UN], one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 150 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life. In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Eternity by Calvin Klein, Hellmann's, Lipton, Knorr, Popsicle, Promise, Q-tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of Unilever. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever in the United States employs more than 15,000 people in 74 office and manufacturing sites in 24 states and Puerto Rico -- generating approximately $10 billion in sales in 2004. For more information visit http://www.unilever.com/. Contact: Laura Springer/Ofer Erenfeld Weber Shandwick 212-445-8174/212-445-8172 DATASOURCE: Ragu CONTACT: Laura Springer, +1-212-445-8174, , or Ofer Erenfeld, +1-212-445-8172, , both of Weber Shandwick, for Ragu Web site: http://www.ragu.com/ http://www.unilever.com/

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