"research Says Functional Beverages Are The Sector To Watch At Fancy Food Show: Projection Poises New Hank's Gourmet Infusions Line For Strong Growth"

PHILADELPHIA, PA - January 8, 2009 -- On January 18 - 20, thousands of vendors will pack into the MosconeCenter in San Francisco for the 34th Annual Winter Fancy Food Show. With more than 250,000 products from 81 countries on exhibit, visitors will find navigating this year's hot trends difficult. That's why Hank's Gourmet Beverages advises visitors to note this year's market sector to watch is Functional Beverages.

According to Natural Specialty Foods, functional beverages are the hottest sector in the new age beverage category to date. In fact, The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) reports, beverage functionality is the fastest growing global sector in functional foods industry today. Consumers are thirsting for beverages with benefits. The IFT projects functional beverage sales to reach $34 billion by 2010.

For Hank's Gourmet Beverages, this is exciting news. The Trevose, PA-based beverage manufacturer, recently launched its first functional beverage line called Hank's Gourmet Infusions. Since its release, this line is receiving rave reviews from distributors, retailers and customers alike.

As an early adopter of this trend, Hank's Beverage Company really delivers. Its Gourmet Infusions line not only meets consumer demand for beverages that taste good and are good for them, but that are also infused with Vitamins B12, C, and E (sourced exclusively from all natural fruits and vegetables); calcium (from skim milk and cream), the powerful antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) from green tea extract, and more. Moreover, according to the IFT more than 60 percent of consumers want Vitamin C infused beverages, 49 percent want Calcium, 46 percent want Vitamin B and 33 percent desire antioxidants and Vitamin E.

Hank's Gourmet Infusions line of sparkling beverages comes in four unique flavors appealing to palettes both young and old. Its Berry and Green Apple are reminiscent of popular hard candy flavors, while its Orange Cream and Root Beer Float respectively re-create the sensation of many baby boomers' favorite treats: the Creamsicle� Pops, and the ice cream/root beer float.

To maintain the authenticity of these traditional flavors and to create a sweet treat that is healthy, Hank's has infused all natural ingredients only, including real sugar, skim milk and small amount of cream. Combined with its light carbonation, these sparkling gourmet beverages deliver a refreshing taste with a rich texture that appeal to kids and parents alike.

About Hank's Beverage Company
Privately held, Hank's Beverage Company originated as a beverage distributor with industry roots dating back more than 40 years. In 1996, the company launched its flagship gourmet product: Hank's Root Beer, which was heartily adopted by Philadelphia and surrounding area restaurants. As consumer demand grew, Hank's distribution expanded to include more and higher quality restaurants and chains, delis, grocery stores, and hotels.

In 2006, the company introduced its new upscale, proprietary 12-ounce glass bottle packaging that included raised oval panels displaying a metalized, embossed body and gold medallion style neck label. Hank has redesigned the package to highlight the quality of the soda line. The packaging also won praises of the industry, earning Hank's the coveted Glass Packaging Institute's Clear Choice Award in 2007.

Today, Hank's Beverage Company is a national manufacturer with distribution in more than 40 states. Sales of its gourmet sodas are particularly strong on the East and West coasts and in the Mid-west.

To learn more about Hank's Beverage Company, receive samples and/or schedule an interview with Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Bill Dunman, contact Renee Coop