Nutrinova and Ceapro Inc. announce an exclusive world-wide distribution agreement

08-13-2001: Nutrinova and the Canadian oat technology company, Ceapro Inc. (CDNX: CZO), have jointly signed a global distribution agreement for Ceapro's beta-glucan and oat ingredients. The agreement states that Nutrinova will assume the world-wide sales and marketing of beta-glucan products in the food and nutraceutical industries. Additionally, Nutrinova and Ceapro will strengthen their cooperation in research and development by developing other dietary fiber products containing glucan together. The agreement will open up the rapidly growing market for health food for both partners. The products will be marketed under Nutrinova's brand names – yet to be announced - in the food and nutrition industries.

Beta-glucan is the soluble fiber component extracted from oat grain, using Ceapro's patented technology and has several proven health benefits. Ceapro's beta-glucan is currently used in high quality cosmetic products and human/animal pharmaceutical products.

"In the rapidly changing world of specialized food ingredients, functional foods and nutraceuticals, leading companies must constantly develop or access new highly functional material to offer increased value to their customers world-wide. We see this strategic alliance with Ceapro as an important step to develop significant new high-value applications. This partnership supports our strategy to expand our business into the area of healthy foodstuffs and dietary fibers and complements our recently launched healthy insoluble fiber, Caromax™," said Dr. Arthur Steinmetz, CEO and President of Nutrinova.

Douglas Clement, Ceapro's Vice President Business Development added, "Ceapro is very pleased with this global agreement with Nutrinova. This is a tremendous launch for Ceapro's high value oat fiber products, a field in which we have invested millions of dollars in R&D and leading edge patented processes. This joint effort will benefit both companies and Ceapro is delighted to have Nutrinova as a long-term marketing and development partner".