News Release
July 26, 2004

Blackcurrant And Propolis Combination Has New Zealand Researchers Excited

Research undertaken by Crop & Food Research, and funded by Comvita Limited, has found that blackcurrant and propolis have exceptional antioxidant or free radical scavenging activity as well as other potential health benefits.

Lincoln-based Health and Nutrition team member at Crop & Food Research, Scientist Dr Carolyn Lister, says blackcurrant and propolis extracts have incredibly high antioxidant activity, being much higher than commonly consumed fruits or vegetables.

“Our research also confirmed that propolis, and to some extent blackcurrant, have immune-supporting activity,” says Lister.

One particular study by Crop & Food Research showed that “while all the fruit extracts studied had remarkably high antioxidant activity levels…blackcurrant had the highest”.

Crop & Food Research’s findings come as no surprise to Comvita who have long known about the immune-supporting characteristics of propolis, one of its flagbearer products, and have long suspected that red-pigmented berries like blackcurrants contain superior health benefits. Blackcurrants have four times the vitamin C content of oranges. Since ancient times, the berries of the blackcurrant have been made into a syrup and digested for their soothing properties for throats and support for winter ills.

Spurred on by the research findings, in a departure from manufacturing and marketing its usual honey-based products, Comvita has launched Blackcurrant & Propolis as part of a new range of antioxidants. Other products in the range include Selenium, one of the most powerful antioxidant nutrients, and Selenium ACE, a broad spectrum antioxidant.

Comvita’s own research and development team say it makes perfect sense combining blackcurrant and propolis into one antioxidant and immune-supporting supplement.

“Our Blackcurrant & Propolis tablets combine blackcurrant with the finest quality New Zealand propolis,” says Denise Elliott, Comvita’s technical manager.

“We have combined these two powerful antioxidants into a tasty, chewable tablet suitable for the whole family,” she says.

“Studies of the health benefits of berries such as blackcurrants, blueberries and bilberries have confirmed their high antioxidant activity. There’s good evidence to support claims that these fruits have a whole range of health benefits that include high antioxidant activity, and that they support healthy circulation and capillary strength.”

Elliott says the attraction of berry fruits is they have particularly high concentrations of biochemical compounds that appear to have a variety of functions and are full of nutrients.

“Studies of propolis have shown it has a supporting effect on many aspects of the complex immune regulatory system.”

Selenium, the second product in Comvita’s new antioxidant range, is an essential trace element found in the sea and soil but often deficient in the latter. It’s recognised as one of the most powerful antioxidant nutrients. Selenium ACE with zinc, the third product in the range, contains mixed carotenoids sourced from natural marine algae. A broad spectrum antioxidant, it provides cellular protection for the body.

END

News Release
August 27, 2004

Comvita Secures First Export Order From China

Natural health products company Comvita Limited has secured its first export order from China. The order contributed to a record $3 million sales month in June.

Comvita staff celebrated the record month with a mystery “big day out” to the Whale Rider show at the Auckland Civic Theatre this week.

The June sales order was included in the company’s recent half year net profit announcement says Scott Coulter, Comvita Sales and Marketing Manager.

“The contract is a major achievement for Comvita. China Duty Free Group is the leading company within China’s duty free industry, responsible for over 200 duty free outlets and ranking among the world’s top 20 duty free operators.”

Comvita is one of around 30 world brand suppliers selected to attend the annual China Duty Free Group Trade Fare in Dalian next month. Graeme Boyd, Comvita CEO and Scott Coulter will launch the Comvita product range at the event.

The six figure order included Bee Propolis products, prized by many of Comvita’s Asian customers for its high antioxidant levels and to help as an immune builder. Manuka honey which is fast gaining a worldwide reputation for its powerful unique antibacterial qualities also features highly together with a selection of natural health products from the Comvita range.

China Duty Free Group has developed an impressive reputation by providing customers with quality, world-class goods and services, says Coulter.

“The Duty Free stores enable superb brand positioning for Comvita as we enter this vast market for the first time. They provide a fitting retail outlet for premium branded high quality goods.”

This is confirmed by Comvita Asia’s regional manager, Sam Tsoi, who is responsible for sales growth and distribution in Asia.

“China holds great potential for Comvita with new openings in the market due to rapid growth in the country’s middle class. China Duty Free Group also taps into the wider Asian and global market by serving international tourists.”

Exporting product to China continues Comvita’s expansion into Asia. The company has offices in Japan and Hong Kong; and has recently opened a branch office in Taiwan. Comvita has won numerous export and business awards, including the 2003 New Zealand Trade & Industry Consumer products Exporter of the Year Award.

Only last year Comvita staff enjoyed a day out in Crazy Catz Adventure Park, Taupo when the company achieved a $2 million sales month.
END

For further information contact: Scott Coulter 07-533-1426
or email Scott.Coulter@comvita.com

For media information contact: Lance Morcan 021-759-900
or email lance@carlinvalenti.com

News Release
August 2, 2004
Comvita Opens Branch Office In Taiwan

Export-oriented marketer of natural health products, Comvita Limited, has opened a branch office in Taiwan, the world’s second largest market for propolis, Comvita’s most lucrative export product.

The move adds to the company’s physical offshore presence in Japan, Hong Kong and Australia.

Taiwan is viewed by Comvita as a market of untapped potential for its health products. It has been exporting products there since the early 1990’s. The decision to open an office in Taiwan was made in order to further realise this potential.

Charged with the overall responsibility for the new project, Comvita’s sales and marketing manager Scott Coulter has led the move to establish the Comvita Taiwan Branch Office in Taipei.

“Marketing control by way of a subsidiary company will provide opportunities for flexibility on pricing, increased distribution and investment in marketing, as well as an improved margin,” he says. “It will also enable us to more effectively advertise and promote our products within the Taiwanese market, as well as closely partner our local distributors.”

Coulter says there’s a ready market in Taiwan for Comvita products based on New Zealand-sourced propolis which is recognised as being technically superior.

This is confirmed by Comvita’s Asia regional manager, Sam Tsoi, who is responsible for sales growth and distribution in Taiwan.

“Our Taiwan branch office now presents us with a key opportunity to achieve growth in sales to Taiwanese resident in that country following their initial exposure to the brand in New Zealand,” says Tsoi.

He refers to the large number of Taiwanese, and Asians generally, holidaying or residing in New Zealand who purchase Comvita products here.

“We have several outstanding opportunities lined up to capitalise on the brand awareness generated by our marketing activities in New Zealand.”

Tsoi says having a physical presence in Taiwan will facilitate growth and assist Comvita in developing the marketing infrastructure required within that unique market.

Comvita’s expansion into Taiwan is a continuation of a New Zealand export success story. It has won numerous export and business awards, including the 2003 New Zealand Trade & Industry Consumer products Exporter of the Year Award.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will provide financial assistance for the Taiwan branch office project through the Growth Services Fund. The grant will enable Comvita to advance the project and will assist with initial expenses.

The company’s long-term strategy of investing in key offshore markets seems to be paying off with export revenues making a major contribution to its profits. Comvita’s sales have been growing over the past five years at a compounded rate of 23 per cent.

END