Pre close Update

Nutrinnovator Holdings PLC 22 September 2004 For Immediate Release 22 September 2004 Nutrinnovator Holdings plc ('Nutrinnovator' or 'the Company') Pre-close update Nutrinnovator, which develops and markets food and drink products of superior nutritional quality, whilst retaining high quality taste, palatability and consumer appeal, today reports on trading for the six months ending 30 September 2004, prior to entering its close period. Nutrinnovator expects to deliver first year losses and cash flows in line with the Group's expectations for the financial year ending March 2005. This is despite sales revenues being substantially below expectations, primarily due to delays in Altu food bar support activity caused by an extended IPO process, and slower than expected building of distribution. Management has addressed these delays in sales by appointing the UK's largest sales agent, Food Brokers Limited, as selling agent for an initial period of three years, commencing 1st October 2004. This significantly increases sales resource for the Altu brand. Major retailers continue to express interest in the brand, with Boots agreeing to list Altu nationally from October 2004. Recent research shows continued high consumer liking for the food bar, and this is further underpinned by strong support for the brand from key retail customers. Altu Black, the premium lower sugar cola developed by Nutrinnovator, has been launched in London during September, with a full national launch planned for Spring 2005. The Company has made substantial progress with the implementation of its strategy, and is today pleased to make the following announcements: Nutrinnovator has agreed a joint venture with Provexis Limited, to develop a new heart-healthy drink. The venture will be 45% owned by Nutrinnovator, and product development will be funded from the Company's existing cash resources. The drink will be the first of its kind - a juice drink containing a patented natural fruit extract which has been proven in human trials to 'thin' the blood and benefit the circulation. Provexis collaborated with the Rowett Institute (a leading human nutrition research centre) over a four year period to develop and clinically test a patented ingredient called CardioFlow(R). CardioFlow(R) works by reducing the 'stickiness' of blood platelets which prevents them from self-aggregating and potentially initiating a fatal internal blood clot called a thrombus. The natural fruit-derived extract is proven to provide real health benefits without affecting the taste, and without the side-effects typically associated with aspirin. The joint venture partners believe that the product will exploit an untapped market opportunity. Nutrinnovator will contribute its proven rapid innovation skills to develop a commercial product ready for UK launch in May 2005, and the joint venture plans to expand distribution into the USA and Japan thereafter. Nutrinnovator believes that the development of intellectual property in the functional food sector has the potential to create significant shareholder value, and is actively seeking further opportunities. Three food-based mechanisms for delivering prescription and non-prescription medicines are under development by the Company, and filing of patents in this area is expected in the coming weeks. In addition, the Company is in discussion with leading human nutrition research institutes in the UK and New Zealand, to assess the potential for both acquiring existing intellectual property, and developing new functional food claims. Managing Director Stephen Moon commented: 'We have put in place a substantial selling infrastructure to extend the distribution of the Altu food bar. In addition, we are pleased to have brought Altu Black to market on time, and both consumer research and early retail response is positive. We are now beginning to implement our broader strategy to develop novel wellbeing products, and we believe that the joint venture with Provexis Limited is a significant development. In addition, we believe that opportunities to develop and acquire further intellectual property will emerge in coming months. Overall Nutrinnovator is well positioned to take advantage of the growth in the Wellbeing market and the management remains positive about the outlook for the business.' For more information, please contact: Nutrinnovator Holdings plc 020 8392 6634 Stephen Moon, Managing Director Doug Gardner, Financial Director 020 8392 6637 07932758482 (M) Oriel Securities Limited 020 7710 7600 Andrew Edwards Buchanan Communications 020 7466 5000 Tim Thompson / Tom Carroll This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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