Stevia Corp. ("Stevia Corp" or the "Company"), an international farm management company focused on the economic development of products that support a healthy lifestyle, including stevia and hemp, is pleased to announce the Company has entered into a convertible note financing agreement with YOPCP, LLC, a Colorado based manufacturer of 'In The Soup,' a line of Natural and Organic Premium Soups sold in classic glass jars.
The agreement and full disclosure of the terms are included as part of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 2, 2014. Included in the terms are the Company's rights to participate in future financings of YOPCP and the first right of refusal with respect to the management rights for distribution of 'In The Soup' and other YOPCP products in Asia for a five year period.
TRAUB Consumer Food and Beverage has been engaged by YOPCP to advise on both national and global expansion focusing on increasing 'In The Soup's' distribution and brand visibility. The 'In The Soup' brand was launched in 2013 by Casey Puckett, renowned Olympic Skier, and his partner Yalonda Long, the creator of the all natural and organic line of soups.
Together, Yalonda Long and Casey Puckett stated, "We are excited to partner with both Stevia and TRAUB to continue the exciting growth of our 'In The Soup' brand. With their guidance, we will begin to expand our sales, taking advantage of consumer's growing interest in healthy products made from sustainably produced crops as well as the ongoing interest in the story of the creation of Yalonda Long's soups."
"TRAUB Consumer Food and Beverage is pleased to partner with both Stevia Corp and 'In The Soup' to further develop the group's strategy as well as identify the best strategic and financial partnerships to meet the needs of their business," said J. Patrick Kenny, Managing Director of TRAUB's Consumer Food and Beverage division. "We are convinced that based on the 'In The Soup' brand's exceptional growth, that Casey and Yolanda's story will be one of a successful new soup brand fulfilling today's consumer expectations. Stevia Corp will be a valuable resource for 'In The Soup' to expand product offerings and meet growing consumer demand."
George Blankenbaker, Stevia Corp President, commented, "This initiative and investment in the 'In The Soup' brand is part of our strategy to partner with companies that embrace the healthy lifestyle approach and provide a branded distribution platform with potential national and global distribution for the natural products that we produce. We believe 'In The Soup's' positioning is unique and will continue to capture the consumer's imagination. Having TRAUB on board and fully committed provides additional credibility and will greatly speed up the implementation process."
