Food Industry Veteran Rick McKelvey Appointed President
of Putney Pasta
News Follows Recent Multi-Million Dollar Investment In Putney Pasta As Popular Brand Turns 25
BRATTLEBORO, VERMONT, AUGUST 7, 2008 - Food industry veteran Rick McKelvey has joined The Natural Pasta Company d/b/a/ Putney Pasta as President, effective immediately. The appointment closely follows news last month that the popular all-natural food brand - currently marking its 25th anniversary - has received a $2.35 million investment from Sea Change Investment Fund, LLC, in conjunction with existing Putney Pasta investors CEI Community Ventures Fund and The CDVCA Central Fund.
Mr. McKelvey's considerable experience in the food industry includes serving as director of sales for Fairfield Farm Kitchens, Inc.; co-founding the Natural Products Consulting Institute and serving for more than a decade as vice president of sales and marketing at Lightlife Foods, Inc.
Mr. McKelvey takes the helm at Putney Pasta as the company enjoys the most significant period of growth in its 25-year history, with funds from Sea Change supporting an aggressive launch of a line of all-natural, sustainably-sourced seafood and chicken Skillet Meals and accelerating retail distribution for Putney Pasta's entire product portfolio.
Commented Rick McKelvey, "Although the company is poised for significant expansion in the near future, Putney Pasta will remain the same consumer-friendly, quality-conscious and decidedly original brand it has always been. I am honored to join Putney Pasta at this exciting juncture, and look forward to helping the company build on the widespread public goodwill it has earned over the past 25 years."
About Putney Pasta
Since 1983, Putney Pasta has been making all-natural, premium frozen pasta and all-natural pasta-based meal solutions with fresh ingredients and bold, adventurous flavors. Putney Pasta's creatively conceived frozen products are not only easy and convenient for consumers on the run, but rich in quality ingredients so home cooks can feel good about what they serve. With its bold packaging and premium products, Putney Pasta is a true food industry original with personality to spare.
Putney Pasta products are currently available at natural and conventional retail chains nationwide. In May 2006, the Putney Pasta brand was acquired by The Natural Pasta Co., formed by natural product investors, CEI Community Ventures. Please visit www.putneypasta.com for more information.
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