BERKELEY, Calif., December 17, 2002-In its continuing commitment to provide consumers with great-tasting, wholesome and nutritious food, Clif Bar Inc. announced today three palate-pleasing new Clif Bar flavors and the introduction of organic ingredients into the entire energy bar line.
  The new flavors-Lemon Poppyseed, Black Cherry Almond and Peanut Toffee Buzz- introduce delectable tart- and sweet-tasting alternatives to a category increasingly driven by consumer demand for great tasting products. The new bars'unique blend of ingredients, flavors and textures symbolize Clif Bar Inc.'s continuing commitment to bringing innovation to the bar category.
  As with all Clif Bars, the new flavors provide a nutritious combination of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals designed to deliver sustained energy to outdoor challenge seekers as well as consumers committed to a healthy lifestyle. Scheduled to begin shipping to retailers and distributors in February 2003 are:
  * Lemon Poppyseed, a delectable treat reminiscent of bakery shop muffins. Topped with white chocolate drizzle icing, Lemon Poppyseed delivers a clean, delicate, citrus tang, punctuated by the pleasing texture of white soy chips.
  * Black Cherry Almond, succulent dried black cherries paired with whole almond pieces. Each bite offers an appealing blend of soft and crunchy textures, creating a complete sensation experience.
  * Peanut Toffee Buzz, sweet toffee chunks combined with heart whole peanut pieces to create a healthy indulgence. Each bar is topped with soy white chocolate icing and contains 50 mg of natural caffeine (equivalent to a can of cola) from green tea extract.
   Concurrent with release of the new flavors, the entire line of Clif Bar energy bars will contain at least 65 percent organic ingredients, including organic roasted soybeans, organic rolled oats and organic soy flour. As part of Clif Bar Inc.'s sweeping organic initiative, the entire Clif Bar line is slated to be at least 70 percent organic by spring 2003. The company will then seek organic certification for the line under the new National Organic Program (NOP).
   "Our three new flavors are great-tasting in their own right, but we take particular pride in them because their organic content reflects my personal and company-wide commitment to wholesome food, the environment and sustainability," said Gary Erickson, Clif Bar Inc. owner and CEO.  "Promoting healthy nutrition and responsible environmental practices are at the heart of the company's mission, which is why there is no manufacturer's price increase to pass on the added expenses associated with organic ingredients."
  With a suggested retail price of $1.39 to $1.69, the new Clif Bar flavors will begin shipping to all major channels, including grocery, natural, convenience, drug, club stores and specialty retail stores such as cycling and outdoor retail shops.
  Further differentiating the Clif Bar flavor evolution is a new, updated wrapper design for the entire line. Each bar wrapper sports a more modern Clif climber, a warmer natural-looking sky gradient, fresh fonts and light bronze foil fins in place of silver foil fins. The new wrapper is expected to increase shelf appeal.
  Based in Berkeley, Calif., Clif Bar Inc. is a leading maker of great-tasting, all natural energy and nutrition foods. The company's products include the CLIF*BAR, the energy bar providing nutrition for sustained energy; LUNA*, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women*; MOJO Bar*, the first natural snack bar with popular salty snack flavors; and CLIF SHOT*, The Natural Energy Gel* for endurance activities. Clif Bar Inc. strives to operate a socially responsible business by partnering with numerous charities and non-profit organizations.