E.T. Horn Company Selected By Thumb Oilseed Producers’ Cooperative as Exclusive Distributor of Soy Protein Products in Western States

La Mirada, CA – August 3, 2005 - The E.T. Horn Company, a leading distributor/supplier of food ingredients and specialty chemicals, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with the Thumb Oilseed Producers’ Cooperative (TOPC) to represent its line of expeller processed natural soy protein products throughout the western United States.

Under the terms of the agreement, E.T. Horn’s FoodTech Group will represent their entire Soy Beginnings® line of certified organic and certified non-GMO (genetically modified organism) soy protein products including full-fat and low-fat soy flours and low-fat soy grits. The Thumb Oilseed Producers’ Cooperative specializes in the growing of non-GMO soybeans and innovative processing technology that produces organic and non-GMO soy protein products with very bland flavors and the grits have a very distinctive size and unique crunchiness. Additionally, these soy protein products have high levels of natural dietary fiber.

“E.T. Horn is one of the leading food ingredient value-added distributors in the U.S.,” said Ken Beery, vice president of sales and marketing at Thumb Oilseed Producers’ Cooperative. “Their strong relationships with clients in the western states will introduce our innovative Soy Beginnings protein products to food manufacturers that seek alternative solutions," Beery commented.

According to a study by the Freedonia Group, a leading international business research firm, U.S. demand for soy products is expected to increase nearly five percent per year to $8.5 billion in 2007.

“Our exclusive agreement with the Thumb Oilseed Producers’ Cooperative is a great development for our clients and our company," commented Lisa Alley-Zarkades, vice president of sales of E.T. Horn’s FoodTech Group. “TOPC’s products are a perfect fit for our customers that produce organic tortillas, cereals, food bars and other hearty food items,” Alley-Zarkades added.

About Thumb Oilseed Producers' Cooperative -
Thumb Oilseed Producers' Cooperative is a leader in providing expeller processed soybean food ingredient products and solutions. The plant uses no hexane. Its foundation products include organic and non-GMO refined soy oil, soy flours and soy grits for application in bakery, beverages, vegetarian and many other food products.

The organization started in 1999, is a farmer-owned cooperative with 180 members, operating a soybean facility that is capable of processing over one million bushels of soybeans annually. For more information contact TOPC at 866-658-2344 or visit www.thumboilseed.com.

About E.T. Horn Company –
The E.T. Horn Company is one of the West's largest distributors of raw materials and chemicals for use in coatings, building materials, elastomers, lubrication, nutrition, cosmetics, personal care, and food products. Founded in 1961, the company has focused on providing formulation solutions, superior customer service and technical expertise in distributing products from only the finest manufacturers. For additional information contact the company at 800-442-HORN or visit www.ethorn.com.

# # #