November 10, 2006, BLOOMINGTON, CALIFORNIA

Index Fresh, Inc. announced the completion of a major construction project to provide more space for its expanding avocado and Asian pear business. Tours of the new 14,000 square foot refrigerated facility were made during a recent annual meeting of the stockholders.

The new facility expansion increases the total inside capacity by 62 percent. President Dana Thomas stated, "This facility represents rapid past growth, as well as the conservative anticipation of strong controlled growth over the next 5 to 10 years. The future of the avocado business continues to be strong, and Index Fresh intends to aggressively service and market its growers' avocados in the United States."

The expansion includes six new coolers with push back racks. The ceiling height of 32 feet allows stacking of 3 pallets in three tiers of racks. Four shipping docks provide for unloading and loading. The project increases Index Fresh’s packing and storing capacity by 300 percent. The improvements also include additional outside storage and parking.

The first preview of the new facility was held during the 72nd annual shareholders’ meeting in early April. The event was held at the Index Fresh main offices and packinghouse in Bloomington, California. Guests included shareholders, growers, and the Index Fresh Board of Directors: Chairman John Grether, Rob Brokaw, Joe Illig, John Lindstrom, Stephen Miller, Richard Pidduck and John Richardson. Also in attendance were President Dana Thomas, guest speaker Todd Eagan, Costco Buyer, Index Fresh sales, field, packinghouse, and office staff, and other guests.

The meeting is held annually for shareholders to elect a new Board of Directors. In addition, Chairman Grether spoke to guests about changes in the avocado business, Index Fresh's performance, and future company goals. President Dana Thomas presented Index Fresh's achievements in 2003, future production trends in the industry, the company’s approach in each growing region, and their goals and initiatives for 2004. Todd Eagan, Costco Buyer, spoke about Costco’s philosophy of business and avocado buying. Mike Winfrey, Packinghouse Manager, gave a tour of the expanded and upgraded facility.

The expansion also included re-fitting of the fruit ripening rooms. The new ripening rooms will double Index Fresh’s ripening ability. Because the company carefully controls the ripening process, and understands the time and conditions for shipping, it is able to deliver fruit throughout the United States that meets the exact requirements of its customers.

Index Fresh, Inc. is a grower-owned packing, marketing and shipping company. Index Fresh distributes premium avocados and Asian pears from California to New York, and supplies large retailers, small specialty retailers, and food service. It has been in business since 1914, and became a cooperative in 1929. The company was incorporated in 1999. It added Asian pears to its product list in 1999, and is the largest Asian pear importer in the U.S.

In 1991 Index Fresh entered the import avocado business to supplement the demand and broaden the California base, offering year-round avocados to its customers. Imports are from Chile and Mexico.