LOS ANGELES, CA–(HISPANIC PR WIRE)–May 2, 2003–Kerns® Nectars from Libby’s has selected WBC Super Welterweight Champion of the World Oscar De La Hoya, the “Golden Boy” of professional boxing, as its spokesman for its 2003 Hispanic advertising campaign, which launches today nationwide. The campaign also includes an exciting Spanish-language consumer promotion, event marketing, and a public relations program.

A favorite beverage among Hispanics because of their rich, real-fruit consistency and nourishing qualities, Kerns® Nectars are made from the best tropical fruits, such as mango and guava; as well as from more traditional ones like peach, pear, apricot and other combinations of flavors. Kerns® Nectars are now available in a kid-friendly juice box, NectarcitosÔ Kerns®, for Moms who want a great treat for their kids to enjoy at home or on the go.

Kerns® Nectars are popular with U.S. Hispanics and are a favorite drink among kids and grown-ups alike. As Oscar, who grew up in East Los Angeles, says about Kerns® Nectars in the commercials, “Kerns® has a Latin soul, just like me!” During production at a landmark downtown L.A. boxers’ training gym, Oscar continued talking about his relationship with Kerns® between takes, “I don’t have many endorsement deals because I don’t endorse a product unless I believe in it,” he said. “I used to drink Kerns® Strawberry Banana Nectar when I was a kid every single day.”

The new advertising campaign speaks to the Hispanic family, drawing a parallel between Oscar and Kerns® Nectars, each one winning accolades as the Gold Standard in their respective fields. The Kerns® Nectars brand—a Nestlé quality product—recently won the “Gold Medal Taste Award” for the nectar category by the Quality Institute International. “Kerns is so refreshing, it’s a great drink!” said Oscar.

About Nestlé: For well over a century, Nestlé has been making the very best food and beverage products for families and their pets around the world. In the U.S., Nestlé other well-known brands include: Nestlé® Toll House®, Nestlé® Nesquik®, Nestlé® Coffee-mate®, Nestlé® Good Start® Baby Formula, Stouffer’s®, Stouffer’s® Lean Cuisine®, HOT POCKETS® and LEAN POCKETS® brand sandwiches, Nescafé®, Nescafé® Taster’s Choice®, Libby’s® Juicy Juice®, Buitoni®, Ortega®, PowerBar®, Nestlé® Crunch®, Nestlé® Butterfinger®, Wonka®, Häagen-Dazs® ice cream, Nestlé® Drumstick® ice cream sundae cones, Purina® Dog Chow® and Cat Chow®, Purina® Friskies® canned and dry cat food, and Tidy Cats® and Tidy Cats Crystals® cat box filler. Nestlé USA is headquartered in Glendale, Calif.; Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo.; and Nestlé Ice Cream Company is headquartered in San Ramon, Calif. These companies, with more than 23,000 employees and collective annual sales of $11.6 billion in 2002, are part of Nestlé S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland, the world’s largest food company. For product news and media information, visit us at http://www.NestleNewsroom.com.

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CONTACT:

Yasmeen Muqtasid, (818) 551-3362

Or

Aida Shalkow, (305) 858-9495