MEDIA

ALERT*MEDIA ALERT*MEDIA ALERT Genki-Su Holds Tasting for New Drinking Vinegar The all-natural drink will be at Trader Joes for an exclusive sampling WHAT: Genki-Su, a 100percent natural drinking vinegar company, will host an exclusive tasting at Trader Joes food market. Genki-Su co- founders Takako Shinjo and Judy Tan, will greet customers at the sampling, offering different combinations of the new flavors of drinking vinegar. The drinking vinegar is made from coconut vinegar infused with fresh fruit and rare Japanese ingredients. With this launch brings a piece of Japanese culture over to the United States. Drinking vinegar is not only a healthy option but gives a unique cultural experience. WHERE: Trader Joes 7304 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 2013 12:00p.m.-4:00p.m. PST WHO: Takako Shinjo and Judy Tan (Co-founders of Genki-Su) Takako Shinjo From Okinawa, Japan, Takako grew up with drinking vinegar. Her mother created different recipes of drinking vinegar using various natural ingredients and fresh fruit. Upon her arrival to the United States, she couldnt find a replacement for the vinegar drinks. She decided to make her own based on her mothers recipes. When she saw how much her friends enjoyed them, she decided it was time to bring the drink from Japan to the United States. Judy Tan Judy Tan is the founder of TanQ, a custom T-shirt company for non- profits and is also the co-founder of Genki-Su. Takako approached Judy with the idea of starting a company to sell the vinegar drinks. She instantly loved the idea and the two formed the company Genki-Su. Today, Judy is a graphic designer and handles with the branding and designs for the company.

 Find out more about the company and order vinegar drinks online at www.genkisu.com Visit their Facebook page for pictures and updates on Genki-Sus latest projects at facebook.com/genkisuvinegar CONTACT: Caitlin Klein 201.970.6709 caitliak@usc.edu ### ABOUT GENKI-SU Genki-Su is devoted to making drinking vinegars that are healthy yet flavorful. Genki stands for energetic, full of life and Su means vinegar. Upon moving to the United States from Okinawa, Japan, Takako tried to find a substitute for the drinking vinegar she was accustomed to but found there was none. Instead she used her familys recipes to make her own. Takako and co-founder Judy decided to start Genki-Su to sell the Japanese drink. Genki-Su comes in three flavors, Yuzu-Citron, Shisho and Ginger-Honey. They are sold at Uwajimaya, Peoples Food Co-Op, Food Front Northwest, and Missionary Chocolates in Oregon.