Zone 8 Beverages Announces Non-GMO Project Verification

CHICAGO — Zone 8 Beverages announces Non-GMO Project Verification for its Agua de Jamaica Hibiscus Tea, Black Tea and Red Rooibos-Pomegranate Tea. After passing the rigorous, independent verification process by the Non-GMO Project, these products meet the standard for GMO avoidance and now proudly display the Non-GMO Project Verification icon on the front of the packages.

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GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses, and other animals and plants. These experimental combinations of genes cross the natural species barrier and have not been proven safe.

According to the Grocery Manufacturer’s Association, GMOs are currently present in more than 75% of conventional processed food. According to the Non-GMO Project, “In more than 60 countries around the world, including all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs.”

“Zone 8 supports people’s right to know what is in their food, which is why we chose for our products to become Non-GMO Project Verified,” said Tim Megenbier, President and Cofounder of Zone 8. “We are excited and extremely proud to have this verification. Our goal at Zone 8 is to provide a refreshment that has ‘no artificial anything,’ and achieving this verification coincides with our clean label policy.”

Additionally, The Zone 8 Black Tea and Agua de Jamaica Hibiscus Tea are USDA certified organic through QAI and now boast the USDA Organic seal. Two other varieties, Red Rooibos-Pomegranate Tea and Honey Lemon Tea are now 70% organic certified and carry the “Made with Organic Ingredients” USDA statement.

“Since we hired Mother Nature, it is only natural that we sought organic certification and support practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony,” said Megenbier. “Both certifications support our authentic commitment to redefine what ‘natural’ means through the products we produce.”

Zone 8 Beverages will be featured at Natural Products Expo East in Booth #1036 and participating in the Harvest Festival sampling event on Wednesday, September 17th in stand #82 during the Expo.

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About Zone 8

Zone 8 Beverages was founded in Chicago in 2014 and makes ready-to-drink teas using premium organic super teas, spices and real ingredients that include fruit juice, honey and pure cane sugar.

Made with real, premium ingredients found in nature, the Zone 8 line has four flavor varieties which can be served hot or cold; Agua de Jamaica Hibiscus Tea, Honey Lemon Tea, Red Rooibos Pomegranate Tea and Black Tea, with plans to expand the portfolio even further.

Packaged in 16.9 oz plastic bottles, the teas contain 0-88 calories per serving and have a $1.99 SRP. The company has a clean label policy which is, “No artificial anything.”

Zone 8 is based off the simple premise that all truly ‘natural’ ingredients are grown, not created, have history, cultural relevance and a connection to the people who grow and consume them.  The company Zone 8 plans to redefine what ‘natural’ means through the products they produce.

For more information, go to http://www.drinkzone8.com.

About The Non-GMO Project

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers and providing verified non-GMO choices. The Non-GMO Project offers North America’s only independent verification for products made according to rigorous best practices for GMO (genetically modified organisms) avoidance.

OCTOBER is NON-GMO MONTH www.nogmomonth.org  Encourage retailers to create a Non-GMO Month endcap. Check out some great examples: http://www.nongmoproject.org/take-action/non-gmomonth/retailer-endcaps/

Contact: Caroline Kinsman 
Email: caroline@nongmoproject.org 
Phone:  877.358.9240, x112 or visit: http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/

About QAI and USDA

QAI is a USDA-accredited certifying agency. The USDA National Organic Program directly oversees all USDA certifying agents by conducting surveillance of products on the shelf that containing organic labels and conducting unannounced inspections at certifying agents’ places of business. These steps ensure that QAI and all certifying agencies are following the strictest guidelines and best practices under the National Organic Program.

For more information, go to

QAI: http://www.qai-inc.com/what_is_organic/index.asp

USDA: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=organic-agriculture