PSTA Monterey Gourmet Foods (MM)

Monterey Gourmet Foods (NASDAQ: PSTA) -- Kent-based specialty food company CIBO Naturals (pronounced chee-bo) has introduced a flavorful addition of White Cheddar & Chive cheese spread and brand new product packaging, featured throughout its current all-natural soft cheese spread line.

For nearly 18 years, CIBO Naturals' soft cheese spreads have been an everyday gourmet option for enhancing simple-to-prepare entrees and quick entertaining solutions.

Celebrating the holiday entertaining season, CIBO Naturals has introduced its newest innovative spreadable cheese flavor, White Cheddar & Chive. This new fresh-tasting flavor can help turn any impromptu gathering into a delicious all-natural success, simply by adding a dollop to liven-up fresh vegetables, create a stuffed mushroom amuse bouche or jazz up devilled eggs or mashed potatoes.

"Since the original soft cheese recipe was developed in a small Seattle catering kitchen back in 1991, CIBO Naturals' dedication to creating high quality great-tasting products has remained unchanged. Our soft cheeses are sure to be the perfect secret ingredient throughout the holiday season," said Monterey Gourmet Foods' CEO, Eric Eddings.

Made using only all-natural ingredients, CIBO Naturals' current line features four gluten-free soft cheese flavors. All four soft cheeses will retail for $4.99 MSRP (6 oz.) and can be found displayed in sleek new colorful packaging -- still with its signature cut-out leaf -- in the refrigerated section of select grocer aisles nationwide, beginning in October 2009.

CIBO Natural soft cheese spread flavors:

--  Basil Roasted Walnut
--  Garlic Sun-dried Tomato
--  Smoked Jalapeño
--  NEW! White Cheddar & Chive
    

ABOUT: CIBO Naturals is an innovative, all-natural, specialty food Brand, founded in 1991 in Seattle, Washington, with the passion and deep-rooted philosophy to create only great tasting products by using high quality fresh ingredients. CIBO Naturals' award-winning ready-to-eat pestos, flavored cheese spreads, dips and toppings are available nationally and are "made to order" each week for retail and foodservice customers, ensuring product quality and freshness. For more information or recipes to create simple-to-prepare dishes that are sure to nourish and satisfy, visit www.cibonaturals.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cibonaturals.

Monterey Gourmet Foods (NASDAQ: PSTA)

Monterey Gourmet Foods manufactures USDA inspected, fresh gourmet refrigerated food products at its integrated manufacturing facilities in Salinas (Monterey County), California; and Kent, Washington. Monterey Gourmet Foods has national distribution of its products, which are sold under the brands Monterey Pasta Company, CIBO Naturals, Emerald Valley Kitchen and Sonoma Cheese in more than 11,000 retail and club stores throughout the United States and selected regions of Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. For more information about Monterey Gourmet Foods, visit www.MontereyGourmetFoods.com.

Investors/Media Contact: Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates Investors Amy Gibbons/Jody Burfening Email Contact (212) 838-3777 Media Adam Handelsman Email Contact (212) 838-3777