FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2004

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

KEMIN PRESIDENT TO SPEAK AT DRAKE LUNCHEON APRIL 7

Christopher Nelson, president of Kemin Worldwide, will discuss "What's New at Kemin" during "Let's DU Lunch," which starts at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, in the Younkers Tea Room in downtown Des Moines. The luncheon, which is open to the public, is sponsored by the Drake University Central Iowa Alumni Chapter and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

The Neslon family founded Kemin in 1961 to develop innovative agricultural products such as mold inhibitors and flavors. Since then, Kemin has evolved into a worldwide organization meeting the needs of an increasing number of industries. Kemin now employs more than 700 people worldwide and has annual sales in excess of $160 million. It remains a privately held family company.

During the late 1990s, Kemin formed a new agrifoods company in India, initiated groundbreaking research in biotechnology and began production of a rosemary-based antioxidant in the United States. Expanding into the human foods arena, Kemin preservatives were introduced to bakeries and tortilla manufacturers and Lutein was marketed as an ingredient for foods and beverages.

In recent years, Kemin has seen the development of a new pharmaceutical division in Europe, and a manufacturing facility in China. Kemin has heavily invested in state-of-the-art research and development laboratories in the United States, Europe, Asia and India. Recent successes include the successful spin-off of Kemin Consumer Care from Kemin Foods with a new satiety aid. In addition, Kemin Nutrisurance is developing a new natural antioxidant technology for the pet food industry.

The cost of the lunch is $15. Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended. For reservations, call (515) 271-3378.