BASF's FreshSeal Postharvest Coatings are helping Dresick Farms, Inc., Huron, California, harvest and ship its DFI Gold Rush-brand cantaloupes at the height of their ripeness, and maintain their freshness up to seven extra days.

Dresick Farms will apply BASF's FreshSeal coatings to the entire 2004 DFI Gold Rush cantaloupe crop in order to deliver the freshest, highest-quality melons to grocery stores throughout the United States. Mike Dresick of Dresick Farms said that the ability of FreshSeal coatings to lock in moisture and freshness will enable his company to pick cantaloupes when they are at the peak of ripeness, and retain that high level of quality all the way to the consumer.

"These cantaloupes will maintain a healthy rind, and be protected against dehydration and discoloration, resulting in more, higher quality fruit on supermarket shelves," Dresick added. "FreshSeal coatings will also help DFI Gold Rush cantaloupes maintain their firmness, flavor and aroma longer, which is good news for health-conscious consumers who can benefit from a fruit that is low in calories yet high in nutritional value."

Cantaloupes are generally recognized as a leading source of vitamins A, B6 and C, beta-carotene, potassium and dietary fiber. This combination of nutrients has significant antioxidant effects that may help reduce the risk of some types of cancers, heart disease and stroke.

DFI Gold Rush cantaloupe cartons will bear a FreshSeal premium quality produce sticker, indicating the added value of the coatings, which are authorized under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, and it is safe for consumers.

"The partnership between BASF and Dresick Farms is another example of how we are helping the food industry make products better," said Mike Doyle, Director for BASF's Human Nutrition business in North America. "Leading growers such as Dresick Farms can use FreshSeal coatings to deliver more, higher-quality produce to market, and ultimately to consumers. It's significant that a brand such as DFI Gold Rush, which is highly recognized and respected in the marketplace, has made such a strong commitment to FreshSeal coatings."

BASF also offers a full line of vitamins, beta-carotene, lycopene, omega-3s and other nutritional ingredients that add value to foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

BASF acquired the FreshSeal coatings business from Agway on January 14, 2004. FreshSeal coatings are part of BASF's Human Nutrition product line within the company's Fine Chemicals Division in North America and are available for customers in Europe, Asia and South America.

BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. We employ about 11,000 people in North America and had sales of approximately $9 billion in 2003.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company. Our goal is to grow profitably and further increase the value of our company. We help our customers to be more successful through intelligent system solutions and high-quality products. BASF's portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. Through new technologies we can tap into additional market opportunities. We conduct our business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2003, BASF had sales of approximately $42 billion and over 87,000 employees worldwide.