So Natural Foods Australia Limited
(ASX code SNF)
21 November 2006

Response to Announcement of Retirement from Swimming of Ian Thorpe

So Natural Foods Australia Limited ("SNF") advises that while we at SNF will miss Ian competing in the pool, we understand his decision and fully support him as he moves into the next phase of his career.

SNF and Ian Thorpe are engaged in the marketing and distribution of food and beverage products in Australia and Japan utilising the intellectual property of Ian and his Thorpedo brand. The joint venture Thorpedo Foods Pty Ltd is owned 51%:49% by SNF and Thorpe interests and was formed in May 2004.

Thorpedo Foods was established with the vision to build a successful business over the medium to long term encompassing the period following Ian's retirement from competitive swimming. This is evidenced by the granting by Thorpe interests to Thorpedo Foods of exclusive intellectual property rights for food and beverage up to 2019.

Thorpedo Foods plans are to broaden its product offering in healthy foods and beverages in Australia and international markets and will continue to work closely with Yakult Honsha in Japan in expanding on its launch of its first Thorpedo branded product in Japan, Thorpedo low GI energy water.

Geoff Babidge
CEO & Managing Director
So Natural Foods Australia Limited

- (Source: Statement to ASX, 3.41pm 21.11.06

So Natural Foods shares closed unchanged yesterday at 50c. Goodness knows what the Thorpster's market value as a lifestyle show presenter is worth right now.