Commentary

Mariner's Choice put out a whopper after the markets closed on Monday, announcing that the company was entering the European marine market (valued at at least 23 Billion Euro per year) through a new agreement with a major marine distributor based in Greece. Furthermore, the Mariner's Choice has already sent the initial order...

No doubt, Its a powerful release. We would expect the stock to react favorably tomorrow morning. More traction. More sales. Things continue to look up.

Press Release

Mariner's Choice Enters Euro 23.4 Billion European Marine Market; Signs New Greek Distributor

Mar 17, 2008 4:29:00 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 17, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Mariner's Choice International Inc., (Pink Sheets:MCII) today announced that the company has agreed to terms with, and received its initial stocking order of products to Greece-based Tsirigotis G. O.E., a major European marine parts and supplies distributor that sells products to commercial cruise line operators and industrial freight and cargo shipping lines. The milestone distribution agreement and first shipment of products represents the Company's first foothold into the European marine market.

The European recreational, commercial and industrial marine sectors represent major target markets for Mariner's Choice, as there are an estimated 6.5 million marine vessels located within the borders of the European Union (E.U.) - an average of 1 boat for every 43 people - with nearly half of all Europe's residents, 280 million in-total, living near the coastline. According to the European Union Recreational Marine Industry Group, in 2005, the E.U.'s recreational boating industry alone was comprised of some 37,200 businesses with at least 272,000 direct employees generating in the region of Euro 23.4 billion in revenue, which does not factor in industrial and commercial sectors that tend to be far greater in revenue and scope.

Aside from the compelling "coastline" population and target market demographics, progressive E.U. standards and regulation with respect to environmental protection provide an ideal market environment for Mariner's Choice "eco-safe" products, as the E.U. has taken extensive, broad sweeping measures to ensure that pollution does not take place in European river basins, lakes and seas. Recently, the International Council of Marine Industry Association (ICOMIA), Marine Engine Committee (IMEC) and The European Commission have begun an impact assessment to look at the possibility of even more stringent engine emission regulations in the E.U.

Additionally, private advocacy groups are helping to drive increased environmental consciousness, and by extension, a more lucrative market for Mariner's Choice products in Europe. The Blue Flag program (www.blueflag.org), an international marine environmental advocacy group, is drawing attention to protecting water in marinas and beaches throughout Europe - as well as in many other parts of the world including Australia, the Caribbean and South Africa - calling for strict anti-pollution measures to be in place in order to gain acceptance and accreditation by the organization and display its highly-revered "blue flag".

Mariner's Choice CEO, Amie Hingston, commented, "We are very pleased and excited to have attained such an important milestone as securing our first European Distributor and we are fortunate to have such a dynamic sales organization 'leading the charge' for us across the pond. Tsirigotis G. O.E. is a major distributor in Europe, representing such large European companies as ERG S.P.A, the largest independent group operating in the energy and petroleum sectors in Europe. Tsirigotis G. O.E. has conveyed their enthusiasm in our 'eco-safe' products and the market opportunity for them, particularly our MC-Marine Fuel Catalysts, which uniquely address Sulfur Emission Control Area (SECA) regulation." She continued, "Furthermore, the strength of the Euro is making U.S.-based suppliers more attractive to European consumers, which should help aid sales in the European market. We look forward to significant sales from Tsirigotis G. O.E. in 2008 as we continue to build our pipeline of European distribution."