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R.C. Bigelow Names Mason Public Relations as Agency of Record
Makers of America's number one specialty tea flavor "Constant Comment"
- owners of America's only tea plantation -

NEW HAVEN, Conn., (November 30 , 2005) – R.C. Bigelow, Inc., the nation's leading specialty tea maker and owner of the Charleston Tea Plantation, America's only tea plantation, has named Mason, Inc. Public Relations its agency of record.

Mason will support initiatives for the Bigelow tea line and Charleston Tea Plantation, as well as providing media relations, event management, new product launches and strategic consulting as the company continues to introduce new products and open the Charleston Tea Plantation to the public. Mason will work to build the Charleston Tea Plantation's presence in the tourism and preservation industry.

Founded in 1945, based in Fairfield, Conn., Ruth C. Bigelow started the company in her New York City kitchen, pioneering the specialty tea industry by creating the first specialty tea in the mass produced tea market. Now run by her son David, his wife Eunice and their two daughters, the company operates three distribution locations and its tea can be found on most supermarket shelves across the country. Bigelow began with "Constant Comment," America's number one specialty tea flavor, and now offers more than 50 varieties of flavored, traditional, green, herbal, decaffeinated and iced teas.

The tea industry has grown from a $1.84 billion industry in 1990 to a nearly $6 billion industry last year. Analysts are anticipating continued growth in this industry aided by the increase in specialty teas such as those that Bigelow produces.

"We selected Mason Public Relations because of their strong food industry experience and proven results in handling location openings for companies," said David Bigelow, Co-Chairman of the Board of R.C. Bigelow, Inc. "We are very confident in their ability to help us launch our new products and manage the grand opening of the Charleston Tea Plantation."

"We are very honored to work with such a well-respected family and trusted brand," said Francis Onofrio, APR, president. "We are looking forward to helping the Bigelow company maintain its industry lead and successfully introduce the Charleston Tea Plantation to America."

About Mason, Inc.
Bethany, Conn.-based Mason Public Relations provides its clients with strategic communication programs including marketing communication planning, public relations, issues and event management and interactive services. Mason clients include Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc., Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Adventus Americas, Inc., Resolute Partners, The Innovation Group and Geometrix, makers of MagneBlocks. Please visit www.mason23.com for more information.