love at first sip.
THE UNCLE MATT’S STORY
The Juice, the Whole Juice, and Nothin’ but the Juice!
The real-life uncle to ten nieces and nephews, Matt McLean ventured into the organic juice
business in 1999 with a passion for healthy living as well as a long family history of growing
citrus in Florida.
Matt’s goal was, and still is, to produce the highest quality juice, using only premium 100%
organically-grown fruit that is free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. After graduating
from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration, Matt went back to his
hometown of Clermont, Florida and started a juice brokerage business in 1993. During the next
several years, he learned valuable lessons about juice flavor and quality. Matt’s clients were
located in the U.S. and as far away as Europe and the Middle East.
In 1995, a German customer inquired about importing organic juice. After researching the
organic market, Matt discovered a passion for the organic way of life, while rediscovering his
family’s philosophy of organic farming. Four years later, Matt launched Uncle Matt’s Organic
with 100% not-from-concentrate organic orange juice.
“For me, organic just made the most sense,” says Matt. “Less toxins in the environment and
less toxic residues on the fruit are ultimately what is best for everybody. It is the way my
grandfather and great-grandfather used to grow citrus. Our philosophy is based on building
healthy soils that will yield a healthier tree so it can naturally defend itself against disease, not
the single factor analysis of today’s ag world where if you have a pest you find a pesticide!”
Matt’s family expertise dates back four generations to his great-grandfather, Angus Benjamin
McLean, who learned firsthand how to grow quality citrus without the help of today’s synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. His son, William Benjamin McLean (“Pappy”), carried on his
father’s tradition, honing his growing philosophy, which advocates stewardship of the soil as
the means to producing the healthiest, most nutritious crops possible. Today, Matt carries on
his family’s traditions of growing quality citrus.
In addition to farming their own groves, Uncle Matt’s has partnered with over 25 family-owned
farms to help them transition to organic. The Uncle Matt’s team consults with these farmers to
ensure they are building a healthy soil and conforming to the strict organic standards of the
USDA. Utilizing organic methods, they nourish the soil to produce a crop of fresh fruit ready
for sale. Uncle Matt’s, in tandem with each of these family growers, manages, harvests and
markets their fruit to retailers nationwide.
Uncle Matt’s Organic will continue to position itself for the future with a steadfast commitment
to healthy living, organic farming, and certainly not least of all, quality fruit and juice. By
working with numerous organic growers and combining the latest information on juice quality
with family expertise, Uncle Matt’s Organic is a brand name that can be counted on for
bringing home the healthiest juice and fruit under the sun!
“Organic makes
the most sense...
Less toxins in the
environment and
less toxic residues
on the fruit are
ultimately what
is best for everybody.”
- Matt McLean
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Matt McLean, CEO & Founder of Uncle Matt’s Organic, Inc.
Matt McLean is a pioneer, agricultural activist and entrepreneur in the organic industry.
Matt has served on the national Board of Directors for the Organic Trade Association for
the past nine years and was past president from 2012 - 2014.
A seventh generation Floridian, Matt’s citrus roots date back four generations to his great
grandfather who farmed without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
Matt started with three acres in his Dad’s backyard and now Uncle Matt’s Organic farms
over 1,500 acres of organic citrus, helping more than 25 small growers convert to organic.
Uncle Matt’s fresh produce and juice are sold nationwide in over 4,000 stores.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration 1993
University of Florida with a minor in Economics
AWARDS:
Awards: 2005 Spirit of Organic Award, New Hope Media; Produce
Business Magazine “40 under 40” Award; Orlando Sentinel Culinary Hall of Fame
Matt McLean
MEMBERSHIPS:
Organic Trade Association board member & President 2012 - 2014
Organic Trade Association board member & Secretary 2011
Organic Trade Association board member & Vice President for 2009-2010
Organic Farming Research Foundation, Florida Organic Growers
Ag Advisory Committee, Lake County, Florida
AVAILABLE FOR:
Print, radio and TV
A complete profile is available and can be emailed upon request. Press interviews
can be arranged by contacting Susan McLean, Marketing Director, at 352.242.1414.
FUELING FAMILIES WITH UNCOMPROMISED ORGANIC NUTRITION
TM
Introducing three new blends with benefits...
Organic Orange Turmeric
Organic Orange Coconut
Organic Matcha Lemonade
For the first time, Uncle Matt’s will be offering probiotics in the Orange
Turmeric and Orange Coconut juices, powered by GanedenBC30, which
is also used in the leading brand of kombucha. Uncle Matt’s Organic will
be sampling these new items at Natural Products Expo West in Booth
2313.
The Organic Orange Turmeric juice contains 500 mg. of turmeric per
serving, which is an ideal way to “drink” your daily supplement. Turmeric
is known as an inflammation-fighting, disease-fighting spice, and pairs
nicely with Uncle Matt’s organic orange juice. The Orange Turmeric also
contains 1 billion living probiotic cells per 8 oz. serving and 120% of the
RDV for Vitamin C.
Uncle Matt’s reduced calorie Orange Coconut also contains GanedenBC30 probiotics and delivers the refreshing taste of orange juice paired
with coconut water, all for 70 calories per serving, which is 36% less
calories than regular orange juice. Uncle Matt’s Orange Coconut also contains B Vitamins and boasts natural electrolytes and Vitamin C, making it
a better choice than flavored coconut water.
“We’re very excited about the launch of these three new flavors to our
family of organic, healthy beverages, says Matt McLean, CEO and Founder of Uncle Matt’s. “Our partnership with Ganeden and their GanedenBC30 probiotic is exciting and gives our customers the ability to support
their digestive health and immune system with a probiotic that delivers
“We’re very excited about the launch of these three new flavors to our
cultures more effectively than yogurt.”
Uncle Matt’s Organic’s new Matcha Lemonade is made with a blend of
organic Matcha green tea and our delicious organic homestyle lemonade. Matcha boasts ten times the antioxidants of regular green tea and
is loaded with catechin EGCg, which is most widely recognized for its
cancer fighting properties.
family of organic, healthy beverages, says Matt McLean, CEO and Founder
of Uncle Matt’s. “Our partnership with Ganeden and their GanedenBC30
probiotic is exciting and gives our customers the ability to support their
digestive health and immune system with a probiotic that delivers
cultures more effectively than yogurt.”
OUR FAMILY OF PRODUCTS
Organic, Not-from-Concentrate Orange Juices
Uncle Matt’s flagship organic orange juice is a delicious blend of Hamlin and Valencia
oranges grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and harmful fungicides or
pesticides. Each 59 oz. bottle is packed with antioxidants and a daily dose of vitamin C,
providing a sunshine-sweet natural addition to today’s health-conscious diet. Uncle
Matt’s premium organic orange juices are available in three popular varieties: Pulp Free,
With Pulp, and Calcium plus Vitamin D. Our Organic Orange Juice won SELF Magazine’s
healthy food award for the breakfast category in 2014.
Organic Orange Mango & Organic Orange Tangerine
Two new flavors, two new ways to boost your health with blends from an organic farming
family you can trust. Whether it’s our tangy orange tangerine juice or the smooth velvety taste of our orange mango blend, there’s goodness in every sip, plus our new blends
boast 100% RDV for Vitamin C.
Organic Homestyle Lemonade
Experience summer’s refreshing, fresh-squeezed taste with Uncle Matt’s new homestyle organic lemonade! Brimming with juicy California lemons, Uncle Matt’s not-fromconcentrate take on this summertime classic is offered in family-friendly 59 oz. size and
made from 100% certified-organic ingredients.
Organic Orchard-Style Apple Juice
With a premium blend of seasonal apples, including Fuji, Gala, Golden, Granny Smith and
Red Delicious, our orchard-style juice uses a cold-pressed method that preserves maximum flavor and leaves swirls of nutritious apple pectin in the juice. One 6 oz. glass equals
one serving of fruit and contains only apples grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. What’s more, our not-from-concentrate, boldly-brown juice
has over 4x the antioxidants of clear apple juice.
Not-from-Concentrate Premium Grapefruit Juice
A delicious blend of mellow Ruby Reds and robust Whites, our not-from-concentrate
grapefruit juice adds a flavorful, nutritious “zing” to any day. A significant source of
vitamin C, grapefruit juice is also a source of calcium, folic acid, phosphorus and
potassium. With no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers used in the growing process, our
grapefruit juice is a great alternative to the morning juice glass with health benefits all its
own. In 2012, our grapefruit juice made Dr. Oz’s list of “99 Diet Foods Dr. Oz Wants in Your
Shopping Cart.”
Fresh Organic Florida Citrus Fruit
In addition to offering premium Florida organic orange juice, Uncle Matt’s also proudly
produces a full line of organic fresh Florida citrus. From good-for-you grapefruit to
tantalizing tangerines, Uncle Matt’s organic fresh citrus brings pure and natural goodness
to the table without the concern of anything artificial or harmful used in the growing
process – that means no synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, ever. Uncle Matt’s Florida
citrus varieties are available from early November through May, depending on the variety.
Each variety is harvested from Uncle Matt’s trusted family of 20 growers.
GIVING BACK... & THEN SOME
Project Sunshine: A small family making a big difference.TM
A major goal of Uncle Matt’s Organic, Inc. is to help our community become a better
place to live and work, and to promote healthy lifestyles as well as protect our environment. As a family business, we are committed to promoting local projects to make our
community stronger, and to educate our local citizens about organics and green initiatives.
To forward these goals, we are excited to announce Project Sunshine. We are proud
sponsors of the following community organizations and projects.
Rodale Institute’s Your 2 Cents Campaign
Uncle Matt’s is a proud partner of Rodale Institute’s “Your Two Cents” program which
unites consumers and companies in support of the next generation of American organic farmers. Uncle Matt’s Organic donates two cents per organic juice case sold to the
program, which distributes funds to scholarships toward sustainable agriculture degrees, military veterans establishing careers in organic faming, and new organic farmers. Funds are also allocated to establish research grants to farmers in the “Your 2
Cents” network.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Relay for Life: American Cancer Society
Sunrise ARC Impact 100, for disabled children and adults
Greater Clermont Cancer Tennis Tournament
Lake County Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
Organic Grove Tours for Home Schools & other groups
Educational presentations to schools & local organizations
Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament
South Lake Memorial Hospital Golf Tournament
University of Florida Small Farms Conference
New Beginnings Ministry
Cooks and Books Festival
Central Florida Business and Professionals
University of Florida Citrus Club
March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction
FEEL GOOD ABOUT OUR OJ
Five Reasons to Drink Certified Organic Orange Juice
Orange juice is a nutritious beverage that is high in Vitamin C and other essential vitamins and
minerals. However, as consumers continue to look for organic foods and beverages that have
higher nutrient density and more flavor, studies are revealing that certified organic orange
juice is the healthier option.
1. Organic orange juice is loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants. According to a July 2007
study conducted by the University of Buffalo, orange juice contains free-radical fighting flavonoids – a naturally occurring antioxidant. Flavonoids help fight diabetes and heart disease,
among other conditions. Furthermore, a March 2008 comparative study of organic versus
conventional plant-based foods conducted by the Organic Center found the organic foods in
the sample contained higher concentrations of important antioxidants, polyphenols, quercetin,
kaempferol and Vitamin E than their conventionally-grown counterparts.
2. Organic orange juice is higher in Vitamin C. A 2002 study conducted at Truman State
University found that organic oranges contain 30 percent more Vitamin C than conventional
oranges even though they were smaller in size. An April 2005 study in Italy compared organic
and conventional oranges and determined that the organic oranges contained significantly
less nitrogen. Lower nitrogen levels can help reduce the formation of cancer-causing
nitrosamines in the digestive system.
3. Organic orange juice is a great source of folate. The Organic Center reports that only 34
percent of men get enough folate, an essential, water-soluble B vitamin, in their diets, and only
20.9 percent of women get enough folate. It’s very important for women of childbearing age
to get 400 mg of folate daily to prevent neural tube birth defects. One 8-ounce serving of
orange juice per day provides 25 percent of the recommended daily amount of folate.
4. Organic agriculture doesn’t allow the use of synthetic pesticides. Most pesticides used on
orange trees are harmful to the environment and people. Agricultural runoff affects wetlands,
rivers, streams and the wildlife that live in them. Organic agriculture is a farming system that
nourishes the soil, which in turn nourishes the tree to create a robust, healthy tree that is better able to resist disease and pests. Natural, non-toxic disease and pest control methods are
used when necessary.
5. Tree-ripened oranges taste better! The longer the fruit is on the tree, the more time it has
to fully develop its vitamins, minerals and sunny flavor. Picked at their peak of ripeness,
organic oranges contain optimum nutrients and premium taste.
RAVE REVIEWS
We think our products are the tastiest out there. But don’t
take our word for it. Read what some of our happy
customers have said...
“Thank you so much for this product. I love the fact that it is organic. My family and I are
trying to be healthier and ever since I tried the orange juice I’ve only bought Uncle Matt’s
Organic brand! It has a wonderful taste, not too sweet. Thank you so much for this product!”
- Olga D.
Fremont, CA
“During the long New England winters, it is sometimes difficult to maintain a practice of
buying in-season and/or regional fruits and vegetables. I recently picked up a couple of
your grapefruit in need of a reminder of the longer days to come. What a great choice it
was! Your grapefruit were extremely tasty and affordable. I bought them under presuming
the local co-op I go to had screened those from which they buy produce. After
reading the information on your website, I was happy to find that you do, indeed,
implement various environmentally-sound practices. I appreciate your efforts and look
forward to buying your grapefruit again. They’ve become a breakfast staple!”
- Carson P.
Cambridge, MA
“I am a mother of 3 vibrant vegan children! I’ve had plenty of organic oranges but none
like Uncle Matt’s. This is definitely the brand I will purchase from now on! Thanks for providing such great, sweet tasting organic oranges!”
- Dominique
Chicago, IL
“I just discovered “Uncle Matt’s” organic grapefruit juice at my coop...the best grapefruit
juice I’ve had out of a bottle! Thanks for what you’re doing with organics!”
- Rachelle P.
Newton, IA
The nieces
& nephews
“I just wanted to take the time to say thanks for a great product. I love that it is organic
and I don’t have to worry about what my kids are putting in their bodies. It tastes great,
too. It is hard to find things that everyone in the family can agree on. Keep up the great
work!”
- LJ H.
Metairie, LA
OUR FAMILY OF GROWERS
Meet a few of our organic growers
Mary Eddy
Grove Location: SE Lake County in between Clermont and Winter Garden
Uncle Matt’s Grower Since: 2004
Crops: Hamlin (Dec/Jan/Feb), Valencia (April/May), and Red Grapefruit
Acreage: 100 acres
Dr. John Attaway
Grove Location: Two Polk County, Florida groves located in Haines City and Lake Wales
Uncle Matt’s Grower Since: 2005
Crops: Orange varieties are White navel, Hamlin, and Temple. Tangerines include Mercot,
Sunburst and Robinson. Dr. Attaway grows organic Red grapefruit for Uncle Matt’s as well.
Acreage: 36 acres
Mary Eddy
Jim Lee
Grove Location: North of Clermont, Florida in Lake County
Uncle Matt’s Grower Since: 2005
Crops: 7 acres of Sunburst tangerines, 3 acres of Orlando Tangelos, 10 acres of navels, 9 acres
of Red Grapefruit, 10 acres of Valencia oranges, 1 acre of garden variety and Fall-Glo
tangerines
Acreage: 40 acres
Murray Bass
Grove Location: Homestead, Florida, just south of Miami
Uncle Matt’s Grower Since: 2009
Crops: 8 Different varieties of avocados
Acreage: 20
Season: June – January
Babs & Jim Vitter
Grove Location: North of Clermont in South Lake County, Florida
Crops: 2 acres of Fall-Glo tangerines, 1 acre of Ruby Red and Flame grapefruit,
.25 acre Honeybell tangelos, .25 persimmons
Acreage: 3.5
Doug McCormack
Grove Location: Yalaha, Florida
UM Grower Since: 2010
Crops: Blueberries
Acreage: 4 acres
Doug McCormack
WHY ORGANIC?
The scoop on why you should choose organic
Protect Future Generations
The average child receives four times more exposure than an adult to at least eight widely
used cancer-causing pesticides in food. The food choices you make now will impact your
child’s health in the future. Protect future generations—buy organic food.
Prevent Soil Erosion
The Soil Conservation service estimated that more than 3 billion tons of topsoil are eroded
from United States croplands each year. Healthy soil is the foundation of the food chain in
organic farming. Prevent soil erosion—buy organic food.
Protect Water Quality
Water makes up two-thirds of our body mass and covers three-fourths of the planet. Despite
its importance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated some cancer-causing
pesticides contaminate the ground water in 38 states, polluting the primary source of drinking
water for more than half of the country’s population. Protect water quality—buy organic food.
Save Energy
American farms have changed drastically in the last three generations, from family-based
small businesses dependent on human energy, to large-scale factory farms highly dependent
on fossil fuels. Modern farming uses more petroleum than any other single industry, consuming 12 percent of the county’s total energy supply. Save energy—buy organic food.
Keep Chemicals Off Your Plate
Many pesticides approved for use by the EPA were registered long before extensive research
linking these chemicals to cancer and other diseases had been established. Now the EPA
considers that 60 percent of all herbicides, 90 percent of all fungicides, and 30 percent of all
insecticides are carcinogenic. Keep chemicals off your plate—buy organic food.
Help Small Farmers
Although more and more large farms are making the conversion to organic practices, most
organic farms are small, independently-owned and operated family farms of less than 100
acres. It is estimated that the Unites States has lost more than 650,000 family farms in the
past decade. Help small farmers—buy organic food.
Support a True Economy
Although organic foods might seem more expensive than conventional foods, conventional
food prices do not reflect hidden costs borne by taxpayers, including nearly $74 billion on federal subsidies in 1988. Other hidden costs include: pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous
waste disposal and clean-up, and environmental damage. Support a true economy—buy
organic food.
Better Flavor
There’s a good reason why many chefs use organic foods in their recipes: they taste better!
Organic farming starts with the nourishment of the soil, which eventually leads to the nourishment of the plant and, ultimately, our bodies. Experience better flavor—buy organic food.
Source: Organic Trade Association
CITRUS & BEYOND...
What’s Fresh
Uncle Matt’s is committed to fueling families with uncompromised organic nutritionTM. As
the company continues to grow and expand, so does the roster of fresh fruit and juice
varieties available through Uncle Matt’s. Here’s what else we offer:
Uncle Matt’s 100% Fresh Florida Gift Fruit
From November through February, our online gift fruit store makes it easy to give the gift
of good taste. Our premium 100% Florida organic citrus is fresh-picked every week and
ready to ship nationwide. Customers can choose from Florida navels, Ruby Red grapefruit, Hamlin juicing oranges and Sunburst tangerines that are available separately or in
our popular fruit medleys. Our gift citrus can be ordered in 10, 20 or 40 lb. boxes. We can
be reached on the web at www.organicgiftfruit.com to place an order in season.
Organic Blueberries
Offered in Emerald and Jewel varieties, our Florida-grown blueberries have a rich blue
color, impressive size, and deliciously sweet flavor. Our season is earlier than other
regions around the country, so our customers can begin enjoying our berries as early as
late April. As with all Uncle Matt’s juices and fresh fruit, these blueberries were grown
without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers –– meaning no toxic or
harmful residues have been left on the fruit.
Organic Florida Green-Skin Avocados
With less fat and fewer calories, our green-skin avocados are a great alternative to the
more common Hass avocado. They’re also a good source of dietary fiber, potassium,
folate, and vitamins B6 and C. Offered in eight different varieties, depending on the
season, customers can find them at select grocers from June through January.
Organic Florida Peaches
Our organic Florida Beauty and Tropic Beauty peaches
ripen just before our famous neighbors to the north
become available. Customers can find these
sweet, easy-to-peel peaches starting
in April and running through
June.
Uncle Matt’s Organic, Inc.
P.O. Box 120187
Clermont, FL 34712
Visit us online:
www.unclematts.com
Phone us:
352.394.8737