Headlines:

2008 Peace Oil Plans

First Quarter 2008 Progress Report

4984 bottles arrived from China on March 14. We are pleased that only seven bottles were broken in shipment, a very low percentage. By ordering direct from the manufacturer, costs were kept to last year’s level despite the falling dollar. We are impressed by the diligence and efficiency of this small manufacturer in Zibo, China that worked so hard to produce and ship the bottles in a timely manner.

Bulk olive oil from Israel Palestine arrived in Seattle on March 31st. It is currently being unloaded and should be available for pick up soon. All three sources, Sindyanna, Green Action and Canaan Fair Trade, were shipped in the Canaan Fair Trade container headed to their Washington warehouse. The Olive Branch Enterprises facility has been set up to mix the bulk oil so that all three sources are distributed proportionately. Olive oil will be stored in full containers and each bottling batch will use a full container to minimize oxidation.

On the retail front, Whole Foods Roosevelt stopped carrying Peace Oil due to slow sales. While demos were on average fairly successful, sales off the shelf did not meet their criteria. We continue to work with Whole Foods Bellevue and Westlake to boost sales. Sales at all five Washington co-ops remain on pace with last year, with Madison Market and Olympia Food Co-op leading the way. Weaver's Way Cooperative in Philadelphia is showing signs of increased sales.

On the direct sales front, street fairs have been booked: University Street Fair, May 17-18 and Northwest Folklife, May 22-25. Additional food items and hand-woven baskets from Sindyanna of Galilee will be added to our lineup this year.

In February, owner, David Sokal, was invited by pastor, Tim Phillips to attend services at University Baptist Church and present the story behind the Peace Oil product. His speech was well received and inspired hope that progress in Israel Palestine is possible. Tim's sermon focused on King David and the psalm which includes the famous line, “yeah though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death …” He interpreted the writing as expressing King David's commitment to the pursuit of justice despite the hardships this had brought him. Following services, parishioners enjoyed tasting, talking about and purchasing Peace Oil and Salam Shalom. University Baptist has used Peace Oil to light lamps on the altar throughout the Lent season and to annoint missionaries about to set off on their journeys.

If you know of any group that would be interested in a similar program, please contact David Sokal @ dsokal@msn.com.