NEWS RELEASE

LEADING BRANDS, INC. ANNOUNCES
The Launch of New Fully Interactive Brand Websites That Reflect Leadership in Their Categories

www.pezjuice.com and www.trekenergy.com


VANCOUVER, British Columbia--March 20, 2003-- LEADING BRANDS, INC. LBIX (TSX:LBI), Canada's largest independent, fully integrated premium beverage company, announces the launch of two exciting websites to support its newest brands, PEZ®100% JUICE™ and TREK® OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE BEVERAGE™.

"Both websites were designed to provide our consumers with a total brand experience. The websites educate, entertain and invite interactivity and ongoing relationships," says Ralph McRae, Chairman and CEO of Leading Brands, Inc. He adds, "We listened extensively to our consumers through in-depth interviews and reacted to their requests, wants and needs. As a result, we believe we have delivered two of the best sites on the internet for each of the two different target markets."

The PEZ® 100% JUICE™ website is targeted at kids 5-11 and as such, it contains a multitude of games and activities in the site's 100% FUN PARK. Kids can take a virtual ride as a boarder, skater or surfer before getting into activities like the Memory Game, Fortune Teller, Coloring Pages or Photo Gallery. For a limited time, kids are also encouraged to enter the 'Crazy Characterz Story Contest' for a chance to win a free case of PEZ®100% JUICE™.

The TREK® OPB™ website is an adventure sport forum full of facts on the TREK® OPB™superior formulations and the science behind hydration. In the site's 'Basecamp' consumers can view and share their photos and travel experiences as well as check out the Trek® Bicycle 2003 Event Tour.

"There is no doubt that these two websites have hit the nail on the head with consumers and give them fantastic value for their time spent browsing. The initial response has been excellent and we look forward to more positive feedback," says Joanne Petak, Vice-President of Marketing.

We Build Brands™
About Leading Brands, Inc.

Leading Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:LBIX, TSX:LBI) is the largest independent, fully integrated premium beverage company in Canada. The Company’s unique Integrated Distribution System (IDS) ™ offers turnkey, one-stop shopping to food and beverage brand owners, including manufacturing, distribution, sales/marketing and licensing. In addition, Leading Brands produces their own line of beverages such as TREK™, Pez® 100% Juices™, Johnny’s Roadside® Iced Tea and Lemonade, Country Harvest® Juices, Caesar’s® Bloody Caesar Cocktail, and Cool Canadian® Water. Leading Brands recently undertook a major expansion into the United States, with its US headquarters located in Stamford, CT.

Statements in this news release that are not historical are to be regarded as forward-looking statements which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks and uncertainties with respect to the Company's business include general economic conditions, weather conditions, changing beverage consumption trends, pricing, and the availability of raw materials and economic uncertainties, including currency.

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