ZipVac manufacturer ranked as one of the 100 fastest-growing small public companies in America by FORTUNE Small Business
July 13, 2009

BARRINGTON, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 07/13/09 -- CTI Industries Corporation (NASDAQ: CTIB) has been ranked number 93 among the 100 fastest-growing small public companies in America by FORTUNE Small Business. CTI is the manufacturer of the ZipVac vacuum packaging system favored by outdoor enthusiasts.

"We are extremely pleased to be recognized by FORTUNE Small Business and to be among such outstanding companies. Our continuing innovations and new product introductions have been the principal drivers of our rapid rate of growth over the last three years. Growth in our zippered pouch sales represented the most significant component but we also experienced growth in each of our other product lines -- foil balloons, latex balloons and commercial films," said Stephen M. Merrick, Executive Vice President.

To learn more about the FORTUNE Small Business 100, visit http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/01/smallbusiness/fsb_100_fastest_growing_small_public_companies.fsb/index.htm.

About CTI Industries Corporation:
CTI, headquartered in Barrington, Illinois, develops and produces metalized (foil) and latex balloons, flexible plastic containers for packaging and storage applications and plastic films for packaging applications. CTI is one of the largest manufacturers of novelty balloons, producing over 500 designs which it markets throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe through many thousands of retail outlets. CTI has developed, and holds several patents on, resealable vacuum storage systems for the air tight storage of food and other household items. CTI's proprietary system functions with a small hand or powered pump to evacuate air from bags when they are sealed. CTI produces vacuum storage systems for sale under its ZipVac(TM) brand as well as for the ZipLoc® and Space Bag® brands.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 17A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including (i) the risks of generating and maintaining sales in a highly competitive market, (ii) the ability of the Company to enter into or maintain contracts or relationships with customers, distributors, licensors and suppliers, (iii) manufacturing risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties reported by the Company in its SEC filings, and such statements should also be considered in conjunction with cautionary statements contained in the Company's most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephen M. Merrick
Executive Vice President
(847) 382-1000

Catherine E. Lawler
Investor Relations
(847) 671-1177