EIN Presswire: Food Industry Press Releases

Senator Feinstein's Egg Bill (S. 3239) Faces Strong Opposition from Animal Protection Organizations

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:43:39 +0000

Senator Feinstein's Egg Bill (S. 3239) Faces Strong Opposition from Animal Protection Organizations

PR Newswire

"Rotten Egg Bill" Would Kill California's Proposition 2 and Keep Hens in Cages

SAN FRANCISCO, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Humane Farming Association (HFA) and a coalition of animal protection organizations today expressed outrage over Senator Feinstein's introduction of "The Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012" (S. 3239). Referred to by many as the Rotten Egg Bill, Feinstein's measure is modeled on a similar bill (H.R. 3798) that was introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader in the House earlier this year over the vehement objections of animal advocates nationwide.

"The egg industry is seeking to establish egg factory cages as a national standard that could never be challenged or changed by state law or public vote," said Bradley Miller, National Director of the Humane Farming Association. "This bill would preempt state laws, such as California's Proposition 2, and is a direct assault upon egg laying hens, voters, and states' rights."

S. 3239 and H.R. 3798 would codify a controversial agreement between the United Egg Producers (UEP) – the egg industry trade association recently sued for an alleged price-fixing scheme – and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which is now endorsing the same egg factory cages it previously opposed.

Animated Short Released

In anticipation of this Senate bill, HFA released an animated short entitled A Cage is A Cage, which exposes the true nature of the Rotten Egg Bill. Told from a laying hen's perspective, the piece highlights the fact that the bill would "trade one cruel metal cage for another, even though most people want hens out of cages."

"The Rotten Egg Bill would be disastrous for laying hens who would be forever locked in cages – as well as for millions of voters whose rights would be traded away for the sake of egg industry politics. A Cage Is A Cage drives home these points in just 90 seconds," said Miller.

UEP Price Fixing: a Motive for Egg Bill

The Humane Farming Association is also expanding its ad campaign to further expose UEP's price-fixing scandal. UEP and several of the egg companies it represents have been sued repeatedly for alleged illegal price fixing, paying $25 million to settle allegations that they illegally manipulated the price and supply of eggs under the guise of instituting standards for animal welfare.

With active lawsuits pending against them from companies such as General Mills and Kraft Foods – UEP and its co-defendants are asking Congress to codify a set of standards that would, in effect, provide legal cover for the very activities of which they stand accused.

"According to the bill's own sponsor, this bill has been introduced to protect the economic interests of the egg industry," said Miller. "The American public overwhelmingly supports the banning of egg factory cages, not measures such as this which subvert the will of the people."

Widespread Opposition From Animal Organizations, Advocates

"There is no such thing as an 'enriched' battery cage. This is an outrageous attempt by the egg industry and its cohorts to enrich themselves at the expense of laying hens and the public at large," said Priscilla Feral, President of Friends of Animals.

"The cages defined by the legislation will in no meaningful way reduce the unimaginable suffering endured by the hens," said Nedim C. Buyukmihci, V.M.D., Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Medicine at U.C. Davis. (Read full statement here.)

"Even if this measure passes, the majority of hens will remain entombed in battery cages on factory farms," said Karen Davis, PhD, President of United Poultry Concerns. "They will be locked into a federal law administered by the USDA which does not even enforce the 54-year-old 'Humane Slaughter Act.'"

"We urge people to contact their federal representatives to oppose this bill. Rather than outlawing cages, as voters demand, this cynical measure would outlaw the banning of cages," said Miller.

In addition to the Humane Farming Association, opponents of H.R. 3798 include Friends of Animals, United Poultry Concerns, Last Chance for Animals, Action for Animals, Northwest Animal Rights Network, Defend Animals Coalition, Political Animals, Canadians for the Ethical Treatment of Food Animals, Sunnyskies Bird and Animal Sanctuary, SAFE, Animals Unlimited, Massachusetts Animal Rights Coalition, Chicken Run Rescue, Associated Humane Societies, and the vast majority of rank and file animal advocates.

To view HFA's new animated short A Cage Is A Cage and learn more about S. 3239 (and H.R. 3798), please visit: StopTheRottenEggBill.org.

About HFA: Founded in 1985 and now over 250,000 members strong, The Humane Farming Association (HFA.org) operates the nation's largest farm animal rescue and care facility and spearheads the Stop the Rotten Egg Bill campaign.

For media inquiries, contact Jill Mountjoy at 415.485.1495.

SOURCE Humane Farming Association

Bolthouse Farms Wins Three Effie Awards for "Eat 'Em Like Junk Food" to Promote Baby Carrots

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:19:34 +0000

Bolthouse Farms Wins Three Effie Awards for "Eat 'Em Like Junk Food" to Promote Baby Carrots

PR Newswire

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bolthouse Farms, the leading producer of baby carrots and premium juice in North America, was awarded three awards – a gold, silver and bronze - at the 44th annual North American Effie Awards for the "Eat 'Em Like Junk Food" marketing campaign. The Company's winning campaign was designed to promote Bolthouse Farm's signature baby carrots as a snack food as well as challenge conventional notions of healthy snacking by applying marketing tactics commonly associated with junk foods to baby carrots. The Effie Awards recognize the most effective marketing efforts each year.

The "Eat 'Em Like Junk Food" campaign marked the first branding effort for baby carrots and an entirely new approach to getting Americans to eat their veggies. The campaign transformed the carrot business, reversed record declines in category sales (sales in Bolthouse Farms' test markets were up 10% to 12% over the year before), and ignited a cultural conversation around healthy snacking that did not exist prior.

"The success of 'Eat 'Em Like Junk Food' is a testament to the power of marketing in transforming consumer behavior to combat America's current health and obesity crisis," said Jeff Dunn, CEO of Bolthouse Farms. "We are honored to be recognized by the Effie Awards and look forward to continued marketing innovation with our branded health and wellness platform."

Bolthouse Farms' "Eat 'Em Like Junk Food" campaign was recognized as the best "Packaged Food" campaign of the year with a Gold award. The campaign also won Silver in the "David vs. Goliath" category which is awarded to smaller, new or emerging brands making inroads against established leaders, and Bronze in the "Small Budgets – Products and Services" category.

The advertising campaign was developed in partnership with CP+B and supported by HL Group.

Bolthouse Farms is exploring various expansion scenarios for the "Eat 'Em Like Junk Food" campaign – including advertising, packaging and new product innovation to be launched later this year.

About Wm. Bolthouse Farms, Inc.

Established in 1915, Wm. Bolthouse Farms, Inc. is headquartered in California's fertile San Joaquin Valley. Known for quality and innovation, Bolthouse Farms is a leading carrot grower and processor. Bolthouse Farms uses a network of farms throughout the United States and Canada that are similarly fueled by innovation. In addition to growing and harvesting premium fresh carrots, Bolthouse Farms produces a leading brand of super-premium refrigerated juices, smoothies, and protein drinks. Bolthouse Farms diversified its offerings in recent years by launching a line of premium refrigerated yogurt-based dressings and vinaigrettes made with extra virgin olive oil. To learn about the entire line of current Bolthouse Farms products, visit www.bolthouse.com.

SOURCE Bolthouse Farms

Stater Bros. Supermarkets To Participate In National Moment Of Remembrance At 3 p.m. On Memorial Day

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:51:54 +0000

Stater Bros. Supermarkets To Participate In National Moment Of Remembrance At 3 p.m. On Memorial Day

PR Newswire

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On Memorial Day this year, all 167 Stater Bros. Supermarkets will participate in the "National Moment of Remembrance." At exactly 3 p.m. on Monday, May 28th, every Stater Bros. Store Manager will make an announcement asking all the customers and employees who are inside the supermarket at that time to pause for 60 seconds to honor those Americans who have died for the freedoms we all enjoy.

Established by Congress in 2000, the White House Commission on Remembrance encourages America to remember those who died in service to our country through acts of remembrance throughout the year. This commission sponsors the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day to promote national unity.

Jack H. Brown, Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. stated, "Memorial Day was originally established to commemorate America's fallen men and women. Stater Bros. would like to do our part to remind our customers and employees that this is still a sacred and noble holiday and a time when we can all connect as Americans."

Stater Bros. was founded in 1936 in Yucaipa, California, and has grown steadily through the years to become the largest privately owned Supermarket Chain in Southern California and the largest private employer in both San Bernardino County and Riverside County. The Company currently operates 167 Supermarkets, and there are over 18,000 members of the Stater Bros. Supermarket Family. Stater Bros. was recently rated the "Best Full Service Supermarket Chain in Southern California."

STATER BROS ... PROUDLY SERVING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FAMILIES FOR 76 YEARS

Contact: Susan Atkinson
Vice President Corporate Affairs
P.O. Box 150, San Bernardino, CA 92402
Phone: (909) 733-5038

SOURCE Stater Bros. Holdings Inc.

Whole Foods Market© names new regional presidents

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:42:01 +0000

Whole Foods Market© names new regional presidents

PR Newswire

AUSTIN, Texas, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM), the world's leading organic and natural foods supermarket, has named Scott Allshouse, Omar Gaye and Rob Twyman as regional presidents following the promotion of David Lannon and Kenneth Meyer to executive vice presidents of operations.

Allshouse fills Meyer's former role as president of the company's Mid-Atlantic Region. He moves from his position as president of the South Region. Allshouse began his career with Whole Foods Market as a store team leader in Marlton, N.J. He later served as director of operations for the Mid-Atlantic Region, then as vice president of the South Region, and in 2004, he was named the South Region's president.

Gaye takes the South Region president position vacated by Allshouse, moving from his position as the South Region's vice president. He started his career with the company in 1992 as a dishwasher and sandwich maker at a Fresh Fields (now Whole Foods Market) store in Tyson's Corner, Va. Since then Gaye has progressed from buyer to vice president of the Mid-Atlantic Region, then vice president of the South Region.

Twyman is now president of Whole Foods Market's Northern California Region. He fills David Lannon's former role and moves from his position as vice president of the Northeast Region. Twyman began his career in the natural foods business in 1983, working at a Bread & Circus (now Whole Foods Market) store in Wellesley, Mass., in a summer job. He joined Whole Foods Market full-time in 1993, after closing his own natural foods restaurant in San Francisco, and rose from the prepared foods team to store leadership, leading nine different stores in four different regions over a 12-year period.

Contact: libba.letton@wholefoods.com, (512) 542-3031

SOURCE Whole Foods Market

Post Holdings, Inc. Reports Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2012 and Provides Outlook

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:41:55 +0000

Post Holdings, Inc. Reports Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2012 and Provides Outlook

PR Newswire

ST. LOUIS, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POST) today reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120523/CG12577LOGO)

Second Quarter 2012 Highlights:

Adjusted EBITDA improved sequentially from $45.6 million to $54.1 million
Market share stable at 11.1% for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2012
Great Grains showing successful volume increases driven by national advertising campaign

Ready to eat cereal category revenues declined approximately 1.5% for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2012 from the comparable year ago period. Category volumes, measured in pounds, declined 8% for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2012. Management believes the category volume decline is largely attributable to higher every day and promoted average prices and increased competition from cereal substitutes such as quick service restaurants and other breakfast items. The category volume and sales data are based on information from Nielsen that excludes Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and certain other retailers. Nielsen data is published monthly. The current year data referenced in this press release is as of March 31, 2012.

Post net sales decreased 3.3% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the prior year, comprised of an 8% decline in overall volumes, partially offset by higher average selling prices. For the six months ended March 31, 2012, net sales decreased 2.7% versus the same time period a year ago. Honey Bunches of Oats and Pebbles, our largest brand, were down 2.4% and 6.7%, respectively, versus the same time period a year ago. However, Great Gains, responding to a new national advertising campaign, was up 25.2% over the prior year.

Volumes decline across the post brand portfolio with the exception of Great Grains, which experienced year over year volume increases of 14% and 13% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012, respectively. Great Grains benefited from an advertising campaign to support the brand re-launch.

U.S. dollar market share, as reported by Nielsen, was 11.1% for the thirteen week period ended March 31, 2012 compared to 11.5% a year ago and 11.1% for the thirteen week period ended December 31, 2011.

Gross profit margin decreased by approximately 400 basis points for the second quarter 2012 versus prior year, primarily driven by higher raw materials cost and unfavorable fixed cost absorption resulting from lower production volumes.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was 29.6% for the second quarter fiscal 2012. Excluding the effect of $5.3 million of costs related to the transition and separation from Ralcorp, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased from 24.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 to 27.5% for second quarter fiscal 2012. This increase was primarily driven by higher advertising costs related to the national advertising campaign for the Great Grains brand re-launch and increased consumer support to stabilize the business and enable Post to compete more effectively in the ready to eat cereal category.

Capital expenditures for the six months ended March 31, 2012 were $15.8 million, inclusive of approximately $8.4 million incurred in connection with establishing Post as a stand-alone entity apart from Ralcorp. For the second half of fiscal 2012, Post management expects total capital expenditures to be in the range of $17 million to $19 million.

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was $54.1 million versus $67.4 million for the same time period a year ago. For the six months ended March 31, 2012, Adjusted EBITDA was $99.7 million versus $127.5 million for the same period a year ago.

Income tax expense was $8.6 million, which represents an effective income tax rate of 45.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to an expense of $13.8 million and an effective income tax rate of 32.2% for the same period a year ago. For the six months ended March 31, 2012, income tax expense was $14.7 million, an effective income tax rate of 38.7%, compared to an expense of $25.4 million and an effective income tax rate of 32.1%, for the six months ended March 31, 2011. The increase in the current quarter and year to date effective income tax rate was primarily the result of $4.6 million of non-deductible outside service expenses incurred to effect the Company's separation from Ralcorp, which resulted in incremental income tax expense of approximately $1.8 million. Management anticipates that for the balance of 2012, the effective income tax rate will be approximately 37% and that the effective income tax rate will return to its historical range of 32% - 35% in fiscal 2013. Management also estimates that annualized net interest expense will be in the range of $63 million to $66 million.

Net earnings were $10.5 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2012. For the six months ended March 31, 2012, net earnings were $23.3 million, or $0.67 per diluted share. Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 were $13.6 million and $0.39, respectively. Management has provided these non-GAAP measures because they are representative of Post as a stand-alone public company and not an operating segment of Ralcorp. For additional information regarding the Company's results and financial position, refer to the statements and schedules below.

As previously announced, the Company is restating its financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2011 and the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 as a result of Ralcorp Holding, Inc.'s restatement. Ralcorp has postponed the filing of its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended March 31, 2012 in order to conclude both the internal and external in-depth reviews associated with its previously announced financial restatements. While Post management is not participating in Ralcorp's review process, Post management is not aware of any issues from such review which would affect Post beyond the correction of the goodwill impairment charge previously reported. However, because Post was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ralcorp and subject to Ralcorp's accounting and financial reporting processes during the periods affected by this review, there can be no assurance that Post will not be further impacted. Until Ralcorp completes its restatement, Post is not in a position to complete the filings necessary to effectuate the restatement or its Form 10-Q for the second quarter. Post management expects to complete its filings as soon as practicable after Ralcorp completes its filings. Ralcorp has announced it expects to file its form Form 10-Q by May 31, 2012.

Outlook

For fiscal 2012, Post management estimates Adjusted EBITDA to be between $200 million to $210 million. Post management now expects Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months following the separation from Ralcorp to be in the range of $210 million to $220 million. Assumptions underlying the Company's guidance include management's objective to stabilize market share with appropriate trade and pricing strategies, and adequately invest in advertising and promotion to support and build equity across its portfolio of brands.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Management has determined that the Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per share metrics presented herein are key metrics that will help investors understand the ultimate income and near-term cash flows generated by our business. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure which represents net earnings excluding income taxes, net interest expense, net other nonoperating income/expense, depreciation and amortization, noncash stock based compensation, nonrecurring cash compensation for retention/severance, accounts receivable servicing fees, costs to effect Post's separation from Ralcorp, mark to market adjustments on economic hedges and intangible asset impairments, if any, and including an estimate of incremental costs Post would have incurred had it been a stand-alone public company during the periods presented. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating the Company's operating performance and liquidity because (i) it is widely used to measure a company's operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets, (ii) it presents a meaningful measure of corporate performance exclusive of the Company's capital structure and the method by which the assets were acquired, and (iii) it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to service its debt, as the Company is required to comply with certain covenants and limitations that are based on variations of EBITDA in the Company's financing documents. Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP measure which represents net earnings excluding costs to effect Post's separation from Ralcorp, nonrecurring cash compensation for retention/severance, items not transferred to Post after the separation from Ralcorp such as equity income and currency gains on intercompany debt, and includes an estimate of incremental selling, general and administrative costs and interest expense Post would have incurred had it been a stand-alone public company for the entire period reported. The Company believes Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per share are useful to investors in evaluating the Company's operating performance because they provide investors with insight into the Company's performance on a basis consistent with being a stand-alone public company rather than an operating segment of Ralcorp. The calculations of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per share are not specified by United States generally accepted accounting principles. Our calculations of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per share may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. See the reconciliation tables provided at the end of this press release.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call on Friday, May 25, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. During the call, Terence E. Block, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Robert V. Vitale, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the results for the second quarter of 2012 and discuss outlook for 2012.

The call will be broadcast over the Internet and can be accessed by visiting the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.postfoods.com. Participants may join the conference call by dialing (888) 680-0865 in the United States and (617) 213-4853 from outside the United States. The conference identification number for all participants is 87070912.

For those unable to participate during the live call and webcast, a replay will be available on the Company's website until June 10, 2012.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release and on the conference call are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our expected effective income tax rates for the remainder of 2012 and fiscal 2013; the expected timing of our second quarter Form 10-Q filing; our expected capital expenditures for the second half of 2012; our expected annualized net interest expense; and our expected Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months following the separation from Ralcorp and for fiscal 2012. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include the impact of the recently announced restatement of Ralcorp's and Post's financial statements; the impact of our separation from Ralcorp and risks relating to our ability to operate effectively as a stand-alone, publicly traded company; our high leverage and substantial debt, including covenants that will restrict the operation of our business; our ability to achieve benefits from our separation; our obligations to indemnify Ralcorp if the separation is taxable under certain circumstances; restrictions on our taking certain actions due to tax rules and covenants with Ralcorp; changes in our cost structure, management, financing and business operations following the separation; significant increases in the costs of certain commodities, packaging or energy used to manufacture our products; our ability to continue to compete in our product market against manufacturers of both branded and private label cereal products and our ability to retain our market position; our ability to maintain competitive pricing, successfully introduce new products or successfully manage our costs; our ability to successfully implement business strategies to reduce costs; impairment in the carrying value of goodwill or other intangibles; the loss or bankruptcy of a significant customer; allegations that our products cause injury or illness, product recalls and product liability claims and other litigation; our ability to anticipate changes in consumer preferences and trends; changes in consumer demand for ready-to-eat cereals; our ability to service our outstanding debt or obtain additional financing; disruptions in the U.S. and global capital and credit markets; legal and regulatory factors including changes in food safety, advertising and labeling laws and regulations; disruptions or inefficiencies in supply chain; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; consolidations among the retail grocery and foodservice industries; change in estimates in critical accounting judgments and changes to or new laws and regulations affecting our business; losses or increased funding and expenses related to our qualified pension plan; loss of key employees; labor strikes or work stoppages by our employees; changes in weather conditions, natural disasters and other events beyond our control; business disruptions caused by information technology failures; and other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

About Post Holdings, Inc.

Post Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Post Foods, LLC. Post has enriched the lives of consumers, bringing quality foods to the breakfast table since the company's founding in 1897. Post's products are generally sold to supermarket chains, wholesalers, supercenters, club stores, mass merchandisers, distributors, convenience stores and the foodservice channel in North America. Those products are manufactured at four facilities located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Jonesboro, Arkansas; Modesto, California; and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Post's portfolio of brands includes diverse offerings to meet the taste and nutritional needs of all families, including such favorites as Honey Bunches of Oats®, Pebbles®, Great Grains®, Post Shredded Wheat®, Post® Raisin Bran, Grape-Nuts®, and Honeycomb®. Post is dedicated to health and wellness, offering consumers a variety of cereal choices to meet their nutritional needs from whole grain and fiber to lower sugar offerings. For more information, visit www.postfoods.com.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(in millions, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011		2012		2011

Net Sales	$	250.5	$	259.0	$	469.8	$	482.7
Cost of goods sold	139.5		133.9		260.8		247.8
Gross Profit	111.0		125.1		209.0		234.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses	74.2		63.3		137.7		118.2
Amortization of intangible assets	3.1		3.2		6.3		6.3
Other operating expenses, net	0.5		0.1		0.5		1.1
Operating Profit	33.2		58.5		64.5		109.3
Interest expense, net	15.1		12.9		28.1		25.8
Other (income) expense, net	(1.0)		2.7		(1.6)		4.4
Earnings before Income Taxes	19.1		42.9		38.0		79.1
Income tax expense	8.6		13.8		14.7		25.4
Net Earnings	$	10.5	$	29.1	$	23.3	$	53.7

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.31	$	0.85	$	0.68	$	1.56
Diluted	$	0.30	$	0.85	$	0.67	$	1.56

Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic	34.4		34.4		34.4		34.4
Diluted	34.6		34.4		34.6		34.4

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Unaudited)
(in millions)

	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	69.8	$	60.3
Investing activities	(15.8)		(7.0)
Financing activities	8.0		(50.1)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	0.4		0.4
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	62.4	$	3.6

RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)
(in millions)

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011		2012		2011

Net Earnings	$	10.5	$	29.1	$	23.3	$	53.7
Income tax expense	8.6		13.8		14.7		25.4
Interest expense, net	15.1		12.9		28.1		25.8
Other nonoperating income (expense), net	(1.0)		2.7		(1.6)		4.4
Depreciation and amortization	16.0		14.5		30.9		29.1
Stock-based compensation	0.8		0.3		1.2		0.6
Nonrecurring cash compensation/retention	0.1		—		0.4		—
Accounts receivable servicing fees	—		(1.0)		(0.8)		(1.9)
Costs to effect the separation of Post from Ralcorp	5.3		—		8.0		—
Mark to market adjustments on economic hedges	—		(1.1)		0.6		(2.0)
Public company costs (1)	(1.3)		(3.8)		(5.1)		(7.6)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	54.1	$	67.4	$	99.7	$	127.5

Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales	21.6%		26.0%		21.2%		26.4%

RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited) (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012				Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
			% of Net Sales				% of Net Sales

Operating Profit	$	33.2	13.3	%	$	58.5	22.6	%
Depreciation and amortization	16.0		6.4	%	14.5		5.6	%
Stock-based compensation	0.8		0.3	%	0.3		0.1	%
Non-recurring cash compensation/retention	0.1		—	%	—		—	%
Accounts receivable servicing fees	—		—	%	(1.0)		(0.4)	%
Costs to effect the separation of Post from Ralcorp	5.3		2.1	%	—		—	%
Mark to market adjustments on economic hedges	—		—	%	(1.1)		(0.4)	%
Public company costs (1)	(1.3)		(0.5)	%	(3.8)		(1.5)	%
Adjusted EBITDA	$	54.1	21.6	%	$	67.4	26.0	%

(1)

Represents Post management's estimate of the incremental quarterly cash costs Post would have incurred as a separate, stand-alone public company.These costs were not actually incurred in the historical periods presented above. The estimated costs have been deducted in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA to provide a frame of reference for future periods.

RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS (Unaudited)
(in millions, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

Net Earnings	$	10.5
Adjustments to Net Earnings:
Costs to effect the separation of Post from Ralcorp	5.3
Nonrecurring cash compensation/retention	0.1
Other nonoperating income (expense), net	(1.0)
Incremental interest expense (1)	(1.1)
Public company costs (2)	(1.3)
	2.0
Income tax effect on adjustments	(0.7)
Incremental tax expense for transaction costs	1.8
Adjusted Net Earnings	$	13.6

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted	34.6

Diluted Adjusted Earnings per Share	$	0.39


(1)	Represents Post management's estimate of incremental quarterly net interest expense Post would have incurred if the debt incurred on February 3, 2012 to effect the spin-off from Ralcorp had been outstanding for the entire second quarter of fiscal 2012.
(2)	Represents Post management's estimate of the incremental quarterly cash costs Post would have incurred as a separate, stand-alone public company. These costs were not actually incurred in the historical periods presented above. The estimated costs have been deducted in the calculation of Adjusted net earnings to provide a frame of reference for future periods.

SOURCE Post Holdings, Inc.

Michigan JBS Workers Approve First Union Contract

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:30:23 +0000

Michigan JBS Workers Approve First Union Contract

PR Newswire

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last night, workers at the JBS slaughterhouse and production facility, located just south of the city of Plainwell, ratified their first union contract ending the workers' nine-month campaign for union representation by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951.

In October 2011, JBS workers elected union representation in an effort to improve their working conditions, authorizing UFCW 951 to represent them in contract negotiations with their employer.

"From the first meeting with JBS workers to discuss unionizing, through last night's contract ratification vote, there has been tremendous support for the union," Chad Pemberton, an organizer for UFCW Statewide Community Development, said. "JBS workers never wavered in their belief that the union is their best option to improve their working conditions and bring a sense of fairness to the workplace."

The union's bargaining committee was able to address many of the workers' primary concerns in the first contract, leading to JBS workers' overwhelming vote to accept the contract, according to John Cakmakci, UFCW 951's Secretary/Treasurer and Chief Union Negotiator for the talks.

"In addition to a grievance procedure to ensure fairness, the workers were pleased to see the wage increases, reduction in their co-pay for health benefits, and additional paid time off," he said. "Beyond that, JBS workers are happy that they can now go to work with peace of mind and security knowing that all the benefits and protections in their union contract are guaranteed. These were very positive negotiations, and we look forward to continuing to build a productive working relationship with JBS."

The new four year agreement covers approximately 1,000 workers at the West Michigan JBS plant, who join with 28,000 other JBS workers and 250,000 meatpacking and poultry workers across the country who are covered by a UFCW union contract.

UFCW Statewide Community Development is a joint project of Grand Rapids-based UFCW Locals 951 and Madison Heights-based UFCW 876 devoted to community activism, including union organizing. Approximately 46,000 workers belong to the UFCW in Michigan, working for a variety of retailers including Meijer, Kroger, and Rite Aid, along with numerous other companies in a variety of industries including food processing, automotive supply, and health care.

SOURCE UFCW 951

Food Industry Rallies to Support Hungry Neighbors in Need

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:28:17 +0000

Food Industry Rallies to Support Hungry Neighbors in Need

PR Newswire

Special Event Raises 1.9 million meals for Northern Illinois Food Bank

GENEVA, Ill., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 600 food industry and Chicago executives from companies including Jewel-Osco®, Abbott Fund, Bank of America, Dominick's, Meijer®, PepsiCo, Sara Lee, Strack & Van Til, Tate & Lyle and Ultra Foods, enjoyed tastings from 27 local restaurants last week at an event to raise meals for hungry neighbors in need served by Northern Illinois Food Bank (http://www.SolveHungerToday.org).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/DC13779)

Doug Cygan, Vice President of Merchandising, Jewel-Osco, and his wife, Shonna Cygan, chaired the inaugural A Taste That Matters, presented by Jewel-Osco. Proceeds from the event will help Northern Illinois Food Bank provide 1.9 million meals to hungry neighbors in 13 counties.

As food industry representatives mingled and bid on silent auction items, Billboard Top 10 jazz artist and owner of Flo Wines Marcus Johnson performed.

"Feeding people is fundamental to the core of our business, and the Jewel-Osco team is happy to support Northern Illinois Food Bank in feeding neighbors who need extra help putting food on the table," said Cygan.

"And although the 1.9 million meals are a godsend, we still have a long way to go to solve hunger in northern Illinois," said Pete Schaefer, president and CEO, Northern Illinois Food Bank.

In Northern Illinois one in eight people face hunger. Northern Illinois Food Bank's network of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and youth and senior feeding programs provide food to more than 60,000 people each week.

"We are extremely grateful to Doug, Shonna, Jewel-Osco, and all the sponsors, restaurants and attendees for helping us ensure our hungry neighbors have access to food in their time of need," said Schaefer. "The outpouring of support from our friends in the food industry and supporting companies will do much to help us address hunger in the suburbs."

Restaurants participating in A Taste That Matters included Antico Posto, Black Steer Charhouse, Buca di Beppo, Constellation Brands, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, E&J Gallo, Emilio's Tapas, Eyrie Restaurant at Robert Morris University, Glen Prairie, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, Heaven on Seven, Jimmy's Charhouse, Jo Snow Syrups, Meson Sabika, Miss Dottie's Pound Cake, Mon Ami Gabi, RA Sushi Bar, Redstone American Grill, Reel Club, Starfruit Cafe, Steve Buresh's Cheesecake Store, SugarToad at the Hotel Arista, The Capital Grille, The Grotto, The Winery Exchange, Weber Grill and Wildfire.

A member of Feeding America, Northern Illinois Food Bank is a non-profit organization that engages the community in a commitment to feed our hungry neighbors. Across 13 counties, food manufacturers, local groceries, corporations, foundations, and individuals come together to donate food and funds, and evaluate and repack food for distribution to Northern Illinois Food Bank's 600 network partners – the food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and youth and senior feeding programs that serve more than 60,000 different people each week. That commitment provided 29 million meals last year to those in need. Find out how you can Volunteer – Donate – Get Involved at www.SolveHungerToday.org.

Contact: Donna Larkin Lake, 630-443-6910, dlake@northernilfoodbank.org

SOURCE Northern Illinois Food Bank

Truvia® Natural Sweetener Wins Two 2012 Effie Awards for Its Sweetness Stories Campaign

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:15:34 +0000

Truvia® Natural Sweetener Wins Two 2012 Effie Awards for Its Sweetness Stories Campaign

Prestigious Gold and Silver Awards Recognize the Truvia® Brand Campaign as One of the Most Effective Marketing Campaigns of the Year

PR Newswire

WAYZATA, Minn., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Truvia^® brand was awarded two 2012 Effie Awards for the "Sweetness Stories" integrated national marketing campaign – a Gold award in the Nutrition Products and Services category and a Silver award in the Snacks/Desserts/Confections category. The campaign was recognized for driving the consumer acceptance of Truvia^® natural sweetener, which is now the # 1 natural sweetener in the category.

"This is a remarkable achievement for the Truvia^® brand and our agency partners. These awards recognize the effectiveness of the campaign in driving our business objectives," said Zanna McFerson, Vice President and Business Director for the Truvia^® Enterprise.

"Since its launch in 2008, Truvia^® natural sweetener has become a regular item on grocery lists across the country and an ingredient in products like Coca-Cola's Sprite®, VitaminWater® Zero™ and Smucker's^® Sugar Free Fruit spreads."

The Truvia^® brand campaign was also a finalist for the Grand Effie. In addition, the brand was awarded a Bronze Effie in 2010 for its launch campaign in the New Products category. The Effie Awards, known by advertisers and agencies globally as the pre-eminent award in the industry, annually honor the most significant achievement among all marketing mediums that contribute to a brand's success.

Today, Truvia^® natural sweetener continues to drive innovation in the category with the recent launches of Truvia^® Baking Blend and Truvia^® Behind the Bar product for use by food service establishments in cocktails. In addition, throughout retail and grocery stores, Truvia^® stevia leaf extract has become an important ingredient in a variety of favorite foods and beverages such as yogurt, cereal bars and juices. Recently, The Coca-Cola Company announced the introduction of Sprite^® Select and Fanta^®Select with Truvia^® stevia leaf extract.

The "Sweetness Stories" integrated marketing campaign included network television, national consumer print and online advertising combined with digital and social media programs, shopper marketing and public relations. Agency partners for the campaign are Ogilvy & Mather, Universal McCann, Periscope, MARS Advertising and RF|Binder.

The 2012 Effie Awards judges the year's most innovative campaigns – running from September 2010 thru August 2011 – on the following criterion: the strategic challenge and campaign objectives, overarching idea, bringing the idea to life, and results.

About Truvia^®LLC

Truvia^® natural sweetener is a great tasting, zero-calorie sweetener made with the best tasting part of the stevia leaf. Truvia^® natural sweetener is the #1 natural sweetener in the sugar substitute category in the U.S. and is also available to consumers in Europe and Mexico. Truvia® stevia leaf extract is also a versatile sweetening ingredient used to enable reduced calories or sugars in foods and beverages. The business uniquely manages its stevia supply chain from field to table having established a global agricultural standard for stevia. For more information, visit www.truvia.com.

About Cargill

Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 142,000 people in 66 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit Cargill.com and its news center.

Media Contacts:
Ann Clark Tucker	Atalanta Rafferty
Phone : 952-742-4057	Phone: 212 994 7511
Email : Ann_Tucker@cargill.com	EMAIL: Atalanta.Rafferty@Rfbinder.Com

SOURCE Truvia

Sugar Industry Ramps Up Misinformation Campaign

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:09:38 +0000

Sugar Industry Ramps Up Misinformation Campaign

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When you don't have the facts, generate confusion.

That is apparently The Sugar Association's game plan, as today through yet another press release they continued to grasp for a rationale as to why anyone should support their self-serving lawsuit aimed at suppressing an education program intended to communicate to the public the simple fact that High Fructose Corn Syrup is a sugar.

"The sugar industry is, once again, trying to muddy up the indisputable fact that HFCS is a sugar and it is clearly in the public's best interest to know that," said Audrae Erickson, president of CRA. "Apparently, they haven't heard that numerous respected national organizations including the American Medical Association and the Food & Drug Administration have long recognized High Fructose Corn Syrup as a sugar. What's even more troubling is how fanatical they have become in their attempt to censor our efforts to communicate the simplest and most meaningful fact about our product: it's a sugar. Let's be frank: The Sugar Association is waging a silencing campaign, it is unseemly, and it is clearly not in the best interests of consumers. They are putting profits before people and that is unacceptable."

Moreover, The Sugar Association's May 24 press release included several misleading and demonstrably erroneous statements. They misstated FDA's definition of sugars, which, in fact, includes High Fructose Corn Syrup. The press release also distorted the way HFCS is metabolized, which numerous scientific studies demonstrate is the same among all forms of sugar, regardless of whether they come from beets, cane, corn or honey. Their press release further mischaracterized their previous legal set-back as a victory when, in reality, a judge dismissed their claim as one that was "meritless" and "aimed at chilling expression through costly, time consuming litigation."

"The important thing for consumers and the news media is not to be duped by disinformation flowing out of The Sugar Association," said Audrae Erickson. "Educating consumers about our product may not be in their interest, but it is clearly in the interest of the American public."

Fact Sheet:

Lawsuit Over the Right to Communicate the Facts about HFCS

What is this lawsuit all about?

The Corn Refiners Association has initiated a public education campaign to communicate the simple fact that High Fructose Corn Syrup is a form of sugar, widely accepted in the medical and nutrition communities to be nutritionally equivalent to table sugar. In April 2011, The Sugar Association and its member companies sued CRA, claiming that the public education campaign is "false and misleading." From a consumer standpoint, this lawsuit is about two core issues: Is HFCS a form of sugar that is metabolically the same as sugar from other sources? Does the Corn Refiners Association have a right to communicate this information to the public?

What is the significance of the ruling about whether CRA members are part of the lawsuit?

A federal judge will soon rule on whether CRA's member companies--corn refiners that produce HFCS--will be included as individual defendants in the lawsuit. It is CRA's position that they should not be included because the education campaign is solely an activity of the association, not individual companies. Whatever the outcome, this ruling has no bearing on the merits of the case. It is not an indication as to which side is "winning the lawsuit." This is merely one procedural ruling in a case that will likely proceed for well more than a year before it even goes to trial.

Why does The Sugar Association so aggressively publicize even minor developments in the case?

The Sugar Association and its outside lawyers and publicists are seeking to win in the media what they are unlikely to win in the courtroom. Given that HFCS is a form of sugar--and the clear right of CRA to communicate this fact to the public--beet and cane sugar interests need to make this case seem to be about other issues. They are doing this, in part, by stoking the same discredited misinformation about HFCS that has contributed to the need to launch an education program in the first place. This case is not a popularity contest as to which form of sugar people like most. Rather, it is a case that will set an important precedent as to whether the sugar industry can silence CRA simply because it seeks to stifle discussion about ingredients in foods consumed by the American public.

What happens next and how long until this case finally goes to trial?

In June, the court will next determine the terms governing the discovery phase of the trial, including duration. This is simply another procedural step and, again, is not about the case's pivotal legal issues. Most likely, the discovery phase will proceed for at least a year--perhaps longer. This case still has a long way to go before it even gets to trial.

How is this case related to the FDA petition to change HFCS's name to "corn sugar"?

The FDA petition is an entirely separate process. CRA has petitioned the FDA to allow it to change the name "High Fructose Corn Syrup" to "corn sugar." The purpose is to help educate consumers about the most meaningful fact regarding this ingredient: it's a form of sugar made from corn. "Corn sugar" plainly describes the ingredient as a sugar, while consumers may not easily understand that HFCS is in fact a kind of sugar. Transitional co-labeling, such as "Corn Sugar (High Fructose Corn Syrup)," and CRA's education campaign will ensure consumers are well informed about the name change.

SOURCE Corn Refiners Association

Chartwells School Dining Services Sponsors Cooking up Change Healthy Cooking Contest

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:45:00 +0000

Strengthens Commitment to Healthy School Food

This week in our nation's capital, Chartwells School Dining Services, participated as a platinum sponsor and a judge in the annual National Cooking up Change® healthy cooking contest. Cooking up Change® is a cooking competition created by the Healthy Schools Campaign that challenges teams of high school students to create healthy, great-tasting school meals that exceed current USDA standards as well as the gold standard of the HealthierUS School Challenge, using ingredients commonly available to food service that can be easily prepared in a school kitchen.

Student chefs from Chicago, Denver, Jacksonville, Santa Ana, St. Louis, and Winston-Salem presented their healthy school lunches before a prestigious panel of judges for consideration as the best healthy school lunch in the nation. Karen Duncan, wife of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Christie Vilsack, wife of Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, served as Cooking up Change® Honorary National co-chairs. Duncan also served as a judge for the contest.

The team from Valley High School, Santa Ana, CA won with their menu of lemon and spinach chicken with Tuscan bean salad and cinnamon poached pears. Winning honorable mention was the team from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) with their oven-fried chicken, "Cousins" collard greens & cabbage, and sweet potato salad. The team from Chicago Vocational Career Academy (CVCA), a CPS school managed by Chartwells Thompson Hospitality, also had the recent honor of serving this menu on Capitol Hill last week to lawmakers and staff. Last year, Chicago Public Schools made news with their unprecedented purchase of 1.2 million pounds of chicken raised without antibiotics which was served as part of school lunch menus.

The Cooking up Change contest engages students in the national dialogue about school food, policy and resources that would make it possible for all children to have access to lunches as nutritious and appealing as those created in the contest. It challenges students to create a healthy school lunch with affordable ingredients, comparable to those found in dining centers across the country.

"We are extremely proud of the students who competed in Cooking up Change and are lending their voices to the national discussion on school food," said Rochelle Davis, President and CEO of Healthy Schools Campaign. "These students are speaking up to make healthy and appealing school meals like the ones they have created the norm in our nation's schools."

The Cooking up Change student contestants found their participation to be very rewarding in these times of school lunch reform, with many of them commenting that it helped change their outlook on their own eating behavior. They were very proud that this experience influenced their families as well and made positive changes to family cooking and eating habits. Chartwells' mission is to change the way students and their families view food and Cooking up Change is an excellent example of a program that supports this initiative.

CVCA student, Diamonte B., said, "I learned teamwork. I learned to work together, work hard, stay focused." Fellow student chef Sheanice D., said, "We learned a lot during this competition -- a lot about the ingredients and where they came from." The competition gave the students aspirations for the future. "We'll keep cooking from our hearts and believing we can make it anywhere," said Sheanice.

"Cooking up Change provides a unique hands-on educational experience for students to engage their peers about eating healthy," said Margie Saidel RD, Vice President of Nutrition and Sustainability for Chartwells School Dining Services, Platinum Sponsor. "We are so proud that these amazing kids have the courage to compete and to plant the seeds of change for a healthier life for themselves as well as their peers and families."

For more information about Cooking up Change®, please visit www.CookingupChange.org.

About Chartwells School Dining Services
Chartwells, a division of Charlotte, NC-based Compass Group, provides dining services for over 550 public school districts and private schools, comprising over 6,000 separate elementary, middle and high schools nationwide. For more information about Chartwells School Dining Services, visit www.eatlearnlive.com.

About Healthy Schools Campaign
Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization, is a leading authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children, and education. HSC advocates for policies and practices that allow all students, teachers and staff to learn and work in a healthy school environment. For more information, please visit www.healthyschoolscampaign.org.

About Cooking up Change®
Cooking up Change® is a healthy cooking contest for high school student chefs. With the guidance of a chef instructor and dietitians, teams are challenged to prepare a great-tasting, nutritious meal that meets the nutritional standards and cost constraints that school food service staff face every day. Cooking up Change® engages students in the national dialogue about healthy school food. For more information, please visit www.CookingupChange.org.

Ayde Lyons
Chartwells School Dining Services
Phone: 914-935-5320
Email: Email Contact

Bunge Limited Increases Quarterly Dividend on Common Shares and Declares Dividends on Preference Shares

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:34:41 +0000

Bunge Limited Increases Quarterly Dividend on Common Shares and Declares Dividends on Preference Shares

PR Newswire

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in the company's regular quarterly cash dividend, from $0.25 to $0.27 per common share. The new dividend is payable on September 4, 2012, to shareholders of record on August 21, 2012.

The company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.21875 per share on its 4.875% cumulative convertible perpetual preference shares, payable on September 1, 2012, to shareholders of record on August 15, 2012.

About Bunge Limited

Bunge Limited (www.bunge.com, NYSE: BG) is a leading global agribusiness and food company with approximately 32,000 employees in more than 30 countries. Bunge buys, sells, stores and transports oilseeds and grains to serve customers worldwide; processes oilseeds to make protein meal for animal feed and edible oil products for commercial customers and consumers; produces sugar and ethanol from sugarcane; mills wheat and corn to make ingredients used by food companies; and sells fertilizer in North and South America. Founded in 1818, the company is headquartered in White Plains, New York.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations and projections about our future results, performance, prospects and opportunities. We have tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words including "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "continue" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. The following important factors, among others, could affect our business and financial performance: industry conditions, including fluctuations in supply, demand and prices for agricultural commodities and other raw materials and products used in our business; fluctuations in energy and freight costs and competitive developments in our industries; the effects of weather conditions and the outbreak of crop and animal disease on our business; global and regional agricultural, economic, financial and commodities market, political, social and health conditions; the outcome of pending regulatory and legal proceedings; our ability to complete, integrate and benefit from acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and strategic alliances; our ability to achieve the efficiencies, savings and other benefits anticipated from our cost reduction, margin improvement and other business optimization initiatives; changes in government policies, laws and regulations affecting our business, including agricultural and trade policies, tax regulations and biofuels legislation; and other factors affecting our business generally. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date of this release, and except as otherwise required by federal securities law, we do not have any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

SOURCE Bunge Limited

AIRMALL Boston Announces the Opening of First in Series of Duty-Free Units at Boston Logan International Airport

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:24:47 +0000

AIRMALL Boston Announces the Opening of First in Series of Duty-Free Units at Boston Logan International Airport

- Duty-Free Operator International Shoppes to Open a Total of Four Units in Terminals B and E -

PR Newswire

BOSTON, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AIRMALL® USA, developer of the leading airport concessions model in North America, is pleased to announce the first in a series of duty-free units to open as part of an enhanced duty-free program at the AIRMALL at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Operated by International Shoppes, the first of these units recently opened its doors in Terminal E (3,540 sq. ft.), enabling airline passengers to purchase liquor, tobacco and fragrances that are then packaged and hand-delivered to the gate.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100802/NE44129LOGO )

"At AIRMALL Boston, we are pleased to welcome the first of International Shoppes' permanent units in terminals B and E, and are confident that they will continue to take our duty-free program to the next level. Earlier this year, International Shoppes utilized cutting-edge technology to service travelers with three virtual stores in the terminal while they made improvements to these permanent units," said Michael Caro, vice president of AIRMALL Boston. "International Shoppes provides passengers with high-quality duty-free merchandise and enables the duty-free program at the AIRMALL at BOS to achieve continued success. We are pleased to welcome this first duty-free unit to the line-up in Boston, and look forward to the opening of the remaining three units this summer."

Based in New York, International Shoppes became the new duty-free operator for the AIRMALL at BOS on January 1, 2012. The contract is for two stores in Terminal B and two stores in Terminal E.

AIRMALL Boston currently manages and develops the retail concessions program for Boston Logan International Airport in terminals B and E, which represents a total of 90,000 square feet of retail concession space. The AIRMALL at BOS includes more than 35 restaurants and bars, nearly 20 specialty retail units, 13 news and gift stores, and a host of other services.

For more information about AIRMALL USA, visit www.airmallusa.com.

About AIRMALL® USA, Inc.

AIRMALL® USA, Inc. is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at Pittsburgh International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport (terminals B and E), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The leading airport concessions model in North America, AIRMALL USA continues to post among the highest per-passenger spends on the continent and consistently receives accolades for innovation and customer service. AIRMALL USA is owned by Prospect Capital Corporation, a leading New York investment company founded in 1988. For more information on AIRMALL USA, visit www.airmallusa.com.

Contact: Jeff Donaldson For AIRMALL USA
412-642-7700
jeff.donaldson@elias-savion.com

SOURCE AIRMALL USA

OLIO Brings Home "Best Pasta" Honors in Local Central New Jersey Restaurant Competition

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:16:00 +0000

Iselin Restaurant Wins at the Annual Rahway Taste of Spring

The only compliment as thrilling to a restaurant as a happy customer is the recognition of its own community -- and the OLIO restaurant at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel learned first hand! The Iselin restaurant's Orecchiette Pasta with Rock Shrimp in Lobster Sauce won the "Best Pasta" award at the 2012 Rahway Taste of Spring, held April 13, 2012.

The annual Rahway, New Jersey food and wine event brought together over 80 local fine gourmet eateries, caterers, and food vendors from across three counties. The event included a "Battle of the Bakeries," and winners in a number of food categories, which included "Best Pasta," "Best Dessert," and more. Attendees and judges were also treated to over two-dozen fine wine/boutique beer/aperitif tasting stations, for an unforgettable gourmet food experience. With representation from a number of fine local restaurants, Iselin's OLIO was up against stiff competition.

OLIO's management and staff were proud to bring home "Best Pasta" honors, and the delectable Orecchiette Pasta with Rock Shrimp in Lobster Sauce is just one of the casual restaurant's wide selection of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. Located on property at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, OLIO Restaurant/Lounge/Patio combines chic, colorful accents, inlaid mesquite log floors and hand-blown glass chandeliers with some of the best food in the area, and convenience for guests of the hotel. This Woodbridge hotel's stunning restaurant brings the beauty of the outdoors inside, as well.

It's no surprise then that the restaurant's location attracts diners from all over New Jersey and beyond -- including guests of the Renaissance.

Centrally located near corporate offices and tourist attractions, the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel's accommodations provide a sophisticated retreat for families and business travelers alike. A popular choice among Iselin hotels, the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel also boasts a unique setting featuring upscale restaurants infused with local flavor. The hotel offers Marriott's Plug-In Room Panels and 37-inch LCD HDTVs allow guests simultaneous connectivity to laptops, iPods, & DVD players. The Renaissance is just minutes away from two major shopping centers: Woodbridge Center Mall and Menlo Park Mall. For guests seeking a premier full-service Edison hotel, the Renaissance awaits.

About the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel

This distinctive choice among Edison, New Jersey hotels features 311 recently renovated guestrooms, including 42 suites and a complete upgrade to over 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a corporate meeting, this hotel in Edison, NJ, is located at the crossroads of Rt. 1 & 9 -- just 15 minutes south of Newark Liberty Int'l Airport (EWR) and less than 1 mile from Metropark Train Station. At the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, guests will find a place where simple delights become memorable moments.

Contact:
Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel
515 US Highway 1 South
Iselin, New Jersey 08830 USA
1-732-634-3600
Website Address: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrwd-renaissance-woodbridge-hotel/

OLIO's management and staff were proud to bring home 'Best Pasta' honors, and the delectable Orecchiette Pasta with Rock Shrimp in Lobster Sauce is just one of the casual restaurant's wide selection of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts.

Bob Evans Declares Quarterly Dividend

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:15:00 +0000

Bob Evans Declares Quarterly Dividend

PR Newswire

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Evans Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ: BOBE) announced today that its board of directors approved, on May 24, 2012, a quarterly cash dividend of 25 cents per share on the company's outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on June 18, 2012, to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 4, 2012.

Year-end earnings release details
The Company will release its year-end earnings after 4 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, and will hold its year-end conference call at 10 a.m. (ET) on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The dial-in number is (800) 690-3108, access code 79304596. A replay will be available at (800) 585-8367, access code 79304596.

To access the simultaneous webcast, go to www.bobevans.com/ir. The archived webcast will also be available on the Web site.

About Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
Bob Evans Farms, Inc. owns and operates full-service restaurants under the Bob Evans and Mimi's Cafe brand names. At the end of the third fiscal quarter (January 27, 2012), Bob Evans owned and operated 564 family restaurants in 18 states, primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States, while Mimi's Cafe owned and operated 145 casual restaurants located in 24 states, primarily in California and other western states. Bob Evans Farms, Inc. is also a leading producer and distributor of pork sausage and a variety of complementary convenience food items under the Bob Evans and Owens brand names. For more information about Bob Evans Farms, Inc., visit www.bobevans.com.

SOURCE Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

Two Charlotte Hotels Win Five Awards at Marriott International's Global General Manager's Conference

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:07:00 +0000

Boutique Renaissance SouthPark Hotel Earns Accolades for Customer Service and Service Leadership

The management and staff of the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark and Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel were recently recognized for their hard work and commitment to service, sales, and customer satisfaction at Marriott International's Global General Manager's Conference where they won five awards.

Kris Horacek, General Manager of both hotels, accepted the following awards on behalf of the hotels:

Customer Satisfaction Excellence - Overall - Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel
Customer Excellence - Problem Experienced - Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel
Service Leadership Award - Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel and Charlotte Marriott SouthPark
Market Share Improvement - Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel

The AAA-rated Four Diamond Renaissance SouthPark Hotel is a sophisticated, contemporary, and inviting hotel. The boutique property is located in the affluent SouthPark neighborhood, just a few minutes south of uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. This luxury hotel is just steps from SouthPark Mall, the Bobcats and Carolina Panthers games, and Lowes Motor Speedway. The hotel also provides easy access to Discovery Place, Queens University and Piedmont Row. After a day spent exploring the city, guests can unwind in the hotel's indoor pool, fitness center, or sauna.

For those traveling for business, the Charlotte hotel's event venues include state-of-the-art spaces for large conferences and intimate board meetings -- all coordinated with exceptional attention to detail. The Renaissance SouthPark Hotel graciously accommodates wedding receptions of all sizes and offers gourmet catering services for any business or social event.

Guests and locals alike are invited to indulge in the Renaissance SouthPark Hotel's restaurant and bar, Flagstones. Flagstones Restaurant offers innovative dining and a wide range of dishes, unique among SouthPark Charlotte restaurants. Come visit the Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark hotel and discover one of the premier 4 star hotels in Charlotte, NC.

For additional information or hotel reservations, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cltrp-renaissance-charlotte-southpark-hotel/ or call 704-501-2510.

The Charlotte Marriott SouthPark, also a AAA Four Diamond property, offers a setting of European sophistication and Southern charm in the affluent SouthPark neighborhood. The hotel features guest rooms with Marriott's signature bedding and all of the comforts of home. Facilities include the Rexford Park Public House restaurant, fitness center, and outdoor pool. Ideally situated, the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark is just minutes from the Specialty Shops on the Park as well as the Carowinds Theme Park, Bank of America Stadium, and Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com

Contact:
Renaissance SouthPark Hotel
5501 Carnegie Blvd
Charlotte, North Carolina 28209 USA
1-704-501-2510

Kris Horacek, General Manager of both hotels, accepted the following awards on behalf of the hotels: * Customer Satisfaction Excellence - Overall - Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel * Customer Excellence - Problem Experienced - Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel * Service Leadership Award - Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel and Charlotte Marriott SouthPark * Market Share Improvement - Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel