Bumble Bee Launches Line of New Specialty Seafood Products as Part of Major Marketing Campaign in Underdeveloped Category.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 17, 1998--Bumble Bee(R) Seafoods, the nation's leading brand of solid white tuna and canned salmon, today announced that it is launching a line of specialty seafood products as part of its multi-million dollar marketing effort to reinvigorate the canned seafood category. The new product line, which includes Louisiana shrimp, white and lump crabmeat, whole and smoked oysters, and whole baby clams, will begin hitting shelves in selected markets later this month; television and radio advertising begins in mid-August.

The company's primary marketing objective is to inform consumers that canned seafood can be just as delicious as its refrigerated or frozen counterparts, with greater convenience and versatility. The canned specialty seafood category is smaller in size than the refrigerated and frozen seafood categories, and carries a perception among consumers that it cannot compare in quality to refrigerated or frozen products.

Michael McCulley, Senior Vice President of Operations for Bumble Bee Seafoods, said in response: "With today's technology and access to global markets, we can pack fresh seafood almost as soon as it is caught -- in many cases within twenty-four hours of arrival ashore. This allows us to bring consumers delicious, healthful seafood that's ready to use when they are - and at a great value compared to the refrigerated or frozen alternative. And with the Bumble Bee name, they know they're getting the kind of quality they've come to expect for nearly one hundred years."

The marketing campaign will feature television and radio advertising in selected markets, as well as coupons for the new products on Bumble Bee tuna labels. Bumble Bee will sponsor a national recipe contest through its in-store magazine, "The Latest Buzzz," as well as recipe contests in food sections of daily newspapers around the country. Each new product will also carry recipes for usage on the label.

John Stiker, Director of Marketing for Bumble Bee, said: "To our knowledge, this is the first time anyone has tried to build the specialty seafood category through advertising. Our campaign encourages consumers to `Bee Gourmet' and `Bee Tasty' by providing recipes such as shrimp fettuccini, crab salad, oyster dip and clam chowder. These outstanding products fit perfectly with the campaign, further supporting our message that for great quality seafood, `It's Gotta Be Bumble Bee.'"

Entry into the specialty seafood category was made possible through the recent acquisition of Orleans(R) Seafoods by International Home Foods (NYSE: IHF), the parent company of Bumble Bee. Mark A. Koob, President of Bumble Bee Seafoods, said: "The launch of these specialty products from Bumble Bee represents a great example of synergy within IHF, as we are leveraging the product and marketing expertise of our sister company, Orleans. It is a key step towards revitalizing the tremendous Bumble Bee brand, by providing another delicious alternative for today's health-conscious consumers from a brand they trust."

Headquartered in San Diego, Bumble Bee has been producing top quality seafood since 1899. In a recent consumer survey, its flagship product, solid white albacore tuna, was preferred almost 2 to 1 versus the next leading brand for overall quality. Orleans Seafoods, headquartered in New Orleans, is the nation's leading brand of canned shrimp and crab, and is America's only packer of shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico.

International Home Foods is a nationally prominent manufacturer, distributor and marketer of food products. In addition to Bumble Bee and Orleans, its significant established brands include Chef Boyardee(R) astas, PAM(R) cooking spray, and Guldens(R) mustards.

   CONTACT: John Stiker
             Bumble Bee Seafoods
             [phone]
               or
             Mark A. Semer
             Kekst and Company
             [phone]