Bumble Bee Responds to Tuna Crisis in Pacific Northwest; Makes Major Tuna Purchase; Announces New "All-American Albacore" Product.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 1998--Bumble Bee Seafoods, the nation's leading brand of albacore tuna, Wednesday announced that it has made a significant purchase of albacore tuna from local U.S. fishing boats in Oregon and Washington, which have had an extremely difficult year selling their catch.

Bumble Bee will use some of this tuna in a new product, called "Bumble Bee Limited Catch American Albacore."

Mark A. Koob, president of Bumble Bee Seafoods, said: "For nearly 100 years Bumble Bee has supported American fishermen -- in fact, the company was founded in 1899 by seven pioneering salmon fishermen in Astoria, Ore.

"This additional purchase of local albacore tuna continues that commitment. With the launch of this new `All-American' product, we are taking a chance on an unproven concept. But we think it's important to these fishermen and their communities that we at least give it a try."

Wayne Heikkila, general manager of the Western Fishboat Owners Association (WFOA), said: "This has been a tough year for us due to the unexpected surplus of tuna worldwide combined with the Asian financial crisis. Many of our members are threatened with the loss of their boats and livelihoods.

"This agreement with Bumble Bee should help provide new hope for our fishermen and their long-term futures."

Tana McHale, fisheries consultant for WFOA, added: "We are extremely pleased by Bumble Bee's response to this situation, and look forward to working with them in this partnership with our fishermen."

Bumble Bee hopes that consumers and retail customers will also support an "All-American Albacore" product. John Stiker, vice president of new products, said: "We think that the combination of factors -- awareness, taste, quality and pricing -- are right to try this product with consumers."

Steve Morris, vice president of trade marketing, added: "Many of our retail customers are well known for offering `Made in the USA' products, and we're hopeful that we can work with them to make this quality American product available to working families across the nation."

Bumble Bee Limited Catch American Albacore will be available on a trial basis in stores across the nation starting in December, and will feature a special red, white and blue label.

With headquarters in San Diego, Bumble Bee is the nation's leading brand of albacore tuna, as well as pink and red salmon. In 1997, Bumble Bee was acquired by International Home Foods (NYSE:IHF), a nationally prominent manufacturer, distributor and marketer of food products.

In addition to Bumble Bee, International Home Foods' significant established brands include Chef Boyardee prepared foods, PAM cooking spray and Orleans canned specialty seafoods.