Dean Foods completes acquisition of Rio Grande Foods Inc.

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 1995--Howard M. Dean, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dean Foods Company, announced the completion of the company's acquisition of the assets of Rio Grande Foods Inc. (Rio Grande) a subsidiary of Flowers Industries Inc.

As previously announced, Rio Grande is a frozen Southern vegetable processor and distributor located in McAllen, TX with annual sales of approximately $40 million. The Rio Grande product line consists of okra, crowder and black-eyed peas, and southern greens.

In making the announcement, Dean said, "This acquisition provides new products for our retail, foodservice and industrial customers. The addition of these Southern vegetable products allows Dean to market a full line of frozen vegetables which will improve customer service and distribution throughout the United States. The Dean Foods Vegetable Company is now uniquely positioned to deliver this level of service. The McAllen, TX facility is strategically located providing raw product sourcing and production flexibility. We enthusiastically welcome the McAllen employees to the Dean organization."

Dean Foods is a diversified food processor and distributor, producing a full line of dairy and other food products, including fluid milk, cottage cheese, ice cream and frozen novelties, frozen yogurt and specialty foods such as canned and frozen vegetables, dips, pickles, relishes, powdered coffee creamers, syrups and aseptic products. Products are sold to supermarkets, specialty food stores, foodservice facilities, other processors and internationally.

CONTACT: Martin E. Janis & Company Inc., Chicago

Bev Jedynak, 312/943-1100