O! - Omaha Lands World's Championship Chili Cookoff; ConAgra Foods Sponsorship 'Seals Deal' for City, Chili Fans.

OMAHA, Neb. -- The City of Omaha will host the 2005 World's Championship Chili Cookoff(TM) thanks to the local, financial support of ConAgra Foods. According to Mayor Mike Fahey, the three-day cookoff, slated for October 7-9, is projected to bring a $5.1(a) million economic impact to the city.

Last year the event was held in Las Vegas, Nevada and attracted 400 competitors from around the world. For 2005, Omaha was picked over several other U.S. cities for the cookoff, which has gained increased national attention in recent years, including coverage by the Food Network on cable TV for last year's event.

At the media conference announcing the event, Mayor Mike Fahey was joined by representatives of ConAgra Foods as well as local and national representatives from the International Chili Society (ICS) who sanction chili cookoffs worldwide.

"This is yet another success story and sign of good things still to come for Omaha's blossoming tourism and events scene," said Mayor Fahey. "I have no doubt that what Kansas City has become for 'barbecue' Omaha can be for 'chili.' I cannot thank ConAgra Foods enough for their generous support and on-going partnership with the city to bring exciting, large events to the metro."

"We see this as a great opportunity for Omaha and ConAgra Foods," said Mike Fernandez, senior vice president, Corporate Affairs, ConAgra Foods. "It brings the world to Omaha to find the perfect chili, and it provides ConAgra Foods a chance to showcase great-tasting brands like Hunt's(R) tomatoes, Gebhardt's(R) chili powder and Gilroy garlic used in many recipes."

Said Carol Hancock, owner and CEO, International Chili Society: "We think Omaha and ConAgra Foods will be superb partners in helping us host the 2005 World's Championship Chili Cookoff. Omaha has become increasingly hot as a favored business destination, with a friendly, supportive community that values and knows what it likes in a good chili. ConAgra Foods is one of North America's leading packaged food companies, with all of the right ingredients for this world class event."

In its 38 years, ICS has sanctioned cookoffs across the world for charitable and non-profit organizations that have raised more than $77 million and qualified regional winners for a chance to compete in the World's Championship Chili Cookoff. Prizes for winners among the more than 400 teams competing in Omaha at the 2005 cookoff will total $40,000 from ICS. ConAgra Foods has also agreed to sponsor a $5,000 prize for the best chili recipe that includes ingredients from the company's many brands, such as quality Hunt's tomato products, Gebhardt's chili powder, Ro*Tel(R) diced tomatoes and green chilies, and Gilroy garlic. The event is expected to be covered again this year by the Food Network.

Mayor Fahey also highlighted "Hometown Heroes" Bill and Sue Dudzik, who are members of ICS and enthusiastic about bringing the event to Omaha, where it will be held at the Lewis & Clark Landing.

(a) Based on formula used by the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus

About International Chili Society and World's Championship Chili Cookoff

The ICS is a not-for-profit organization that sanctions chili cookoffs. These events are worldwide and benefit charities or nonprofit organizations. Winners of ICS-sanctioned cookoffs qualify to compete for cash prizes and awards at the World's Championship Chili Cookoff, which has been held annually since 1967. The ICS is the largest food contest, festival organization in the world. It currently reaches more than 750,000 attendees a year through 180 plus events annually. Its sole purpose is to promote, develop and improve the preparation and appreciation of true chili and to determine each year the World's Champion Chili through officially sanctioned and regulated competitive cookoffs. ICS-sanctioned cookoffs include three categories: Red (traditional red chili), Chili Verde (green chili) and Salsa, with a World Champion crowned annually in each category. This association shall further the camaraderie of chiliheads on behalf of charitable and nonprofit organizations in the world. For more information, visit www.chilicookoff.com.

About ConAgra Foods

Based in Omaha, ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is one of North America's largest packaged food companies, serving consumer grocery retailers, as well as restaurants and other foodservice establishments. Popular ConAgra Foods consumer brands include: ACT II, Armour, Banquet, Blue Bonnet, Brown 'N Serve, Butterball, Chef Boyardee, Cook's, Crunch 'n Munch, DAVID, Decker, Eckrich, Egg Beaters, Fleischmann's, Gebhardt's, Gulden's, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunt's, Kid Cuisine, Knott's Berry Farm, La Choy, Lamb Weston, Libby's, Lightlife, Louis Kemp, Lunch Makers, MaMa Rosa's, Manwich, Marie Callender's, Orville Redenbacher's, PAM, Parkay, Pemmican, Peter Pan, Reddi-wip, Rosarita, Ro*Tel, Slim Jim, Snack Pack, Swiss Miss, Van Camp's, Wesson, Wolf and many others. For more information, visit www.conagrafoods.com.