ConAgra Foods Acquires Alexia Foods

Alexia Foods represents the leading natural frozen potato brand and markets all natural and organic appetizers and artisan breads. Alexia Foods will continue to operate from its existing Long Island City, N.Y. offices.

26/07/07 ConAgra Foods, Inc. has acquired New York-based Alexia Foods Inc., a privately held natural food company. Alexia Foods represents the leading natural frozen potato brand and markets all natural and organic appetizers and artisan breads. Alexia Foods premium brands align with ConAgra Foods strategy of optimizing its portfolio and delivering innovative products that support sustainable, profitable growth.

Established in 2002 by founder and chef Alex Dzieduszycki, the Alexia brand generates approximately $35 million in annual sales of products which are available at natural, gourmet, club, and grocery stores including: Whole Foods, Sam's Club, Costco, Super Target, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway, Publix and other large retailers across the U.S. and Canada. Alexia Foods will continue to operate from its existing Long Island City, N.Y. offices under the leadership of Alex Dzieduszycki and current staff who will become ConAgra Foods employees.

"Alex's passion for culinary creativity and expression will continue to benefit the Alexia brand and ConAgra Foods as we deliver innovative, flavorful products that are relevant to today's consumer," said Gary Rodkin, chief executive officer of ConAgra Foods. "Alexia's premium brands position ConAgra Foods to gain presence in the increasingly important natural and organic foods segment. In turn, Alexia will benefit from ConAgra Foods' marketing and operating infrastructure."

Alex Dzieduszycki, Alexia Foods' president and chief executive officer, said, "This agreement is a milestone for the Alexia brand in being able to continue our commitment to deliver premium, natural and organic products to consumers while drawing on the resources ConAgra Foods brings as a leader in the food industry."

The acquisition includes the interest in Alexia Foods held by San Francisco, Calif.- based TSG Consumer Partners, LLC, a private equity investment firm.