Harvest Meat Company and Sherwood Food Distributors to Manage the Protein Distribution Needs of Wild Oats

17/07/06 Harvest Meat Company and Sherwood Food Distributors announced today that they have been selected by Wild Oats Markets Inc., a leading natural and organic foods retailer, to manage their nationwide protein distribution needs.

Kurt Luttecke, Vice President of Meat, Seafood and Food Service for Wild Oats stated, "Wild Oats is very excited about the partnership we have entered into with Harvest Meat Company and Sherwood Foods. We have a great opportunity for growth with the availability of large inventories based at three major distribution points, ten hub distribution centers, increased frequency of deliveries to our stores and our continued commitment to the highest quality of natural and organic foods for our customers."

With an increasing consumer interest in natural and organic foods, Wild Oats is in a growth mode and Harvest Meat Company, in collaboration with Sherwood Food Distributors, is poised to meet those growing needs. Multiple weekly deliveries, improved fill rates, and a commitment to growth were just a few of the benefits Harvest and Sherwood offered to Wild Oats as its primary protein suppliers for 110 stores in 24 U.S. states. Harvest and Sherwood have a long history of working together, covering the West coast and East coast protein supply needs for a variety of chain stores.

"We're excited about our partnership with Wild Oats and look forward to supporting their growth," said Jay Leavy, CEO of Harvest Meat Company. "National in scope and regional in service is our philosophy for doing business."

Earl Ishbia, CEO of Sherwood Foods, is also excited about the partnership to meet the unique needs of the Wild Oats Markets. "We realize that each store needs the individual customer service, and we are in a unique position to offer distribution to all of the Wild Oats stores nationwide," said Earl Ishbia.

With distribution centers in Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City and Orlando, Harvest has significant coverage in the West Coast. That coverage combined with Sherwood Foods' distribution centers in Detroit, Cincinnati, Chicago, Cleveland and Miami will allow the companies to efficiently meet the needs for 110 stores operated by Wild Oats Markets.

Harvest Meat Company and Sherwood Foods will provide these stores with a full line of protein products, including beef, pork, poultry, seafood, veal, lamb, processed meats and dairy products.