Exhibit 99.1
HARRY & DAVID HOLDINGS, INC. ACQUIRES WOLFERMAN’S,
LEADING MULTI-CHANNEL MARKETER OF GIFTABLE PREMIUM
BREAKFAST PRODUCTS
MEDFORD, Oregon, January 15, 2008 – Harry & David Holdings, Inc.announced today that it has acquired Wolferman’s from Williams Foods, Inc., a privately-held producer of dry seasonings and direct marketer of premium specialty food gifts.
Founded in 1888, Wolferman’s is a well-established brand known for its distinctive and giftable English muffins and other fine breakfast products sold through its catalogs and e-commerce website. The Company’s signature product is a market-leading premium English muffin, which has been produced using the same recipe since 1910. The Company also markets a wide variety of specialty breads, breakfast pastries, desserts and gourmet toppings, primarily as part of its gift basket sets. Wolferman’s generated sales of approximately $28 million in 2007.
“We are delighted to be adding the Wolferman’s® brand, its great heritage and its exceptionally delicious English muffins,” said Bill Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, Harry & David Holdings. “With a rich history of selling only the finest products and a loyal customer base, the two companies’ brands are very complementary. This acquisition will leverage Harry and David’s infrastructure and create strong marketing synergies for both companies. We see a significant growth opportunity to expand Wolferman’s direct marketing, Internet and wholesale businesses. “
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Wolferman’s,” said Conrad Hock, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Williams Foods, Inc. “Harry & David’s deep commitment to quality and customer service will enable Wolferman’s to continue creating ‘Good Things to Eat’—founder Louis Wolferman’s motto—and making them available to a much broader consumer base.”
About Harry & David Holdings, Inc.
Harry & David Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Medford, Oregon, is a leading multi-channel specialty retailer and producer of branded premium gift-quality fruit and gourmet food products and gifts marketed under the Harry and David® brand.
About Wolferman’s
Founded in 1888, Wolferman’s is a direct marketer and wholesaler of premium specialty foods and gifts, such as English muffins, tea breads, breakfast pastries, jams and other specialty products. The Company started making its signature Wolferman’s® English muffins in 1910 and, today, sells its products primarily through its catalog and e-commerce website, as well as through foodservice and retail channels.
CONTACTS: | ||||
| Company Contact | Media Contact | Investor Relations Contact | ||
| Steve O’Connell, CFO | Bill Ihle, EVP Corp. Relations | John Mills/Christine Lumpkins | ||
| Harry & David Holdings, Inc. | Harry & David Holdings, Inc. | Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc. | ||
| soconnell@harryanddavid.com | bihle@harryanddavid.com | jmills@icrinc.com | ||
| (541) 864-2164 | (541) 864-2145 | clumpkins@icrinc.com | ||
| (310) 954-1100 | ||||
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