AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 5, 1999
  REGISTRATION NOS. 333-      , NO. 333-      , NO. 333-      , NO. 333-
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
                            ------------------------

                                                                                  
                 NEW YORK                                      2030                                     16-0845824
     (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF               (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL                      (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
      INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)               CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)                    IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

                            ------------------------
                               AND ITS GUARANTORS

                                                                                         
                                             
   PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC.                 NEW YORK                          2030                         16-6036816
KENNEDY ENDEAVORS, INCORPORATED             WASHINGTON                         2096                         91-1350382
    LINDEN OAKS CORPORATION                  DELAWARE                          9999                         52-2043917
  (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS     (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION      (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL         (IRS EMPLOYER
   SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)                    OF                   CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)        IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
                                  INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

                            ------------------------
                                 90 LINDEN OAKS
                                 P.O. BOX 20670
                           ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14602
                                 (716) 383-1850
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANTS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
                                 EARL L. POWERS
              VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                         90 LINDEN OAKS, P.O. BOX 20670
                           ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14602
                                 (716) 383-1850
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
                                    COPY TO:
                              J. D. WEINBERG, ESQ.
                           HOWARD, SMITH & LEVIN LLP
                          1330 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
                                 (212) 841-1000
                            ------------------------
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
     If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box: [ ]
 
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering: [ ]
 
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering: [ ]
                            ------------------------
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


==================================================================================================================================
                                                                                  PROPOSED MAXIMUM  PROPOSED MAXIMUM   AMOUNT OF
                 TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES                  AMOUNT TO BE   OFFERING PRICE      AGGREGATE      REGISTRATION
                         TO BE REGISTERED                            REGISTERED     PER NOTE(1)      OFFERING PRICE      FEE(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          
11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008......................... $200,000,000        100%          $200,000,000      $ 55,600
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantees of 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008........... $200,000,000        --                 --               (3)
==================================================================================================================================

 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee in
    accordance with Rule 457(f)(2) under the Securities Act.
(2) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(f)(2) under the Securities Act.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no registration fee is
    payable with respect to the Guarantees.
                            ------------------------
     THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE
ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY
DETERMINE.
================================================================================









THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SEEKING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN
ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
 
PROSPECTUS                         SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JANUARY 5, 1999
 
                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
 
OFFER TO EXCHANGE OUR 11 7/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008 FOR ANY AND ALL
         OF OUR OUTSTANDING 11 7/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008
 
       THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M.,
       NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                      , 1999, UNLESS EXTENDED
 
  We are offering a total of $200,000,000 of our 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated
  Notes due 2008, which will be freely transferable, in exchange for our
  outstanding 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. We refer to this
  Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal that accompanies it as the 'Exchange
  Offer.' We refer to the 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 being
  offered in the Exchange Offer as the 'Exchange Notes' and we refer to the
  outstanding 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 that can be exchanged
  for Exchange Notes as the 'Initial Notes.' We refer to Exchange Notes and
  Initial Notes together as the 'Notes.' The Notes are guaranteed, jointly and
  severally, by our parent and certain of our subsidiaries on a senior
  unsecured basis.
 
                          TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
   Expires 5 p.m., New York City time, on              , 1999, unless
   extended.
 
   Subject to certain customary conditions, including the condition that the
   Exchange Offer not violate any applicable law or any applicable
   interpretation of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
   Tenders of Initial Notes may be withdrawn any time prior to the expiration
   of the Exchange Offer.
 
   All Initial Notes that are validly tendered and not withdrawn will be
   exchanged for Exchange Notes.
 
   We will not receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer.
 
   All broker-dealers must comply with the registration and prospectus
   delivery requirements of the Securities Act. See 'Plan of Distribution.'
 
   We do not intend to apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any
   securities exchange or to arrange for them to be quoted on any quotation
   system.
 
  See 'The Exchange Offer' for more information.

                          TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
   The terms of the Exchange Notes are identical to the terms of the Initial
   Notes, except that Exchange Notes will be freely transferable and will not
   have any covenants regarding exchange and registration rights.
 
   The Notes are redeemable at our option at any time on or after November 1,
   2003, at the prices set forth in this Prospectus.
 
   The Notes are redeemable at our option with the net cash proceeds of Equity
   Offerings (as defined in this Prospectus) at any time prior to November 1,
   2001, at a price equal to 111.875% of the principal amount of the Notes plus
   accrued and unpaid interest, if any; provided that at least $130 million in
   aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains outstanding after each such
   redemption.
 
   The Notes are subordinated to our senior indebtedness.
 
   We must offer to repurchase the Notes for 101% of the principal amount of
   the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if there is a Change
   of Control (as defined in this Prospectus).
 
   Interest on Exchange Notes is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1
   of each year. The first interest payment date is May 1, 1999.
 
   Interest on the Exchange Notes will accrue from the most recent date to
   which interest has been paid on the Initial Notes or, if no interest has
   been paid on the Initial Notes, from November 18, 1998. No interest will be
   payable on Initial Notes that are exchanged for Exchange Notes.
 
   The Notes are guaranteed by our parent, Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc., and
   certain of our subsidiaries.
 
  See 'Description of Notes' for more information about the Notes.
 
  INVESTING IN THE EXCHANGE NOTES INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS. SEE 'RISK FACTORS'
  BEGINNING ON PAGE 12.
 
  NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
  COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF
  THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
  IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
               The date of this Prospectus is              , 1999









                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 


                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                              -----
                                                                                                           
Where You Can Find More Information........................................................................       2
Forward-Looking Information................................................................................       3
Market and Industry Data...................................................................................       4
Prospectus Summary.........................................................................................       5
Risk Factors...............................................................................................      12
The Company and Pro-Fac....................................................................................      21
The Transactions...........................................................................................      21
Use of Proceeds............................................................................................      23
Capitalization.............................................................................................      23
The Exchange Offer.........................................................................................      24
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data of the Company..........................................................      33
Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data of Agrilink and DFVC...............      38
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations......................      42
Business...................................................................................................      57
Description of Certain Indebtedness........................................................................      59
Description of Notes.......................................................................................      62
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.............................................................      91
Plan of Distribution.......................................................................................      91
Legal Matters..............................................................................................      92
Experts....................................................................................................      93
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Information...........................................     F-1

 
                            ------------------------
 
     Our principal executive offices are located at 90 Linden Oaks, P.O. Box.
20670, Rochester, New York 14602. Our telephone number is 716-383-1850.
 
     You should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus. We
have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that
contained in this Prospectus or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. We
are not making offers to exchange Notes or soliciting offers to exchange Notes
in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or
in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so
or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
 
     The information in this Prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front
cover. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus
is accurate as of any other date.
 
                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
     We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC' or the
'Commission') a registration statement on Form S-4 (the 'Registration
Statement') under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act'),
covering the Exchange Notes. This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information included in the Registration Statement. Any statement made in this
Prospectus concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document
is not necessarily complete. If we have filed any such contract, agreement or
other document as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, you should read the
exhibit for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved.
Each statement regarding a contract, agreement or other document is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the actual document.
 
     We and our parent, Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. ('Pro-Fac'), are required to
file periodic reports and other information with the SEC under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act'). In accordance therewith,
we and Pro-Fac file reports and other information with the Commission. In
addition, pursuant to the indenture governing the Notes, we have agreed to file
with the SEC financial and other information for public availability and to
deliver to the trustee, IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company (the 'Trustee'), for
forwarding to you, copies of all reports that we file with the
 
                                       2
 




SEC without any cost to you. We will also furnish such other reports as we may
determine or as the law requires.
 
     You may read and copy the Registration Statement, including the attached
exhibits, and any reports, statements or other information that we file, at the
SEC's public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington,
D.C. 20549-1004, and at the SEC's Midwest Regional Office located at Citicorp
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511; and
its Northeast Regional Office located at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New
York, New York 10048. You can request copies of these documents, upon payment of
a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC at its principal office at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549-1004. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330
for further information on the operation of the public reference rooms. The
Issuer's and Pro-Fac's SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC's
Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).
 
     The SEC allows us to 'incorporate by reference' the information we file
with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. These incorporated documents contain important
business and financial information about us that is not included in or delivered
with this Prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to
be part of this Prospectus, and later information filed with the SEC will update
and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed
below and any future filings made with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offer.
 
      Our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A-1 for the year ended June 27, 1998 (the
      'Company's Annual Report');
 
      Pro-Fac's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A-1 for the year ended June 27, 1998;
 
      Our and Pro-Fac's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated October 5, 1998;
 
      Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26,
      1998;
 
      Pro-Fac's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
      26, 1998; and
 
      Our and Pro-Fac's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated December 3, 1998.
 
     These filings are available at the SEC's offices and internet site
described above. They are also available to holders of Initial Notes, without
charge, directly from us. You may request a copy of these filings by writing or
telephoning us at the following address: Agrilink Foods, Inc., 90 Linden Oaks,
P.O. Box 20670, Rochester, New York 14602, Attention: Vice
President -- Communications; telephone: (716) 383-1850.
 
     IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF ANY COPIES OF FILINGS REQUESTED FROM
US, PLEASE WRITE OR TELEPHONE US NO LATER THAN             , 1999 (FIVE BUSINESS
DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER).
 
                          FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
     This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements, which are statements
other than statements of historical facts. We have based these forward-looking
statements on our current expectations and projections about future events,
based on the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking
statements are principally contained in the sections 'Prospectus Summary,'
'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations,' 'Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data of the Company' and 'Business,'
and in the unaudited pro forma financial data and management's discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations for Pro-Fac or in
statements using the phrases 'expects' or 'anticipates' located elsewhere
herein. The forward-looking statements include, among other things, our
expectations and estimates about the Company's and Pro-Fac's business
operations, strategy, future costs savings and integration of the acquired
businesses following the Acquisition and the Offering, and our expectations and
estimates about the Company's and Pro-Fac's future financial performance,
including their financial position, cash flows from operations, capital
expenditures and the ability to refinance indebtedness.
 
                                       3
 




     The forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and
assumptions about us and about the future, and could prove not to be correct.
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our
expectations are discussed in this Prospectus, including in conjunction with the
forward-looking statements included in this Prospectus and under 'Risk Factors.'
Among the factors that could impact the Company's ability to achieve its goals
are:
 
      the impact of strong competition in the food industry;
 
      the impact of weather on the volume and quality of raw products;
 
      the inherent risks in the marketplace associated with new product
      introductions, including uncertainties about trade and consumer
      acceptance;
 
      the extent to which anticipated cost savings in connection with our
      acquisition of Dean Foods Vegetable Company and its subsidiaries will be
      realized and the timing of any such realization;
 
      our ability to integrate the Dean Foods Vegetable Company into our
      business;
 
      our success in integrating other acquired operations and the availability
      to us of acquisition and alliance, as well as disposition, opportunities;
      and
 
      our ability to achieve gains in productivity and improvements in capacity
      utilization.
 
     We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking
events discussed in this Prospectus may not occur.
 
                            MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA
 
     Industry, market share and brand awareness data used in this Prospectus,
unless otherwise stated, was derived from consultants' reports and industry
publications. Consultants' reports and industry publications generally state
that the information they contain was obtained from sources believed by them to
be reliable, but they do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such
information. We have not independently verified such industry, market share and
brand awareness data and, although we believe it to be reliable, we cannot
guarantee that it is accurate or complete.
 
                                       4









                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following information is qualified in its entirety by, and should be
read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements
appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. Unless the
context otherwise requires, as used in this Prospectus, 'we,' 'our,' 'us,' and
the 'Company,' mean Agrilink Foods, Inc. and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries; 'Agrilink' means Agrilink Foods, Inc. and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries before the Transactions (as defined in this Prospectus); the
'Issuer' means Agrilink Foods, Inc.; and 'Pro-Fac' means our parent corporation,
Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. For purposes of the financial and other information,
references to a 'fiscal year' and 'first fiscal quarter' mean a last Saturday of
June fiscal year end and last Saturday of September fiscal quarter end for the
Company and Pro-Fac, and a last Sunday of May fiscal year end and last Sunday of
August fiscal quarter end for Dean Foods Vegetable Company and its subsidiaries
(collectively, 'DFVC'). Other references to years mean calendar years.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
     We are a leading producer and marketer of diversified processed food
products, including frozen and canned vegetables and fruits, fruit fillings and
toppings, canned chilies and stews, salad dressings, pickles and snack foods.
Many of our products have well-recognized brand names which enjoy leading
national or regional market shares, including Birds Eye, Freshlike and Veg-All
frozen and canned vegetables, Comstock, Wilderness and Thank You fruit fillings
and toppings, Nalley chilies and stews and Bernstein's salad dressings. We also
sell our products to supermarkets, warehouse clubs and mass merchandisers under
private labels and to food service institutions such as restaurants, caterers,
bakeries and schools. We operate 29 strategically located processing facilities
throughout the United States and in Mexico, which provide us access to diverse
sources of raw agricultural products. We distribute our finished products to
over 13,000 customer distribution points through a nationwide network of
distribution centers and food brokers and a regional direct sales force.
 
     We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Pro-Fac, a New York agricultural
cooperative corporation formed in 1960 to process and market crops grown by its
members. In 1994 we entered into the Pro-Fac Marketing and Facilitation
Agreement (as amended, the 'Marketing Agreement') with Pro-Fac. The Marketing
Agreement provides for Pro-Fac to supply crops and additional financing to us,
for us to provide marketing and management services to Pro-Fac and for Pro-Fac
to share in our profits or losses. See 'The Company and Pro-Fac.'
 
THE TRANSACTIONS
 
The Acquisition of DFVC
 
     On September 24, 1998, we acquired (the 'Acquisition') DFVC, the frozen and
canned vegetable business of Dean Foods Company ('Dean Foods'), by acquiring
from Dean Foods all the outstanding capital stock of Dean Foods Vegetable
Company and Birds Eye de Mexico SA de CV ('Birds Eye Mexico'). In connection
with the Acquisition, we sold our aseptic business (the 'Aseptic Business') to
Dean Foods. We paid $360.0 million in cash, net of the sale of the Aseptic
Business, and issued to Dean Foods a $30.0 million unsecured subordinated
promissory note due November 22, 2008 (the 'Subordinated Promissory Note'), as
consideration for the Acquisition. We have the right, until July 15, 1999, to
require Dean Foods, jointly with us, to treat the Acquisition as an asset sale
for tax purposes under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the 'Code'). Upon exercising that election, which we intend to do,
we will pay an additional $13.2 million to Dean Foods.
 
     After the Acquisition, Dean Foods Vegetable Company was merged into the
Issuer (the 'Merger'), and Dean Foods Vegetable Company became a division of the
Company known as 'Agrilink Foods Vegetable Company' or 'AFVC.' DFVC has been one
of the leading processors of vegetables in the United States, selling its
products under well-known brand names, such as Birds Eye,
 
                                       5
 




Freshlike and Veg-All, and private labels. We believe that the Acquisition
strengthens our competitive position by enhancing our brand recognition and
market position, providing opportunities for cost savings and operating
efficiencies, and increasing our product and geographic diversification.
 
The Refinancing
 
     Concurrently with the Acquisition, we refinanced (the 'Refinancing') our
existing indebtedness, which included our 12.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2005 (the 'Old Notes') and our then existing bank debt. We conducted a tender
offer (the 'Tender Offer') for all the Old Notes and a consent solicitation (the
'Solicitation') to certain amendments of the indenture governing the Old Notes.
Substantially all of the $160.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Old
Notes were tendered and were purchased by us for an aggregate amount of
approximately $184.0 million, including accrued interest of $2.9 million. The
amendments to the indenture governing the Old Notes were adopted. We also
terminated our old credit facility (the 'Old Credit Facility') and repaid the
$176.5 million of indebtedness outstanding thereunder. We refer to the
Acquisition, the Merger, the sale of the Aseptic Business and the Refinancing
collectively as the 'Transactions.'
 
     In order to consummate the Transactions and pay the related fees and
expenses, we:
 
      entered into a new credit facility (the 'New Credit Facility') providing
      for $455.0 million of term loan borrowings (the 'Term Loan Facility') and
      up to $200.0 million of revolving credit borrowings (the 'Revolving Credit
      Facility');
 
      entered into a $200.0 million bridge loan facility (the 'Bridge
      Facility'); and
 
      issued the $30.0 million Subordinated Promissory Note to Dean Foods.
 
We repaid the Bridge Facility on November 18, 1998, principally with the
proceeds of the offering of the Initial Notes (the 'Initial Notes Offering').
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
     In December 1998, we and Pro-Fac announced that Pro-Fac has entered into a
letter of intent for Pro-Fac to acquire the business of Agripac, Inc.
('Agripac'), an Oregon cooperative. Agripac, which processes frozen and canned
vegetables in the Northwest, reported approximately $180.0 million in aggregate
sales for fiscal 1998 (including for both frozen and canned vegetables). Agripac
operates eight plant facilities located in the states of Oregon and Washington
and employs approximately 600 people. It currently sources from approximately
190 growers in the Northwest.
 
     The transaction, if consummated, will involve a newly-formed subsidiary of
Pro-Fac acquiring the frozen (and not canned) vegetable assets and member-grower
contracts of Agripac in exchange for Pro-Fac stock and the repayment of certain
debt of Agripac with the proceeds of approximately $100.0 million of
indebtedness incurred by the new subsidiary. Most of the members of Agripac will
become members of Pro-Fac as a result. In order to consummate the transaction,
neither we nor Pro-Fac will loan or otherwise contribute any funds to the new
subsidiary or guarantee or otherwise secure with our or Pro-Fac's assets the
indebtedness to be incurred by the new subsidiary. We anticipate that our
management will manage and operate this new Pro-Fac subsidiary in exchange for a
management fee.
 
     The transaction is subject to numerous conditions, including that Agripac's
existing lenders provide sufficient financing for the acquisition and for
working capital, finalization of agreements, board approval, regulatory approval
and due diligence.
 
     Separately, we announced in December 1998 that we reached an agreement in
principle to sell our peanut butter business. We do not consider this to be a
significant transaction.
 
                            ------------------------

     Our executive offices are located at 90 Linden Oaks, P.O. Box 20670,
Rochester, New York 14602, telephone: (716) 383-1850.
 
                                       6
 




                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 

                                            
Registration Rights Agreement................  We issued the Initial Notes on November 18, 1998 to Warburg Dillon
                                               Read LLC and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc. (the 'Initial
                                               Purchasers'). The Initial Purchasers placed the Initial Notes with
                                               institutional investors in transactions exempt from the
                                               registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to
                                               Section 4(2) and/or Regulation S under the Securities Act and
                                               applicable state securities laws. In connection with this private
                                               placement, the Company, Pro-Fac and the Initial Purchasers entered
                                               into the Registration Rights Agreement, which provides, among
                                               other things, for the Exchange Offer. See 'The Exchange Offer.'
The Exchange Offer...........................  We are offering Exchange Notes in exchange for an equal principal
                                               amount of Initial Notes. As of this date, there is $200,000,000
                                               aggregate principal amount of Initial Notes outstanding. Initial
                                               Notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000.
Resale of Exchange Notes.....................  We believe that the Exchange Notes issued in the Exchange Offer
                                               may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by you
                                               without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
                                               provisions of the Securities Act, provided that:
                                                   you are acquiring the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of
                                                   your business;
                                                   you are not participating, do not intend to participate, and
                                                   have no arrangement or understanding with any person to
                                                   participate, in the distribution of the Exchange Notes; and
                                                   you are not an 'affiliate' of ours.
                                               If any of the foregoing are not true and you transfer any Exchange
                                               Note without registering such Exchange Note and delivering a
                                               prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act, or
                                               without an exemption from registration of your Exchange Notes from
                                               such requirements, you may incur liability under the Securities
                                               Act. We do not assume or indemnify you against such liability.
                                               Each broker-dealer that is issued Exchange Notes for its own
                                               account in exchange for Initial Notes that were acquired by such
                                               broker-dealer as a result of market making or other trading
                                               activities must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus
                                               meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with
                                               any resale of the Exchange Notes. A broker-dealer may use this
                                               Prospectus for an offer to resell, resale or other retransfer of
                                               the Exchange Notes. See 'Plan of Distribution.' Subject to certain
                                               limitations, we will take steps to ensure that the issuance of the
                                               Exchange Notes will comply with state securities or 'blue sky'
                                               laws.
Consequences of Failure to Exchange Initial
  Notes......................................  If you do not exchange your Initial Notes for Exchange

 
                                       7
 





                                            
                                               Notes, you will no longer be able to compel us to register the
                                               Initial Notes under the Securities Act. In addition, you will not
                                               be able to offer or sell the Initial Notes unless they are
                                               registered under the Securities Act (and we will have no
                                               obligation to register them, except for some limited exceptions),
                                               or unless you offer or sell them under an exemption from the
                                               requirements of, or a transaction not subject to, the Securities
                                               Act. See 'Risk Factors -- Failure to Participate in the Exchange
                                               Offer Will Have Adverse Consequences' and 'The Exchange
                                               Offer -- Effect of the Exchange Offer.'
Expiration of the Exchange Offer.............  The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City Time,
                                               on                          , 1999 (the 'Expiration Date'), unless
                                               we decide to extend the Expiration Date.
Interest on the Exchange Notes...............  The Exchange Notes will accrue interest at 11 7/8% per year, from
                                               either the last date we paid interest on the Initial Notes that
                                               you exchanged, or, if no interest has been paid on the Initial
                                               Notes, from November 18, 1998. We will pay interest on the
                                               Exchange Notes on May 1 and November 1 of each year.
Conditions to the Exchange Offer.............  The Exchange Offer is not subject to any condition other than
                                               certain customary conditions, including that:
                                                   the Exchange Offer does not violate any applicable law or
                                                   applicable interpretation of law of the staff of the
                                                   Securities and Exchange Commission;
                                                   no litigation materially impairs our ability to proceed with
                                                   the Exchange Offer; and
                                                   we obtain all the governmental approvals we deem necessary for
                                                   the Exchange Offer. See 'The Exchange Offer -- Certain
                                                   Conditions to the Exchange Offer.'
Procedures for Tendering Initial Notes.......  If you wish to accept the Exchange Offer, you must complete, sign
                                               and date the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile of the Letter
                                               of Transmittal, and transmit it together with all other documents
                                               required by the Letter of Transmittal (including the Initial Notes
                                               to be exchanged) to IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as exchange
                                               agent (the 'Exchange Agent') at the address set forth on the cover
                                               page of the Letter of Transmittal. In the alternative, you can
                                               tender your Initial Notes by following the procedures for
                                               book-entry transfer, as described in this document. For more
                                               information on accepting the Exchange Offer and tendering your
                                               Initial Notes, see 'The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for
                                               Tendering' and ' -- Book-Entry Transfer.'
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures...............  If you wish to tender your Initial Notes and you cannot get your
                                               required documents to the Exchange Agent by the Expiration Date,
                                               you may tender your Initial Notes according to the guaranteed
                                               delivery procedure under the heading 'The Exchange
                                               Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.'
Special Procedure for Beneficial
  Holders....................................  If you are a beneficial holder whose Initial Notes are registered
                                               in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank,

 
                                       8
 





                                            
                                               trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your Initial
                                               Notes in the Exchange Offer, you should contact the registered
                                               holder promptly and instruct the registered holder to tender your
                                               Initial Notes on your behalf. If you are a beneficial holder and
                                               you wish to tender your Initial Notes on your own behalf, you
                                               must, prior to delivering the Letter of Transmittal and your
                                               Initial Notes to the Exchange Agent, either make appropriate
                                               arrangements to register ownership of your Initial Notes in your
                                               own name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the
                                               registered holder. See 'The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for
                                               Tendering.'
Withdrawal Rights............................  You may withdraw the tender of your Initial Notes at any time
                                               prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. To
                                               withdraw, you must send a written or facsimile transmission of
                                               your notice of withdrawal to the Exchange Agent at its address set
                                               forth herein under 'The Exchange Offer -- Exchange Agent' by 5:00
                                               p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
Acceptance of Initial Notes and Delivery of
  Exchange Notes.............................  Subject to certain conditions, we will accept any and all Initial
                                               Notes that are properly tendered in the Exchange Offer and not
                                               withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
                                               Expiration Date. We will deliver the Exchange Notes promptly after
                                               the Expiration Date. See 'The Exchange Offer -- Acceptance of
                                               Initial Notes for Exchange; Delivery of Exchange Notes.'
Tax Considerations...........................  We believe that the exchange of Initial Notes for Exchange Notes
                                               will not be a taxable exchange for federal income tax purposes,
                                               but you should consult your tax adviser about the tax consequences
                                               of this exchange. See 'Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax
                                               Considerations.'
Exchange Agent...............................  IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company is serving as exchange agent in
                                               connection with the Exchange Offer.
Fees and Expenses............................  We will bear all expenses related to consummating the Exchange
                                               Offer and complying with the Registration Rights Agreement. See
                                               'The Exchange Offer -- Fees and Expenses.'
Use of Proceeds..............................  We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the
                                               Exchange Notes. We used the proceeds from the sale of the Initial
                                               Notes, together with borrowings under the Revolving Credit
                                               Facility, to repay our outstanding obligations under the Bridge
                                               Facility. See 'Use of Proceeds' and 'Management's Discussion and
                                               Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
                                               Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources.'
 
                                          DESCRIPTION OF EXCHANGE NOTES
 
Notes Offered................................  $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 11 7/8% Senior
                                               Subordinated Notes due 2008 issued by Agrilink Foods, Inc. The
                                               form and terms of the Exchange Notes are the same as the form and
                                               terms of the Initial Notes, except that the

 
                                       9
 





                                            
                                               Exchange Notes will be registered under the Securities Act and,
                                               therefore, will not bear legends restricting their transfer and
                                               will not be entitled to registration under the Securities Act. The
                                               Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as the Initial Notes
                                               and both the Initial Notes and the Exchange Notes are governed by
                                               the same indenture.
Maturity.....................................  November 1, 2008.
Interest Payment Dates.......................  May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing May 1, 1999.
Sinking Fund.................................  None.
Optional Redemption..........................  We have the right to redeem the Exchange Notes, in whole or in
                                               part at any time and from time to time, on or after November 1,
                                               2003, at the redemption prices described in this Prospectus under
                                               the heading 'Description of Notes -- Optional Redemption of the
                                               Notes,' plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
                                               redemption. We also have the right to redeem up to 35% of the
                                               aggregate principal amount of the Notes originally issued, at any
                                               time prior to November 1, 2001, at a redemption price equal to
                                               111.875% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
                                               interest, if any, to the redemption date, with the net proceeds of
                                               one or more Equity Offerings; provided, however, that at least
                                               $130 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains
                                               outstanding following each such redemption. See 'Description of
                                               Notes -- Optional Redemption of the Notes.'
Change of Control............................  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, we will be required to
                                               offer to purchase all or any part of each holder's Notes at a
                                               price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued
                                               and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. We may not
                                               have the financial resources necessary, or me may not be permitted
                                               by our debt or other agreements (including the New Credit
                                               Facility), to purchase the Notes upon a Change of Control. See
                                               'Risk Factors -- Change of Control' and 'Description of
                                               Notes -- Change of Control.'
Subordination................................  The Exchange Notes will be unsecured and will be subordinated in
                                               right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness
                                               (as defined in this Prospectus) of the Issuer, including the
                                               borrowings under the New Credit Facility. At September 26, 1998,
                                               as adjusted to give effect to the Initial Notes Offering and the
                                               application of the net proceeds therefrom, we would have had
                                               approximately $695.6 million of indebtedness outstanding
                                               (excluding seasonal working capital borrowings under the Revolving
                                               Credit Facility), of which approximately $465.6 million would have
                                               constituted Senior Indebtedness. In addition, we maintain
                                               significant borrowings for seasonal working capital needs, which
                                               also constitute Senior Indebtedness to which the Exchange Notes
                                               are subordinated. At September 26, 1998, seasonal working capital
                                               borrowings

 
                                       10
 





                                            
                                               under the Revolving Credit Facility were $94.0 million. See
                                               'Description of Notes -- Subordination.'
Guarantees...................................  The Exchange Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed (the 'Note
                                               Guarantees'), jointly and severally, by each of Pro-Fac and
                                               certain of the Issuer's subsidiaries (the 'Subsidiary Guarantors'
                                               and, together with Pro-Fac, the 'Guarantors'). Each Note Guarantee
                                               will be unsecured and subordinated to such Guarantor's guarantee
                                               of the Issuer's obligations under the New Credit Facility and to
                                               all other Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor.
Restrictive Covenants........................  The indenture under which the Exchange Notes will be issued will
                                               contain covenants for your benefit which, among other things and
                                               subject to certain exceptions, restrict our ability to:
                                                   incur additional indebtedness;
                                                   issue capital stock of certain subsidiaries;
                                                   pay dividends, make distributions or make other restricted
                                                   payments;
                                                   create liens;
                                                   enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and
                                                   consolidate, merge, or sell substantially all of our assets.
                                               See 'Description of Notes -- Certain Covenants.'
Absence of a Public Market for the Notes.....  The Exchange Notes are new securities and there is currently no
                                               established market for them.

                            ------------------------
 
                      RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
     The following table sets forth our unaudited consolidated ratios of
earnings to fixed charges on a historical basis and on a pro-forma basis,
adjusted to give effect to the Transactions and the Initial Notes Offering and
the application of the net proceeds therefrom as if they had occurred at the
dates referenced under 'Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data of the Company.'


                                                          FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                    --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  JUNE 27, 1998   
                                    JUNE 25,   JUNE 24,   JUNE 29,   JUNE 28,   ------------------
                                      1994     1995(1)      1996       1997     ACTUAL   PRO FORMA
                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   ------   ---------
                                                                     (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                       
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
  (coverage deficiency)...........    1.95x      1.30x     $(18.7)     1.20x     1.39x     1.05x
 

                                             FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                    -------------------------------------
                                                      SEPTEMBER 26, 1998
                                    SEPTEMBER 27,   ---------------------
                                       1997         ACTUAL      PRO FORMA
                                       ----         ------      ---------
                                                       
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
  (coverage deficiency)...........     1.33x          1.24x      $(5.5)

- ------------
(1) Represents the sum of the results of operations for both the predecessor and
    successor entities relating to the change of control of Agrilink in November
    1994.
                            ------------------------
     For purposes of calculating these ratios, we determined our earnings by
adding fixed charges to income (or loss) before taxes and before cumulative
effect of an accounting change and extraordinary item. Fixed charges consist of
interest expense and the interest component of rental expense. For fiscal 1996
and the first quarter of fiscal 1999 on a pro forma basis, earnings before fixed
charges were insufficient to cover fixed charges and the dollar amount of the
coverage deficiency, instead of the ratio, is provided. We excluded the $64.2
million gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business in calculating the ratio of
earnings to fixed charges at September 26, 1998.
 
                                       11









                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     You should carefully consider the following factors together with the other
matters set forth herein or incorporated by reference herein before deciding
whether to exchange your Initial Notes for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer.
 
FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL HAVE ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES
 
     If you do not exchange your Initial Notes for Exchange Notes pursuant to
the Exchange Offer, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on
transfer of your Initial Notes, as set forth in the legend on your Initial
Notes. The restrictions on transfer of your Initial Notes arise because we
issued the Initial Notes pursuant to exemptions from, or in transactions not
subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable
state securities laws. In general, the Initial Notes may not be offered or sold,
unless registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws,
or pursuant to an exemption from such requirements. We do not intend to register
the Initial Notes under the Securities Act.
 
     After completion of the Exchange Offer, holders of Initial Notes who do not
tender their Initial Notes in the Exchange Offer will no longer be entitled to
any exchange or registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement,
except under limited circumstances.
 
     If you exchange your Initial Notes in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of
participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes, you may be deemed to have
received restricted securities and, if so, will be required to comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale transaction. To the extent Initial Notes are tendered
and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market, if any, for the Initial
Notes would be adversely affected. See 'The Exchange Offer.'
 
EXCHANGE OFFER PROCEDURES
 
     We will issue the Exchange Notes in exchange for Initial Notes pursuant to
the Exchange Offer only after timely receipt by us of Initial Notes, a properly
completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal and all other required
documents or an Agent's Message (as defined herein) in lieu thereof. Therefore,
holders of Initial Notes desiring to tender their Initial Notes in exchange for
Exchange Notes should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. We have
no duty to notify you of defects or irregularities with respect to your tender
of Initial Notes for exchange. Initial Notes that are not tendered, or are
tendered but not accepted, will continue to be subject to the existing
restrictions on transfer following the consummation of the Exchange Offer. In
addition, any holder of Initial Notes who tenders in the Exchange Offer for the
purpose of participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes may be deemed
to have received restricted securities and, if so, will be required to comply
with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act
in connection with any resale of Exchange Notes. Each broker-dealer that
receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Initial Notes, where
the Initial Notes were acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of market-
making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will
deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of those Exchange Notes. See
'Plan of Distribution.'
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFER OF EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     We believe that the Holders (as defined in this Prospectus) of the Exchange
Notes issued in exchange for the Initial Notes in the Exchange Offer may offer
those Exchange Notes for resale, unless the Holder comes within the definition
of an 'affiliate' of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the
Securities Act, without registering the Exchange Notes or delivering a
prospectus for the Exchange Notes, as long as the Holders acquire the Exchange
Notes in the ordinary course of business and the Holders have no arrangement
with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the
Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes. Our belief is based on interpretations of
no-action letters that the Commission issued to third parties.
 
                                       12
 




     Each Holder, other than a broker-dealer, must tell us in writing, at our
request, that it is not an affiliate of the Company, is not engaged in, does not
intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding to participate in a
distribution of Exchange Notes, and that it is acquiring the Exchange Notes in
its ordinary course of business. If any Holder is an affiliate of the Company,
is engaged in distribution of the Exchange Notes, intends to distribute the
Exchange Notes, or has an agreement to distribute the Exchange Notes the Holder
will receive in the Exchange Offer, or if the Holder is not acquiring the
Exchange Notes in its ordinary course of business, the Holder may not rely on
the applicable interpretations of the no-action letters issued by the Commission
and must register the Exchange Notes and deliver a prospectus for the Exchange
Notes before the Holder resells the Exchange Notes.
 
     Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in
exchange for Initial Notes that the broker-dealer acquired in market-making
activities or other trading activities must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus for the Exchange Notes if it resells the Exchange Notes. Each broker-
dealer that holds Initial Notes acquired for its own account as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities, and that receives Exchange
Notes in exchange for such Initial Notes in the Exchange Offer, may be an
'underwriter' within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with any
resale of such Exchange Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that a
broker-dealer who acknowledges that it acquired the Initial Notes in
market-making activities or other trading activities and delivers a prospectus
will not be deemed to admit that it is an 'underwriter' within the meaning of
the Securities Act. Broker-dealers may use this Prospectus, as it may be amended
or supplemented from time to time, when they resell Exchange Notes received in
exchange for Initial Notes where such Initial Notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities. We have agreed that, for 180 days after this Registration Statement
is declared effective by the Commission, we will make this Prospectus available
to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See 'Plan of
Distribution.'
 
     In addition, to comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions,
it may be necessary to qualify the Exchange Notes for sale or register them
under such laws, prior to offering or selling such Exchange Notes in such
jurisdictions. We have agreed, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement,
subject to certain limitations specified therein, prior to any public offering
of Transfer Restricted Securities (as defined in this Prospectus) to register or
qualify the Transfer Restricted Securities for offer or sale under the
securities laws of such jurisdictions as any Holder requests. We do not intend
to register or qualify the sale of the Exchange Notes in any such jurisdiction
unless we receive a specific request from a Holder.
 
OUR SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE AND DEBT SERVICE REQUIREMENTS MAY HAVE ADVERSE
CONSEQUENCES
 
     We are highly leveraged and have significant debt service requirements. Our
leverage and debt service requirements may increase as a result of future
borrowings to fund capital expenditures, working capital needs or for other
general corporate purposes. At September 26, 1998, as adjusted to give effect to
the Initial Notes Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, we
would have had $695.6 million of indebtedness outstanding, not including
borrowings under our $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. At September 26,
1998, we had $94.0 million of indebtedness outstanding under the Revolving
Credit Facility, representing seasonal working capital borrowings, and we had
issued $14.3 million of letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
     Our substantial level of debt has important consequences, including the
following:
 
      our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital
      expenditures, general corporate purposes or other purposes may be
      impaired;
 
      a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated
      to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby
      reducing funds available to us for our operations or other purposes;
 
      our substantial degree of leverage may limit our flexibility in planning
      for or reacting to changing market conditions, reduce our ability to
      withstand competitive pressures and make us more vulnerable to a downturn
      in general economic conditions or in our business;
 
                                       13
 




      we may be more highly leveraged than our competitors, which may place us
      at a competitive disadvantage; and
 
      to the extent we incur any indebtedness at variable or floating rates, we
      will be vulnerable to increases in interest rates which could result in a
      higher interest expense.
 
     In addition, under the New Credit Facility, we are scheduled to make
principal payments of the Term Loans of $198.2 million in fiscal 2005 and $202.4
million in fiscal 2006. See 'Description of Certain Indebtedness -- New Credit
Facility.' We may be unable to pay such principal amounts unless we are able to
refinance our indebtedness. Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal
or interest or to refinance our indebtedness (including the Notes) will depend
on our future operating performance, which will be subject to economic,
financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. If we are unable to
generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet our principal and interest
payment obligations and to meet other cash requirements, we may be required to
sell assets, reduce capital expenditures, refinance all or a portion of our
existing debt (including the Notes) or obtain additional financing. We may not
be able to complete any such asset sales or refinancing, or obtain additional
financing, on terms acceptable to us. Factors which could affect our access to
the capital markets, or the cost of such capital, include changes in interest
rates, general economic conditions and the perception in the capital markets of
our business, results of operations, leverage, financial condition and business
prospects.
 
     For additional information about our indebtedness, see 'Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources,' 'Capitalization,' 'Description
of Certain Indebtedness' and 'Description of Notes' herein.
 
THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES ARE SUBORDINATED TO OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
 
     The payment of principal of, and interest or other amounts on, the Notes is
subordinated to the prior payment in full of all existing and future Senior
Indebtedness of the Issuer, including all amounts owing under the New Credit
Facility. The Note Guarantees are similarly subordinated to all existing and
future Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantors, including their guarantees of the
New Credit Facility. Consequently, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation,
dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding with respect to the Issuer or
a Guarantor, assets of the Issuer or such Guarantor will be available to pay
obligations on the Notes or the Note Guarantees only after all Senior
Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Guarantor has been paid in full. There may
not be sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the Notes after such Senior
Indebtedness has been paid.
 
     In addition, in the event of certain defaults in respect of Designated
Senior Indebtedness (as defined herein), the Issuer and the Guarantors are
prohibited from paying principal, premium, interest or other amounts on account
of the Notes or any Note Guarantee under certain circumstances. The Notes and
the Note Guarantees are not secured by the assets of the Issuer or the
Guarantors and so are also effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness
of the Issuer and the Guarantors to the extent of the value of the assets
securing such indebtedness. The New Credit Facility, on the other hand, is
secured by substantially all the assets of the Issuer and the Guarantors,
including a pledge of the capital stock of the Issuer and each Subsidiary
Guarantor. At September 26, 1998, as adjusted to give effect to the Initial
Notes Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, the Company
would have had approximately $465.6 million of Senior Indebtedness outstanding,
excluding the seasonal working capital borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility. The Issuer maintains significant seasonal working capital borrowings,
which are also Senior Indebtedness. At September 26, 1998, an additional $94.0
million of seasonal working capital borrowings were outstanding under the $200.0
million Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, $14.3 million of letters of
credit were issued thereunder as of such date. Substantially all of such Senior
Indebtedness is secured. See 'Description of Notes -- Subordination.'
 
     Pro-Fac does not have any independent operations or any significant assets
other than the capital stock of the Issuer. It is dependent upon the receipt of
payments under the Marketing Agreement described below under ' -- Relationship
with Pro-Fac; Potential Conflict of Interest,' and dividends or other
distributions from the Issuer to fund its obligations, including its obligations
under its Note
 
                                       14
 




Guarantee. In addition, the assets and operations of the Subsidiary Guarantors
are not a substantial portion of the assets and operations of the Company as a
whole. If the Issuer is not able to make interest or principal payments on the
Notes, then it is unlikely that Pro-Fac or the Subsidiary Guarantors would be
able to meet their obligations under their Note Guarantees.
 
RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY TERMS OF OUR INDEBTEDNESS
 
     The Indenture and the New Credit Facility contain covenants imposing a
number of significant operating and financial restrictions on our business and
on Pro-Fac. These covenants, among other things, limit our ability to:
 
      incur additional indebtedness,
 
      incur or maintain liens,
 
      pay dividends or other distributions,
 
      redeem capital stock of Pro-Fac and the Issuer,
 
      make other restricted payments,
 
      enter into transactions with affiliates,
 
      sell or dispose of assets and
 
      merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our or Pro-Fac's
      assets.
 
See 'Description of Certain Indebtedness -- New Credit Facility' and
'Description of Notes -- Certain Covenants.'
 
     In addition, we and Pro-Fac are required under the New Credit Facility to
maintain specified levels with regard to EBITDA, interest coverage, fixed
charges, leverage and net worth.
 
     Our and Pro-Fac's ability to comply with these provisions in the Indenture
and the New Credit Facility will depend on our future performance, which may be
affected by prevailing economic, financial and business factors beyond our
control. We and Pro-Fac may not be able to comply with these or other provisions
in the Indenture or the New Credit Facility, in which case our or Pro-Fac's
failure to comply would result in a default thereunder. A default under the New
Credit Facility would allow the lenders to terminate their loan commitments
under the Revolving Credit Facility. Because we are highly dependent on the
Revolving Credit Facility for liquidity, the termination of the Revolving Credit
Facility could significantly impair our operations. In addition, certain
defaults under the Indenture or the New Credit Facility would allow our
creditors thereunder to require acceleration of the payment of principal and
interest on those notes or loans, causing all amounts owed thereunder, including
accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable. If we become
unable to repay our indebtedness under the New Credit Facility, the lenders
could foreclose upon their collateral or exercise any other right or remedy
available under the New Credit Facility. If the indebtedness outstanding under
the New Credit Facility were to be accelerated, our assets may not be sufficient
to repay our obligations under the New Credit Facility, other Senior
Indebtedness or the Notes. See 'Description of Certain Indebtedness -- New
Credit Facility' and 'Description of Notes.'
 
DIFFICULTY IN INTEGRATING DFVC
 
     Although we have acquired six businesses or product lines since June 1995,
our acquisition of DFVC represents by far our largest acquisition . The
integration and consolidation of DFVC into our business will require substantial
management, financial and other resources. While we believe we have sufficient
resources to integrate DFVC, such integration involves a number of significant
risks, including diversion of management's attention from other aspects of our
business. Moreover, we may not realize some or all of the cost savings that we
anticipate as a result of the acquisition of DFVC, or we may not realize those
costs savings until much farther in the future than we had originally
anticipated. For example, we may not realize the cost savings we anticipate from
the insourcing from DFVC of product we currently purchase from outside vendors
because we may not be able to achieve necessary production levels. Although we
have established a reserve of $11.0 million for restructuring initiatives
relating to the elimination of duplicative administrative costs in conjunction
with the Acquisition, the
 
                                       15
 




reserve may not be adequate to cover such costs or other costs related to the
Transactions. Our inability to integrate and manage DFVC successfully, or to
achieve a substantial portion of the anticipated cost savings within the time
frame we anticipate, could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition or results of operations. See 'The Transactions,' 'Unaudited
Pro Forma Financial Data of the Company' and 'Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.'
 
RELATIONSHIP WITH PRO-FAC; POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST
 
     Pro-Fac is an agricultural cooperative of over 600 members formed for the
purpose of developing and maintaining markets for its members' crops. The
principal reason Pro-Fac purchased Agrilink in 1994 was to provide a long-term
reliable market for Pro-Fac's members' crops. Although its members are also
seeking a favorable return on their equity investment in Pro-Fac and desire a
viable self-reliant business entity to assure continuity, the members' interest
in marketing their crops will at times conflict with our interest in maximizing
profits.
 
     In 1994, the Issuer entered into the Marketing Agreement with Pro-Fac. The
Marketing Agreement provides, among other things, for our purchase of crops
grown by Pro-Fac's members. The Marketing Agreement, or similar marketing
agreements, have been continuously in effect between the Issuer and Pro-Fac
since the formation of these companies in the early 1960's. Under the Marketing
Agreement, we purchase crops from Pro-Fac at the Commercial Market Value of
those crops, which is generally defined in the Marketing Agreement as the
weighted average of the prices paid by other commercial processors for similar
crops sold under pre-season contracts and in the open market in the same or
competing market areas. Commercial Market Value of the crops we purchase may be
more or less than the price that we would have paid in the open market in the
absence of the Marketing Agreement. Under the Marketing Agreement, the Issuer
paid Pro-Fac $44.7 million in fiscal 1996, $51.4 million in fiscal 1997 and
$58.5 million in fiscal 1998 as Commercial Market Value for crops purchased from
Pro-Fac.
 
     Commercial Market Value for each crop is determined by a joint committee of
the Boards of Directors of Pro-Fac and the Issuer. The joint committee consists
of the Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer and an equal number of 'Pro-Fac
Directors' (directors who are members or affiliates of Pro-Fac) and
'Disinterested Directors' (directors who are neither members of, nor affiliated
with, Pro-Fac). The Marketing Agreement requires a majority of the Disinterested
Directors to approve the recommendation of the joint committee. The volume and
type of crops to be purchased and sold under the Marketing Agreement are
determined by the same approval process as Commercial Market Value. In addition
to the arrangements between Pro-Fac and the Issuer governed by the Marketing
Agreement, as owner of the Issuer and through its representatives on the
Issuer's Board of Directors, Pro-Fac has significant influence over the
operations of the Issuer, including, without limitation, the acquisition and
disposition of assets and the making of capital expenditures. The Indenture
provides that a Change of Control will occur if, for a period of 120 consecutive
days, the number of Disinterested Directors on the Board of Directors of the
Issuer is less than the greater of: (i) two and (ii) the number of directors of
the Issuer who are Pro-Fac Directors. See 'Description of Notes -- Change of
Control.' There can be no assurance that the above-described management and
Board structure will eliminate the conflicts of interest described above.
 
     Pro-Fac is considering merging us into Pro-Fac. Pro-Fac would be the
survivor of such merger and we would cease to exist. The Indenture permits such
a merger, subject to Pro-Fac assuming our obligations under the Notes and the
Indenture and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. In the event of our
merger into Pro-Fac, the Marketing Agreement will cease to be in effect. The
Indenture, as applicable after such merger, includes provisions that, among
other things, require a majority of the Disinterested Directors to approve the
final determination of Commercial Market Value. See 'Description of Notes'
including ' -- Payments Pursuant to the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement;
Reinvestments by Pro-Fac; Borrowings by Pro-Fac.'
 
                                       16
 




DEPENDENCE ON PRO-FAC AS SUPPLIER
 
     The crops purchased from Pro-Fac represented approximately 72% of all raw
agricultural crops purchased by the Issuer in fiscal 1996, 71% in 1997 and 76%
in 1998. Although the percentage of our crop needs that we purchase from Pro-Fac
is initially expected to decrease while we integrate DFVC into our operations,
we anticipate that we will return to purchasing a similar percentage of its raw
agricultural products from Pro-Fac. Pro-Fac anticipates adding new members over
the next two years in order to meet the increased demand due to the Acquisition.
However, Pro-Fac may not be able to add new members in that time frame. In such
event, our need for additional raw materials will likely not be able to be
fulfilled by current Pro-Fac members. The inability of Pro-Fac to supply our raw
agricultural product requirements after consummation of the Acquisition in
similar proportions to that of prior years could cause Pro-Fac to lose its
cooperative status and suffer adverse tax consequences. Pro-Fac's loss of
cooperative status would constitute a default under the New Credit Facility and
could have other material adverse effects on our business, financial condition
or results of operations.
 
GENERAL RISKS OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY
 
     Food processors are subject to the risks of adverse changes in general
economic conditions; evolving consumer preferences and nutritional and
health-related concerns; changes in food distribution channels and increasing
buying power of large supermarket chains, warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers,
supercenters and other retail outlets that tend to resist price increases and
have stringent inventory and management requirements; federal, state and local
food processing controls; consumer product liability claims; and risks of
product tampering. The occurrence of any such change could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The food industry is highly competitive. All of our products, particularly
our branded products, compete with those of national and major regional food
processors including DelMonte, Green Giant, Heinz, Frito-Lay, Kraft, Vlasic and
similar major brands. Our products also compete with the branded and private
label products of a number of regional processors, many of which operate only in
portions of the marketing area served by the Company. Many of these
manufacturers have substantially greater resources than we do. The principal
methods of competition in the food industry are ready availability of a broad
line of products, product quality, price and advertising and sales promotion. We
may not be able to continue to compete successfully, and competition may have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of
operations in the future.
 
PRODUCT LIABILITY AND RESULTING ADVERSE PUBLICITY
 
     The packaging, marketing and distribution of food products entails an
inherent risk of product liability, product recall and resultant adverse
publicity. We may be subject to significant liability if the consumption of any
of our products causes injury, illness or death. We could be required to recall
certain of our products in the event of contamination or damage to the products.
In February 1997, we issued a nationwide recall of one of our products because
it had the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a highly
infectious organism. We may be obligated to perform further recalls in the
future. In addition, we cannot guarantee that product liability claims will not
be asserted against us in the future, or that such claims will not create
adverse publicity that will have a material adverse effect on our ability to
successfully market our products and on our business, financial condition and
results of operations. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Conditions and Results of Operations -- Product Recall.'
 
SEASONALITY; RAW MATERIALS
 
     Our sales are not highly seasonal, although some of our products have
higher sales volumes in the cool weather months (such as canned fruits and
vegetables, chilies and fruit fillings and toppings) and others have higher
sales volumes in the warm weather months (such as potato chips and dressings).
However, many of the raw materials we process are agricultural crops, and the
production of our
 
                                       17
 




products using these crops is predominantly seasonal. As a result, we need
access to working capital financing to meet our production requirements during
these periods.
 
     The canned and frozen vegetable portion of our business can be positively
or negatively affected by weather conditions nationally because of the weather's
impact on crop yields. Favorable weather conditions can produce high crop yields
and an oversupply situation in a given year. This oversupply typically will
result in depressed selling prices and reduced profitability on our products
produced from that year's crops. Excessive rain or drought conditions can
produce low crop yields and a shortage situation. This shortage typically will
result in higher selling prices and increased profitability for our products;
however, shortages could result in supply being insufficient to meet our
requirements. While the overall national supply situation controls pricing, the
supply can differ regionally because of variations in weather.
 
     We purchase all of our requirements for nonagricultural products, including
containers, on the open market. Although we have not experienced any difficulty
in obtaining adequate supplies of such items, occasional periods of short supply
of certain raw materials may occur which could have a material adverse effect on
our business or results of operations.
 
COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
 
     We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations
relating to the protection of the environment. These environmental laws and
regulations govern the disposal of solid and liquid waste material, which
results from the preparation and processing of foods, and emissions into the
atmosphere, including odors inherent in the heating of foods during preparation.
These environmental laws and regulations have had an important effect on the
food processing industry as a whole, requiring substantially all firms in the
industry to incur material expenditures for modification of existing processing
facilities and for construction of new, as well as operation and closure of
existing, waste treatment and related facilities. We cannot predict what
environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how
existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or
whether new environmental conditions may be found to exist. Enactment of more
stringent laws or regulations, more strict interpretation of existing laws and
regulations or identification of new conditions may require additional
expenditures by the Company, which expenditures may be material. See
'Description of Business -- Environmental Matters' in the Company's Annual
Report.
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     If there is a Change of Control of the Issuer, then the Issuer will be
required to offer to purchase all of the outstanding Notes at 101% of their
principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest on them to the purchase
date. A Change of Control under the Indenture will result in a default under the
New Credit Facility. The Issuer may not have, or may not have access to,
sufficient funds or it may not be contractually permitted under the terms of its
outstanding indebtedness (including the New Credit Facility) to pay the required
purchase price for all Notes tendered by holders. See 'Description of
Notes -- Change of Control' and 'Description of Certain Indebtedness -- New
Credit Facility.'
 
YEAR 2000 RISKS
 
     Certain portions of our software identify years with two digits instead of
four. If not corrected, this would cause problems because the software may
recognize the year 2000 as the year 1900. We engage in a significant amount of
business and reporting activities that depend on accurate date information, such
as inventory control including monitoring dated food products. As a result, such
'Year 2000' problems could result in system failures or inaccurate reporting
that disrupts our operations. Prior to the Acquisition, Agrilink and DFVC
separately undertook full analyses of their business applications and related
software. Each identified certain portions of its software that we will be
required to modify or replace so that our computer systems will be cleared of
potential Year 2000 problems. The modifications and replacements of those
systems are being and will continue to be made in conjunction with our overall
information systems initiatives.
 
                                       18
 




     We are contacting non-information technology vendors to ensure that any of
their products that are currently in use by us can adequately deal with the Year
2000 issue. Areas we are addressing include full reviews of manufacturing
equipment, telephone and voice mail systems, security systems and other
office/site support systems. We also may be vulnerable to business interruptions
caused by uncorrected Year 2000 problems of our customers and significant
suppliers of raw materials, products or services. We have initiated formal
communications with our significant suppliers and customers to determine the
extent to which we may be vulnerable to their failure to remedy their own Year
2000 issues.
 
     We do not believe that we have any material exposure to significant
business interruption as a result of the Year 2000 issue. We expect that the
costs of addressing our potential Year 2000 problems will not have a material
adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows in
future periods. However, we cannot guarantee that all of our Year 2000 issues
will be remedied and will not cause significant business interruptions or costs,
that the systems of customers or suppliers on which our business or systems rely
will be timely converted or that a failure to convert by customers or suppliers,
or a conversion that is incompatible with our systems, would not have material
adverse effect on our business and the results of our operations.
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     The Exchange Notes are new securities for which there currently is no
market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any
securities exchange or for quotation through an automated quotation system. It
is not certain that any market for the Exchange Notes will develop or that any
such market would be liquid.
 
     The market for 'high yield' securities, such as the Exchange Notes, is
volatile and unpredictable. This volatility and unpredictability may have an
adverse effect on the liquidity of, and prices for, such securities. The
Exchange Notes could trade at prices that may be lower than their initial
offering price as a result of many factors, including prevailing interest rates
and the Company's operating results. General declines in the market for similar
securities may adversely affect the liquidity of, and the trading market for,
the Exchange Notes. Such a decline may adversely affect liquidity and trading
markets independently of our financial performance and prospects.
 
FRAUDULENT TRANSFER STATUTES
 
     Under the federal or state fraudulent transfer laws, a court could take
certain actions detrimental to you if it found that, at the time the Initial
Notes or guarantees of Pro-Fac or of our subsidiaries were issued:
 
      we or a Guarantor issued the Initial Notes or a guarantee with the intent
      of hindering, delaying or defrauding current or future creditors; or
 
      we or a Guarantor received less than fair consideration or reasonably
      equivalent value for incurring the indebtedness represented by the Initial
      Notes or a guarantee,
 
and, in addition,
 
      we or a Guarantor were insolvent or rendered insolvent by issuing the
      Initial Notes or the guarantee;
 
      we or a Guarantor were engaged (or about to engage) in a business or
      transaction for which our assets were unreasonably small; or
 
      we or a Guarantor intended to incur indebtedness beyond our ability to
      pay, or believed or should have believed that we would incur indebtedness
      beyond our ability to pay.
 
If a court made these findings, it could:
 
      void all or part of our obligations, or a Guarantor's obligations, to the
      holders of Exchange Notes; or
 
      subordinate our obligations, or a Guarantor's obligations, to the holders
      of Exchange Notes to other indebtedness of ours or of the Guarantor.
 
                                       19
 




     The effect of the court's action would be to entitle the other creditors to
be paid in full before any payment could be made on the Exchange Notes. The
court could take other action detrimental to the holders of Exchange Notes,
including in certain circumstances, invalidating the Exchange Notes or a
guarantee of payment of the Exchange Note by one of our subsidiaries. In that
event, there would be no assurance that any repayment on the Exchange Notes
would ever be recovered by the holders of Exchange Notes.
 
     The definition of insolvency varies among jurisdictions depending upon the
federal or state law applied in the proceeding. However, we or a Guarantor
generally would be considered insolvent at the time we or the Guarantor incur
the debt constituting the Initial Notes or a guarantee, if:
 
      the fair market value (or fair salable value) of the relevant assets is
      less than the amount required to pay our total existing debts and
      liabilities (including the probable liability on contingent liabilities)
      or those of the Guarantor, as they become absolute or matured; or
 
      we or the Guarantor incur debts beyond our or its ability to pay as such
      debts mature.
 
     We cannot be sure what standard a court would apply in order to determine
whether we or a Guarantor were 'insolvent' as of the date the Initial Notes or
guarantees of payment of the Initial Notes by our subsidiaries were issued,
regardless of the method of valuation. We cannot be certain whether a court
would determine that we or a Guarantor were insolvent on that date. We also
cannot be certain whether a court would determine that the payments constituted
fraudulent transfers on another ground, regardless of whether we or a Guarantor
were insolvent on the date the Initial Notes or the guarantees were issued.
 
     To the extent a court voids a guarantee of payment of the Initial Notes as
a fraudulent conveyance or holds it unenforceable for any other reason, holders
of Exchange Notes would cease to have any claim against the Guarantor. Holders
of Exchange Notes could proceed solely against us and against any Guarantor
whose guarantee was not voided or held unenforceable. The claims of the holders
of Exchange Notes against the issuer of an invalid guarantee (if a court allowed
any of those claims) would be subject to the prior payment of all liabilities
and preferred stock claims of that Guarantor. There can be no assurance that,
after providing for all prior claims and preferred stock interests, the
Guarantor's assets would be sufficient to satisfy the claims of the holders of
Exchange Notes relating to any voided portions of any of the guarantees.
 
                                       20









                            THE COMPANY AND PRO-FAC
 
     On November 3, 1994, Pro-Fac, a New York agricultural cooperative
corporation formed in 1960 to process and market crops grown by its members,
acquired Agrilink (known as Curtice-Burns Foods, Inc. until September 1997).
Upon consummation of the acquisition, Pro-Fac and the Issuer entered into the
Marketing Agreement. The Marketing Agreement provides for Pro-Fac to supply
crops and additional financing to the Company, for the Company to provide
marketing and management services to Pro-Fac and for Pro-Fac to share in the
profits or losses of the Company. Under the Marketing Agreement, the Company
pays Pro-Fac the Commercial Market Value for all crops supplied by Pro-Fac.
Commercial Market Value is defined as the weighted average price paid by other
commercial processors for similar crops sold under preseason contracts and in
the open market in the same or competing market area.
 
     In addition, under the Marketing Agreement, the Issuer is required to have
Disinterested Directors (persons who are neither members of, nor affiliated
with, Pro-Fac) on its board of directors. The volume and type of crops to be
purchased by the Company under the Marketing Agreement are determined pursuant
to its annual profit plan which requires the approval of a majority of the
Disinterested Directors. In any year in which the Company has earnings on
products which were processed from crops supplied by Pro-Fac ('Pro-Fac
Products'), the Company pays to Pro-Fac, as additional patronage income, 90% of
such earnings, but in no case more than 50% of pre-tax earnings. In years in
which the Company has losses on Pro-Fac Products, the Company reduces the
Commercial Market Value it would otherwise pay to Pro-Fac by 90% of such losses,
but in no case by more than 50% of all pre-tax losses. Additional patronage
income is paid to Pro-Fac for services provided, including the provision of a
long term, stable crop supply, favorable payment terms for crops and the sharing
of risks of losses of certain operations of the business. Pro-Fac is required to
reinvest back into the Company at least 70% of the additional patronage income
received. The capital of Pro-Fac consists of common stock, preferred stock and
retained earnings allocated to members. Common stock is purchased by members
related to crops delivered. The majority of the preferred stock originated from
the conversion at par value of retained earnings allocated to members. Pro-Fac
Class A Cumulative Preferred Stock is listed under the symbol 'PFACP' on the
Nasdaq National Market System. Retained earnings allocated to members are
allocated to the accounts of members within 8.5 months of the end of each fiscal
year. See Pro-Fac's consolidated financial statements, management's discussion
and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and summary
selected historical and unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma financial
data set forth in the back of this Prospectus.
 
     Pro-Fac is considering merging the Company into Pro-Fac, with Pro-Fac
surviving such merger and the Company ceasing to exist. The Indenture will
permit such a merger of the Company into Pro-Fac, subject to Pro-Fac assuming
the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture and the
satisfaction of certain other conditions. In the event of a merger of the
Company into Pro-Fac, the Marketing Agreement will cease to be in effect. The
Indenture, as applicable after such merger, would include provisions, among
other things, requiring a majority of the Disinterested Directors to approve the
final determination of Commercial Market Value. See 'Description of Notes'
including ' -- Payments Pursuant to the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement;
Reinvestments by Pro-Fac; Borrowings by Pro-Fac.'
 
                                THE TRANSACTIONS
 
THE ACQUISITION
 
     On September 24, 1998, Agrilink acquired DFVC, the frozen and canned
vegetable business of Dean Foods, by acquiring all the outstanding capital stock
of Dean Foods Vegetable Company and Birds Eye Mexico. In connection with the
Acquisition, Agrilink sold the Aseptic Business to Dean Foods. Agrilink paid
$360.0 million in cash, net of the sale of the Aseptic Business, and issued to
Dean Foods the $30.0 million Subordinated Promissory Note, as consideration for
the Acquisition. The Company has the right, exercisable until July 15, 1999, to
require Dean Foods, jointly with the Company, to treat the Acquisition as an
asset sale for tax purposes under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code. The Company
intends to exercise that election, because the Company anticipates that it would
 
                                       21
 




allow the Company to reduce its future tax liability through increased
depreciation and amortization deductions resulting from the stepped up basis for
the assets acquired from Dean Foods and the deductibility of goodwill. Upon
exercising that election, the Company will pay an additional $13.2 million to
Dean Foods.
 
     After the Acquisition, Dean Foods Vegetable Company was merged into the
Issuer, and Dean Foods Vegetable Company became the AFVC division of the
Company. DFVC has been one of the leading processors of vegetables in the United
States, selling its products under well-known brand names, such as Birds Eye,
Freshlike and Veg-All, and private labels. The Company believes that the
Acquisition strengthens its competitive position by: (i) enhancing its brand
recognition and market position, (ii) providing opportunities for cost savings
and operating efficiencies and (iii) increasing its product and geographic
diversification. For the fiscal year ending May 31, 1998, DFVC had net sales
(adjusted to conform to Agrilink's presentation) of $620.2 million and EBITDA of
$58.9 million.
 
THE REFINANCING
 
     Concurrently with the Acquisition, Agrilink consummated the Refinancing,
including consummating the Tender Offer and Solicitation and entering into the
New Credit Facility and the Bridge Facility. On August 24, 1998, the Issuer
commenced the Tender Offer and the Solicitation. Substantially all of the $160.0
million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes were tendered and purchased
by the Issuer for aggregate consideration of approximately $184.0 million,
including accrued interest of $2.9 million. Agrilink terminated the Old Credit
Facility and repaid the $176.5 million of indebtedness outstanding thereunder.
 
     In order to consummate the Transactions and pay the related fees and
expenses, Agrilink: (i) entered into the New Credit Facility providing for the
$455.0 million Term Loan Facility and the $200.0 million Revolving Credit
Facility, (ii) entered into the $200.0 million Bridge Facility and (iii) issued
its $30.0 million Subordinated Promissory Note to Dean Foods. The Bridge
Facility was repaid principally with the proceeds of the Initial Notes Offering.
The Bridge Facility was provided by affiliates of the Initial Purchasers: UBS
AG, Stamford Branch (an affiliate of Warburg Dillon Read LLC) and Bank of
Montreal, Chicago branch and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (each an affiliate of
Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc.). In addition, Warburg Dillon Read LLC acted as
financial advisor to Agrilink in connection with the Acquisition, as agent in
connection with the Bridge Facility and as dealer manager in connection with the
Tender Offer and Solicitation.
 
     The following table sets forth the approximate cash sources and uses of
funds in connection with the Transactions and the Initial Notes Offering on a
pro forma basis as if they had occurred on June 27, 1998:
 


           PRO FORMA CASH SOURCES OF FUNDS                           PRO FORMA CASH USES OF FUNDS
- ------------------------------------------------------    ---------------------------------------------------
                                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                              
New Credit Facility(1).......................   $444.0    Cash consideration for the
                                                          Acquisition(3)............................   $360.0
Initial Notes Offering(2)....................    200.0    Repayment of Old Credit Facility(1).......     72.3
                                                          Purchase of the Old Notes.................    160.0
                                                          Tender Offer and Solicitation premium.....     21.1
                                                          Transactions and Initial Notes Offering
                                                            discount, fees and expenses.............     30.6
                                                ------                                                 ------
     Total cash sources of funds.............   $644.0    Total cash uses of funds..................   $644.0
                                                ------                                                 ------
                                                ------                                                 ------

- ------------
(1) On September 26, 1998, $455.0 million of the Term Loan Facility was
    outstanding, reflecting $444.0 million in borrowings made in order to
    consummate the Transactions and $11.0 million in borrowings made to
    refinance seasonal working capital borrowings under the Old Credit Facility.
    In addition, as of such date, $94.0 million was outstanding under the
    Revolving Credit Facility to fund seasonal working capital needs and $14.3
    million face amount of letters of credit were issued under the Revolving
    Credit Facility. See 'Description of Certain Indebtedness -- New Credit
    Facility.'
 
(2) The net proceeds from the sale of the Initial Notes, together with
    borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, were used to repay all the
    indebtedness outstanding ($200.0 million plus accrued interest) under the
    Bridge Facility. See 'Use of Proceeds.'
 
(3) Net of the sale of the Aseptic Business. In addition, the non-cash
    consideration for the Acquisition included the $30.0 million Subordinated
    Promissory Note issued by Agrilink.
 
                                       22
 




                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Company will not receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer. The full
amount of the net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Initial Notes of
$194.5 million (before deducting expenses payable by the Company, estimated to
be $1.0 million), together with borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility,
was used to repay all $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of indebtedness,
plus accrued interest, outstanding under the Bridge Facility. Such indebtedness
was drawn at the closing of the Acquisition and the Refinancing and used for
those purposes. The outstanding indebtedness under the Bridge Facility accrued
interest at an approximate rate per annum of 10.5%.
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth, as of September 26, 1998, the consolidated
capitalization of the Company (i) on a historical basis and (ii) as adjusted to
give effect to the Initial Notes Offering and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom. This table should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements of Agrilink and DFVC and the related notes,
'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations' and 'Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data of the Company' included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 


                                                                                              SEPTEMBER 26, 1998
                                                                                             ---------------------
                                                                                             ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                             ------    -----------
                                                                                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                                 
Long-term debt, including current maturities:
     New Credit Facility:
          Revolving Credit Facility(1)....................................................   $ 94.0       $100.5
          Term loan A.....................................................................    100.0        100.0
          Term loan B.....................................................................    175.0        175.0
          Term loan C.....................................................................    180.0        180.0
     Bridge Facility......................................................................    200.0         --
     Notes................................................................................     --          200.0
     Subordinated Promissory Note.........................................................     30.0         30.0
     Other long-term debt.................................................................     10.5         10.5
                                                                                             ------    -----------
          Total long-term debt............................................................   $789.5       $796.0
Shareholder's equity(2)...................................................................    176.6        173.4
                                                                                             ------    -----------
          Total capitalization............................................................   $966.1       $969.4
                                                                                             ------    -----------
                                                                                             ------    -----------

- ------------
(1) On September 26, 1998, an additional $14.3 million face amount of letters of
    credit were issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. See 'Description of
    Certain Indebtedness -- New Credit Facility.' The amount of the Revolving
    Credit Facility outstanding on an as adjusted basis reflects additional
    borrowings required in order to repay the Bridge Facility. See 'Use of
    Proceeds.'
 
(2) Adjustments to shareholder's equity include $3.2 million in fees associated
    with the Bridge Facility (net of income taxes and after split with Pro-Fac).
    Such fees will be reflected in the Company's 1999 second fiscal quarter.
 
                                       23









                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     We sold the Initial Notes in a private offering on November 18, 1998, to
the Initial Purchasers pursuant to a purchase agreement dated as of November 13,
1998 by and among the Issuer, Pro-Fac and the Initial Purchasers (the 'Purchase
Agreement'). The Initial Purchasers subsequently resold the Initial Notes to
qualified institutional buyers in reliance, and subject to the restrictions
imposed under, Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
 
     Under the Registration Rights Agreement which we and the Initial Purchasers
entered into in connection with the private offering of the Initial Notes, we
and the Guarantors are required to file, no more than 60 days following the date
the Initial Notes were originally issued (the 'Issue Date'), the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part providing for a registered exchange
offer of new notes identical in all material respects to the Initial Notes,
except that such new notes will be freely transferable and will not have any
covenants regarding exchange and registration rights. Under the Registration
Rights Agreement, we and Pro-Fac are required to, and are required to cause the
Subsidiary Guarantors to:
 
      use reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be
      declared effective no later than 120 days after the Issue Date,
 
      keep the Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 business days (or longer
      if required by applicable law) after the date that notice of the Exchange
      Offer is mailed to holders of the Initial Notes and
 
      use reasonable best efforts to consummate the Exchange Offer as promptly
      as practicable, but no later than 45 days after the Registration Statement
      is declared effective.
 
     The Registration Rights Agreement also provides that, under certain
circumstances, we and Pro-Fac will, and will cause the Subsidiary Guarantors to,
file with the Commission a shelf registration statement (the 'Shelf Registration
Statement') relating to the offer and sale of Initial Notes by holders of
Initial Notes who satisfy certain conditions regarding the provision to us of
information in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement.
 
     The Exchange Offer being made by this Prospectus is intended to satisfy
your exchange and registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement.
If we fail to fulfill such registration and exchange obligations, you, as a
holder of outstanding Initial Notes, are entitled to receive 'Additional
Interest' until we have fulfilled such obligations, in the amount of $.05 per
week per $1,000 principal amount of Notes constituting Transfer Restricted
Securities for the first 90-days, and an additional $.05 per week per $1,000
principal amount of Notes constituting Transfer Restricted Securities for each
subsequent 90-day period until we have fulfilled such obligations, up to a
maximum amount of Additional Interest of $.30 per week per $1,000 principal
amount of Notes constituting Transfer Restricted Securities. All amounts of
accrued Additional Interest will be payable in cash on the same interest payment
dates as the Notes. 'Transfer Restricted Securities' means each Initial Note or
Exchange Note until:
 
      the date on which such Initial Note has been exchanged by a person other
      than a broker-dealer for an Exchange Note in the Exchange Offer;
 
      if such Exchange Note is received by a broker-dealer in exchange for an
      Initial Note in the Exchange Offer, then the date on which such Exchange
      Note is sold to a purchaser who receives from such broker-dealer a copy of
      this Prospectus;
 
      the date on which such Initial Note has been effectively registered under
      the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf
      Registration Statement; or
 
      the date on which such Initial Note could be resold pursuant to Rule 144
      under the Act.
 
     For a more complete understanding of your exchange and registration rights,
you should refer to the Registration Rights Agreement, which is included as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, and a
copy of which is available as set forth under the heading 'Where You Can Find
More Information.'
 
                                       24
 




EFFECT OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     Based on interpretations by the staff of the Commission set forth in
no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that you may offer for
resale, resell and otherwise transfer the Exchange Notes issued to you pursuant
to the Exchange Offer in exchange for your Initial Notes without compliance with
the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act,
provided that you can represent that:
 
      you are not an 'affiliate' (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act)
      of the Issuer or any Guarantor;
 
      you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, and have no
      arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a
      distribution of the Exchange Notes;
 
      you are acquiring the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of your
      business; and
 
      you are not an Initial Purchaser who acquired Initial Notes directly from
      us in the initial offering to resell pursuant to Rule 144A, Regulation S
      or any other available exemption under the Securities Act.
 
     If you are not able to make these representations, you are a 'Restricted
Holder.' As Restricted Holder, you will not be able to participate in the
Exchange Offer and may only sell your Initial Notes pursuant to a registration
statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item
507 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an exemption from
the registration requirement of the Securities Act.
 
     In addition, each broker-dealer (other than a Restricted Holder) that
receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Initial Notes, where
such Initial Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities (a 'Participating Broker-
Dealer'), must acknowledge in the Letter of Transmittal that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The Letter of
Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an 'underwriter' within the
meaning of the Securities Act. Based upon interpretations by the staff of the
Commission, we believe that Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer
to Participating Broker-Dealers may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise
transferred by a Participating Broker-Dealer upon compliance with the prospectus
delivery requirements, but without compliance with the registration
requirements, of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in
connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Initial
Notes. The Issuer has agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the date the
Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission, it will make
this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any
such resale. By acceptance of this Exchange Offer, each broker-dealer that
receives Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer agrees to notify the
Issuer prior to using this Prospectus in connection with the sale or transfer of
Exchange Notes. See 'Plan of Distribution.'
 
     To the extent Initial Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange
Offer, the principal amount of outstanding Initial Notes will decrease with a
resulting decrease in the liquidity in the market for the Initial Notes. Initial
Notes that are still outstanding following the consummation of the Exchange
Offer will continue to be subject to certain transfer restrictions.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus
and in the Letter of Transmittal, we will accept any and all Initial Notes
validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the Expiration Date. As of the date of this Prospectus, an aggregate of $200.0
million principal amount of the Initial Notes is outstanding. We will issue
$1,000 principal amount of Exchange Notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal
amount of outstanding Initial Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer. You may
tender some or all of your Initial Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
However, Initial Notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000.
 
                                       25
 




     By tendering Initial Notes in exchange for Exchange Notes and by executing
the Letter of Transmittal, you will be required to represent, among other
things, that:
 
      you are not an 'affiliate' (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act)
      of the Issuer or any Guarantor;
 
      you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, and have no
      arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a
      distribution of the Exchange Notes; and
 
      you are acquiring the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of your
      business.
 
     Each Participating Broker-Dealer must acknowledge in the Letter of
Transmittal that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such Exchange Notes. See 'Plan of Distribution.'
 
     The form and terms of the Exchange Notes will be identical in all material
respects to the form and terms of the Initial Notes, except that:
 
      the offering of the Exchange Notes has been registered under the
      Securities Act;
 
      the Exchange Notes will not be subject to transfer restrictions; and
 
      the Exchange Notes will be issued free of any covenants regarding exchange
      and registration rights (including that they will not provide for
      Additional Interest).
 
     The Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as the Initial Notes and
will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture under which the Initial Notes
were, and the Exchange Notes will be, issued.
 
     This Prospectus, together with the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, is
initially being sent to all registered holders of Initial Notes on or about
            , 1999. The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum
aggregate principal amount of Initial Notes being tendered. However, the
Exchange Offer is subject to certain customary conditions, which we may waive,
and to the terms and provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement. See
' -- Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer.'
 
     You do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights under law or the
Indenture in connection with the Exchange Offer. We intend to conduct the
Exchange Offer in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange
Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
 
     If we do not accept for exchange any tendered Initial Notes because of an
invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or
otherwise, certificates for any such unaccepted Initial Notes will be returned,
without expense to you, as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date.
 
     If you tender Initial Notes in the Exchange Offer you will not be required
to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the
Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Initial
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. We will pay all charges and expenses,
other than certain applicable taxes, in connection with the Exchange Offer. See
' -- Fees and Expenses.'
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS
 
     The term 'Expiration Date' means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
               , 1999, unless we, in our sole discretion, extend the Exchange
Offer, in which case the term 'Expiration Date' shall mean the latest date and
time to which the Exchange Offer is extended.
 
     We have the right to delay accepting any Initial Notes, to extend the
Exchange Offer or, if any of the conditions set forth below under 'Certain
Conditions to the Exchange Offer' shall not have been satisfied, to terminate
the Exchange Offer, by giving oral or written notice of such delay, extension or
termination to the Exchange Agent. We also have the right to amend the terms of
the Exchange Offer in any manner. If we delay acceptance of any Initial Notes,
or terminate or amend the Exchange Offer, we will make a public announcement
thereof as promptly as practicable. If we believe that we have made a material
amendment of the terms of the Exchange Offer, we will promptly disclose such
amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of such
amendment and we will extend the Exchange Offer to the extent required by law.
We will notify the Exchange Agent of any extension of the Exchange Offer in
writing or orally (which we will promptly confirm in writing). Unless otherwise
required by applicable law or regulation, we will make a public announcement of
any
 
                                       26
 




extension of the Expiration Date before 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the
first business day after the previously-scheduled expiration date.
 
     Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make public
announcements of any delay, extension, termination or amendment of the Exchange
Offer, we shall have no obligation to publish, advise or otherwise communicate
any such public announcement, other than by making a timely press release
thereof.
 
INTEREST ON THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     Interest on the Exchange Notes will accrue from the last interest payment
date on which interest was paid on the Initial Notes surrendered in exchange
therefor or, if no interest has been paid on the Initial Notes, from November
18, 1998. The Exchange Notes will bear interest at a rate of 11.875% per year.
Interest on the Exchange Notes will be payable semiannually on May 1 and
November 1 of each year, beginning May 1, 1999.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
 
     Each holder of Initial Notes wishing to accept the Exchange Offer must
complete, sign and date the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, have
the signatures thereon guaranteed if required by the Letter of Transmittal, and
mail or otherwise deliver such Letter of Transmittal or such facsimile, together
with the Initial Notes and any other required documents, to the Exchange Agent
prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date (unless such
tender is being effected pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer
described below).
 
     Any financial institution that is a participant in the book-entry transfer
facility system of The Depository Trust Company (the 'Depositary' or 'DTC') may
make book-entry delivery of the Initial Notes by causing DTC to transfer such
Initial Notes into the Exchange Agent's account and to deliver an Agent's
Message (as described below) on or prior to the Expiration Date in accordance
with DTC's procedures for such transfer and delivery. If delivery of Initial
Notes is effected through book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account
at DTC and an Agent's Message is not delivered, the Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees and any other
required documents must be transmitted to and received or confirmed by the
Exchange Agent at its addresses set forth herein under ' -- Exchange Agent'
prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. DELIVERY OF
DOCUMENTS TO DTC IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS PROCEDURES DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY
TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
 
     The term 'Agent's Message' means a message, transmitted by DTC to and
received by the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a confirmation of the
book-entry tender of Initial Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC,
which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering
participant, which acknowledgment states that such participant has received and
agrees to be bound by, and makes the representations and warranties contained
in, the Letter of Transmittal and that we may enforce the Letter of Transmittal
against such participant.
 
     The tender (as set forth above) by a holder of Initial Notes will
constitute an agreement between such holder and us in accordance with the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     Delivery of all documents must be made to the Exchange Agent at its address
set forth herein. Holders may also request that their respective brokers,
dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees effect such tender for
the holders.
 
     The method of delivery of Initial Notes, the Letter of Transmittal and all
other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk of
the holders. Instead of delivery by mail, we recommend that holders use an
overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, sufficient time should be
allowed to assure timely delivery. NO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR INITIAL NOTES
SHOULD BE SENT TO US.
 
     Only a holder of Initial Notes may tender such Initial Notes in the
Exchange Offer. The term 'holder' with respect to the Exchange Offer means any
person in whose name Initial Notes are registered on the register maintained by
the Trustee or any other person who has obtained a properly
 
                                       27
 




completed bond power from the registered holder, or any person whose Initial
Notes are held of record by DTC who desires to deliver such Initial Notes by
book-entry transfer at DTC.
 
     Any beneficial holder whose Initial Notes are registered in the name of his
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes
to tender should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct such
registered holder to tender on his behalf. If such beneficial holder wishes to
tender on his own behalf, such beneficial holder must, prior to completing and
executing the Letter of Transmittal and delivering his Initial Notes, either
make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Initial Notes in such
holder's name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered
holder. The transfer of record ownership may take considerable time.
 
     Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal must be
guaranteed by:
 
      a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the
      National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.;
 
      a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in
      the United States; or
 
      an 'eligible guarantor institution' within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15
      under the Exchange Act (an 'Eligible Institution')
 
unless the Initial Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered
 
      by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled 'Special
      Issuance Instructions' or 'Special Delivery Instructions' on the Letter of
      Transmittal; or
 
      for the account of an Eligible Institution.
 
     If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder of any Initial Notes listed therein, such Initial Notes must
be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers which authorize such
person to tender the Initial Notes on behalf of the registered holder, and, in
either case, signed as the name of the registered holder or holders appears on
the Initial Notes.
 
     If the Letter of Transmittal or any Initial Notes or bond powers are signed
by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers
of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by us, evidence
satisfactory to us of their authority to so act must be submitted with the
Letter of Transmittal.
 
     All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of the tendered Initial Notes will be
determined by us in our sole discretion, which determination will be final and
binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all Initial Notes not
properly tendered or any Initial Notes our acceptance of which would, in the
opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive
any irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular Initial Notes. Our
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the
instructions in the Letter of Transmittal) will be final and binding on all
parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders
of Initial Notes must be cured within such time as we shall determine. Neither
we, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give
notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Initial
Notes nor shall we, the Exchange Agent or any other person incur any liability
for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Initial Notes will not be
deemed to have been made until such irregularities have been cured or waived.
Any Initial Notes received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered,
and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived,
will be returned without cost by the Exchange Agent to the tendering holder of
such Initial Notes unless otherwise provided in the Letter of Transmittal as
soon as practicable following the Expiration Date.
 
     In addition, we reserve the right in our sole discretion to (a) purchase or
make offers for any Initial Notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the
Expiration Date, or, as set forth under ' -- Certain Conditions to the Exchange
Offer,' to terminate the Exchange Offer and (b) to the extent permitted by
applicable law, purchase Initial Notes in the open market, in privately
negotiated transactions or otherwise. The terms of any such purchases or offers
may differ from the terms of the Exchange Offer.
 
                                       28
 




     By tendering, each holder of Initial Notes will represent to us that, among
other things:
 
      the Exchange Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for
      such holder's Initial Notes are being obtained in the ordinary course of
      business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not such
      person is the holder;
 
      that neither the holder nor any other person receiving such Exchange Notes
      has an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the
      distribution of the Exchange Notes; and
 
      that neither the holder nor any such other person receiving such Exchange
      Notes is an 'affiliate' of ours, within the meaning of Rule 405 under the
      Securities Act or, if the holder or such person is an affiliate, then such
      holder or such other person will comply with the registration and
      prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent
      applicable.
 
ACCEPTANCE OF INITIAL NOTES FOR EXCHANGE; DELIVERY OF EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the Exchange Offer,
we will accept, promptly after the Expiration Date, all Initial Notes properly
tendered and will issue the Exchange Notes promptly after acceptance of the
Initial Notes. See ' -- Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer.' For each
Initial Note accepted for exchange, the holder of such Initial Notes will
receive an Exchange Note having a principal amount equal to that of the
surrendered Initial Note.
 
     For purposes of the Exchange Offer, we shall be deemed to have accepted
properly tendered Initial Notes for exchange when, as and if we have given oral
or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent, with written confirmation of
any oral notice to be given promptly thereafter.
 
     In all cases, issuance of Exchange Notes for Initial Notes that are
accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after
timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of certificates for such Initial Notes and
a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal and all other
required documents or a timely book-entry confirmation of such Initial Notes
into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC. If any tendered Initial Notes are not
accepted for any reason set forth in the terms and conditions of the Exchange
Offer or if Initial Notes are submitted for a greater principal amount than the
holder desired to exchange, such unaccepted or non-exchanged Initial Notes will
be returned without expense to the tendering holder thereof (or, in the case of
Initial Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account
at DTC pursuant to the book-entry procedures described below, such non-exchanged
Initial Notes will be credited to an account maintained with such book-entry
transfer facility) as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date.
 
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
 
     The Exchange Agent will make a request to establish an account with respect
to the Initial Notes at DTC for purposes of the Exchange Offer within two
business days after the date of this Prospectus, and any financial institution
that is a participant in DTC's systems may make book-entry delivery of Initial
Notes by causing DTC to transfer such Initial Notes into the Exchange Agent's
account at DTC in accordance with DTC's procedures for transfer. However,
although delivery of Initial Notes may be effected through book-entry transfer
at DTC, the Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof or an Agent's Message
in lieu thereof), with any required signature guarantees and any other required
documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by the Exchange
Agent at one of the addresses set forth below under ' -- Exchange Agent' on or
prior to the Expiration Date or the guaranteed delivery procedures described
below must be complied with.
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
 
     Holders who wish to tender their Initial Notes and who cannot deliver their
Initial Notes, the Letter of Transmittal, or any other required documents to the
Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date, or holders who cannot complete the
procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, may effect a tender if:
 
      The tender is made through an Eligible Institution;
 
      Prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent receives from such
      Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed Notice of
      Guaranteed Delivery (by facsimile transmission,
 
                                       29
 




      mail or hand delivery) setting forth the name and address of the holder of
      the Initial Notes, the certificate number or numbers of such Initial Notes
      and the principal amount of Initial Notes tendered, stating that the
      tender is being made thereby, and guaranteeing that, within three business
      days after the Expiration Date, the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
      thereof), together with the certificate(s) representing the Initial Notes
      to be tendered in proper form for transfer and any other documents
      required by the Letter of Transmittal, will be deposited by the Eligible
      Institution with the Exchange Agent; and
 
      Such properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
      thereof), together with the certificate(s) representing all tendered
      Initial Notes in proper form for transfer (or confirmation of a book-entry
      transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC of Initial Notes
      delivered electronically) and all other documents required by the Letter
      of Transmittal are received by the Exchange Agent within three business
      days after the Expiration Date.
 
     Upon request to the Exchange Agent, a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery will be
sent to holders who wish to tender their Initial Notes according to the
guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
 
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
 
     Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Initial Notes may be
withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date.
 
     To withdraw a tender of Initial Notes in the Exchange Offer, a facsimile
transmission or letter notice of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange
Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must:
 
      specify the name of the person having deposited the Initial Notes to be
      withdrawn (the 'Depositor');
 
      include a statement that the Depositor is withdrawing its election to have
      Initial Notes exchanged and identify the Initial Notes to be withdrawn
      (including the certificate number or numbers and principal amount of such
      Initial Notes);
 
      be signed by the Depositor in the same manner as the original signature on
      the Letter of Transmittal by which such Initial Notes were tendered
      (including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by
      documents of transfer sufficient to permit the Trustee with respect to the
      Initial Notes to register the transfer of such Initial Notes into the name
      of the Depositor withdrawing the tender; and
 
      specify the name in which any such Initial Notes are to be registered, if
      different from that of the Depositor.
 
     If Initial Notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedures for
book-entry transfer set forth in ' -- Procedures for Tendering' and
' -- Book-Entry Transfer,' the notice of withdrawal must specify the name and
number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawal of Initial
Notes, in which case a notice of withdrawal will be effective if delivered to
the Exchange Agent by written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile transmission.
 
     All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) for such withdrawal notices will be determined by us, and our
determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Initial Notes so
withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the
Exchange Offer and no Exchange Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless
the Initial Notes so withdrawn are validly re-tendered. Properly withdrawn
Initial Notes may be re-tendered by following one of the procedures described
above under ' -- Procedures for Tendering' at any time prior to the Expiration
Date.
 
CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The Exchange Offer is not subject to any conditions, other than that:
 
      the Exchange Offer does not violate applicable law or any applicable
      interpretation of the staff of the Commission; and
 
                                       30
 




      there is no injunction, order or decree issued by any court or any
      governmental agency that would prohibit, prevent or otherwise materially
      impair our ability to proceed with the Exchange Offer.
 
There can be no assurance that any such condition will not occur. Holders of
Initial Notes will have certain rights against us under the Registration Rights
Agreement should we fail to consummate the Exchange Offer. If we determine that
we may terminate the Exchange Offer, as set forth above, we may:
 
      refuse to accept any Initial Notes and return any Initial Notes that have
      been tendered to the holders thereof;
 
      extend the Exchange Offer and retain all Initial Notes tendered prior to
      the Expiration Date, subject to the rights of such holders of tendered
      Initial Notes to withdraw their tendered Initial Notes; or
 
      waive such termination event with respect to the Exchange Offer and accept
      all properly tendered Initial Notes that have not been withdrawn.
 
If such waiver constitutes a material change in the Exchange Offer, we will
disclose such change by means of a supplement to this Prospectus that will be
distributed to each registered holder of Initial Notes, and we will extend the
Exchange Offer for a period of five to ten business days, depending upon the
significance of the waiver and the manner of disclosure to the registered
holders of the Initial Notes, if the Exchange Offer would otherwise expire
during such period.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
     IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, the Trustee under the Indenture, has
been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer. Questions and requests
for assistance and inquiries for additional copies of this Prospectus or of the
Letter of Transmittal should be directed to the Exchange Agent addressed as
follows:
 

                                               
                    By Mail:                               By Hand or Overnight Delivery:
       IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company                 IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company
                  P.O. Box 84                                     One State Street
             Bowling Green Station                            New York, New York 10004
         New York, New York 10274-0084                Attention: Securities Processing Window,
      Attention: Reorganization Operations                      Subcellar One (SC-1)
   (REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL RECOMMENDED)

                                  Facsimile Transmission Number:
                                          (212) 858-2611
                                          (FOR ELIGIBLE
                                        INSTITUTIONS ONLY)
                                      Confirm by Telephone:
                                          (212) 858-2103
 
     DELIVERY OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH
ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA FACSIMILE OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH
ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY OF SUCH LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     We will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or others soliciting
acceptances of the Exchange Offer.
 
     We will pay the cash expenses to be incurred in connection with soliciting
tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Such expenses include fees and expenses
of the Exchange Agent and the Trustee, accounting and legal fees and printing
costs, among others.
 
                                       31
 




TRANSFER TAXES
 
     Holders who tender their Initial Notes for exchange will not be obligated
to pay any transfer taxes in connection therewith, except that holders who
instruct us to register Exchange Notes in the name of, or request that Initial
Notes not tendered or not accepted in the Exchange Offer be returned to, a
person other than the registered tendering holder, will be responsible for the
payment of any applicable transfer tax thereon.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     The Exchange Notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the
Initial Notes on the date of the exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize
any gain or loss for accounting purposes. The expenses of the Exchange Offer and
the unamortized expenses relating to the issuance of the Initial Notes will be
amortized over the term of the Exchange Notes.
 
                                       32









               UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA OF THE COMPANY
 
     The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data
(the 'Pro Forma Financial Data') of the Company is derived from the historical
consolidated financial statements of Agrilink and DFVC included elsewhere
herein, adjusted to give effect on a preliminary basis to the Transactions and
the Initial Notes Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom.
The Pro Forma Financial Data reflect the assumption that the Company will elect
to treat the Acquisition as an asset sale for tax purposes under Section
338(h)(10) of the Code. The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of
Operations of the Company give effect to the Transactions and the Initial Notes
Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as if they had
occurred as of June 29, 1997. No adjustment was made to the Pro Forma Financial
Data to conform DFVC's last Sunday of May fiscal year end or last Sunday of
August fiscal quarter end to Agrilink's last Saturday of June fiscal year end or
last Saturday of September fiscal quarter end, respectively. The Pro Forma
Financial Data do not purport to represent what the Company's results of
operations would actually have been had the Transactions and the Initial Notes
Offering in fact occurred on such date or what the Company's results of
operations will be for any future period. The Pro Forma Financial Data do not
give effect to any transactions other than the Transactions and the Initial
Notes Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as discussed in
the notes to the Pro Forma Financial Data set forth below.
 
     The Acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. Under purchase accounting, tangible and identifiable intangible
assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded at their respective
fair values. Information regarding the fair values of assets being acquired is
not currently available. Accordingly, no allocation of the excess of purchase
cost over net assets acquired has been made for purposes of this pro forma
presentation. The valuations and other studies which will provide the basis for
such an allocation have not progressed to a stage where there is sufficient
information to make a final allocation in the accompanying Pro Forma Financial
Data. Accordingly, the purchase accounting adjustments made in connection with
the Pro Forma Financial Data are preliminary and have been made solely for
purposes of developing the Pro Forma Financial Data. Once an allocation is
determined, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, any
remaining excess of purchase cost over net assets acquired will be recorded as
goodwill. The Company expects that significant goodwill will be recorded as a
result of the Acquisition.
 
     Likewise, the value recorded for the Aseptic Business disposal, and the
resulting gain and other effects on the Pro Forma Financial Data, are based on
the appraisal given to Agrilink by the independent appraiser retained by
Agrilink. If the value ascribed to the Aseptic Business is determined to be
different than that recorded in the Pro Forma Financial Data due to a variance
from the appraisal or for any other reason, the change in such value would have
a corresponding effect on the Pro Forma Financial Data.
 
     The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and upon
certain assumptions that management of the Company believes are reasonable under
the circumstances. The Pro Forma Financial Data and accompanying notes should be
read in conjunction with 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations,' the historical consolidated financial
statements of Agrilink and DFVC, including the notes thereto, and other
financial information pertaining to Agrilink incorporated by reference herein.
 
     For unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data of Pro-Fac,
see 'Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data of Pro-Fac and Consolidated Subsidiary'
at the back of this Prospectus.
 
                                       33
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 27, 1998


                                                                                               PRO FORMA
                                                                              --------------------------------------------
                                                                                 ASEPTIC         TRANSACTIONS
                                                                                 BUSINESS        AND INITIAL
                                                AGRILINK          DFVC           DISPOSAL       NOTES OFFERING
                                              (HISTORICAL)    (HISTORICAL)    ADJUSTMENTS(a)     ADJUSTMENTS       TOTAL
                                              ------------    ------------    --------------    --------------    --------
                                                                         (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                                   
Net sales..................................     $  719.7        $  541.2          $(97.9)           $ 79.0 (b)    $1,242.0
Cost of sales..............................       (524.1)         (397.6)           81.3             (25.0)(c)      (865.4)
                                              ------------    ------------       -------           -------        --------
     Gross profit..........................        195.6           143.6           (16.6)             54.0           376.6
Selling, administrative and general........       (141.9)         (104.9)            0.1             (41.7)(d)      (288.4)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company......          1.9              --              --                --             1.9
Amortization of unallocated excess of
  purchase cost over net assets acquired...           --              --              --             (10.4)(e)       (10.4)
                                              ------------    ------------       -------           -------        --------
     Operating income before extraordinary
       items and before dividing with
       Pro-Fac.............................         55.6            38.7           (16.5)              1.9            79.7
Total interest expense.....................        (30.6)           (9.2)            1.4             (34.5)(f)       (72.9)
                                              ------------    ------------       -------           -------        --------
     Pre-tax income before extraordinary
       items and before dividing with
       Pro-Fac.............................         25.0            29.5           (15.1)            (32.6)            6.8
Pro-Fac share of income....................        (12.5)             --             7.6               1.5 (g)        (3.4)
                                              ------------    ------------       -------           -------        --------
     Income before taxes...................         12.5            29.5            (7.5)            (31.1)            3.4
(Provision) benefit for taxes..............         (5.7)          (11.8)            3.4              12.1 (h)        (2.0)
                                              ------------    ------------       -------           -------        --------
     Income (loss) before extraordinary
       items...............................     $    6.8        $   17.7          $ (4.1)           $(19.0)       $    1.4
                                              ------------    ------------       -------           -------        --------
                                              ------------    ------------       -------           -------        --------

- ------------
 (a) To reflect the sale of the Aseptic Business to Dean Foods. In conjunction
     with this transaction, Agrilink recognized a gain. Such gain has not been
     reflected in the unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of
     Operations, as the gain is considered non-recurring.
 
 (b) Represents a reclassification of promotional expenses of DFVC to conform
     presentation to that of Agrilink. Such amount is equal to the adjustment of
     selling, administrative and general expenses in pro forma adjustment (d)
     below.
 
 (c) To reflect the net of (dollars in millions):
 

                                                                                                     
   Cost savings anticipated under existing contracts with the suppliers of product packaging.........   $  2.5
   Reclassification of warehousing expenses of DFVC to conform presentation to that of Agrilink. Such
     amount is equal to the adjustment of selling, administrative and general expenses in pro forma
     adjustment (d) below............................................................................    (27.5)
                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                        $(25.0)
                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                        ------

 
 (d) To reflect the net of (dollars in millions):
 

                                                                                                     
   Reclassification of promotional expenses of DFVC to conform presentation to that of Agrilink. Such
     amount is equal to the adjustment to the net sales in pro forma adjustment (b) above............   $(79.0)
   Reclassification of warehousing expenses to conform presentation to that of Agrilink. Such amount
     is equal to the adjustment to the net sales in pro forma adjustment (c) above...................     27.5
   To reflect the anticipated cost reductions under the plan formulated by management to eliminate
     duplicate administrative costs, including primarily sales and marketing functions, finance
     functions and logistics functions. Because both the Agrilink and DFVC personnel currently
     contact the same customers, it is anticipated that no material negative impact to sales will
     occur. The plan outlined is to be executed within one year from the consummation date of the
     Acquisition.....................................................................................      9.8
                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                        $(41.7)
                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                        ------

 
 (e) To reflect $10.4 million of additional goodwill amortization relating to
     the Acquisition assuming an amortization period of 20 years. Depreciation
     and amortization recorded by the Company subsequent to the Acquisition will
     be determined based upon the fair values of acquired assets and their
     related lives as ultimately recorded under purchase accounting.
 
                                              (footnotes continued on next page)
 
                                       34
 




(footnotes continued from previous page)
 
 (f) To reflect the net adjustment to interest expense as follows (dollars in
     millions):
 

                                                                                                     
   Notes at an interest rate of 11.875%..............................................................   $ 23.8
   Borrowings under the New Credit Facility (at the rates applicable upon the syndication thereof)...     40.1
   Subordinated Promissory Note at an interest rate of 5.0% (non-cash)...............................      1.5
   Amortization of debt issuance costs...............................................................      3.2
   Less historical interest expense net adjustment...................................................    (33.3)
   Less amortization of debt issuance costs related to debt repaid...................................     (0.8)
                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                        $ 34.5
                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                        ------

 
     The elimination of debt issuance costs and premiums to be paid to
     extinguish existing debt was recognized as an extraordinary item ($18.0
     million, net of a $10.5 million tax benefit and before allocation to
     Pro-Fac) in the Company's statement of operations for the first fiscal
     quarter of 1999. Such charge has not been reflected in the unaudited Pro
     Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
 
     Fees associated with obtaining commitments for the Bridge Facility have not
     been reflected in the unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of
     Operations as they are considered nonrecurring. Such fees, which will be
     reflected in the Company's 1999 second fiscal quarter, are estimated to be
     approximately $5.6 million (before allocation to Pro-Fac and before taxes).
 
 (g) To reflect the anticipated effect of the earnings split with Pro-Fac for
     pro forma adjustments assuming that the sharing of earnings provision under
     the Marketing Agreement will continue.
 
 (h) To reflect the income tax effect of the pro forma adjustments based on an
     assumed statutory income tax rate of 39.0%.
 
                                       35









                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                    FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998


                                                                                         PRO FORMA
                                                                         ------------------------------------------
                                                                                           TRANSACTIONS
                                                                                              AND
                                                                            ASEPTIC         INITIAL
                                                                            BUSINESS         NOTES
                                           AGRILINK          DFVC           DISPOSAL       OFFERING
                                         (HISTORICAL)    (HISTORICAL)    ADJUSTMENTS(a)    ADJUSTMENTS       TOTAL
                                         ------------    ------------    --------------    ---------        -------
                                                                   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                             
Net sales.............................      $182.6          $106.4           $(24.9)       $ 15.5 (b)       $ 279.6
Cost of sales.........................      (135.9)          (81.2)            20.8          (5.5)(c)        (201.8)
                                         ------------    ------------       -------        ---------        -------
     Gross profit.....................        46.7            25.2             (4.1)         10.0              77.8
Selling, administrative and general...       (34.9)          (25.9)          --              (6.9)(d)         (67.7)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut
  Company.............................         0.6          --               --              --                 0.6
Gain on the sale of the Aseptic
  Business............................        64.2          --               --             (64.2)(e)         --
Amortization of unallocated excess of
  purchase cost over net assets
  acquired............................      --              --               --              (2.4)(f)          (2.4)
                                         ------------    ------------       -------        ---------        -------
     Operating income before
       extraordinary items and before
       dividing with Pro-Fac..........        76.6            (0.7)            (4.1)        (63.5)              8.3
Total interest expense................        (8.3)           (2.0)             0.4          (9.3)(g)         (19.2)
                                         ------------    ------------       -------        ---------        -------
     Pre-tax income (loss) before
       extraordinary items and before
       dividing with Pro-Fac..........        68.3            (2.7)            (3.7)        (72.8)            (10.9)
Pro-Fac share of (income) loss........        (5.7)         --                  1.9           9.2 (h)           5.4
                                         ------------    ------------       -------        ---------        -------
     Income before taxes..............        62.6            (2.7)            (1.8)        (63.6)             (5.5)
(Provision) benefit for taxes.........       (24.3)            1.1              0.8          24.8 (e)(i)        2.4
                                         ------------    ------------       -------        ---------        -------
     Income (loss) before
       extraordinary items............      $ 38.3          $ (1.6)          $ (1.0)       $(38.8)          $  (3.1)
                                         ------------    ------------       -------        ---------        -------
                                         ------------    ------------       -------        ---------        -------

- ------------
(a)   To reflect the sale of the Aseptic Business to Dean Foods which was
      completed in conjunction with the Acquisition.
(b)   Represents a reclassification of promotional expenses of DFVC to conform
      presentation to that of Agrilink. Such amount is equal to the adjustment
      of selling, administrative and general expenses in pro forma adjustment
      (d) below.
(c)   To reflect the net of (dollars in millions):

                                                                                                             
          Cost savings anticipated under existing contracts with the suppliers of product packaging.........   $  0.6
          Reclassification of warehousing expenses of DFVC to conform presentation to that of Agrilink. Such
          amount is equal to the adjustment of selling, administrative and general expenses in pro forma
          adjustment (d) below..............................................................................     (6.1)
                                                                                                               ------
                                                                                                               $ (5.5)
                                                                                                               ------
                                                                                                               ------

(d)   To reflect the net of (dollars in millions):

                                                                                                           
          Reclassification of promotional expenses of DFVC to conform presentation to that of Agrilink. Such
          amount is equal to the adjustment to the net sales in pro forma adjustment (b) above..............   $(15.5)
                                                                                                            
          Reclassification of warehousing expenses to conform presentation to that of Agrilink. Such amount
          is equal to the adjustment to the net sales in pro forma adjustment (c) above.....................      6.1
                                                                                                            
          To reflect the anticipated cost reductions under the plan formulated by management to eliminate
          duplicate administrative costs, including primarily sales and marketing functions, finance
          functions and logistics functions. Because both the Agrilink and DFVC personnel currently contact
          the same customers, it is anticipated that no material negative impact to sales will occur. The
          plan outlined is to be executed within one year from the consummation date of the Acquisition.....      2.5
                                                                                                               ------
                                                                                                               $ (6.9)
                                                                                                               ------
                                                                                                               ------

 
                                              (footnotes continued on next page)
 
                                       36
 




(footnotes continued from previous page)
 
(e)   To eliminate the gain recognized on the sale of the Aseptic Business to
      Dean Foods (net of income taxes of $25.0 million). Such income has not
      been reflected in the unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement
      of Operations, as the gain is considered nonrecurring.
(f)   To reflect $2.4 million of additional goodwill amortization relating to
      the Acquisition assuming an amortization period of 20 years. Depreciation
      and amortization recorded by the Company subsequent to the Acquisition
      will be determined based upon the fair values of acquired assets and their
      related lives as ultimately recorded under purchase accounting.
(g)   To reflect the net adjustment to interest expense as follows (dollars in
      millions):

                                                                                                            
          Notes at an interest rate of 11.875%..............................................................   $  5.9
          Borrowings under the New Credit Facility (at the rates applicable upon the syndication thereof)...     10.3
          Subordinated Promissory Note at an interest rate of 5.0% (non-cash)...............................      0.4
          Amortization of debt issuance costs...............................................................      0.8
          Less historical interest expense net adjustment...................................................     (7.9)
          Less amortization of debt issuance costs related to debt repaid...................................     (0.2)
                                                                                                               ------
                                                                                                               $  9.3
                                                                                                               ------
                                                                                                               ------

      The elimination of debt issuance costs and premiums to be paid to
      extinguish existing debt have been recognized as an extraordinary item
      in the Statement of Operations for the quarter ended September 26, 1998.
      See 'Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations' of Agrilink included
      elsewhere herein. Such charge has not been reflected in the unaudited Pro
      Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

      Fees associated with obtaining commitments for the Bridge Facility have
      not been reflected in the unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of
      Operations as they are considered nonrecurring. Such fees, which will be
      reflected in the Company's 1999 second fiscal quarter, are estimated to
      be approximately $5.6 million (before allocation to Pro-Fac and before
      taxes).
(h)   To reflect the anticipated effect of the earnings split with Pro-Fac for
      pro forma adjustments assuming that the sharing of earnings provision
      under the Marketing Agreement will continue.
(i)   To reflect the income tax effect of the pro forma adjustments based on
      an assumed statutory income tax rate of 39.0%.
 
                                       37









            SELECTED HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED
                      FINANCIAL DATA OF AGRILINK AND DFVC

AGRILINK
 
     The following selected historical consolidated financial data of Agrilink
and selected unaudited pro forma financial data with respect to the Company
should be read in conjunction with 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations,' the historical consolidated
financial statements of Agrilink and DFVC and the related notes and the
'Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data of the Company' and the related notes, each
as included elsewhere herein. The selected historical consolidated financial
data for each of the years ended June 25, 1994, June 24, 1995, June 29, 1996,
June 28, 1997 and June 27, 1998 and as of the end of each such periods have been
derived from Agrilink's audited consolidated financial statements and reflect
the operations and financial position of Agrilink at the dates and for the
periods indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial data for the
fiscal quarters ended September 27, 1997 and September 26, 1998 and as of the
end of each of such periods have been derived from Agrilink's financial
statements included elsewhere herein which are unaudited but which, in the
opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of
operations and financial position of Agrilink at the dates and for the periods
indicated. The selected unaudited pro forma financial data have been derived
from Agrilink's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended and
as of June 27, 1998, Agrilink's unaudited consolidated financial statements for
the quarter ended and as of September 26, 1998, DFVC's audited consolidated
financial statements for the year ended and as of May 31, 1998 and DFVC's
unaudited consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended and as of
August 30, 1998. No adjustment was made to the unaudited pro forma financial
data to conform DFVC's last Sunday of May fiscal year end or last Sunday of
August fiscal quarter end to Agrilink's last Saturday of June fiscal year end or
last Saturday of September fiscal quarter end, respectively. The selected
unaudited pro forma financial data give effect to the Transactions and the
Initial Notes Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as
described under 'The Transactions' and 'Use of Proceeds,' as if they had
occurred at the dates referenced under 'Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data of
the Company.' The pro forma financial data reflect the assumption that the
Company will elect to treat the Acquisition as an asset sale for tax purposes
under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code. The selected unaudited pro forma financial
data do not purport to represent what the Company's results of operations or
financial position actually would have been if the transactions referred to
therein had been consummated on the date or for the periods indicated or what
such results will be for any future date or any future period.


                                                                                                              
                                                                 FISCAL YEAR ENDED                            
                                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                                                           JUNE 27, 1998
                                       JUNE 25,     JUNE 24,    JUNE 29,    JUNE 28,    --------------------  
                                         1994       1995(1)       1996        1997      ACTUAL     PRO FORMA
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    ---------  
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                         
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales...........................    $ 829.1     $ 748.5     $ 739.1     $ 730.8     $ 719.7    $1,242.0     
Cost of sales.......................     (592.6)     (530.1)     (562.9)     (539.1)     (524.1)     (865.4)   
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    ---------    
    Gross profit....................      236.5       218.4       176.2       191.7       195.6       376.6     
Selling, administrative and
  general...........................     (187.0)     (159.9)     (156.1)     (145.4)     (141.9)     (288.4)   
Income from Great Lakes Kraut
  Company...........................      --          --          --          --            1.9         1.9     
Gain on sale of Finger Lakes
  Packaging.........................      --          --          --            3.6       --          --        
Restructuring (including net
  (losses) gains from
  disposal)(2)......................        7.8        (8.4)       (5.9)      --          --          --        
Change in control expenses(3).......       (3.5)       (2.2)      --          --          --          --        
Gain on assets net of additional
  costs incurred as a result of a
  fire..............................      --            4.1       --          --          --          --        
Amortization of unallocated excess
  of purchase cost over net assets
  acquired..........................      --          --          --          --          --          (10.4)    
Gain on the sale of the Aseptic
  Business..........................      --          --          --          --          --          --        
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    ---------    
    Operating income................       53.8        52.0        14.2        49.9        55.6        79.7     
Total interest expense..............      (18.2)      (32.4)      (42.0)      (35.0)      (30.6)      (72.9)   
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    ---------    
 

                                               FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                      -------------------------------------
                                                       SEPTEMBER 26, 1998
                                      SEPTEMBER 27,  ----------------------
                                          1997       ACTUAL     PRO FORMA
                                          ----       ------     ---------
                                              (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                      
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales...........................    $ 176.4    $ 182.6     $ 279.6
Cost of sales.......................     (130.8)    (135.9)     (201.8)
                                        --------   -------    ---------
    Gross profit....................       45.6       46.7        77.8
Selling, administrative and                       
  general...........................      (33.0)     (34.8)      (67.7)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut                     
  Company...........................        0.2        0.6         0.6
Gain on sale of Finger Lakes                      
  Packaging.........................        --          --          --
Restructuring (including net                      
  (losses) gains from                             
  disposal)(2)......................        --          --          --
Change in control expenses(3).......        --          --          --
Gain on assets net of additional                  
  costs incurred as a result of a                 
  fire..............................        --          --          --
Amortization of unallocated excess                
  of purchase cost over net assets                
  acquired..........................        --          --        (2.4)
Gain on the sale of the Aseptic                   
  Business..........................        --        64.2          --
                                        --------   -------    ---------
    Operating income................       12.8       76.7         8.3
Total interest expense..............       (7.6)      (8.3)      (19.2)
                                        --------   -------    ---------

 
                                                  (table continued on next page)
 
                                       38
 






(table continued from previous page)


                                                                                                              
                                                                 FISCAL YEAR ENDED                            
                                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                                                           JUNE 27, 1998
                                       JUNE 25,     JUNE 24,    JUNE 29,    JUNE 28,    --------------------  
                                         1994       1995(1)       1996        1997      ACTUAL     PRO FORMA
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    ---------  
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                         
Pre-tax income (loss) before
  dividing with Pro-Fac.............       35.6        19.6       (27.8)       14.9        25.0         6.8   
Pro-Fac share of (income) loss......      (16.8)       (9.6)        9.0        (7.4)      (12.5)       (3.4)  
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    --------- 
Income (loss) before taxes and
  cumulative effect of an accounting
  change and extraordinary item.....       18.8        10.0       (18.8)        7.5        12.5         3.4   
Tax (provision) benefit.............       (8.7)       (6.0)        6.9        (3.7)       (5.7)       (2.0) 
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    ---------  
Income (loss) before cumulative
  effect of an accounting change and
  extraordinary item................       10.1         4.0       (11.9)        3.8         6.8         1.4   
Cumulative effect of an accounting
  change, net(4)....................      --          --          --            1.7       --          --      
Extraordinary item relating to the
  early extinguishment of debt (net
  of income taxes and after dividing
  with Pro-Fac).....................      --          --          --          --          --          --      
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    ---------  
Net income (loss)...................    $  10.1     $   4.0     $ (11.9)    $   5.5     $   6.8    $    1.4   
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    ---------  
                                       ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------    ---------  
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(5)...........................    $  79.6     $  75.6     $  43.7     $  76.7     $  77.3    $  131.0   
EBITDA margin(6)....................        9.6%       10.1%        5.9%       10.5%       10.7%       10.5% 
Depreciation and amortization(7)....       25.8        23.6        29.5        26.8        21.7        51.3   
Capital expenditures(8).............       19.5        32.6        18.0        16.9        14.1        25.3   
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
  (coverage deficiency)(9)..........       1.95x       1.30x      (18.7)       1.20x       1.39x       1.05x 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.....................    $ 104.0     $ 144.2     $ 107.9     $  84.1     $ 108.1               
Total assets........................      446.9       672.3       634.3       542.6       566.4               
Total debt..........................      271.6       357.6       319.4       232.3       238.8               
Shareholder's equity................       80.9       141.1       139.2       146.4       154.6               


                                               FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                      -------------------------------------
                                                       SEPTEMBER 26, 1998
                                      SEPTEMBER 27,  ----------------------
                                          1997       ACTUAL     PRO FORMA
                                          ----       ------     ---------
                                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                       
Pre-tax income (loss) before
  dividing with Pro-Fac.............       5.2        68.4       (10.9)
Pro-Fac share of (income) loss......      (2.6)       (5.7)        5.4
                                      ---------   --------    ---------
Income (loss) before taxes and                  
  cumulative effect of an accounting            
  change and extraordinary item.....       2.6        62.7        (5.5)
Tax (provision) benefit.............      (1.2)      (24.3)        2.4
                                      ---------   --------    ---------
Income (loss) before cumulative                 
  effect of an accounting change and            
  extraordinary item................       1.4        38.4        (3.1)
Cumulative effect of an accounting              
  change, net(4)....................    --           --          --
Extraordinary item relating to the              
  early extinguishment of debt (net             
  of income taxes and after dividing            
  with Pro-Fac).....................    --           (16.4)      --
                                      ----------   -------    ---------
Net income (loss)...................   $   1.4     $  22.0     $  (3.1)
                                      ----------   -------    ---------
                                      ----------   -------    ---------
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:                        
EBITDA(5)...........................   $  18.4     $  17.8     $  21.1
EBITDA margin(6)....................      10.4%        9.7%        7.5%
Depreciation and amortization(7)....       5.6         5.3        12.8
Capital expenditures(8).............       3.2         4.1         7.3
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges              
  (coverage deficiency)(9)..........      1.33x       1.24x       (5.5)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:                             
Working capital.....................   $  96.7     $ 221.9
Total assets........................     602.1      1257.0
Total debt..........................     304.0       789.5
Shareholder's equity................     147.9       176.6

- ------------
(1) Represents the sum of the results of operations for both the predecessor and
    successor entities relating to the change of control of Agrilink in November
    1994.
(2) During fiscal 1994, Agrilink sold the oats operations of National Oats
    realizing a gain of $10.9 million (before dividing such gain with Pro-Fac
    and before taxes), which was offset by a $3.1 million charge (before
    dividing such charge with Pro-Fac and before taxes) to adjust previous
    estimates recorded regarding restructuring activities. During fiscal 1995,
    Agrilink sold certain assets of the Nalley's United States Chips and Snacks
    business. The restructuring expenses of $8.4 million (before dividing such
    charge with Pro-Fac and before taxes) reflect the impact of this sale and
    other expenses. During fiscal 1996, Agrilink initiated a company-wide
    restructuring program. The restructuring charge amounted to $5.9 million
    (before dividing such charge with Pro-Fac and before taxes). This amount
    consisted of employee termination benefits of $4.0 million and $1.9 million
    for strategic consulting expenses.
(3) Agrilink expensed $3.5 million and $2.2 million (before dividing such charge
    with Pro-Fac and before taxes) in fiscal 1994 and 1995, respectively, for
    legal, accounting, investment banking and other expenses in connection with
    the change of control issue surrounding the sale of Agrilink to Pro-Fac.
(4) Represents cumulative effect of an accounting change, to include in prepaid
    expenses and other current assets, manufacturing spare parts previously
    charged directly to expense, net of split with Pro-Fac.
(5) EBITDA is defined as the sum of pre-tax income (loss) before dividing with
    Pro-Fac and before the cumulative effect of an accounting change, interest
    expense and depreciation and amortization of goodwill and other intangibles.
    EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income or cash
    flows from operations or any other generally accepted accounting principles
    measure of performance or as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA is included
    herein because the Company believes EBITDA is a financial indicator of a
    company's ability to service debt. EBITDA as calculated by the Company may
    not be comparable to calculations as presented by other companies. EBITDA
    (actual and pro forma) at September 26, 1998 excludes the $64.2 million gain
    on the sale of the Aseptic Business. Had the gain on the sale of the Aseptic
    Business been included, actual EBITDA at September 26, 1998 would have been
    $82.0 million.
(6) EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by net sales.
(7) Amortization of intangibles for fiscal 1994 is defined as the sum of
    amortization of goodwill and intangibles, including the amount of the
    finance receivable relating to goodwill recognized by Pro-Fac. Through the
    provisions of the earnings split, amortization of intangibles has been
    recognized equally between Agrilink and Pro-Fac in the amount of $1.7
    million for fiscal 1994.
(8) For fiscal 1994, includes capital expenditures of Agrilink of $9.5 million
    and capital expenditures of Pro-Fac of $10.0 million.
(9) For purposes of calculating ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings are
    determined by adding fixed charges to income (loss) before taxes and before
    cumulative effect of an accounting change. Fixed charges consist of interest
    expense and the interest component of rental expense. For fiscal 1996 and
    the first quarter of fiscal 1999 on a pro forma basis, earnings before fixed
    charges were insufficient to cover fixed charges and the dollar amount of
    coverage deficiency, instead of the ratio, is disclosed. The $64.2 million
    gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business has been excluded in calculating
    the ratio of earnings to fixed charges at September 26, 1998.
 
                            ------------------------
PRO-FAC
 
     See 'Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiary -- Selected
Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data' at the back of this
Prospectus.
 
                                       39
 






DFVC
 
     The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
data of DFVC for the periods indicated. The selected historical consolidated
financial data for each of the years ended May 26, 1996, May 25, 1997 and May
31, 1998 and as of the end of each of such periods have been derived from DFVC's
audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein and reflect
the operations and financial positions of DFVC at the dates and for the periods
indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial data for the three
months ended August 30, 1998 and August 24, 1997 and as of the end of each of
such periods have been derived from DFVC's financial statements included
elsewhere herein which are unaudited but which, in the opinion of management,
include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments,
necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations and financial
position of DFVC at the dates and for the periods indicated. The information
below should be read in conjunction with DFVC's consolidated financial
statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein and
'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations' appearing elsewhere herein. Following consummation of the Merger,
DFVC's results will be included in the Company's financial statements.


                                                                                                  FISCAL QUARTER
                                                                                                       ENDED
                                                                   FISCAL YEAR ENDED            -------------------
                                                           ---------------------------------     AUGUST     AUGUST
                                                            MAY 26,     MAY 25,     MAY 31,       24,         30,
                                                             1996         1997        1998        1997       1998
                                                           ---------    --------    --------    --------    -------
                                                                         (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                            
Statement of Operations Data:
     Net sales(1)........................................    $646.6    $ 622.0    $ 620.2     $  123.3      $  121.9
     Cost of sales(2)....................................    (491.7)    (438.4)    (424.0)       (95.3)        (87.3)
                                                            -------    -------    -------    ----------    ----------
          Gross profit...................................     154.9      183.6      196.2         28.0          34.6
     Selling, administrative and general(3)..............    (150.3)    (149.8)    (158.7)       (31.1)        (35.5)
     Special charge(4)...................................     (37.3)      (9.6)        --           --            --
     Other income........................................       0.6        0.6        1.2          0.2           0.2
                                                            -------    -------    -------    ----------    ----------
          Operating income...............................     (32.1)      24.8       38.7         (2.9)         (0.7)
     Total interest expense..............................     (12.0)     (10.3)      (9.2)        (2.1)         (2.0)
                                                            -------    -------    -------    ----------    ----------
          Pre-tax income (loss)..........................     (44.1)      14.5       29.5         (5.0)         (2.7)
     Tax (provision)/benefit.............................      17.2       (5.8)     (11.8)         2.0           1.1
                                                            -------    -------    -------    ----------    ----------
          Net income (loss)..............................    $(26.9)   $   8.7    $  17.7     $   (3.0)     $   (1.6)
                                                            -------    -------    -------    ----------    ----------
                                                            -------    -------    -------    ----------    ----------
Selected Financial Data:
     EBITDA(5)...........................................    $ 29.8    $  56.2    $  58.9     $    2.4      $    4.6
     EBITDA margin(6)....................................       4.6%       9.0%       9.5%         1.9%          3.8%
     Depreciation and amortization.......................      24.6       21.8       20.2          5.3           5.3
     Capital expenditures................................      15.6       15.4       11.3          4.4           3.2
Balance Sheet Data:
     Working capital.....................................    $162.1    $ 141.9    $ 125.1     $  134.2      $  133.2
     Total assets........................................     425.3      396.2      359.8        394.3         394.1
     Total debt..........................................       4.4        3.7        3.0          3.5           2.8
     Shareholder's equity(7).............................     339.3      310.2      279.7        295.0         285.7

- ------------
(1) Represents net sales after reclassification of promotional expenses of $76.7
    million, $72.7 million, $79.0 million, $13.8 million and $15.5 million in
    fiscal 1996, 1997, 1998, the first quarter of fiscal 1998 and the first
    quarter of fiscal 1999, respectively, to conform presentation to that of
    Agrilink.
(2) Represents cost of sales after reclassification of warehousing expenses of
    $42.2 million, $32.8 million, $27.5 million, $6.1 million and $6.1 million
    in fiscal 1996, 1997, 1998, the first quarter of fiscal 1998 and the first
    quarter of fiscal 1999, respectively, to conform presentation to that of
    Agrilink.
(3) Represents selling, administrative and general expenses after
    reclassification of promotional expenses (see Note 1 above), warehousing
    expenses (see Note 2 above), and amortization of $1.1 million, $1.1 million
    and $1.2 million in fiscal 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively, to conform
    presentation to that of Agrilink.
(4) In May 1996, DFVC adopted a plan to reduce costs, rationalize production
    capacity and provide for projected severance costs which resulted in a
    restructuring charge before taxes of $37.3 million in fiscal 1996. This
    amount provided for employee termination benefits of $2.2 million, $5.7
    million in plant closings and $29.4 million relating to the disposition of
    assets. In fiscal 1997, DFVC recorded additional restructuring charges of
    $9.6 million before taxes. This amount provided for $0.7 million of employee
    termination benefits and $8.9 million relating to plant closings.
 
                                              (footnotes continued on next page)
 
                                       40
 






(footnotes continued from previous page)
 
(5) EBITDA is defined as the sum of pre-tax income (loss), interest expense,
    depreciation and amortization of goodwill and other intangibles, and the
    special charge (see Note 4 above). EBITDA should not be considered as an
    alternative to net income or cash flows from operations or any other
    generally accepted accounting principles measure of performance or as a
    measure of liquidity. EBITDA is included herein because the Company believes
    EBITDA is a financial indicator of a company's ability to service debt.
    EBITDA as calculated by the Company for DFVC may not be comparable to
    calculations as presented by other companies.
 
(6) EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by net sales.
 
(7) Represents shareholder's equity after reclassification of intercompany
    amounts of $36.7 million, $24.8 million, $33.5 million, $24.6 million and
    $35.5 million in fiscal 1996, 1997, 1998, the first quarter of fiscal 1998
    and the first quarter of fiscal 1999.
 
                                       41








          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- AGRILINK
 
     Prior to the Acquisition, Agrilink had three primary business units:
Curtice Burns Foods ('CBF'), Nalley Fine Foods ('Nalley') and its Snack Food
Group. Each business unit offers different products. The majority of each
business units' net sales are within the United States. In addition, all of the
operating facilities of those business units are within the United States. A
fourth business unit, AFVC, which has a processing facility located in Mexico,
was added in connection with the Acquisition.
 
     The CBF business unit produces products in several food categories,
including fruit fillings and toppings; aseptically-produced products (prior to
the sale of the Aseptic Business); canned and frozen fruits and vegetables and
popcorn. The Nalley business unit produces canned meat products (such as chilies
and stews), pickles, salad dressings, peanut butter, salsa and syrup. Agrilink's
snack foods business unit consists of the Snyder of Berlin, Husman Snack Foods
and Tim's Cascade Potato Chip businesses. This business unit produces and
markets potato chips and other salty-snack items. As part of the Acquisition,
Agrilink sold the Aseptic Business to Dean Foods. On December 10, 1998, the
Company announced that it had reached an agreement in principle to sell its
peanut butter business; the sale of the peanut butter business will not
constitute a significant transaction.
 
     The following tables illustrate Agrilink's results of operations by
business unit for the fiscal years ended June 29, 1996, June 28, 1997 and June
27, 1998, and the fiscal quarters ended September 27, 1997 and September 26,
1998, and Agrilink's total assets by business at June 28, 1997, June 27, 1998,
September 27, 1997 and September 26, 1998. In fiscal 1996, Agrilink sold its
Nalley Canada Ltd. subsidiary and Nalley's United States Chips and Snacks
business. In fiscal 1997, Agrilink sold its Finger Lakes Packaging Company, Inc.
('Finger Lakes Packaging') subsidiary and a portion of its canned vegetable
business.
 
                                   NET SALES
 


                                               FISCAL YEAR ENDED                             FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                             -----------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------
                                JUNE 29,           JUNE 28,           JUNE 27,         SEPTEMBER 27,      SEPTEMBER 26,
                                  1996               1997               1998               1997               1998
                             ---------------    ---------------    ---------------    ---------------    ---------------
                                       % OF               % OF               % OF               % OF               % OF
                               $       TOTAL      $       TOTAL      $       TOTAL      $       TOTAL      $       TOTAL
                             ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----
                                                                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 
                                                                                     
CBF.......................   $431.2     58.4%   $440.2     60.2%   $469.0     65.2%   $ 87.7     49.7%   $ 96.7     53.0%
Nalley Fine Foods.........    189.2     25.6     182.4     25.0     182.1     25.3      46.9     26.6      42.8     23.4
Snack Foods Group.........     63.7      8.6      67.3      9.2      68.6      9.5      17.3      9.8      18.2     10.0
                             ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----
  Subtotal ongoing
     operations...........    684.1     92.6     689.9     94.4     719.7    100.0     151.9     86.1     157.7     86.4
Businesses sold(1)........     55.0      7.4      40.9      5.6      --       --        24.5     13.9      24.9     13.6
                             ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----
  Total...................   $739.1    100.0%   $730.8    100.0%   $719.7    100.0%   $176.4    100.0%   $182.6    100.0%
                             ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----
                             ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----    ------    -----

- ------------
(1) Includes the sales of Finger Lakes Packaging, the portion of the canned
    vegetable business sold, Nalley Canada Ltd. and Nalley's United States Chips
    and Snacks business. See Note 3 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial
    Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere herein. Includes the net sales of
    the Aseptic Business for the fiscal quarters ended September 27, 1997 and
    September 26, 1998. See Note 2 to the 'Unaudited Consolidated Financial
    Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere herein.
 
                                       42
 




                              OPERATING INCOME(1)
 


                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED                 FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                                      --------------------------------    ------------------------------
                                                      JUNE 29,    JUNE 28,    JUNE 27,    SEPTEMBER 27,    SEPTEMBER 26,
                                                        1996        1997        1998          1997            1998(2)
                                                      --------    --------    --------    -------------    -------------
                                                                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 
                                                                                            
CBF................................................    $ 26.5      $ 40.5      $ 47.1         $ 6.1            $ 6.1
Nalley Fine Foods..................................      (2.9)       10.8        10.4           3.7              2.2
Snack Foods Group..................................       4.1         5.9         6.9           2.1              2.3
Corporate..........................................      (6.8)      (10.5)       (8.8)         (1.9)            (1.3)
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
  Subtotal ongoing operations......................      20.9        46.7        55.6          10.0              9.3
Businesses sold and other nonrecurring(3)..........      (6.7)        3.2       --              2.9              3.2
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
  Total(4).........................................    $ 14.2      $ 49.9      $ 55.6         $12.9            $12.5
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------

- ------------
(1) Excludes cumulative effect of an accounting change in fiscal 1997. See Note
    1 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of Agrilink included
    elsewhere herein.
 
(2) Excludes the gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business.
 
(3) In fiscal 1996, such amount includes restructuring initiatives and operating
    activities of both Finger Lakes Packaging and the portion of the canned
    vegetable business sold. In fiscal 1997, such amount includes the operating
    earnings and gain on the sale of Finger Lakes Packaging, operating
    activities of the portion of the canned vegetable business sold, final
    settlement of an insurance claim and a loss on the disposal of property held
    for sale. See Note 3 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of
    Agrilink included elsewhere herein. For the fiscal quarters ended September
    27, 1997 and September 26, 1998, such amount represents the operating
    earnings of the Aseptic Business.
 
(4) Operating income less interest expense of $7.6 million and $8.3 million for
    the fiscal quarters ended September 27, 1997 and September 26, 1998,
    respectively, results in pretax income before dividing with Pro-Fac and
    before extraordinary item. Interest expense allocated to business units is
    not considered a critical component by management when evaluating success.
 
                                  EBITDA(1)(2)
 


                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED                 FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                                      --------------------------------    ------------------------------
                                                      JUNE 29,    JUNE 28,    JUNE 27,    SEPTEMBER 27,    SEPTEMBER 26,
                                                        1996        1997        1998          1997            1998(3)
                                                      --------    --------    --------    -------------    -------------
                                                                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                            
CBF................................................    $ 44.4      $ 57.1      $ 61.0         $ 9.5            $ 8.9
Nalley Fine Foods..................................       2.3        16.2        16.0           5.1              3.6
Snack Foods Group..................................       6.0         7.6         8.8           2.6              2.8
Corporate..........................................      (6.9)      (10.1)       (8.5)         (2.0)            (1.3)
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
  Subtotal ongoing operations......................      45.8        70.8        77.3          15.2             14.0
Businesses sold and other nonrecurring(4)..........      (2.1)        5.9       --              3.2              3.8
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
  Total............................................    $ 43.7      $ 76.7      $ 77.3         $18.4            $17.8
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------

- ------------
(1) EBITDA is defined as the sum of pretax income (loss) of Agrilink (before
    dividing with Pro-Fac and before cumulative effect of an accounting change
    and extraordinary item) and interest expense, depreciation and amortization
    of goodwill and other intangibles. EBITDA should not be considered as an
    alternative to net income or cash flows from operations or any other
    generally accepted accounting principles measure of performance or as a
    measure of liquidity. EBITDA is included herein because Agrilink believes
    EBITDA is a financial indicator of a company's ability to service debt.
    EBITDA as calculated by Agrilink may not be comparable to calculations as
    presented by other companies.
 
(2) Excludes cumulative effect of an accounting change in fiscal 1997. See Note
    1 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of Agrilink included
    elsewhere herein.
 
(3) Excludes the gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business.
 
(4) In fiscal 1996, such amount includes restructuring initiatives and operating
    activities of both Finger Lakes Packaging and the portion of the canned
    vegetable business sold. In fiscal 1997, such amount includes the operating
    earnings and gain on the sale of Finger Lakes Packaging, operating
    activities of the portion of the canned vegetable business sold, final
    settlement of an insurance claim and a loss on the disposal of property held
    for sale. See Note 3 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of
    Agrilink included elsewhere herein. For the fiscal quarters ended September
    27, 1997 and September 26, 1998, such amounts represent the operating
    earnings of the Aseptic Business.
 
                                       43
 




                                  TOTAL ASSETS
 


                                                 FISCAL YEAR ENDED                               FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                    --------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------------
                                       JUNE 28, 1997           JUNE 27, 1998         SEPTEMBER 27, 1997       SEPTEMBER 26, 1998
                                    --------------------    --------------------    --------------------    ----------------------
                                      $       % OF TOTAL      $       % OF TOTAL      $       % OF TOTAL       $        % OF TOTAL
                                    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    --------    ----------
                                                                        (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                                
CBF..............................   $329.0        60.6%     $362.2        63.9%     $346.7        57.6%     $  405.0        32.2%
AFVC.............................     --         --           --         --           --         --            592.0        47.1
Nalley Fine Foods................    144.4        26.6       137.4        24.3       155.8        25.9         154.9        12.3
Snack Foods Group................     26.7         4.9        28.0         4.9        26.5         4.4          32.1         2.6
Corporate........................     42.5         7.9        38.8         6.9        45.4         7.5          72.9         5.8
                                    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    --------    ----------
  Subtotal ongoing operations....    542.6       100.0       566.4       100.0       574.4        95.4       1,256.9       100.0
Businesses sold(1)...............     --         --           --         --           27.7         4.6         --          --
                                    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    --------    ----------
  Total..........................   $542.6       100.0%     $566.4       100.0%     $602.1       100.0%     $1,256.9       100.0%
                                    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    --------    ----------
                                    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    ------    ----------    --------    ----------

- ------------
(1) Includes the assets of the Aseptic Business. See Note 2 to the 'Unaudited
    Consolidated Financial Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere herein.
 
                                       44









CHANGES FROM FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 1998 TO FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 1999
 
     Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 of $22.0 million
represented a $20.6 million increase over the first quarter of fiscal 1998 net
income of $1.4 million. Total EBITDA for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 before
the extraordinary charge relating to the early extinguishment of debt was $82.0
million as compared to $18.4 million in the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 1998.
Excluding the operating results and gain from businesses sold, EBITDA for the
continuing business decreased $1.2 million, or 7.9%, to $14.0 million in the
first quarter of the current fiscal year from $15.2 million in the first quarter
of the prior fiscal year. This decline was impacted by a decrease at CBF of $0.6
million due to changes in product mix within the fruit category (approximately
$1.1 million) and an increase in advertising associated with the launch of
Breakfast Toppers (approximately $0.5 million). These decreases were offset by
an increase within the vegetable category of $1.0 million attributable to
improvements in volume. The decline at Nalley of $1.5 million was due primarily
to the recognition of a favorably settled outstanding tax claim with the state
of Washington for $1.4 million in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year.
The EBITDA within the Snack Foods Group increased $0.2 million due to increases
in net sales.
 
     Net Sales. Total net sales for the fiscal quarter increased $6.2 million,
or 3.5%, to $182.6 million in the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 1999 from
$176.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1998. Excluding businesses sold,
net sales increased by $5.8 million, or 3.8%, to $157.7 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 1999 from $151.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1998.
 
     The increase in net sales for ongoing operations came primarily from the
CBF business unit which reported an increase in net sales of $9.0 million. This
increase was attributable to improvements in volume primarily within frozen
vegetables. Net sales for the remaining categories at CBF were relatively
consistent with that of the first quarter of the prior fiscal year.
 
     Net sales for Nalley decreased $4.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal
1999 as compared with the first quarter of the prior fiscal year as gains in the
pickle category were offset by reductions in the dressings and canned product
lines. Within the pickle category, net sales for the first quarter of fiscal
1999 increased $0.6 million as a result of increased volume in the food service
channel. Competitive pressures on volume and price resulted in a $2.6 million
decrease in net sales for dressings and a $2.0 million decrease in the canned
category. Net sales for the peanut butter category were flat with that of the
first quarter of the prior fiscal year. On December 10, 1998, the Company
announced that it had reached an agreement in principle to sell its peanut
butter business.
 
     Net sales for the Snack Foods Group increased by $0.9 million, or 5.2%, to
$18.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 as a result of new business in
the Northwest and product line extensions, including Snyder of Berlin's kettle
chips.
 
     Gross Profit. Gross profit of $46.7 million in the quarter ended September
26, 1998 represented an increase of approximately $1.1 million, or 2.4%, from
$45.6 million in the quarter ended September 27, 1997. Excluding the impact of
businesses sold, gross profit increased $0.7 million or 1.8%.
 
     The increase in gross profit at the CBF business unit (excluding the
Aseptic Business) was $1.0 million. The vegetable category showed improvements
of $2.1 million resulting from increases in volume, while the fruit category
showed a decline of $0.7 million attributable to product mix and decreases
within other categories of $0.4 million due to changes in volume.
 
     Overall, gross profit at Nalley decreased $0.8 million due primarily to the
reductions in net sales outlined above. The Nalley gross margin percentage has,
however, improved over the prior year to 35.9% from 34.4% in the first quarter
of fiscal 1998.
 
     Increases in net sales within the Snack Foods Group resulted in profit
improvements of $0.5 million.
 
     Selling, Administrative and General Expenses. Selling, administrative and
general expenses have increased $1.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1999
as compared with the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of
net sales, selling, administrative and general expenses increased to 19.1% in
the first quarter of fiscal 1999 from 18.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 1998.
This increase is primarily due to the impact of a favorably settled outstanding
tax claim with the state of Washington for $1.4
 
                                       45
 




million recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 1998. All remaining expenses
were relatively flat with that of the prior year.
 
     Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company. This amount represents earnings
received from the investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company, a joint venture
formed between Agrilink and Flanagan Brothers, Inc. See Note 5, 'Other
Matters -- Formation of New Sauerkraut Company,' to the 'Unaudited Consolidated
Financial Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere herein.
 
     Gain on Sale of Aseptic Business. In conjunction with the Acquisition, the
Company sold its Aseptic Business to Dean Foods. A gain of approximately $64.2
million was recognized on this disposal reflecting a value for this business of
approximately $83.0 million (based upon an appraised value given to the Company
by an independent appraiser).
 
     Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $0.7 million, or 9.1%, to $8.3
million in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 from $7.6 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 1998. The increase is impacted by higher levels of seasonal
borrowings in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 due to the earlier intake of
crops in the current year and therefore the resultant increase in inventory
levels.
 
     Provision for Taxes. The provision for taxes increased $23.2 million to
$24.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 from $1.1 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 1998. Of this increase, $25.0 million is attributable to the
provision associated with the gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business. The
remaining variance is impacted by the change in earnings before tax. Agrilink's
effective tax rate is negatively impacted by the non-deductibility of certain
amounts of goodwill.
 
     Extraordinary Item Relating to the Early Extinquishment of Debt.
Concurrently with the Acquisition, the Company refinanced its existing
indebtedness, including the Old Notes and its then existing bank debt. Premiums
and breakage fees associated with early redemptions and other fees incurred
amounted to $16.4 million (net of income taxes of $10.4 million and after
allocation to Pro-Fac of $1.7 million).
 
CHANGES FROM FISCAL 1997 TO FISCAL 1998
 
     Net income for fiscal 1998 of $6.8 million represented a $1.3 million or
23.6% increase over the prior year's net income of $5.5 million. Total EBITDA
before cumulative effect of an accounting change was $77.3 million as compared
to $76.7 million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of businesses sold and
other non-recurring activities, EBITDA increased $6.5 million or 9.2% to $77.3
million, while operating income increased $8.9 million or 19.1% to $55.6 million
from the prior year's $46.7 million. These improvements reflected the benefits
from numerous initiatives including: (i) increase in volume and new customers in
many of Agrilink's product lines; (ii) the continuing benefits from structural
changes made within the organization including the consolidation of operations
and facilities and (iii) a decrease in interest expense due to initiatives
undertaken in the prior year to reduce debt and focus on strategic product
lines.
 
     Net Sales. Total net sales for the year decreased $11.1 million or 1.5% to
$719.7 in fiscal year 1998 from $730.8 million in the prior year. Excluding the
net sales of businesses sold by Agrilink, net sales increased by $29.8 million
or 4.3% to $719.7 million in fiscal year 1998 from $689.9 million in the prior
year.
 
     The increase in net sales for ongoing operations came primarily from the
CBF business unit, which accounted for an increase of $28.8 million. Prior year
net sales include $13.8 million in sauerkraut sales, which are now accounted for
by the joint venture between Agrilink and Flanagan Brothers, Inc., created in
fiscal 1998. See Note 3, 'Acquisitions, Disposals and Restructuring -- Formation
of New Sauerkraut Company' to the financial statements of Agrilink included
elsewhere herein. Excluding the impact of sauerkraut sales from the prior year,
net sales from the CBF business unit increased $42.6 million, or 10.0%, from the
prior year. Such increases resulted from changes in volume, product mix, new
customers and improvements in prices. The increase was attributable to increases
in net sales from: (i) the vegetable category of $20.2 million, (ii) the fruit
category of $3.0 million and (iii) the Aseptic Business of $24.4 million. In
connection with the Acquisition, the Company sold its Aseptic Business to Dean
Foods.
 
                                       46
 




     Net sales for Nalley remained relatively flat with the prior year as gains
in the pickle and canned categories were offset by reductions in dressings and
peanut butter (on December 10, 1998, the Company announced it had reached an
agreement in principle to sell its peanut butter business). Within the pickle
category, net sales for fiscal 1998 increased $3.0 million as a result of
increased volume in the food service channel. Competitive pressures on volume
and price resulted in a $3.0 million decrease in net sales for dressing. In
addition, peanut butter experienced a $0.6 million decrease in net sales.
 
     Net sales for the Snack Foods Group increased by $1.3 million or 1.9% to
$68.6 million in fiscal 1998 as a result of new business in the Northwest and
product line extensions, including kettle chips within Snyder of Berlin.
 
     Gross Profit. Gross profit of $195.6 million in fiscal 1998 increased $3.9
million or 2.0% from $191.7 million in fiscal 1997. Excluding the impact of
businesses sold in fiscal 1997, gross profit increased $8.1 million. As a
percentage of net sales, gross profit increased from 26.2% to 27.2%. This
increase is attributable to improved margins in many of Agrilink's product
lines.
 
     The increase in gross profit at the CBF business unit was $5.0 million. The
fruit category showed improvements of $5.5 million resulting from changes in
pricing and product mix. The vegetable category showed a decline of $0.9
million. However, excluding the impact of the canned vegetable business sold in
1997, the gross profit within the vegetable category improved $1.5 million. This
increase is lower than the increase in net sales described above primarily due
to weakened pricing within the industry. As highlighted under ' -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources -- Short- and Long-Term Trends,' the vegetable portion of
Agrilink's business can be impacted by the national market. During the third and
fourth quarters of fiscal 1998, pricing was negatively impacted by an oversupply
situation.
 
     Overall, gross profit at Nalley decreased $0.5 million. While production
and purchasing efficiencies yielded benefits, such amounts were offset by volume
declines within the dressing category due to competitive pressures.
 
     Increases in net sales within the Snack Foods Group resulted in profit
improvements of $0.7 million.
 
     Selling, Administrative and General Expenses. Selling, administrative and
general expenses have decreased $3.6 million as compared with the prior year. As
a percentage of net sales, selling, administrative and general expenses declined
from 19.9% to 19.7%. This decrease is primarily due to: (i) reductions in
selling expenses of $1.4 million; (ii) reductions in incentive costs of $1.2
million; and (iii) the impact of a favorably settled outstanding tax claim with
the state of Washington for $1.4 million.
 
     Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company. This amount represents earnings
received from the investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company, a joint venture
formed between Agrilink and Flanagan Brothers, Inc. See Note 3 'Other
Matters -- Formation of New Sauerkraut Company' to the consolidated financial
statements of Agrilink included elsewhere herein.
 
     Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $4.4 million or 12.6% to $30.6
million in fiscal 1998 from $35.0 million in fiscal 1997. This improvement is
primarily the result of management's focus on debt reduction during fiscal year
1997. Specific actions taken by management included the sale of Finger Lakes
Packaging, the sale of the canned vegetable business and the sale of the Georgia
distribution center. The reduction in debt accounted for $3.5 million of the
reduction in interest expense while changes in rate accounted for the remaining
$0.9 million reduction.
 
     Provision for Taxes. The provision for taxes increased $2.0 million or
54.1% to $5.7 million in fiscal 1998 from $3.7 million in fiscal 1997. This
increase was a result of a $5.1 million increase in earnings before tax.
Agrilink's effective tax rate in fiscal 1998 was 45.5% which is negatively
impacted by the non-deductibility of goodwill. A further discussion of tax
matters is included at Note 6 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere herein.
 
CHANGES FROM FISCAL 1996 TO FISCAL 1997
 
     Net income for fiscal 1997 of $5.5 million represented a $17.4 million
increase over the prior year's loss of $11.9 million. Total EBITDA before
cumulative effect of an accounting change was $76.7 million for the year ended
June 28, 1997 as compared to $43.7 million in the prior year. EBITDA for ongoing
businesses reached $70.8 million as compared to the prior year's $45.8 million.
This significant improvement reflected the benefits from numerous initiatives
including: (i) a reduction in debt by $86.8
 
                                       47
 




million which included the sales of Finger Lakes Packaging, the portion of the
canned vegetable business sold, the Georgia Distribution facility and idle
manufacturing facilities, and efforts to improve cash flow through better
management of working capital requirements (see Notes 3 and 5 to the 'Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere herein); (ii)
the implementation of structural changes within the organization, including the
consolidation of the operations of Brooks Foods and Southern Frozen Foods into
CBF; and (iii) the consolidation of support services such as human resources and
agricultural services. The reduction in interest expense as a result of the debt
reduction initiatives improved net income by $5.5 million and consolidation
efforts accounted for approximately $2.0 million of the $6.5 million reduction
in selling, administrative and general expenses.
 
     Structural changes within Agrilink's business units included a review of
the Nalley operations and the consolidation of several other operations. EBITDA
for the Nalley business unit was $16.2 million for the year ended June 28, 1997
as compared to $2.3 million in the prior year. These results were driven by
organizational changes and the absence of the significant start-up costs for the
new salad dressing line which were incurred throughout fiscal 1996.
 
     Net Sales. Total net sales decreased by $8.3 million or 1.1% to $730.8
million in fiscal 1997 from $739.1 million in fiscal 1996. Excluding business
sold, net sales increased $5.8 million or 0.8% to $689.9 million in fiscal 1997
from $684.1 million in fiscal 1996.
 
     Net sales from ongoing operations at CBF increased $9.0 million or 2.1% to
$440.2 million in fiscal 1997 from $431.2 million in fiscal 1996. This increase
was due to improvements in pricing and increased sales from new customers.
 
     Net sales from ongoing operations at Nalley decreased by $6.8 million or
3.6% to $182.4 million in fiscal 1997 from $189.2 million in fiscal 1996. While
the canned category showed increases of $1.5 million, such gains were offset by
reductions in all other categories of $8.3 million. Such reductions resulted
from competitive pressures on volume and price.
 
     Net sales at the Snack Foods Group increased $3.6 million, or 5.7%, to
$67.3 million in fiscal 1997 from $63.7 million in fiscal 1996. Of this
increase, $0.9 million was attributable to the acquisition of Matthews Candy
Company during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. The $2.7 million increase from
the existing remaining business was due to the addition of new customers and
product line extensions. Management believes the acquisition of Matthews
broadened its line of products and, therefore, enhanced its earnings capability.
However, due to the competitive nature of the snack food industry, management is
unable to assess whether such increases within the Snack Foods Group will
continue to be realized.
 
     Gross Profit. Gross profit of $191.7 million in fiscal 1997 increased $15.5
million or 8.8% from $176.2 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of net
sales, gross profit increased from 23.8% to 26.2%. This increase was
attributable to improved margins in all of Agrilink's business units.
 
     The increase in gross profit was benefited by improved/increased pricing at
the CBF business unit. As highlighted under ' -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources -- Short- and Long-Term Trends,' the vegetable and fruit portions of
Agrilink's business can be positively or negatively impacted by the national
crop yields. The status of the national supply situation controls pricing.
During fiscal 1997, crop yields of commodities in markets in which Agrilink
operates were below that of the prior year and, therefore, pricing levels within
the commodities markets in which Agrilink competes were increased. The increase
in pricing favorably impacted gross profit by $9.5 million.
 
     Gross profit increased at Nalley by $4.0 million in 1997. This improvement
was primarily attributable to operating improvements, primarily the elimination
of start-up costs on the salad dressing line introduced in 1996, reductions in
manufacturing variances and reductions in promotional expenses.
 
     Increased sales from the Snack Foods Group also improved profitability. The
increase in sales within the Snack Foods Group contributed an increase to gross
profit of $1.5 million.
 
     Selling, Administrative and General Expenses. Selling, administrative and
general expenses decreased $10.7 million in 1997 as compared with the prior
year. As a percentage of net sales, selling, administrative and general expenses
decreased from 21.1% to 19.9%. This decrease is net of the inclusion of expenses
(approximately $5.6 million) relating to Agrilink's incentive program. Payments
under the incentive programs in fiscal 1997 were attributable to the
significantly improved earnings. The net decrease is attributed to a $5.8
million decrease in selling ($1.7 million), advertising ($1.0 million)
 
                                       48
 




and trade promotions expenses ($3.1 million), resulting from decreased spending
at Nalley. Reductions in other administrative expenses accounted for $10.5
million and were primarily attributable to benefits from the restructuring
initiative that began late in fiscal 1996. These initiatives included the
consolidation of the administrative functions at CBF and the sale of Finger
Lakes Packaging.
 
     Gain on Sale of Finger Lakes Packaging. On October 9, 1996, Agrilink
completed the sale of Finger Lakes Packaging to Silgan Containers Corporation,
an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Silgan Holdings, Inc., headquartered in
Stamford, Connecticut. A gain of approximately $3.6 million was recognized on
this disposal. Agrilink received proceeds of approximately $30.0 million which
were applied to reduce bank debt. The transaction also included a long-term
supply agreement.
 
     Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $7.0 million or 16.6% to $35.0
million in fiscal 1997 from $42.0 million in fiscal 1996. This improvement
resulted from both the inventory reduction and cash-flow-management programs
initiated in fiscal 1996. In addition, debt was reduced by the proceeds from the
sale of Finger Lakes Packaging, the canned vegetable business and idle
facilities.
 
     Provision for Taxes. The provision for taxes increased $10.6 million to
$3.7 million in fiscal 1997 from a $6.9 million benefit in fiscal 1996.
Agrilink's effective tax rate in fiscal 1997 was 49.3% which was negatively
impacted by the non-deductibility of goodwill. A further discussion of tax
matters is included at Note 6 to the 'Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere herein.
 
     Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting. Effective June 30, 1996,
accounting procedures were changed to include in prepaid expenses and other
current assets, manufacturing spare parts previously charged directly to
expense. Management believes this change is preferable because it provides a
better matching of costs with related revenues when evaluating interim financial
statements. The favorable cumulative effect of the change (net of Pro-Fac's
share of $2.9 million and income taxes of $1.1 million) was $1.7 million. Pro
forma amounts for the cumulative effect of the accounting change on prior
periods are not determinable due to the lack of physical inventory counts
required to establish quantities at the respective dates. Management does not
believe that the difference in accounting methodologies for spare parts had any
material impact on Agrilink's historic financial statements.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- PRO-FAC
 
     See 'Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiary -- Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' at the
back of this Prospectus.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- DFVC
 
     The purpose of this discussion is to outline the significant reasons for
changes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations of DFVC from fiscal 1996
through fiscal 1998 and for the first quarter of each of fiscal 1998 and 1999.
The financial data included in this discussion correspond to the financial data
of DFVC included herein under 'Selected Historical Consolidated and Unaudited
Pro Forma Financial Data of Agrilink and DFVC -- DFVC,' which have been adjusted
to conform to Agrilink's presentation. See 'Selected Historical Consolidated and
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data of Agrilink and DFVC -- DFVC.' DFVC's results
of operations will no longer be separately reported as they now form a part of
the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
CHANGES FROM FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 1998 TO FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 1999
 
     Net loss for the three months ended August 30, 1998 was $1.6 million, a
reduction of $1.4 million, or 46.7%, from a net loss of $3.0 million for the
three months ended August 24, 1997. Total EBITDA was $4.6 million for the first
fiscal quarter of 1999 as compared to $2.4 million in the first quarter of the
prior fiscal year. Improvements resulted from the net increase in gross profit
due to the introduction of new products with higher profit margins offset by the
increase in promotional and marketing expenses to support such product launches.
 
     Net Sales. Total net sales decreased $1.4 million, or 1.1%, to $121.9
million in the quarter ended August 30, 1998 from $123.3 million in the first
quarter of the prior fiscal year. The variance is primarily attributable to a
decline in private label food service and industrial unit sales volume of
approximately $8.7 million due to competitive market conditions. Offsetting this
decrease was an increase of
 
                                       49
 




approximately $7.3 million in branded sales resulting from new product
introductions including Chicken Voila! and Birds Eye Baby Vegetables.
 
     Gross Profit. Gross profit was $34.6 million in the quarter ended August
30, 1998, an increase of $6.6 million, or 23.6%, from $28.0 million in the first
quarter of the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit
increased from 22.7% in the quarter ended August 24, 1997 to 28.4% in the
quarter ended August 30, 1998. The increase is primarily attributable to
favorable pricing for branded retail. The introduction of new products with
higher profit margins, such as Chicken Voila! and Birds Eye Baby Vegetables also
strengthened profit margins.
 
     Selling, Administrative and General Expenses. Selling, administrative and
general expenses increased $4.4 million, or 14.1%, to $35.5 million in the
quarter ended August 30, 1998 from $31.1 million in the first quarter of the
prior fiscal year. As a percentage of net sales, selling, administrative and
general expenses increased from 25.2% in the quarter ended August 24, 1997 to
29.1% in the quarter ended August 30, 1998. This increase is primarily due to
increases within promotional and marketing expenses to support the new product
introductions discussed above.
 
     Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $0.1 million, or 4.8%, to $2.0
million in the quarter ended August 30, 1998 from $2.1 million in the quarter
ended August 24, 1997. Interest expense was allocated to DFVC by Dean Foods
based on a formula which takes into consideration the percentage of certain
assets and liabilities in relation to the total for Dean Foods.
 
     Provision for Taxes. The benefit for taxes decreased $0.9 million, or
45.0%, to $1.1 million in the quarter ended August 30, 1998 from $2.0 million in
the quarter ended August 24, 1997. This decrease was a result of the improvement
in earnings described above. DFVC's effective tax rate in the current and prior
year was approximately 40.0%.
 
CHANGES FROM FISCAL 1997 TO FISCAL 1998
 
     Net income for fiscal 1998 of $17.7 million represented an increase of $9.0
million, or 103.0%, over the prior year's net income of $8.7 million. Total
EBITDA was $58.9 million as compared to $46.6 million in the prior year. Fiscal
1997 earnings, however, included a $9.6 million charge to provide for employee
and asset relocation costs associated with plant consolidations. Excluding this
special charge, EBITDA for fiscal 1998 increased approximately $2.7 million or
4.8%, while net income increased approximately $3.2 million. Improvements
resulted from the benefits of the restructuring initiatives implemented in the
prior year.
 
     Net Sales. Total net sales for the year decreased $1.8 million or 0.3% to
$620.2 million in fiscal 1998 from $622.0 million in the prior year. Competitive
market conditions were largely responsible for lower private label unit sales
volume. Improved pricing for branded retail partially offset the decline in
private label unit sales volume.
 
     Gross Profit. Gross profit of $196.2 million in fiscal 1998 increased $12.6
million or 6.9% from $183.6 million in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of net
sales, gross profit increased from 29.5% in fiscal 1997 to 31.6% in fiscal 1998.
The increase is primarily attributable to favorable pricing for branded retail.
During 1998, DFVC also introduced new products with higher profit margins such
as Baby Vegetables and eliminated several products with low profit margins.
 
     Selling, Administrative and General Expenses. Selling, administrative, and
general expenses increased $8.9 million, or 5.9%, to $158.7 million in fiscal
1998 from $149.8 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of net sales,
selling, administrative and general expenses increased from 24.1% in fiscal 1997
to 25.6% in fiscal 1998. This increase is primarily due to increases of
approximately $6.3 million within promotional expenses to support new product
introductions, such as Baby Vegetables, and existing product lines.
 
     Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $1.1 million, or 10.7%, to
$9.2 million in fiscal 1998 from $10.3 million in fiscal 1997. This decrease is
due to improvements in working capital management resulting from operating
efficiencies benefited by both restructuring initiatives and the strategic plan
outlined in fiscal 1997.
 
     Provision for Taxes. The provision for taxes increased $6.0 million or
103.4% to $11.8 million in fiscal 1998 from $5.8 million in fiscal 1997. This
increase was a result of the improvement in earnings described above. DFVC's
effective tax rate in fiscal 1998 was 40.0%. A further summary of tax matters
 
                                       50
 




is included at Note 7 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of
DFVC included elsewhere herein.
 
CHANGES FROM FISCAL 1996 TO FISCAL 1997
 
     Net income for fiscal 1997 of $8.7 million represented a $35.6 million
increase over the fiscal 1996 net loss of $26.9 million. Total EBITDA was $46.6
million as compared to $(7.5) million in the prior fiscal year. Both the fiscal
1996 and fiscal 1997 results, however, included a special charge of $37.3
million and $9.6 million, respectively, related to the adoption of a strategic
plan to reduce costs, rationalize production capacity, and provide for employee
severance. Excluding the special charge in both years, fiscal 1997 EBITDA was
$56.2 million, representing an increase of $26.4 million, from fiscal 1996
EBITDA of $29.8 million. Excluding the special charge in both years, fiscal 1997
net income was approximately $14.5 million, representing an increase of $18.6
million from the fiscal 1996 net loss of approximately $4.1 million. The
improved results principally resulted from favorable manufacturing variances,
including reductions in procurement costs, increased operating efficiencies,
lower warehousing costs, and reduced operating expenses. Many of these
improvements resulted from the restructuring initiatives implemented. In
addition, fiscal 1996 results were negatively impacted by weather-related higher
costs associated with the poor 1995 Midwest harvest, industry-wide excess
inventory levels and highly competitive market conditions that prevailed
throughout fiscal 1996.
 
     Net Sales. Total net sales for the year decreased $24.6 million or 3.8% to
$622.0 million in fiscal 1997 from $646.6 million in the prior year. The
decrease in net sales is principally due to a decline in private label sales and
planned reductions in products used in the business. Competitive market
conditions were largely responsible for lower private label unit sales volume
and a slight decline in branded retail unit sales volume. Partially offsetting
the decline in branded retail and private label unit sales volume, were improved
pricing for both frozen and canned vegetables over the prior year and an
increase in bulk frozen sales.
 
     Gross Profit. Gross profit of $183.6 million in fiscal 1997 increased $28.7
million or 18.5% from $154.9 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of net
sales, gross profit increased from 24.0% in fiscal 1996 to 29.5% in fiscal 1997.
The increase is attributable to lower product costs resulting from the
restructuring initiatives implemented in fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997. These
efforts improved procurement practices, increased operating efficiencies and
lowered warehouse/delivery expense. These cost savings were, however, partially
offset by lower sales volume experiences in fiscal 1997 as a result of
deliberate inventory rationalization and product reductions.
 
     Selling, Administrative and General Expenses. Selling, administrative, and
general expenses decreased $0.5 million to $149.8 million in fiscal 1997 from
$150.3 million in fiscal 1996. This change is primarily due to reductions in
general and administrative costs relating to improvements in working capital
management resulting from operating efficiencies benefited by restructuring and
the strategic plan outlined. As a percentage of net sales, selling,
administrative and general expenses increased from 23.2% in fiscal 1996 to 24.0%
in fiscal 1997.
 
     Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $1.7 million or 14.2% to $10.3
million in fiscal 1997 from $12.0 million in fiscal 1996. This decrease was
primarily due to lower weighted average interest rates during fiscal 1997 in
comparison to fiscal 1996.
 
     Special Charge. Special charges of $9.6 million and $37.3 million were
recognized in fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively. The fiscal 1996 charge was
part of a plan to reduce costs, rationalize production capacity, and provide for
projected severance costs. The plan included the elimination of more than 200
manufacturing and administrative positions, closure of five manufacturing
facilities, and the disposition of certain assets held by two other facilities.
In fiscal 1997, DFVC recorded an additional charge of $9.6 million to provide
for employee and asset relocation costs associated with plant consolidations.
 
     Provision for Taxes. The provision for taxes increased $23.0 million to
$5.8 million in fiscal 1997 from a benefit of $17.2 million in fiscal 1996. The
benefit for taxes recognized in fiscal 1996 reflected the fiscal 1996 net loss
and the impact of the special charge to earnings. DFVC's effective tax rate in
fiscal 1997 was 40.0%. A further summary of tax matters is included in Note 7 to
the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of DFVC included elsewhere
herein.
 
                                       51
 




LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     Agrilink. The following discussion highlights the major variances in the
'Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Cash Flows' included elsewhere
herein for Agrilink's first quarter of fiscal 1999 compared to its first quarter
of fiscal 1998 and in the 'Consolidated Statement of Changes in Cash Flows'
included in the consolidated financial statements of Agrilink, included
elsewhere herein, for fiscal 1998 compared to fiscal 1997.
 
     Net cash used in operating activities increased $35.8 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 1999 over the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. This
increase is primarily due to variances within inventory including: (i) an
increase of $1.5 million in inventory to support additional business regarding
the Sam's national club stores; (ii) an increase of $2.5 million associated with
the acquisition of DelAgra; and (iii) changes in growing areas, early harvesting
of crops, the size of the crop intake, and other changes in inventory necessary
to support operations (approximately $15.3 million).
 
     In addition, cash used in operating activities in the first quarter of
fiscal 1999 increased over the first quarter of the prior fiscal year due to the
timing of liquidation of outstanding accounts payable and accrued expenses.
 
     Net cash used in investing activities increased significantly in the first
quarter of fiscal 1999 as compared with the first quarter of fiscal 1998 due to
the acquisition of DFVC offset by the sale of the Aseptic Business. The purchase
of property, plant and equipment increased $0.9 million to $4.1 million for the
quarter ended September 26, 1998 from $3.2 million for the quarter ended
September 27, 1997 and was for general operating purposes.
 
     Net cash provided by financing activities also increased significantly in
the first quarter of fiscal 1999 as compared with the first quarter of fiscal
1998 due to the acquisition of DFVC and the activities completed concurrent with
the Acquisition to refinance existing indebtedness. See Note 4, 'Debt,' to the
'Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere
herein.
 
     Net cash provided by operating activities decreased in fiscal 1998
primarily due to an increase in inventory of approximately $25.7 million. This
increase is primarily due to: (i) an increase of $8.0 million in inventory to
support additional business regarding the Sam's national club stores as
described below; (ii) an increase of $4.0 million of inventory associated with
the acquisition of DelAgra; and (iii) changes in growing areas/timing of crop
intake and early harvesting of crops resulting from the 1998 growing season
(approximately $11.0 million).
 
     During October of 1997, Agrilink became the sole supplier of frozen
vegetables for the Sam's national club stores. The executed contract extends for
a two-year period and required an $11.0 million prepayment for volume discounts.
Due to the time frame required for the incumbent supplier to exit these
operations and for Agrilink to implement full distribution, this contract did
not significantly impact fiscal 1998 earnings. However, the Company anticipates
this arrangement will have a favorable impact on fiscal 1999 earnings, although
there can be no assurance it will do so.
 
     An offsetting increase in cash provided by operating activities resulted
from the changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses due to the timing of
liquidation.
 
     Net cash provided by investing activities decreased significantly in fiscal
1998, primarily due to the sales in fiscal 1997 of Finger Lakes Packaging, a
portion of the canned vegetable business, the Georgia distribution center and
several idle facilities. In fiscal 1998 the only significant disposal consisted
of the sale of the distribution center in Coloma, Michigan. All proceeds from
asset sales were applied to repay bank debt in accordance with the terms of the
Old Credit Facility. In addition, in fiscal 1998, acquisitions accounted for the
use of $7.4 million of investing cash flow. These proceeds were utilized to
purchase DelAgra Corporation of Bridgeville, Delaware and C&O Distributing
Company of Canton, Ohio. The purchase of property, plant and equipment decreased
by $2.8 million or 16.6% to $14.1 million in fiscal 1998 from $16.9 million in
fiscal 1997 and was for general operating purposes.
 
     Financing activities provided $11.4 million of cash in fiscal 1998 compared
to using $85.6 million in cash in fiscal 1997. Cash used in fiscal 1997 included
$104.9 million of debt repayment which resulted from the cash provided by the
sale of certain assets during the year.
 
     Pro-Fac. See 'Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. and Consolidated
Subsidiary -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources' at the back of this
Prospectus.
 
                                       52
 




     DFVC. The following discussion highlights the major variances in the
'Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows' of DFVC, included
elsewhere herein, for DFVC's first quarter of fiscal 1999 compared to its first
quarter of fiscal 1998 and in the 'Consolidated Statement of Changes in Cash
Flows' included in the consolidated financial statements of DFVC, included
elsewhere herein, for fiscal 1998 compared to fiscal 1997.
 
     Operating activities used $1.0 million of cash in the first quarter of
fiscal 1999 compared to providing $17.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal
1998. This change was primarily attributable to: (i) an increase in inventory of
$29.1 million due to timing of crop intake and (ii) an increase in accounts
receivable of $5.9 million. These uses of funds were partially offset by an
increase within accounts payable and other accrued expenses of approximately
$15.5 million resulting from the timing and liquidation of outstanding
obligations.
 
     Net cash used in investing activities decreased by approximately $1.2
million in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 due to a decrease in the purchase of
property, plant and equipment. Capital spending decreased by approximately $1.2
million, or 27.3%, to $3.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 from $4.4
million in the first quarter of fiscal 1998. Capital spending for both quarters
was for general operating purposes.
 
     Financing activities for DFVC primarily resulted from advances and payments
between the operating entity and its former parent, Dean Foods. Dean Foods
maintained a centralized cash management system, whereby substantially all cash
receipts and disbursements were recorded at the corporate level. Net cash
provided by financing activities of $4.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal
1999 represented the repatriation to Dean Foods of cash flows generated by
operating activities as compared to $13.2 million used in financing activities
in the first quarter of fiscal 1998.
 
     Net cash provided by operating activities increased in fiscal 1998 to $72.5
million from $49.3 million in the prior year. This improvement was primarily due
to an increase in cash of approximately $22.6 million resulting from the timing
and liquidation of outstanding obligations within accounts payable and other
accrued expenses.
 
     Net cash used in investing activities decreased by approximately $4.2
million in fiscal 1998, primarily due to purchasing activities surrounding
property, plant and equipment. The purchase of property, plant and equipment
decreased by $4.1 million or 26.6% to $11.3 million in fiscal 1998 from $15.4
million in fiscal 1997 and was for general operating purposes.
 
     Financing activities for DFVC in fiscal 1998 and 1997 primarily resulted
from advances and payments between the operating entity and its former parent,
Dean Foods. Dean Foods maintained a centralized cash management system, whereby
substantially all cash receipts and disbursements were recorded at the corporate
level. Net cash used in financing activities of $61.6 million in fiscal 1998
represented the repatriation to Dean Foods of excess cash flow generated by
operating activities as compared to $34.2 million used in financing activities
in fiscal 1997.
 
     New Credit Facility. In connection with the Acquisition, the Company
entered into the New Credit Facility, which consists of the Revolving Credit
Facility and the Term Loan Facility. The Term Loan Facility consists of the Term
A Facility, which has a maturity of five years, the Term B Facility, which has a
maturity of six years, and the Term C Facility, which has a maturity of seven
years. The Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity of five years. As of
September 26, 1998, $455 million of the Term Loan Facility was drawn, consisting
of $100.0 million, $175.0 million and $180.0 million of loans under the Term A
Facility, Term B Facility and Term C Facility, respectively. Additionally, as of
such date, $94.0 million was drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility in
connection with seasonal working capital needs and an additional $14.3 million
of such Facility was used as credit support in the form of letters of credit.
During December 1998, the Company's primary lender exercised its right under the
New Credit Facility to transfer $50.0 million from the Term A Facility to the
Term B and Term C Facilities in increments of $25.0 million. Principal
repayments under the Term Loan Facility will amortize in quarterly installments
commencing in the third quarter of fiscal 1999 through the respective final
maturities of the tranches comprising the Term Loan Facility in the amounts of
$0.4 million, $8.3 million, $10.8 million, $10.8 million, $10.8 million, $13.3
million, $198.2 million and $202.4 million during the fiscal years 1999 through
2006 (inclusive), respectively.
 
                                       53
 




     The New Credit Facility bears interest, at the Company's option, at the
Administrative Agent's alternate base rate (which is equal to the greater of:
(i) the prime commercial rate as announced by the Administrative Agent and (ii)
the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%) or the reserve-adjusted London Interbank
Offered Rate ('LIBOR') plus, in each case, applicable margins of: (i) in the
case of alternate base rate loans, (x) 1.00% for the Revolving Credit Facility
and Term A Facility, (y) 2.75% for the Term B Facility and (z) 3.00% for the
Term C Facility and (ii) in the case of LIBOR loans, (x) 2.75% for the Revolving
Credit Facility and Term A Facility, (y) 3.75% for the Term B Facility and (z)
4.00% for the Term C Facility. In addition, the Company pays a commitment fee
calculated at a rate of 0.50% per annum on the daily average unused commitment
under the Revolving Credit Facility. For a more detailed description of the New
Credit Facility, see 'Description of Certain Indebtedness -- New Credit
Facility' included elsewhere herein.
 
     Interest Rate Protection Agreements. The Company is subject to market risk
from exposure to changes in interest rates based on its financing activities.
The Company has entered into certain financial instrument transactions to
maintain the desired level of exposure to the risk of interest rate fluctuations
and to minimize interest expense. More specifically, the Company has entered
into two interest rate swap agreements with the Bank of Montreal. The agreements
provide for fixed interest rate payments by the Company in exchange for payments
received at the three-month LIBOR rate.
 
     The following is a summary of the Company's interest rate swap agreements
by major type:
 

                                                                                      
Interest Rate Swap:
     Variable to Fixed -- notional amount.............................................   $250,000,000
     Average pay rate.................................................................   4.96 - 5.32%
     Average receive rate.............................................................      5.3125%
     Maturities.......................................................................       2001

 
     The Company has the option of extending one of the interest rate swap
agreements, with a notional amount of $100,000,000 and expiration date of
October 5, 2001, for an additional two years through October 5, 2003.
 
     While there is potential that interest rates will fall, and hence minimize
the benefits of the Company's hedge position, it is the Company's belief that on
a long-term basis, the possibility of interest rates increasing exceeds the
likelihood of interest rates decreasing. The Company will, however, monitor
market conditions to adjust its position as it considers necessary.
 
     Capital Expenditures. The Company anticipates that capital expenditures for
fiscal years 1999 and 2000, including capital expenditures relating to DFVC,
will be approximately $25.0 million per annum.
 
     As a result of the Acquisition and the Merger, the Company may in the
current fiscal year be required to repay prior to maturity industrial revenue
bonds under which the Issuer, as successor to DFVC, is obligated, in the
principal amount of approximately $2.5 million, plus accrued and unpaid
interest.
 
     Based on the current level of operations, the Company believes that it will
be able to meet the debt service requirements on its indebtedness (including the
Notes) and meet its working capital needs and fund its capital expenditures and
other operating expenses out of cash flow from operations and available
borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. However, there can be no
assurance that the Company's business will generate cash flow at levels
sufficient to meet these requirements. In addition, under the New Credit
Facility, the Company has scheduled principal amortization payments of the Term
Loans of $198.2 million in fiscal 2005 and $202.4 million in fiscal 2006. See
'Description of Certain Indebtedness -- New Credit Facility.' The Company may be
unable to repay such principal amounts under the New Credit Facility due in
fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2006 unless it is able to refinance such indebtedness.
See 'Risk Factors -- Our Substantial Leverage and Debt Service Requirements May
Have Adverse Consequences.'
 
     Short- and Long-Term Trends. Throughout fiscal 1998 and 1997 Agrilink has
focused on its core businesses and growth opportunities. A complete description
of the acquisition and disposal activities completed is outlined at Note 3 to
the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere
herein.
 
                                       54
 




     As a result of the financings entered into in connection with the
Acquisition, the Company is highly leveraged. The Company will therefore be
heavily focused on managing its operations with a view toward making timely
payments of scheduled debt repayments. Such leverage and demands on the Company
could have significant adverse effects. See 'Risk Factors -- Our Substantial
Leverage and Debt Service Requirements May Have Adverse Consequences.'
 
     The vegetable and fruit portions of the Company's business, which includes
AFVC and CBF, can be positively or negatively affected by weather conditions
nationally and the resulting impact on crop yields. Favorable weather conditions
can produce high crop yields and an oversupply situation. This results in
depressed selling prices and reduced profitability on the inventory produced
from that year's crops. Excessive rain or drought conditions can produce low
crop yields and a shortage situation. This typically results in higher selling
prices and increased profitability. While the national supply situation controls
the pricing, the supply can differ regionally because of variations in weather.
The crop and yields resulting from the 1997 growing season has resulted in an
increased supply throughout the industry. Accordingly, pricing and sales volume
have been negatively impacted in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1998.
 
     In the first quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company reclassified a $9.4
million demand receivable due from Pro-Fac reflecting the conversion of such
receivable to a non-interest bearing long-term obligation due from Pro-Fac
having a 10-year maturity.
 
     Additional Payment to Dean Foods. The Company expects to pay an additional
$13.2 million to Dean Foods in connection with the anticipated election by the
Company to treat the Acquisition as an asset sale for tax purposes under Section
338(h)(10) of the Code and to fund such payment by borrowing that amount under
the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company anticipates that such election would
allow the Company to reduce its future tax liability through increased
depreciation and amortization deductions resulting from the stepped up basis for
the assets acquired from Dean Foods and deductibility of goodwill.
 
     Supplemental Information on Inflation. The changes in costs and prices
within the Company's business due to inflation were not significantly different
from inflation in the United States economy as a whole. Levels of capital
investment, pricing and inventory investment were not materially affected by the
moderate inflation.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
     Restructuring. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, Agrilink initiated
a corporate-wide restructuring program. The overall objectives of the plan were
to reduce expenses, improve productivity and streamline operations. Efforts
focused on the consolidation of operations and the elimination of approximately
900 positions. The total fiscal 1996 restructuring charge amounted to $5.9
million. This amount included a fourth quarter charge of approximately $4.0
million which was primarily comprised of employee termination benefits and
approximately $1.9 million for strategic consulting incurred throughout the
year. There were not any noncash write-offs included in the fiscal 1996
restructuring charge. The cost of the strategic consulting activities was
liquidated through payment in fiscal 1996. The $4.0 million reserve for employee
terminations is being liquidated in accordance with severance agreements reached
with such employees. During fiscal 1997, approximately $2.0 million of this
reserve was liquidated. During 1998, all remaining material amounts were
liquidated.
 
     During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, DFVC initiated a restructuring
program to reduce costs, rationalize production capacity and provide for
projected severance costs. The restructuring charge of $37.3 million recorded by
DFVC in fiscal 1996 consisted of: (i) approximately $2.2 million in employee
termination benefits, (ii) approximately $5.7 million relating to plant closing
costs and (iii) approximately $29.4 million in noncash asset write-offs. An
additional $9.6 million of restructuring charges were incurred by DFVC in fiscal
1997, consisting primarily of $8.9 million relating to plant closures and
approximately $0.7 million in employee termination benefits. At May 31, 1998,
the remaining reserve attributable to employee termination benefits, which is
expected to be used for continuing severance benefits, was $2.1 million. A
reserve of $2.5 million outstanding on May 31, 1998 relates to a litigation
settlement that is not being assumed by the Company in connection with the
Acquisition.
 
                                       55
 




     1998 Growing Season. The effect of the calendar 1998 growing season on
fiscal 1999 financial results cannot be estimated until early calendar 1999 when
harvesting is complete and national supplies can be determined.
 
     Year 2000 and Information Services Reorganization. A full inventory and
analysis of business applications and related software of the Company was
performed, and the Company has determined that it will be required to modify or
replace certain portions of its software so that its computer systems will be
Year 2000 compliant. These modifications and replacements are being and will
continue to be made in conjunction with the Company's overall information
systems initiatives. No major delay in these initiatives is anticipated.
 
     In addition, the Company is contacting non-information technology vendors
to ensure that any of their products that are currently in use can adequately
deal with the change in century. Areas being addressed include full reviews of
manufacturing equipment, telephone and voice mail systems, security systems and
other office/site support systems. Based upon preliminary information, the costs
of addressing potential problems are not expected to have a material adverse
impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows
in future periods. Accordingly, the cost of the project is being funded through
operating cash flows.
 
     The Company has initiated formal communications with significant suppliers
and customers to determine the extent to which it is vulnerable to those third
parties' failure to remediate their own Year 2000 issues. However, there can be
no assurance that the systems of other companies on which the Company's systems
rely will be converted on a timely basis, or that a failure to convert by
another company, or a conversion that is incompatible with the Company's
systems, would not have material adverse effect on the Company. Accordingly, the
Company plans to devote the necessary resources to resolve all significant Year
2000 issues in a timely manner.
 
     The Company expects to complete the Year 2000 project during the fall of
1999. Based on the progress made to date (which includes compliant systems in
place and in production), the Company does not believe any material exposure to
significant business interruption exists. In the event some of the remaining
elements of the Company's Year 2000 compliance project are delayed, procedures
have been developed to ensure alternative workaround initiatives are completed.
 
     In June 1997, Systems & Computer Technology Corporation ('SCT') and
Agrilink announced a major outsourcing services and software agreement effective
June 30, 1997. The ten-year agreement, valued at approximately $50.0 million, is
for SCT's OnSite outsourcing services, ADAGE ERP software and implementation
services and assistance in solving the Year 2000 issue.
 
     Agrilink has verified that AFVC's general ledger, payroll and human
resources systems are Year 2000 compliant. The software utilized by AFVC for
such functions, however, is contracted directly to Dean Foods. Dean Foods will
provide these systems to the Company for a six-month transition period following
the Acquisition to allow the Company to transfer these systems to its Year 2000
compliant software. The Company has reviewed and verified the current status of
AFVC's remaining software and its Year 2000 compliance implementation plan and
has confirmed that AFVC is prepared to bring all of its other functions into
Year 2000 compliance no later than the fall of 1999.
 
     See also 'Risk Factors -- Year 2000 Risks.'
 
     Product Recall. In February 1997, Agrilink issued a nationwide recall of
all 'Tropic Isle' brand fresh frozen coconut produced in Costa Rica because it
had the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism
which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in small children, frail
or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. The total estimated
cost of the product recall was $0.5 million. This amount was recognized as an
expense in fiscal 1997. Agrilink received closure of this matter by the FDA on
March 11, 1998. Should any material costs associated with this recall develop,
it is anticipated that such amounts will be covered under the Company's
insurance policies.
 
                                       56









                                    BUSINESS
 
     The Company is a leading producer and marketer of diversified processed
food products. The Company's broad product offering includes frozen and canned
vegetables and fruits, fruit fillings and toppings, canned chilies and stews,
salad dressings, pickles and snack foods. Many of the Company's products are
marketed under well-recognized brand names which enjoy leading national or
regional market shares, including Birds Eye, Freshlike and Veg-All frozen and
canned vegetables, Comstock, Wilderness and Thank You fruit fillings and
toppings, Nalley chilies and stews and Bernstein's salad dressings. The Company
also markets its products to supermarkets, warehouse clubs and mass
merchandisers under private labels and to food service institutions including
restaurants, caterers, bakeries and schools. Finished products are
well-diversified among branded (60% of fiscal 1998 pro forma net sales), private
label (17%) and food service and industrial products (23%). For fiscal 1998, the
Company had pro forma net sales of $1.2 billion and pro forma EBITDA of $131.0
million. See 'Summary Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial
Data.'
 
     The Company operates 29 strategically located processing facilities
throughout the United States and in Mexico, which provide access to diversified
sources of raw agricultural products. The Company distributes finished products
to over 13,000 customer distribution points through a nationwide network of
distribution centers and food brokers and a regional direct sales force. Snack
products are marketed through direct store distributors (some of which are owned
and operated by the Company) that ship directly to retail outlets. The Company's
customers include supermarket chains throughout the United States, including
Kroger, A&P and Publix, as well as food service providers such as Sysco, Alliant
Food Service and U.S. Foodservice. No single customer accounted for more than 5%
of fiscal 1998 pro forma gross sales.
 
     The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pro-Fac, a New York
agricultural cooperative corporation formed in 1960 to process and market crops
grown by its members. In 1994, Pro-Fac and Agrilink entered into the Marketing
Agreement. The Marketing Agreement provides for Pro-Fac to supply crops and
additional financing to Agrilink, for Agrilink to provide marketing and
management services to Pro-Fac and for Pro-Fac to share in the profits or losses
of Agrilink. See 'The Company and Pro-Fac.'
 
OPERATIONS
 
     The Company operates throughout the United States and in Western Canada
through four primary business units: CBF, Nalley Fine Foods, Snack Foods Group
and, with the Acquisition, AFVC.
 
     Curtice Burns Foods. CBF, headquartered in Rochester, New York, consists of
the Company's Comstock Michigan Fruit, Southern Frozen Foods and Brooks Foods
business units, which were consolidated on September 18, 1997, and are now
called Curtice Burns Foods. CBF produces products in several food categories,
including fruit fillings and toppings, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables
and popcorn. The Company's branded pie fillings are ranked first nationally in
the branded market, with a 55% share of that market. The vegetables and fruits
processed by CBF include corn, cherries, beans, peas, cucumbers, blueberries,
apples, potatoes, cabbage, beets and asparagus. In fiscal 1998, excluding the
Aseptic Business, approximately 44% of CBF's net sales represented branded
products, approximately 22% represented private label products and approximately
34% represented food service/industrial products. Well-known brand names of
CBF's products include Chill Ripe, Comstock, Greenwood, Just for Chili,
McKenzie's, McKenzie's Gold King, Pops-Rite, Rich and Tangy, Super Pop, Southern
Farms, Thank You, Tropic Isle and Wilderness. CBF processes fruits and
vegetables under Agrilink brands and private labels. Additional products include
value-added items such as canned specialty fruits, frozen vegetable blends,
Southern-specialty products such as black-eyed peas, okra and Southern squash
and Southern specialty side dishes. Canned beans and tomato products are sold in
several Midwestern states under the Brook's label. This product category
includes value-added items such as Chili Hot Beans and stewed tomatoes. CBF also
supplies branded and private label fruit fillings to retailers and food service
institutions such as restaurants, caterers, bakeries and schools. In fiscal
1998, CBF had net sales and unit operating income of $469.0 million and $47.1
million, respectively. The Aseptic Business accounted for net sales and
operating income of approximately $97.9 million and $16.5 million, respectively,
in fiscal 1998.
 
                                       57
 




     AFVC. The Company's AFVC business unit became the Company's newest and
largest business unit upon consummation of the Acquisition and the Merger. AFVC
is a producer and marketer of canned and frozen vegetables and is based in Green
Bay, Wisconsin. AFVC is one of the largest processors of frozen vegetables in
the United States. The vegetables processed by AFVC include corn, beans, peas,
broccoli, spinach, cauliflower and carrots. In fiscal 1998, approximately 60% of
DFVC's net sales were branded and the remainder were split between private label
and other business. Branded products include Birds Eye frozen vegetables,
Freshlike canned and frozen vegetables and Veg-All canned mixed vegetables.
Birds Eye is the second leading frozen vegetable brand in terms of market share
in the United States. Based on an independent marketing survey dated December
1997, Birds Eye has total brand awareness of 98% and unaided brand awareness of
59%. The Company intends to use the Birds Eye label's strength as leverage to
continue to acquire market share through the introduction of new products. In
June 1997, DFVC introduced Baby Vegetables, a line of gourmet frozen vegetables
under the Birds Eye brand. In fiscal 1998, Baby Vegetables accounted for
approximately $31.0 million in retail sales. In March 1998, DFVC introduced
Chicken Voila! under the Birds Eye brand as a ready meal solutions product for
time-constrained consumers who are willing to pay for value-added convenience
products. DFVC also entered the $1.1 billion fresh pre-cut vegetables market in
1998 under the Birds Eye brand. The Company will continue to market AFVC'S
private label vegetables primarily to large retail grocery chains and
wholesalers. AFVC's other business segment consists of food service, industrial
and export sales, which together accounted for 24% of DFVC's fiscal 1998 sales.
The food service business primarily sells to major food service providers such
as Alliant, Sysco and U.S. Foodservice. Industrial customers include Campbell
Soup Company, ConAgra and Stillwell. AFVC will continue to export predominantly
private label products to Canada, the Far East, Europe and Mexico. In fiscal
1998, DFVC had net sales (adjusted to conform to Agrilink's presentation) and
operating income of approximately $620.2 million and $38.7 million,
respectively.
 
     Nalley Fine Foods. The Nalley Fine Foods business unit markets canned meat
products such as chilies and stews, pickles, salsa, salad dressings, peanut
butter and syrup. Nalley's products are primarily branded, accounting for
approximately 74% of Nalley's fiscal 1998 net sales. However, private label and
food service accounts for a growing percentage of Nalley's business. Several of
Nalley's branded products have leading market shares in the fast-growing Pacific
Northwest region (defined as the principal metropolitan areas of the states of
Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington), such as Nalley chili with a 57% market
share, and Nalley and Farman's pickles with a 47% market share, based on dollar
sales. In the Pacific Northwest, the Company's Nalley and Bernstein's brands of
salad dressings have a combined market share of approximately 13%. On December
10, 1998, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement in principle to
sell its peanut butter business. In fiscal 1998, Nalley had net sales and unit
operating income of $182.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively.
 
     Snack Foods Group. Agrilink's Snack Foods Group consists of Snyder of
Berlin (Snyder) and Husman Snack Foods (Husman), which produce and distribute
their snack food products primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of
the country, and Tim's Cascade Chips (Tim's), which produces and distributes
kettle-fried chips, popcorn, cheese curls and snack mix in the Pacific
Northwest. In fiscal 1998, the Snack Foods Group had net sales and unit
operating income of $68.6 million and $6.9 million, respectively.
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
 
     The businesses of Agrilink, Pro-Fac and DFVC are principally conducted in
one industry segment, the processing and sale of various food products. The
financial statements for the fiscal years 1996, 1997 and 1998, which are
included elsewhere herein, reflect the information relating to that segment for
the last three fiscal years for each of Agrilink, Pro-Fac and DFVC.
 
PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC.
 
     The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pro-Fac, an agricultural
cooperative formed under New York State law to process and market crops grown by
its members. Only growers of crops marketed through Pro-Fac, or associations of
such growers, can become members of Pro-Fac. A grower becomes a member of
Pro-Fac through the purchase of common stock of Pro-Fac. Pro-Fac's
 
                                       58
 




approximately 600 members are located principally in Florida, Georgia, Illinois,
Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington.
 
                      DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
 
NEW CREDIT FACILITY
 
     In connection with the Acquisition, the Company has entered into the New
Credit Facility with Harris Bank as Administrative Agent and Bank of Montreal as
Syndication Agent and the lenders thereunder. The Credit Facility consists of
the $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility and the $455.0 million Term Loan
Facility. The Term Loan Facility is comprised of the Term A Facility, which has
a maturity of five years, the Term B Facility, which has a maturity of six
years, and the Term C Facility, which has a maturity of seven years. The
Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity of five years.
 
     The New Credit Facility bears interest, at the Company's option, at the
Administrative Agent's alternate base rate or LIBOR plus, in each case,
applicable margins of: (i) in the case of alternate base rate loans, (x) 1.00%
for loans under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term A Facility, (y) 2.75%
for loans under the Term B Facility and (z) 3.00% for loans under the Term C
Facility and (ii) in the case of LIBOR loans, (x) 2.75% for loans under the
Revolving Credit Facility and the Term A Facility, (y) 3.75% for loans under the
Term B Facility and (z) 4.00% for loans under the Term C Facility. The
Administrative Agent's 'alternate base rate' is defined as the greater of: (i)
the prime commercial rate as announced by the Administrative Agent and (ii) the
Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%. In addition, the Company will pay a commitment
fee calculated at a rate of 0.50% per annum on the daily average unused
commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility. Upon consummation of the
Acquisition, the Company drew $455.0 million under the Term Loan Facility,
consisting of $100.0 million, $175.0 million and $180.0 million of loans under
the Term A Facility, Term B Facility and Term C Facility, respectively.
Additionally, the Company drew $93.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility
for seasonal working capital needs and $14.3 million under that Facility was
used for credit support in the form of letters of credit.
 
     During December 1998, the Company's primary lender exercised its right
under the New Credit Facility to transfer $50.0 million from the Term A Facility
to the Term B and Term C Facilities in increments of $25.0 million.
 
     Beginning with the reporting period ending March 31, 1999, the applicable
margins for the New Credit Facility will be subject to possible reductions based
on the ratio of consolidated Debt to EBITDA (each as defined in the New Credit
Facility).
 
     The Term Loan Facility will be subject to the following amortization
schedule:
 


FISCAL      TERM       TERM       TERM
 YEAR      LOAN A     LOAN B     LOAN C     TOTAL
- ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
              (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                
1999..     $ 0.0      $ 0.2      $ 0.2      $  0.4
2000..       7.5        0.4        0.4         8.3
2001..      10.0        0.4        0.4        10.8
2002..      10.0        0.4        0.4        10.8
2003..      10.0        0.4        0.4        10.8
2004..      12.5        0.4        0.4        13.3
2005..      --        197.8        0.4       198.2
2006..      --         --        202.4       202.4
           ------     ------     ------     ------
           $50.0      200.0      205.0      $455.0
           ------     ------     ------     ------
           ------     ------     ------     ------

 
     The Term Loan Facility is subject to mandatory prepayment with: (i) 100% of
the net cash proceeds from the issuance of debt, subject to certain exceptions;
(ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds from asset dispositions, subject to certain
exceptions; (iii) a percentage of the Company's excess cash flow (as defined in
the New Credit Facility) equal to (x) 75% if the leverage ratio (as defined in
the New Credit Facility) computed as of the last day of the immediately
preceding fiscal year is at least 4.5 to 1.0, (y) 66 2/3% if the leverage ratio
as of such day is less than 4.5 to 1.0 and (z) 0%, subsequent to the end
 
                                       59
 




of fiscal 1999, if the leverage ratio is less than 3.0 to 1.0 as of the last day
of the most recently completed two consecutive fiscal quarters; (iv) 50% of the
net cash proceeds of any equity offering unless, subsequent to the end of fiscal
1999, the leverage ratio is less than 3.0 to 1.0 as of the last day of the most
recently completed two consecutive fiscal quarters and (v) any pension or other
employee benefit plan reversions.
 
     The Company's obligations under the New Credit Facility are secured by a
first-priority lien on: (i) substantially all existing or after-acquired assets,
tangible or intangible, (ii) the capital stock of certain of Pro-Fac's current
and future subsidiaries, including the Company, and (iii) all of the Company's
rights (principally indemnification rights) under the agreement to acquire DFVC
and the Marketing Agreement. The Company's obligations under the New Credit
Facility will be guaranteed by Pro-Fac and certain of the Company's current and
future subsidiaries.
 
     The New Credit Facility contains customary covenants and restrictions on
the Company's ability to engage in certain activities, including, but not
limited to: (i) limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, (ii)
limitations on sale-leaseback transactions, consolidations, mergers, sale of
assets, transactions with affiliates and investments and (iii) limitations on
dividend and other distributions. The New Credit Facility also contains
financial covenants requiring Pro-Fac to maintain a minimum level of
consolidated EBITDA, a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, a minimum
consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio
and a minimum level of consolidated net worth.
 
INTEREST RATE PROTECTION AGREEMENTS
 
     The Company has entered into a three-year interest rate swap agreement with
the Bank of Montreal in the notional amount of $150.0 million. The swap
agreement provides for an interest rate of 4.96% over the term of the swap
payable by the Company in exchange for payments at published three-month LIBOR.
In addition, the Company entered into a separate interest rate swap agreement
with Bank of Montreal in the notional amount of $100.0 million for an initial
period of three years, which may be extended, at the Company's option, for an
additional two year period. The swap agreement provides for an interest rate of
5.32% over the term of the swap, including the two-year extension period if the
Company elects to extend, payable by the Company in exchange for payments at
published three-month LIBOR. The Company entered into these agreements in order
to manage its interest rate risk by exchanging its floating rate interest
payments for fixed rate interest payments.
 
     The following is a summary of the Company's interest rate swap agreements
by major type:
 

                                                                              
Interest Rate Swap:
     Variable to Fixed -- notional amount.....................................   $250,000,000
     Average pay rate.........................................................   4.96 - 5.32%
     Average receive rate.....................................................      5.3125%
     Maturities...............................................................       2001

 
SUBORDINATED PROMISSORY NOTE
 
     As partial consideration for the Acquisition, the Issuer issued to Dean
Foods the Subordinated Promissory Note for $30.0 million aggregate principal
amount due November 22, 2008. Interest on the Subordinated Promissory Note is
payable quarterly in arrears commencing December 31, 1998, at a rate per annum
of 5% until November 22, 2003, and at a rate of 10% thereafter. Interest
accruing through November 22, 2003 is required to be paid in kind through the
issuance by the Company of additional subordinated promissory notes identical to
the Subordinated Promissory Note in the principal amount of the interest due.
Interest accruing after November 22, 2003 is payable in cash. The Subordinated
Promissory Note may be prepaid at the Issuer's option without premium or
penalty.
 
     The Subordinated Promissory Note is expressly subordinate to the Notes and
the New Credit Facility and contains no financial covenants. The Subordinated
Promissory Note is guaranteed by Pro-Fac on a subordinated basis to the same
extent that the Subordinated Promissory Note is subordinated to the Notes and
the New Credit Facility.
 
                                       60
 




     The Subordinated Promissory Note is subject to a mandatory early redemption
at any time that the aggregate amount of credit available under the New Credit
Facility is increased above $700.0 million in connection with the financing of
an acquisition by the Company of the assets, stock or business of another
person, if, or as soon as, the Subordinated Promissory Note may be redeemed
without breaching or creating a default under the terms of the Notes. In
addition, principal and interest on the Subordinated Promissory Note may be
declared due and payable earlier than its expressed maturity, but no payment may
be made until all 'Senior Indebtedness' (which, as defined in the Subordinated
Promissory Note, includes the Notes and the New Credit Facility) is paid in
full. Accordingly, the Subordinated Promissory Note may be repaid in full prior
to its expressed maturity and prior to payment of the Notes only if permitted by
the Indenture.
 
12 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2005
 
     In connection with the Acquisition and the Refinancing, Agrilink
repurchased $159,985,000 of its Old Notes, of which $160.0 million principal
amount was previously outstanding. Agrilink paid a total of approximately $184.0
million to purchase the Old Notes, including interest accrued thereon of $2.9
million. Holders who sold their Old Notes to Agrilink consented to certain
amendments to the indenture governing the Old Notes, which eliminated or amended
substantially all the restrictive covenants and certain events of default
contained in such indenture. The Company may repurchase the remaining Old Notes
in the future in open market transactions, privately negotiated purchases or
otherwise.
 
                                       61









                              DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
 
     The Initial Notes were, and the Exchange Notes will be, issued pursuant to
the Indenture among the Company, the Guarantors and IBJ Schroder Bank and Trust
Company, as trustee (the 'Trustee'), a copy of which will be made available to
prospective purchasers of the Notes upon request. The following is a summary of
the material terms and provisions of the Notes. The terms of the Notes include
those set forth in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by
reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the 'Trust Indenture
Act'). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and holders of the Notes are
referred to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement thereof.
The following summary does not purport to be a complete description of the Notes
and is subject to the detailed provisions of, and qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the Indenture. Capitalized terms that are used but not otherwise
defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture and such
definitions are incorporated herein by reference. For purposes of this section,
references to the 'Company' include only the Issuer and not its subsidiaries.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Notes are senior subordinated unsecured obligations of the Company
limited to an aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million, subordinated in
right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company
(including the Company's obligations under the New Credit Facility) as described
below under ' -- Subordination.' The Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, on a
joint and several basis, by each Guarantor on a senior subordinated basis, with
each such Note Guarantee subordinated to the Guarantor's guarantee of the
obligations of the Company under the New Credit Facility and to all other Senior
Indebtedness of such Guarantor.
 
     The Notes bear interest at the rate shown on the cover page of this
Prospectus from their original issue date, payable on May 1 and November 1 of
each year, commencing on May 1, 1999, to holders of record at the close of
business on April 15 or October 15, as the case may be, immediately preceding
the relevant interest payment date. The Notes will mature on November 1, 2008.
They were issued in registered form, without coupons, and in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof. The Notes are payable as to principal,
premium, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained
for such purpose within the City and State of New York or, at the option of the
Company, by wire transfer of immediately available funds or, in the case of
certificated securities only, by mailing a check to the registered address of
the holder. See ' -- Book-Entry, Delivery and Form of Securities.' Until
otherwise designated by the Company, the Company's office or agency in New York
will be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose.
 
     The interest rate on the Notes is subject to increase in certain
circumstances if the Company and the Guarantors do not file a registration
statement relating to the Exchange Offer on a timely basis, if such registration
statement is not declared effective on a timely basis or if certain other
conditions are not satisfied, all as further described below under
' -- Registration Rights.'
 
SUBORDINATION
 
     The payment by the Company of principal of and premium (if any) and
interest (including Additional Interest) on the Notes, and by each Guarantor of
such amounts under its Note Guarantee (collectively, the 'Note Indebtedness'),
is subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash when due of the principal
of and premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on and all other amounts
owing in respect of all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company
and of such Guarantor, as the case may be. At September 26, 1998, as adjusted to
give effect to the Initial Notes Offering and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom, the Company would have had approximately $465.6 million of
Senior Indebtedness outstanding (including $11.0 million borrowed under the Term
Loan Facility to refinance seasonal working capital borrowings under the Old
Credit Facility but excluding seasonal working capital borrowings under the
Revolving Credit Facility). In addition, the Company maintains significant
borrowings during each fiscal year to finance seasonal working capital needs,
which also constitute Senior Indebtedness. At September 26, 1998, an additional
$94.0 million of seasonal working capital indebtedness was outstanding under the
$200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. In addition,
 
                                       62
 




$14.3 million of letters of credit were issued thereunder as of such date.
Substantially all of such Senior Indebtedness is secured. Subject to certain
limitations, the Company and its Subsidiaries (including the Subsidiary
Guarantors) may incur additional Indebtedness in the future, including Senior
Indebtedness. See ' -- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Additional
Indebtedness.'
 
     The Indenture provides that, upon any payment or distribution to creditors
of the Company or any Guarantor of the assets of the Company or such Guarantor,
as the case may be, of any kind or character in a total or partial liquidation
or dissolution of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, or in a
bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding
relating to the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, whether voluntary
or involuntary (including any assignment for the benefit of creditors and
proceedings for marshaling of assets and liabilities of the Company or such
Guarantor, as the case may be), the holders of all Senior Indebtedness of the
Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, then outstanding will be entitled
to payment in full in cash (including interest accruing subsequent to the filing
of petition of bankruptcy or insolvency at the rate specified in the document
relating to the applicable Senior Indebtedness, whether or not such interest is
an allowed claim enforceable against the Company or such Guarantor, as the case
may be, under applicable law) before the holders of Notes are entitled to
receive any payment (other than payments made from a trust previously
established pursuant to provisions described under ' -- Satisfaction and
Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance') on or with respect to the Note Indebtedness
from the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, and until the holders of
all Senior Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be,
receive payment in full in cash, any distribution to which the holders of Notes
would be entitled from the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, will
be made to holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as
the case may be.
 
     Upon the occurrence of any default in the payment of any principal of or
interest on or other amounts due on any Designated Senior Indebtedness of the
Company or any Guarantor (a 'Payment Default'), no payment of any kind or
character shall be made by the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be,
(or by any other Person on its behalf) with respect to the Note Indebtedness
(other than payments made from a trust previously established pursuant to
provisions described under ' -- Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture;
Defeasance') unless and until (i) such Payment Default shall have been cured or
waived in accordance with the instruments governing such Designated Senior
Indebtedness or shall have ceased to exist, (ii) such Designated Senior
Indebtedness has been discharged or paid in full in cash in accordance with the
instruments governing such Indebtedness or (iii) the benefits of this sentence
have been waived by the holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or their
representative immediately after which the Company or such Guarantor, as the
case may be, must resume making any and all required payments, including missed
payments, in respect of its obligations under the Notes.
 
     Upon (1) the occurrence and continuance of an event of default (other than
a Payment Default) relating to Designated Senior Indebtedness, as such event of
default is defined therein or in the instrument or agreement under which such
Designated Senior Indebtedness is outstanding, which event of default, pursuant
to the instruments governing such Designated Senior Indebtedness, entitles the
holders (or a specified portion of the holders) of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness or their designated representative to immediately accelerate
without further notice (except such notice as may be required to effect such
acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable grace period, the maturity of
such Designated Senior Indebtedness (whether or not such acceleration has
actually occurred) (a 'Non-payment Default') and (2) the receipt by the Trustee
and the Company from the trustee or other representative of holders of such
Designated Senior Indebtedness of written notice (a 'Payment Blockage Notice')
of such occurrence, no payment is permitted to be made by the Company or such
Guarantor, as the case may be (or by any other Person on its behalf), in respect
of the Note Indebtedness (other than payments made from a trust previously
established pursuant to provisions described under ' -- Satisfaction and
Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance') for a period (a 'Payment Blockage Period')
commencing on the date of receipt by the Trustee of such Payment Blockage Notice
and ending on the earliest to occur of the following events (subject to any
blockage of payments that may then be in effect due to a Payment Default on
Designated Senior Indebtedness): (w) such Non-payment Default has been cured or
waived or has ceased to exist; (x) a 179-consecutive-day period commencing on
the date such Payment Blockage Notice is received by the Trustee has elapsed;
(y) such
 
                                       63
 




Payment Blockage Period has been terminated by written notice to the Trustee
from the trustee or other representative of holders of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness, whether or not such Non-payment Default has been cured or waived
or has ceased to exist; and (z) such Designated Senior Indebtedness has been
discharged or paid in full in cash, immediately after which, in the case of
clause (w), (x), (y) or (z), the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be,
must resume making any and all required payments, including missed payments, in
respect of its obligations under the Notes.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) not more than one Payment Blockage
Period may be commenced in any period of 360 consecutive days and (b) no default
or event of default with respect to the Designated Senior Indebtedness of the
Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, that was the subject of a Payment
Blockage Notice which existed or was continuing on the date of the giving of any
Payment Blockage Notice shall be or serve as the basis for the giving of a
subsequent Payment Blockage Notice whether or not within a period of 360
consecutive days unless such default or event of default shall have been cured
or waived for a period of at least 90 consecutive days after such date.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event may the total number of
days during which any Payment Blockage Period or Periods is in effect exceed 179
days in the aggregate during any 360 day consecutive period.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, Noteholders may receive and retain Permitted
Junior Securities and payment from the money or the proceeds held in any
defeasance trust described under ' -- Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture;
Defeasance' below, and no such receipt or retention will be contractually
subordinated in right of payment to any Senior Indebtedness or subject to the
restrictions described in this 'Subordination' section.
 
     In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or
distribution of assets of the Company or any Guarantor, whether in cash,
property or securities, shall be received by the Trustee or the holders of Notes
at a time when such payment or distribution is prohibited by the foregoing
provisions, such payment or distribution shall be segregated from other funds or
assets and held in trust for the benefit of the holders of Senior Indebtedness
of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, and shall be paid or
delivered by the Trustee or such holders, as the case may be, to the holders of
the Senior Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be,
remaining unpaid or unprovided for or their representative or representatives,
or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any
instruments evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness of the Company or such
Guarantor, as the case may be, may have been issued, ratably according to the
aggregate amounts remaining unpaid on account of the Senior Indebtedness of the
Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, held or represented by each, for
application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company or such
Guarantor, as the case may be, remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay
or to provide for the payment in full in cash of all such Senior Indebtedness
after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of
such Senior Indebtedness.
 
     If the Company fails to make any payment on the Notes when due or within
any applicable grace period, whether or not such failure is on account of the
subordination provisions referred to above, such failure would constitute an
Event of Default under the Indenture and would enable the holders of Notes to
accelerate the maturity of the Notes. See ' -- Events of Default.'
 
     By reason of the subordination provisions contained in the Indenture, in
the event of bankruptcy, liquidation, insolvency or other similar proceedings,
creditors of the Company who are holders of Senior Indebtedness may recover
more, ratably, than the holders of the Notes, and creditors of the Company who
are not holders of Senior Indebtedness may recover less, ratably, than holders
of Senior Indebtedness and may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the
Notes.
 
GUARANTEES
 
     The Company's payment obligations under the Notes are jointly and severally
guaranteed (the 'Note Guarantees') by Pro-Fac and by each Subsidiary Guarantor.
Each Note Guarantee is an unsecured senior subordinated obligation of the
Guarantor providing it, and ranks junior in right of payment to all existing and
future Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor, including such Guarantor's
guarantee of the Company's obligations under the New Credit Facility. The
Indenture provides that the
 
                                       64
 




obligations of each Guarantor under its Note Guarantee will be limited to an
amount not to exceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed by such Guarantor
without constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law.
 
     The Indenture permits, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions,
the merger of the Company with and into Pro-Fac with Pro-Fac as the surviving
corporation (the 'Pro-Fac Merger'). Upon the consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger,
Pro-Fac will assume all of the obligations of the Company under the Indenture
and the Notes and Pro-Fac's Note Guarantee will be released. See ' -- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Mergers and Certain Other Transactions.' Unless the
context otherwise requires, on and after consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger,
references to Pro-Fac and the Company in this Description of Notes shall be
deemed to be references to Pro-Fac as the surviving corporation of the Pro-Fac
Merger.
 
     The Indenture provides that no Guarantor (other than a Subsidiary Guarantor
whose Note Guarantee is to be released in accordance with the terms of the Note
Guarantee and the Indenture in connection with any transaction complying with
the 'Limitation on Asset Sales' covenant) may consolidate with or merge with or
into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person) another Person
whether or not affiliated with such Guarantor unless (i) the Person formed by or
surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Subsidiary
Guarantor) assumes all of the obligations of such Guarantor pursuant to a
supplemental indenture, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, under
the Notes and the Indenture; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such
transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and (iii) immediately after
giving effect to any such transaction involving a Subsidiary Guarantor, the
Coverage Ratio Incurrence Condition would be met; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not apply to the Pro-Fac Merger (the Pro-Fac Merger being
governed by the covenant described under ' -- Limitation on Mergers and Certain
Other Transactions.')
 
     Separate financial statements of the Subsidiary Guarantors are not included
herein because such Subsidiary Guarantors are jointly and severally liable with
respect to the Company's obligations pursuant to the Notes, and the aggregate
net assets, earnings and equity of the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Company are
substantially equivalent to the net assets, earnings and equity of the Company
on a consolidated basis.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION OF THE NOTES
 
     The Notes may not be redeemed prior to November 1, 2003, but will be
redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or
after November 1, 2003, at the following redemption prices (expressed as
percentages of principal amount), together with accrued and unpaid interest, if
any, thereon to the redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period
beginning November 1:
 


                                                                           OPTIONAL
                                                                          REDEMPTION
YEAR                                                                        PRICE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------
                                                                       
2003...................................................................    105.938%
2004...................................................................    103.958%
2005...................................................................    101.979%
2006 and thereafter....................................................    100.000%

 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to November 1, 2001, the
Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes
originally issued with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings at
a redemption price equal to 111.875% of the principal amount thereof, plus
accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the redemption
date; provided that (a) at least $130.0 million aggregate principal amount of
the Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such
redemption and (b) such redemption occurs within 60 days of the date of the
closing of any such Equity Offering.
 
     If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, selection of
the Notes to be redeemed will be made by the Trustee from among the outstanding
Notes on a pro rata basis, by lot or by any other method permitted in the
Indenture. Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not
 
                                       65
 




more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder whose Notes are to
be redeemed at the registered address of such holder. On and after the
redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof
called for redemption.
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of the Notes will
have the right to require that the Company repurchase all or any portion of such
holder's Notes for a cash price (the 'Change of Control Purchase Price') equal
to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest
and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of repurchase, all in accordance
with the following paragraph.
 
     Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company will mail to
the Trustee (who shall mail to each holder at the Company's expense) a notice
(i) describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of
Control, (ii) offering to repurchase, pursuant to the procedures required by the
Indenture and described in such notice (a 'Change of Control Offer'), on a date
specified in such notice (which shall be a business day not earlier than 30 days
or later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed) and for the Change of
Control Purchase Price, all Notes properly tendered by such holder (in integral
multiples of $1,000) pursuant to such offer to purchase for the Change of
Control Purchase Price and (iii) describing the procedures that holders must
follow to accept the Change of Control Offer. The Change of Control Offer is
required to remain open for at least 20 business days or for such longer period
as is required by law.
 
     The occurrence of the events constituting a Change of Control under the
Indenture will result in an event of default in respect of the New Credit
Facility and may result in an event of default in respect of other Indebtedness
of the Company and its Subsidiaries permitting the lenders thereunder to require
repayment of such Indebtedness in full. If a Change of Control Offer is made,
there can be no assurance that the Company will have available funds sufficient
to pay for all or any of the Notes that might be delivered by holders of Notes
seeking to accept the Change of Control Offer. There can be no assurance that in
the event of a Change of Control the Company will be able to obtain the consents
necessary to consummate a Change of Control Offer from the lenders under
agreements governing outstanding Indebtedness (including the New Credit
Facility) which may prohibit such an offer. The Company's obligation to make a
Change of Control Offer will be satisfied if a third party makes the Change of
Control Offer in the manner and at the times and otherwise in compliance with
the requirements applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and
purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of
Control Offer. The definition of Change of Control includes the sale of 'all or
substantially all' of the assets of the Company or Pro-Fac, the determination of
which depends upon the circumstances of any such sale and is subject to
interpretation under applicable legal precedent.
 
     The Change of Control feature of the Notes, by requiring a Change of
Control Offer, may in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a
sale or takeover of the Company, and, thus, the removal of incumbent management.
The Change of Control feature, however, is not part of a plan by management to
adopt a series of antitakeover provisions. Instead, the Change of Control
feature is a result of negotiations between the Company and the Initial
Purchasers. Subject to the limitations discussed below, the Company could, in
the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions,
refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of
Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of Indebtedness
outstanding at such time or otherwise affect the Company's capital structure or
credit ratings.
 
     The Company will comply with the applicable tender offer rules, including
the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other applicable
laws and regulations in connection with the purchase of Notes pursuant to a
Change of Control Offer.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     Limitations on Additional Indebtedness. The Indenture provides that the
Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness
 
                                       66
 




(including without limitation Acquired Indebtedness); provided that (i) the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur Permitted Indebtedness and
(ii) if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at
the time of or as a consequence of the incurrence of any such Indebtedness, the
Company may incur additional Indebtedness if, after giving effect thereto, the
Company's Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio on the date thereof would be at
least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis as if the incurrence of such
additional Indebtedness, and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, had
occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter period used to calculate the
Company's Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio.
 
     Payments Pursuant to the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement; Reinvestments by
Pro-Fac; Borrowings by Pro-Fac. As promptly as practicable, and in any event
within ten Business Days, after receipt from the Company of any payment made in
excess of the Commercial Market Value for crops and other services pursuant to
the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement, Pro-Fac will invest in cash as common equity
interests (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) in the Company an amount equal
to 70% of such excess. Without the consent of the Holders of at least 75% in
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in
connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes), the Company
will not: (a) amend the calculation of amounts payable to Pro-Fac under the
Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement in a manner which would increase the payments made
to Pro-Fac, (b) amend the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement to require that Affiliate
Transactions involving Pro-Fac be approved by less than a majority of the
Disinterested Directors or (c) amend the provisions of the Indenture containing
this and the previous sentence or the definition of 'Commercial Market Value.'
The Indenture governing the Notes will permit the Company to make demand loans
to Pro-Fac for working capital purposes in amounts not exceeding $40.0 million
at any time outstanding, each such loan to bear interest at a rate equal to the
rate in effect on the date of such loan under the Revolving Loan Facility. The
loan balance must be reduced to zero for a period of not less than 15
consecutive days in each fiscal year. Except for the foregoing provision and
except for (x) Pro-Fac's Note Guarantee and (y) Pro-Fac's Guarantee of the
Obligations under the New Credit Facility, as long as Pro-Fac has the right to
borrow under the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement, the Indenture does not permit
Pro-Fac to incur any other Indebtedness.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture provides that the preceding
paragraph shall not apply on and after the consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger.
The Indenture provides that, on and after the consummation of the Pro-Fac
Merger, any payment to any member of Pro-Fac in cash or property (other than
Capital Stock) for crops in excess of Commercial Market Value shall be deemed to
be a Restricted Payment under the Indenture. In addition, Pro-Fac will cause its
certificate of incorporation and/or by-laws to be amended no later than the
consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger to require (i) that there shall be at least
two Disinterested Directors on the Board of Directors of Pro-Fac at all times,
(ii) the formation and maintenance of a committee of the Board of Directors of
Pro-Fac to recommend Commercial Market Value, which committee shall include at
least two Disinterested Directors at all times, (iii) approval by a majority of
the Disinterested Directors of the annual profit plan of Pro-Fac (including the
raw product section of the profit plan) and the final determination of
Commercial Market Value, and (iv) precluding the further amendment of the
certificate of incorporation and by-laws of Pro-Fac concerning (i), (ii), and
(iii) above without the consent of the Holders of at least 75% in principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection
with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes). Without the consent of the
Holders of at least 75% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding
(including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer
for the Notes), the Company and Pro-Fac will not amend the provisions of the
Indenture containing this paragraph or the definition of 'Commercial Market
Value.'
 
     Limitation on the Issuance of Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries. The
Indenture provides that the Company will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary,
directly or indirectly, to issue or sell any shares of its Capital Stock
(including options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of such Capital
Stock) except (i) to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary, (ii)
if, immediately after giving effect to such issuance or sale, such Restricted
Subsidiary would no longer constitute a Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) to the
extent such shares represent directors' qualifying shares or shares required by
applicable law to be held by a Person other than the Company or a Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary. The proceeds of any sale of Capital Stock permitted
hereunder and referred to in clauses
 
                                       67
 




(ii) and (iii) above will be treated as Net Available Proceeds and must be
applied in a manner consistent with the provisions of the covenant described
under ' -- Limitations on Asset Sales.'
 
     Limitations on Layering Debt. The Indenture provides that neither the
Company nor any Guarantor will incur any Indebtedness that is subordinate or
junior in right of payment to any Senior Indebtedness of the Company or such
Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness by its terms is pari
passu with, or subordinated to, the Notes or the Note Guarantee of such
Guarantor, as the case may be.
 
     Limitations on Restricted Payments. The Indenture provides that the Company
will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, make any Restricted Payment (except as permitted below) if at the
time of such Restricted Payment:
 
          (i) a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
     continuing or shall occur as a consequence thereof;
 
          (ii) the Company would be unable to meet the Coverage Ratio Incurrence
     Condition; or
 
          (iii) the amount of such Restricted Payment, when added to the
     aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments (except as expressly
     provided in the second following paragraph) made on or after the first day
     of the last completed fiscal quarter of the Company ending immediately
     prior to the Issue Date, exceeds the sum of (A) 50% of the Company's
     Consolidated Net Income (taken as one accounting period) from the first day
     of the last completed fiscal quarter of the Company ending immediately
     prior to the Issue Date to the end of the Company's most recently ended
     fiscal quarter for which financial statements are available at the time of
     such Restricted Payment (or, if such aggregate Consolidated Net Income
     shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such aggregate deficit) plus (B) the net
     cash proceeds from the issuance and sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the
     Company or Pro-Fac) after the Issue Date of (1) the Company's Capital Stock
     that is not Disqualified Capital Stock (excluding amounts contributed to
     the Company pursuant to clause (E) of this paragraph and excluding Capital
     Stock purchased with the proceeds of loans from the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries) or (2) debt securities of the Company that have been
     converted into the Company's Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Capital
     Stock and that is not then held by a Subsidiary of the Company, plus (C) to
     the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made after the Issue
     Date is sold for cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid for cash, the
     lesser of (x) the cash return of capital with respect to such Restricted
     Investment (less the cost of disposition, if any) and (y) the initial
     amount of such Restricted Investment, plus (D) the amount of any Restricted
     Investment outstanding in an Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time such
     Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary of the
     Company in accordance with the definition of 'Unrestricted Subsidiary,'
     plus (E) 40% of the aggregate contributions by Pro-Fac to the Company
     pursuant to the covenant entitled ' -- Payments Pursuant to the Pro-Fac
     Marketing Agreement; Reinvestments by Pro-Fac; Borrowings by Pro-Fac'
     subsequent to the Issue Date but prior to the consummation of the Pro-Fac
     Merger, plus (F) $7.5 million.
 
          The foregoing provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) of the immediately
     preceding paragraph will not prohibit (1) the payment of any dividend by
     the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary within 60 days after the date of
     declaration thereof, if at said date of declaration such payment would have
     complied with the provisions of the Indenture; (2) the redemption,
     repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Capital Stock of the
     Company in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of, the substantially
     concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company or Pro-Fac) of
     other Capital Stock of the Company (other than any Disqualified Capital
     Stock); (3) the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or other retirement of
     Subordinated Indebtedness in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of, the
     substantially concurrent issue and sale of Capital Stock of the Company
     (other than (x) Disqualified Capital Stock, (y) Capital Stock sold to a
     Subsidiary of the Company or Pro-Fac and (z)Capital Stock purchased with
     the proceeds of loans from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries); (4) the
     payment of amounts prior to the consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger required
     to fund Pro-Fac's reasonable operating expenses, not in excess of $250,000,
     as adjusted to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index between the
     Issue Date and the date of any such payment, in any fiscal year; (5)(x) the
     payments of dividends or distributions to Pro-Fac solely in amounts and at
     the times necessary to permit Pro-Fac, or (y) any payment to members of
     Pro-Fac
 
                                       68
 




     on and after the consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger solely in amounts and
     at the times necessary, in each case to purchase, redeem, acquire, cancel
     or otherwise retire for value Capital Stock of Pro-Fac (i) held by
     officers, directors or employees or former officers, directors or employees
     (or their transferees, estates or beneficiaries under their estates), or a
     trust established for the benefit of any of the foregoing, of Pro-Fac, the
     Company or its Subsidiaries, upon death, disability, retirement, severance
     or termination of employment or service or pursuant to any agreement under
     which such Capital Stock or related rights were issued or (ii) held by
     members or former members of Pro-Fac, upon the departure of such Persons as
     members of Pro-Fac or upon the discontinuance by any such Person of one or
     more crops; provided that the amount of such payments under this clause
     (5) does not exceed in the aggregate $2.0 million in any fiscal year; or
     (6) Restricted Investments the amount of which, together with the amount of
     all other Restricted Investments made pursuant to this clause (6) after the
     Issue Date, does not exceed $15.0 million.
 
     Each Restricted Payment permitted pursuant to the preceding paragraph
(other than the Restricted Payments referred to in clauses (2) and (3) thereof,
and, to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income in any
period, the Restricted Payments referred to in clause (5) thereof) shall be
included once in calculating whether the conditions of clause (iii) of the
second preceding paragraph have been met with respect to any subsequent
Restricted Payments. For purposes of determining compliance with this
'Limitation on Restricted Payments' covenant, in the event that a transaction
meets the criteria of more than one of the types of Restricted Payments
described in the clauses of the immediately preceding paragraph or of the
exceptions in the definition of 'Restricted Payment,' the Company, in its sole
discretion, shall classify such transaction and only be required to include the
amount and type of such transaction in one of such clauses. If an issuance of
Capital Stock of the Company is applied to make a Restricted Payment pursuant to
clause (2) or (3) above, then, in calculating whether the conditions of clause
(iii) of the second preceding paragraph have been met with respect to any
subsequent Restricted Payments, the proceeds of any such issuance shall be
included under such clause (iii) only to the extent such proceeds are not
applied as so described in this sentence.
 
     Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Company shall
deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such Restricted
Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations
required by the covenant 'Limitations on Restricted Payments' were computed,
which calculations shall be based upon the Company's latest available financial
statements.
 
     Limitations on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries.
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or
become effective any Payment Restriction with respect to any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, except for (a) any such Payment Restriction in effect on the Issue
Date under the New Credit Facility or any similar Payment Restriction under any
similar credit facility, or any amendment, restatement, renewal, replacement or
refinancing of any of the foregoing, provided that such similar Payment
Restrictions are not, taken as a whole, materially more restrictive than the
Payment Restrictions in effect on the Issue Date under the New Credit Facility;
(b) any such Payment Restriction under any agreement evidencing any Acquired
Indebtedness that was permitted to be incurred pursuant to the Indenture in
effect at the time of such incurrence and not created in contemplation of such
event, provided that such Payment Restriction is not extended to apply to any of
the assets of the entities not previously subject thereto; (c) any such Payment
Restriction arising in connection with Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that
any such Payment Restrictions that arise under such Refinancing Indebtedness are
not, taken as a whole, materially more restrictive than those under the
agreement creating or evidencing the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced;
(d) any such restriction by reason of customary provisions restricting
assignments, subletting or other transfers contained in leases, licenses and
similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business; and (e)
Payment Restrictions arising under applicable law.
 
     Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates. The Indenture provides that
the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, in one transaction or a series of related transactions,
sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets
to, or purchase any property or assets from or enter into any contract,
agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit
of, any Affiliate (each of the foregoing, an 'Affiliate
 
                                       69
 




Transaction'), unless (i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no
less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those
that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person and (ii) the Company delivers to
the Trustee (a) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction (or series of related
transactions) involving Pro-Fac (including, without limitation, any amendment to
or waiver under the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement and any agreement for the
purchase of crops entered into pursuant to the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement)
prior to the consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger or involving aggregate payments
in excess of $1.0 million, an Officers' Certificate certifying that such
Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i) above and which sets forth and
authenticates a resolution that has been adopted by a vote of a majority of the
Disinterested Directors approving such Affiliate Transaction and (b) with
respect to any Affiliate Transaction (or series of related transactions)
involving aggregate payments in excess of $5.0 million (other than any Affiliate
Transaction (or series of related transactions) occurring prior to the
consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger and relating to the Pro-Fac Marketing
Agreement or any agreement for the purchase of crops entered into pursuant to
the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement), the Officers' Certificate described in the
preceding clause (a) and an opinion as to the fairness to the Company or such
Subsidiary from a financial point of view of such Affiliate Transaction (or
series of related transactions) issued by an Independent Financial Advisor;
provided, however, that the following shall not be deemed to be Affiliate
Transactions: (i) transactions exclusively between or among (1) the Company and
one or more Restricted Subsidiaries or (2) Restricted Subsidiaries, provided, in
each case, that no Affiliate of the Company (other than another Restricted
Subsidiary) owns Capital Stock of any such Restricted Subsidiary; (ii)
transactions between the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and any qualified
employee stock ownership plan established for the benefit of the Company's
employees, or the establishment or maintenance of any such plan; (iii)
reasonable director, officer and employee compensation and other benefit and
indemnification arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice; (iv) transactions permitted by the 'Limitations
on Restricted Payments' covenant or excluded from the definition of 'Restricted
Payments'; (v) the pledge of Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries to
support the Indebtedness thereof; (vi) transactions between the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary and any Affiliate of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary that is a joint venture, provided that no direct or indirect holder
of an equity interest in such joint venture (other than the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary) is an Affiliate of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary; and (vii) except as set forth in clause (a) above, the Pro-Fac
Marketing Agreement and any transaction effected pursuant thereto.
 
     Limitations on Liens. The Indenture provides that the Company shall not,
and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, incur
or permit to exist any Lien of any nature whatsoever on any property of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (including Capital Stock of a Restricted
Subsidiary), or any proceeds, income or profit therefrom, whether owned at the
Issue Date or thereafter acquired, which secures Indebtedness that is not Senior
Indebtedness unless contemporaneously therewith effective provision is made to
secure the Notes equally and ratably with (or if such Lien secures Indebtedness
that is subordinated to the Notes, prior to) such Indebtedness for so long as
such Indebtedness is secured by a Lien.
 
     The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to (i) Liens existing on the
Issue Date securing Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date; (ii) Liens in
favor of the Company; (iii) Liens to secure Non-Recourse Purchase Money
Indebtedness; (iv) Liens securing Acquired Indebtedness permitted to be incurred
under the Indenture, provided that the Liens do not extend to property or assets
not subject to such Lien at the time of acquisition (other than improvements
thereon); (v) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is
acquired or merged with or into or consolidated with the Company or any such
Restricted Subsidiary (and not created in anticipation or contemplation
thereof); or (vi) Liens to secure Refinancing Indebtedness of Indebtedness
secured by Liens referred to in the foregoing clauses (iv) and (v), provided
that in each case such Liens do not extend to any additional property or assets
(other than improvements thereon).
 
     Limitations on Asset Sales. (a) The Indenture provides that the Company
will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate
any Asset Sale unless (i) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary receives
consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair
 
                                       70
 




Market Value of the assets included in such Asset Sale (evidenced by the
delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers' Certificate certifying
that such Asset Sale complies with this clause (i)), (ii) immediately after
giving effect to such Asset Sale, no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, and (iii) at least 80% of the consideration received
by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary therefor is in the form of cash
paid at the closing thereof. The amount (without duplication) of any (x)
Indebtedness (other than Subordinated Indebtedness) of the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary that is expressly assumed by the transferee in such Asset
Sale and with respect to which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the
case may be, is unconditionally released by the holder of such Indebtedness, and
(y) any Cash Equivalents, or other notes, securities or items of property
received from such transferee that are promptly (but in any event within 15
days) converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to cash (to the
extent of the cash actually so received), shall be deemed to be cash for
purposes of clause (iii) of the preceding sentence and, in the case of clause
(x) above, shall also be deemed to constitute a repayment of, and a permanent
reduction in, the amount of such Indebtedness for purposes of the following
paragraph (b). If at any time any non-cash consideration received by the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, in connection
with any Asset Sale is converted into or sold or otherwise disposed of for cash
(other than interest received with respect to any such non-cash consideration),
then the date of such conversion or disposition shall be deemed to constitute
the date of an Asset Sale hereunder and the Net Available Proceeds thereof shall
be applied in accordance with this covenant. A transfer of assets by the Company
to a Restricted Subsidiary or by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to a
Restricted Subsidiary will not be deemed to be an Asset Sale, and a transfer of
assets that is excluded from the definition of 'Restricted Payment,' or that
constitutes a Restricted Investment and that is permitted under ' -- Limitations
on Restricted Payments,' will not be deemed to be an Asset Sale.
 
     (b) The Indenture provides that if the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
engages in an Asset Sale, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary shall, no
later than 270 days after such Asset Sale (i) apply all or any of the Net
Available Proceeds therefrom to repay amounts outstanding under the New Credit
Facility or any other Senior Indebtedness; provided, in each case, that the
related loan commitment (if any) of any Indebtedness constituting revolving
credit debt is thereby permanently reduced by the amount of any such revolving
credit debt so repaid and/or (ii) invest all or any part of the Net Available
Proceeds thereof in the purchase of fixed assets to be used by the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Related Business (together with any short-term
assets incidental thereto), or the making of a Related Business Investment. The
amount of such Net Available Proceeds not applied or invested as provided in
this paragraph will constitute 'Excess Proceeds.'
 
     (c) The Indenture provides that when the aggregate amount of Excess
Proceeds equals or exceeds $10.0 million, the Company will be required to make
an offer to purchase, from all holders of the Notes, an aggregate principal
amount of Notes equal to the amount of such Excess Proceeds as follows:
 
          (i) The Company will make an offer to purchase (a 'Net Proceeds
     Offer') from all holders of the Notes in accordance with the procedures set
     forth in the Indenture the maximum principal amount (expressed as a
     multiple of $1,000) of Notes that may be purchased out of the amount (the
     'Payment Amount') of such Excess Proceeds.
 
          (ii) The offer price for the Notes will be payable in cash in an
     amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes tendered pursuant
     to a Net Proceeds Offer, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional
     Interest, if any, to the date such Net Proceeds Offer is consummated (the
     'Offered Price'), in accordance with the procedures set forth in the
     Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate Offered Price of Notes tendered
     pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer is less than the Payment Amount relating
     thereto (such shortfall constituting a 'Net Proceeds Deficiency'), the
     Company may use such Net Proceeds Deficiency, or a portion thereof, for
     general corporate purposes, subject to the limitations of the 'Limitations
     on Restricted Payments' covenant.
 
          (iii) If the aggregate Offered Price of Notes validly tendered and not
     withdrawn by holders thereof exceeds the Payment Amount, Notes to be
     purchased will be selected on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as
     may be appropriate so that only Notes in denominations of $1,000, or
     integral multiples thereof, will be purchased).
 
                                       71
 




          (iv) Upon completion of such Net Proceeds Offer in accordance with the
     foregoing provisions, the amount of Excess Proceeds in respect of such Net
     Proceeds Offer shall be deemed to be zero.
 
     (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any other Indebtedness
of the Company which ranks pari passu with the Notes (the 'Other Indebtedness')
requires an offer to purchase to be made to repurchase such Other Indebtedness
upon the consummation of an Asset Sale, the Company may apply the Excess
Proceeds otherwise required to be applied to a Net Proceeds Offer to offer to
purchase such Other Indebtedness and to a Net Proceeds Offer so long as the
amount of such Excess Proceeds applied to purchase the Notes is not less than
the Note Portion of Excess Proceeds. With respect to any Excess Proceeds, the
Company shall make the Net Proceeds Offer in respect thereof at the same time as
the analogous offer to purchase is made pursuant to any Other Indebtedness and
the purchase date in respect of the Net Proceeds Offer shall be the same as the
purchase date in respect of the offer to purchase pursuant to such Other
Indebtedness.
 
     For purposes of this covenant, 'Note Portion of Excess Proceeds,' in
respect of a Net Proceeds Offer, means (1) if no Other Indebtedness is
concurrently being offered to be purchased, the amount of the Excess Proceeds in
respect of such Net Proceeds Offer and (2) if Other Indebtedness is concurrently
being offered to be purchased, an amount equal to the product of (x) the Excess
Proceeds in respect of such Net Proceeds Offer and (y) a fraction the numerator
of which is the principal amount of all Notes tendered pursuant to such Net
Proceeds Offer (the 'Note Amount') and the denominator of which is the sum of
the Note Amount and the lesser of the aggregate principal face amount or
accreted value as of the relevant purchase date of all Other Indebtedness
tendered pursuant to a concurrent offer to purchase such Other Indebtedness made
at the time of such Net Proceeds Offer.
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company will not permit any Subsidiary to
enter into or suffer to exist any agreement that would place any restriction of
any kind (other than pursuant to law or regulation) on the ability of the
Company to make a Net Proceeds Offer following any Asset Sale. The Indenture
provides that the Company will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and
any other securities laws and regulations thereunder, if applicable, in the
event that an Asset Sale occurs and the Company is required to purchase Notes as
described above.
 
     Limitations on Mergers and Certain Other Transactions. The Indenture
provides that the Company will not, in a single transaction or a series of
related transactions, (i) consolidate or merge with or into (other than a merger
with a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary solely for the purpose of changing the
Company's jurisdiction of incorporation to another State of the United States;
provided that clauses (a) and (d) below are complied with), or sell, lease,
transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of or assign all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company or the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a
whole), or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to do so if such
transaction would result in the transfer of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole), or assign any of
its obligations under the Notes and the Indenture, to any Person or (ii) adopt a
Plan of Liquidation unless, in either case: (a) the Person formed by or
surviving such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which
such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition or assignment shall be made
(or, in the case of a Plan of Liquidation, any Person to which assets are
transferred) (collectively, the 'Successor'), is a corporation or a cooperative
corporation organized and existing under the laws of any State of the United
States of America or the District of Columbia, and the Successor assumes by
supplemental indenture in a form satisfactory to the Trustee all of the
obligations of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture; (b) immediately
prior to and immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the
assumption of the obligations as set forth in clause (a) above and the
incurrence of any Indebtedness to be incurred in connection therewith, no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; provided
however, that in the case of the Pro-Fac Merger, the foregoing clause (b) shall
be deemed to be satisfied if immediately after giving effect the Pro-Fac Merger
and the assumption of the obligations set forth in clause (a) above and the
incurrence of any Indebtedness to be incurred in connection therewith, no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and (c)
immediately after and giving effect to such transaction and the assumption of
the obligations set forth in clause (a) above and the incurrence of any
Indebtedness to be incurred in connection therewith, and the use of any net
proceeds therefrom on a pro forma basis, (x) in the case of the Pro-Fac Merger
only, the Consolidated Coverage Ratio shall be at least equal to or
 
                                       72
 




greater than the Consolidated Coverage Ratio immediately prior to the
consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger and the assumption of the obligations set
forth in clause (a) above and the incurrence of any Indebtedness to be incurred
in connection therewith, and (y) in the case of any other such transaction, the
Company or the Successor, as the case may be, could meet the Coverage Ratio
Incurrence Condition; and (d) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to
the transactions described above, shall have by amendment to its guarantee
confirmed that its guarantee of the Notes shall apply to the obligations of the
Company or the Successor under the Notes and the Indenture. For purposes of this
covenant, any Indebtedness of the Successor which was not Indebtedness of the
Company immediately prior to the transaction shall be deemed to have been
incurred in connection with such transaction.
 
     Additional Note Guarantees. The Indenture provides that if the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries shall acquire or create another Subsidiary (other than
(x) any Foreign Subsidiary so long as such Foreign Subsidiary is not a guarantor
of any Senior Indebtedness of the Company or (y) a Subsidiary that has been
designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or (z) an Immaterial Subsidiary), then
such newly acquired or created Subsidiary will be required to execute a Note
Guarantee, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
 
     Reports. Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission'), so long as any Notes are
outstanding, each of the Company and Pro-Fac will file with the Commission, to
the extent such filings are accepted by the Commission, and will furnish (within
15 days after such filing) to the Trustee and to the holders of Notes all
quarterly and annual reports and other information, documents and reports that
would be required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 of the
Exchange Act if the Company or Pro-Fac, as the case may be, were required to
file under such section. In addition, each of the Company and Pro-Fac will make
such information available to prospective purchasers of the Notes, securities
analysts and broker-dealers who request it in writing. Each of the Company and
Pro-Fac has agreed that, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, it will
furnish to the holders and beneficial holders of Notes and to prospective
purchasers of Notes designated by the holders of Transfer Restricted Securities
and to broker dealers, upon their request, the information required to be
delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. The Indenture
provides that on and after consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger, only Pro-Fac, as
successor corporation to the Company, shall be required to comply with this
covenant.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     An 'Event of Default' is defined in the Indenture as (i) failure by the
Company to pay interest or Additional Interest on any of the Notes when it
becomes due and payable and the continuance of any such failure for 30 days
(whether or not such payment shall be prohibited by the subordination provisions
of the Indenture); (ii) failure by the Company to pay the principal or premium,
if any, on any of the Notes when it becomes due and payable, whether at stated
maturity, upon redemption (including, without limitation, the failure to make a
payment to purchase Notes tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or Net
Proceeds Offer), upon acceleration or otherwise (whether or not such payment
shall be prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture); (iii)
failure by the Company to comply with any of its agreements or covenants
described above under 'Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Mergers and Certain
Other Transactions,' or in respect of its obligations to make a Change of
Control Offer or a Net Proceeds Offer described in 'Change of Control' and
'Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Asset Sales,' respectively, or failure by
Pro-Fac to comply with the provisions described in 'Certain
Covenants -- Payments Pursuant to the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement; Reinvestments
by Pro-Fac; Borrowings by Pro-Fac'; (iv) failure by the Company or any Guarantor
to comply with any other covenant in the Indenture and continuance of such
failure for 60 days after notice of such failure has been given to the Company
by the Trustee or by the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding; (v) failure by either the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries to make any principal payment at final maturity
after the expiration of any applicable grace period in respect of any
Indebtedness of the Company or any of such Restricted Subsidiaries, or the
acceleration of the maturity of such Indebtedness by the holders thereof because
of a default, with an aggregate outstanding principal amount for all such
Indebtedness under this clause
 
                                       73
 




(v) of $7.5 million or more; (vi) one or more final, non-appealable judgments or
orders that exceed $7.5 million in the aggregate for the payment of money have
been entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction against the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and such judgment or judgments have
not been satisfied, stayed, annulled or rescinded within 60 days of being
entered; (vii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
involving Pro-Fac, the Company or any Significant Subsidiary; and (viii) except
as permitted by the Indenture, any Note Guarantee ceases to be in full force and
effect or any Note Guarantee is declared to be null and void and unenforceable
or is found to be invalid or any Guarantor repudiates its obligations under any
Note Guarantee.
 
     In the case of an Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful
action (or inaction) taken (or not taken) by or on behalf of the Company with
the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that the Company would have had
to pay if the Company then had elected to redeem the Notes, an equivalent
premium shall also become and be immediately due and payable, to the extent
permitted by law, upon the acceleration of the Notes. If an Event of Default
occurs prior to November 1, 2003 by reason of any willful action (or inaction)
taken (or not taken) by or on behalf of the Company with the intention of
avoiding the prohibition on redemption of the Notes prior to November 1, 2003,
then, upon acceleration of the Notes, an additional premium shall also become
and be immediately due and payable, to the extent permitted by law, in an amount
equal to 10.0%.
 
     If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause
(vii) above with respect to the Company), shall have occurred and be continuing
under the Indenture, the Trustee, by written notice to the Company, or the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare all
amounts owing under the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Upon such
declaration of acceleration, the aggregate principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the outstanding Notes shall immediately become due and payable. If
an Event of Default specified in clause (vii) with respect to the Company shall
have occurred, all outstanding Notes shall become due and payable without any
further action or notice. In certain cases, the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may waive an existing
Default or Event of Default and its consequences, except a default in the
payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes.
 
     The holders may not enforce the provisions of the Indenture or the Notes
except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, holders of
a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may direct the
Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power; provided, however, that such
direction does not conflict with the terms of the Indenture. The Trustee may
withhold from the holders notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default
(except any Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium, if
any, or interest or Additional Interest on the Notes) if the Trustee determines
that withholding such notice is in the holders' interest.
 
     The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement
regarding compliance with the Indenture and, upon any Officer of the Company
becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, a statement specifying such
Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to
take with respect thereto.
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
 
     The Company may terminate its and the Guarantors' obligations under the
Indenture at any time by delivering all outstanding Notes to the Trustee for
cancellation and paying all sums payable by it thereunder. The Company, at its
option, and the Guarantors (i) will be discharged from any and all obligations
with respect to the Notes (except for certain obligations of the Company to
register the transfer or exchange of such Notes, replace stolen, lost or
mutilated Notes, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust)
or (ii) need not comply with certain of the restrictive covenants with respect
to the Indenture, if the Company deposits with the Trustee, in trust, U.S. Legal
Tender or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof that, through the
payment of interest and premium thereon and principal amount at maturity in
respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will be sufficient to pay all
the principal amount at maturity of and interest and premium on the Notes on the
dates such payments are due in accordance with the terms of such Notes as well
as the Trustee's fees and expenses. To exercise either such option, the Company
is required to deliver to the Trustee
 
                                       74
 




(A) an Opinion of Counsel and, in connection with a discharge pursuant to clause
(i) above, confirmation of such counsel that (I) the Company has received from,
or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (II)
since the date of the Indenture there has been a change in the applicable
federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that the holders of the
Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as
a result of the deposit and related defeasance and will be subject to federal
income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such option had not been exercised, (B) subject to
certain qualifications, an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that funds so
deposited will not violate the Investment Company Act of 1940 and will not be
subject to the effect of Section 547 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or
Section 15 of the New York Debtor and Creditor Law and (C) an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Company has
complied with all conditions precedent to the defeasance.
 
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
 
     A holder will be able to register the transfer of or exchange Notes only in
accordance with the provisions of the Indenture. The Registrar may require a
holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer
documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the
Indenture. Without the prior consent of the Company, the Registrar is not
required (i) to register the transfer of or exchange any Note selected for
redemption or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Note for a period
of 15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption and ending on the date
of such mailing. The registered holder of a Note will be treated as the owner of
such Note for all purposes.
 
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
 
     Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes or the Note
Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent (which may include
consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Notes)
of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding, and any existing Default under, or compliance with any provision
of, the Indenture may be waived (other than any continuing Default or Event of
Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest or
Additional Interest on the Notes (except as set forth in (B)(iv) below)) with
the consent (which may include consents obtained in connection with a tender
offer or exchange offer for Notes) of the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding; provided that:
 
          (A) no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the
     holders of 75% in aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding,
     amend or modify the obligation of the Company under the caption 'Change of
     Control' or the definitions related thereto that could adversely affect the
     rights of any holder of the Notes; and
 
          (B) without the consent of each holder affected, the Company and the
     Trustee may not: (i) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders
     must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver; (ii) reduce the
     principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter the
     provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes; (iii) reduce the
     rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note; (iv) waive
     a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if
     any, or interest on the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the
     Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount
     of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such
     acceleration); (v) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in
     the Notes; (vi) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating
     to waivers of past Defaults or of the right of Holders of Notes to receive
     payments of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes;
     (vii) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Note; (viii) take any
     action that would subordinate the Notes or the Note Guarantees to any other
     Indebtedness of the Company or any of Guarantors, respectively (except as
     provided under 'Subordination' above), or otherwise affect the ranking of
     the Notes or the Note Guarantees; or (ix) release any Guarantor from any of
     its payment obligations under its Note Guarantee or the Indenture otherwise
     in accordance with the Indenture.
 
                                       75
 




          Without the consent of any holder, the Company, the Guarantors and the
     Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Notes to cure any
     ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in
     addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the
     assumption of the Company's obligations to holders in the case of a merger
     or acquisition, or to make any change that does not adversely affect the
     rights of any holder.
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
     IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company is the Trustee under the Indenture and
has been appointed by the Company as Registrar and Paying Agent with regard to
the Notes. The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the
Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims
in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any
such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage in other
transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in
the Indenture), it must eliminate such conflict or resign.
 
     The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to
certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that, in case an Event of Default
occurs and is not cured, the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its
power, to use the degree of care of a prudent person in similar circumstances in
the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be
under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture
at the request of any holder, unless such holder shall have offered to the
Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     Each of the Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees provides that it
will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
New York.
 
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM OF SECURITIES
 
     The Exchange Notes will be issued in the form of one or more Global
Exchange Notes. The Global Exchange Notes will be deposited with, or on behalf
of, DTC and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Except as set forth
below, the Global Exchange Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part,
only to DTC or another nominee of DTC. Investors may hold their beneficial
interests in the Global Exchange Notes directly through DTC if they have an
account with DTC or indirectly through organizations which have accounts with
DTC.
 
     Exchange Notes that are issued as described below under ' -- Certificated
Notes' will be issued in definitive form. Upon the transfer of an Exchange Note
of any series in definitive form, such Exchange Note will, unless the Global
Exchange Notes for such series have previously been exchanged for Notes in
definitive form, be exchanged for an interest in a Global Exchange Note
representing the principal amount of Notes being transferred.
 
     DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust
company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a 'clearing corporation' within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a 'clearing agency' registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of institutions that have accounts with DTC ('participants') and to
facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its
participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of securities certificates. DTC's participants include securities brokers and
dealers (which may include the Initial Purchasers), banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's
book-entry system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with
a participant, whether directly or indirectly.
 
                                       76
 




     Upon the issuance of the Global Exchange Notes in exchange for the Initial
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, DTC will credit, on its internal system,
the respective principal amounts of the individual beneficial interests
represented by such Global Exchange Notes to the accounts of the persons who
surrendered Initial Notes for exchange. Ownership of beneficial interests in the
Global Exchange Notes will be limited to participants or persons who hold
interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the Global
Exchange Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be
effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to
interests of participants) and the records of participants (with respect to
interests of persons other than participants). Investors may hold their
interests in the Global Exchange Notes directly through DTC if they are
participants in such system, or indirectly through organizations which are
participants in such system. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and laws may impair the ability to transfer or
pledge beneficial interests in the Global Exchange Notes.
 
     So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered holder and owner of the
Global Exchange Notes, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole legal owner and holder of the related Notes for all purposes
of such Exchange Notes and the Indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of
beneficial interests in the Global Exchange Notes will not be entitled to have
the Exchange Notes represented by the Global Exchange Notes registered in their
names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
certificated Exchange Notes in definitive form and will not be considered to be
the owners or holders of any Exchange Notes under the Global Exchange Notes. The
Company understands that under existing industry practice, in the event an owner
of a beneficial interest in the Global Exchange Notes desires to take any action
that DTC, as the holder of the Global Exchange Notes, is entitled to take, DTC
would authorize the participants to take such action, and that the participants
would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to take such
action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning
through them.
 
     Payment of principal of and interest on Exchange Notes represented by the
Global Exchange Notes registered in the name of and held by DTC or its nominee
will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner
and holder of the Global Exchange Notes.
 
     The Company expects that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of
principal of or interest on the Global Exchange Notes, will credit participants'
accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial
interests in the principal amount of the Global Exchange Notes as shown on the
records of DTC or its nominee. The Company also expects that payments by
participants to owners of beneficial interests in the Global Exchange Notes held
through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participants. The
Company will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership
interests in the Global Exchange Notes for any Exchange Notes or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and
its participants or the relationship between such participants and the owners of
beneficial interests in the Global Exchange Notes owning through such
participants.
 
     Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for certificated
Exchange Notes in definitive form, each Global Exchange Note may not be
transferred except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC
to DTC or another nominee of DTC.
 
     Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of interests in the Global Exchange Notes among participants of DTC,
it is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and
such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither the Trustee nor the
Company will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its
participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the
rules and procedures governing their operations.
 
                                       77
 




CERTIFICATED NOTES
 
     The Exchange Notes of any series represented by the Global Exchange Notes
with respect to such series are exchangeable for certificated Notes in
definitive form of like tenor as such Notes in denominations of U.S. $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof if (i) DTC notifies the Company that it is unwilling
or unable to continue as DTC of such Global Exchange Notes or if at any time DTC
ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor
depository is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, (ii) the Company in
its discretion at any time determines not to have all of the Exchange Notes of
such series represented by such Global Exchange Notes or (iii) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing. Any Exchange Note that is exchangeable
pursuant to the preceding sentence is exchangeable for certificated Exchange
Notes issuable in authorized denominations and registered in such names as DTC
shall direct. Subject to the foregoing, the Global Exchange Notes are not
exchangeable, except for a Global Exchange Note of the same aggregate
denomination to be registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Certificated
Exchange Notes will not be issued in exchange for beneficial interests in the
Global Exchange Notes in any other circumstances except as described above.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
     On September 18, 1998, The Company, Pro-Fac and the Initial Purchasers
entered into the Registration Rights Agreement. Holders of Exchange Notes are
not entitled to any registration rights with respect to the Exchange Notes. The
Company has agreed for a period of 180 days after the date the Registration
Statement is declared effective by the Commission to make available a prospectus
meeting the requirements of the Securities Act to any broker-dealer for use in
connection with any resale of any Exchange Notes. The Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus is a part constitutes the registration statement for the
Exchange Offer which is the subject of the Registration Rights Agreement. Upon
the closing of the Exchange Offer, subject to certain limited exceptions,
Holders of untendered Initial Notes will not retain any rights under the
Registration Rights Agreement.
 
     For a discussion of the terms of the Exchange Offer pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreement, See 'The Exchange Offer.'
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     Anyone who receives this Prospectus may obtain a copy of the Indenture or
the Registration Rights Agreement without charge by contacting the Company at 90
Linden Oaks, P.O. Box 20670, Rochester, New York 14602, Attention: Vice
President -- Communications, or by telephone at 716-383-1850.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     Set forth below is a summary of certain of the defined terms used in the
Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for the full definition of all
such terms.
 
     'Acquired Indebtedness' means (a) with respect to any Person that becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture, Indebtedness of such
Person and its Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary that was not incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and (b) with
respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any Indebtedness
of a Person (other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) existing at the
time such Person is merged with or into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary,
or Indebtedness assumed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in
connection with the acquisition of an asset or assets from another Person, which
Indebtedness was not, in any case, incurred by such other Person in connection
with, or in contemplation of, such merger or acquisition. For purposes of the
Pro-Fac Merger only, Indebtedness of Pro-Fac existing at the time the Company is
merged with and into Pro-Fac, but not incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, the Pro-Fac Merger, shall be deemed incurred at the time of
the consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger, but the incurrence thereof shall not
require compliance with the covenant described under ' -- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Additional Indebtedness.'
 
                                       78
 




     'Acquisition' means the acquisition by the Company of Dean Foods Vegetable
Company and the transfer by the Company of its aseptic business, in each case on
September 23, 1998 pursuant to and in accordance with terms of the Stock
Purchase Agreement dated as of July 24, 1998 by and between Dean Foods Company
and the Company and the Asset Transfer Agreement dated as of July 24, 1998 by
and between Dean Foods Company and the Company.
 
     'Affiliate' of any specified Person means (i) any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person and (ii) with respect to Pro-Fac and the
Company, any member of Pro-Fac that is a director of Pro-Fac or that has
beneficial ownership of more than 1% of the outstanding voting securities of
Pro-Fac. For purposes of this definition, 'control' (including, with correlative
meanings, the terms 'controlling,' 'controlled by' and under 'common control
with'), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly
or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities,
by agreement or otherwise; provided, however, that beneficial ownership of 10%
or more of the voting securities of a Person shall be deemed to be control.
 
     'Asset Sale' means any sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease,
assignment or other disposition to any Person other than the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, by means of a Sale
and Leaseback Transaction or a merger or consolidation) (collectively, for
purposes of this definition, a 'transfer'), directly or indirectly, in one
transaction or a series of related transactions, of (a) any Capital Stock of any
Restricted Subsidiary or (b) any other properties or assets of the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than transfers of cash, Cash
Equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory or other properties or assets in the
ordinary course of business. For the purposes of this definition, the term
'Asset Sale' shall not include any of the following: (i) any transfer of
properties or assets (including Capital Stock) that is governed by, and made in
accordance with, the provisions described under 'Covenants -- Limitations on
Mergers and Certain Other Transactions'; (ii) any transfer of properties or
assets to an Unrestricted Subsidiary, if permitted under the 'Limitations on
Restricted Payments' covenant; (iii) sales of damaged, worn-out or obsolete
equipment or assets that, in the Company's reasonable judgment, are either no
longer used or useful in the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries,
provided that the proceeds thereof are used to purchase replacement or similar
assets for use in the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and (iv) any
transfers that, but for this clause (iv), would be an Asset Sale, if after
giving effect to such transfers, the aggregate Fair Market Value of the
properties or assets transferred in such transaction or any such series of
related transactions does not exceed $500,000.
 
     'Attributable Indebtedness,' when used with respect to any Sale and
Leaseback Transaction, means, as at the time of determination, the present value
(discounted at a rate equivalent to the Company's then-current weighted average
cost of funds for borrowed money as at the time of determination, compounded on
a semi-annual basis) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments
during the remaining term of the lease included in any such Sale and Leaseback
Transaction.
 
     'Board Resolution' means a duly adopted resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Company.
 
     'Business Day' means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on
which banking institutions in the City of New York are authorized by law or
regulation or executive order to remain closed.
 
     'Capital Stock' of any Person means (i) any and all shares or other equity
interests (including without limitation common stock, preferred stock and
partnership interests) in such Person and (ii) all rights to purchase, warrants
or options (whether or not currently exercisable), participations or other
equivalents of or interests in (however designated) such shares or other
interests in such Person.
 
     'Capitalized Lease Obligations' of any Person means the obligations of such
Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease that is required to be
capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the
amount of such obligation shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in
accordance with GAAP.
 
     'Cash Equivalents' means (i) marketable obligations with a maturity of 360
days or less issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United
States of America or any agency or
 
                                       79
 




instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged in support thereof); (ii) U.S. dollar denominated
time deposits and certificates of deposit of any financial institution (a) that
is a member of the Federal Reserve System having combined capital and surplus
and undivided profits of not less than $500 million or (b) whose short-term
commercial paper rating or that of its parent company is at least A-1 or the
equivalent thereof from S&P or P-1 or the equivalent thereof from Moody's (any
such bank, an 'Approved Bank'), in each case with a maturity of 360 days or less
from the date of acquisition; (iii) commercial paper issued by any Approved Bank
or by the parent company of any Approved Bank and commercial paper issued by, or
guaranteed by, any industrial or financial company with a short-term commercial
paper rating of at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least P-1 or
the equivalent thereof by Moody's, or guaranteed by any industrial company with
a long term unsecured debt rating of at least A or A2, or the equivalent of each
thereof, from S&P or Moody's, as the case may be, and in each case maturing no
more than 360 days from the date of acquisition; (iv) repurchase obligations
with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types
described in clause (i) above entered into with any commercial bank meeting the
specifications of clause (ii)(a) above; and (v) investments in money market or
other mutual funds substantially all of whose assets comprise securities of the
types described in clauses (i) through (iv) above.
 
     'Change of Control' means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the
sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of Pro-Fac's or the Company's assets to any Person or group
(as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act); provided,
however, that the Pro-Fac Merger shall not constitute a Change of Control under
this clause (i); (ii) the consummation of any transaction the result of which is
that any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the
Exchange Act) (other than Pro-Fac in the case of clause (y)) owns, directly or
indirectly, (A) more than 50% of the voting power of the voting stock of either
(x) Pro-Fac or (y) the Company or (B) more than 30% of the voting power of the
voting stock of the Company if Pro-Fac owns, directly or indirectly, a lesser
percentage than such Person or group of the voting power of the voting stock of
the Company; (iii) the first date on which any Person or group (as defined
above) shall have elected, or caused to be elected, a sufficient number of its
or their nominees to the Board of Directors of Pro-Fac or the Company such that
the nominees so elected (regardless of when elected) shall collectively
constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of Pro-Fac or the Company, as
the case may be; or (iv) (A) prior to consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger, for a
period of 120 consecutive days, the number of Disinterested Directors on the
Board of Directors of the Company being less than the greater of (x) two and (y)
the number of directors of the Company who are Pro-Fac Directors and (B) on and
after consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger, for a period of 120 consecutive days,
the number of Disinterested Directors on the Board of Directors of Pro-Fac, as
successor corporation to the Company, being less than two. For purposes of this
definition, any transfer of an equity interest of an entity that was formed for
the purpose of acquiring voting stock of Pro-Fac or the Company shall be deemed
to be a transfer of such portion of the voting stock owned by such entity as
corresponds to the portion of the equity of such entity that has been so
transferred.
 
     'Commercial Market Value' means Commercial Market Value determined in
accordance with the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement (as in effect on the Issue Date
and whether or not in effect at the time of determination).
 
     'Consolidated Amortization Expense' for any period means the amortization
expense of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (to the
extent included in the computation of Consolidated Net Income), determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
 
     'Consolidated Depreciation Expense' for any period means the depreciation
expense of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (to the
extent included in the computation of Consolidated Net Income), determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
 
     'Consolidated Income Tax Expense' for any period means the provision for
taxes based on income and profits of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
to the extent such income or profits were included in computing Consolidated Net
Income for such period.
 
     'Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio' means, with respect to any
determination date, the ratio of (a) EBITDA for the four full fiscal quarters
immediately preceding the determination date (for any
 
                                       80
 




determination, the 'Reference Period'), to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense for
such Reference Period. In making such computations, (i) EBITDA and Consolidated
Interest Expense shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that (A) the
Indebtedness to be incurred or the Disqualified Capital Stock to be issued (and
all other Indebtedness incurred or Disqualified Capital Stock issued after the
first day of such Reference Period referred to in the covenant described under
' -- Certain Covenants Limitations on Additional Indebtedness' through and
including the date of determination), and (if applicable) the application of the
net proceeds therefrom (and from any other such Indebtedness or Disqualified
Capital Stock), including the refinancing of other Indebtedness, had been
incurred on the first day of such Reference Period and, in the case of Acquired
Indebtedness, on the assumption that the related transaction (whether by means
of purchase, merger or otherwise) also had occurred on such date with EBITDA
(including any pro forma expense and cost reductions calculated on a basis
consistent with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act) attributable to the
assets which are the subject of such acquisition being included in such pro
forma calculation and (B) any acquisition or disposition by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of any properties or assets outside the ordinary course of
business or any repayment of any principal amount of any Indebtedness of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary prior to the stated maturity thereof, in
either case since the first day of such Reference Period through and including
the date of determination, had been consummated on such first day of such
Reference Period; (ii) the Consolidated Interest Expense attributable to
interest on any Indebtedness required to be computed on a pro forma basis in
accordance with the covenant described under ' -- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Additional Indebtedness' and (A) bearing a floating
interest rate shall be computed as if the rate in effect on the date of
computation had been the applicable rate for the entire period and (B) which was
not outstanding during the period for which the computation is being made but
which bears, at the option of the Company, a fixed or floating rate of interest,
shall be computed by applying, at the option of the Company, either the fixed or
floating rate; (iii) the Consolidated Interest Expense attributable to interest
on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility required to be computed on
a pro forma basis in accordance with the covenant described under ' -- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Additional Indebtedness' shall be computed based
upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable
period, provided that such average daily balance shall be reduced by the amount
of any repayment of Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility during the
applicable period, which repayment permanently reduced the commitments or
amounts available to be reborrowed under such facility; (iv) notwithstanding the
foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii), interest on Indebtedness determined on a
floating rate basis, to the extent such interest is covered by agreements
relating to Hedging Obligations, shall be deemed to have accrued at the rate per
annum resulting after giving effect to the operation of such agreements; and (v)
if after the first day of the applicable Reference Period and before the date of
determination, the Company has permanently retired any Indebtedness out of the
net proceeds of the issuance and sale of shares of Capital Stock (other than
Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company within 60 days of such issuance and
sale, Consolidated Interest Expense shall be calculated on a pro forma basis as
if such Indebtedness had been retired on the first day of such period.
 
     'Consolidated Interest Expense' for any period means the sum, without
duplication, of the total interest expense of the Company and its consolidated
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP and including, without limitation (i) imputed interest on
Capitalized Lease Obligations and Attributable Indebtedness; (ii) commissions,
discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit
securing financial obligations and bankers' acceptance financing; (iii) the net
costs associated with Hedging Obligations; (iv) amortization of other financing
fees and expenses; (v) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligations;
(vi) amortization of debt discount or premium, if any; (vii) all other non-cash
interest expense; (viii) capitalized interest, (ix) all cash dividend payments
(and non-cash dividend payments in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary) on any
series of preferred stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; (x) all
interest payable with respect to discontinued operations; and (xi) all interest
on any Indebtedness of any other Person guaranteed by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary to the extent paid by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary.
 
     'Consolidated Net Income' for any period means the net income (or loss) of
the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries for such period
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
 
                                       81
 




with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded from such net income (to the
extent otherwise included therein), without duplication (i) the net income (or
loss) of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) in which any Person
other than the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries has an ownership
interest, except to the extent that any such income has actually been received
by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (unless and to the extent such
Restricted Subsidiary is subject to clause (iii) below) in the form of cash
dividends or distributions during such period; (ii) except to the extent
includible in the consolidated net income of the Company pursuant to the
foregoing clause (i), the net income (or loss) of any Person that accrued prior
to the date that (a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged
into or consolidated with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or (b) the
assets of such Person are acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(iii) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary during such period to the
extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by
such Restricted Subsidiary of that income (a) is not permitted by operation of
the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order,
statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to such Restricted
Subsidiary during such period or (b) would be subject to any taxes payable on
such dividend or distribution; (iv) any gain (or, only in the case of a
determination of Consolidated Net Income as used in EBITDA, any loss), together
with any related provisions for taxes on any such gain (or, if applicable, the
tax effects of such loss), realized during such period by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary upon (a) the acquisition of any securities, or the
extinguishment of any Indebtedness, of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
or (b) any Asset Sale by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
provided, however, that there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income for
all purposes any loss realized by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary upon
the acquisition of any securities, or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness, of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or the write-off of deferred financing
costs, in connection with the Acquisition and all refinancings of Indebtedness
consummated in connection therewith; (v) any extraordinary gain (or, only in the
case of a determination of Consolidated Net Income as used in EBITDA, any
extraordinary loss), together with any related provision for taxes on any such
extraordinary gain (or, if applicable, the tax effects of such extraordinary
loss), realized by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period;
(vi) any restructuring charges recognized during such period in an amount not to
exceed $7.0 million in the aggregate after the Issue Date so long as such
restructuring charges are recognized within 24 months after the Issue Date; and
(vii) in the case of a successor to the Company by consolidation, merger or
transfer of its assets, any earnings of the successor prior to such merger,
consolidation or transfer of assets; and provided, further, that any gain in
excess of return of capital referred to in clauses (iv) and (v) above that
relates to a Restricted Investment and which is received in cash by the Company
or a Restricted Subsidiary during such period shall be included in the
Consolidated Net Income of the Company.
 
     'Consolidated Net Worth' means, with respect to any Person as of any date,
the consolidated equity of the common stockholders of such Person and its
consolidated Subsidiaries as determined in accordance with GAAP as of such date,
less all write-ups (other than write-ups resulting from foreign currency
translations and write-ups of tangible assets of a going concern business made
within twelve months after the acquisition of such business) subsequent to the
Issue Date in the book value of any asset owned by such Person or a Subsidiary
of such Person.
 
     'Coverage Ratio Incurrence Condition' would be met at any specified time
only if the Company (or its Successor, as the case may be) would be able to
incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness at such specified time pursuant to the
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio test set forth in the covenant described
under ' -- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Additional Indebtedness.'
 
     'Default' means any event, act or condition that is, or after notice or the
passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
 
     'Designated Senior Indebtedness' means (i) Indebtedness under the New
Credit Facility (whether incurred pursuant to the definition of Permitted
Indebtedness or pursuant to the covenant described under ' -- Limitations on
Additional Indebtedness' covenant) and (ii) any other Indebtedness constituting
Senior Indebtedness that, at the date of determination, has an aggregate
principal amount outstanding of at least $25.0 million and that is specifically
designated by the Company, in the
 
                                       82
 




instrument creating or evidencing such Senior Indebtedness or in an Officer's
Certificate delivered to the Trustee, as 'Designated Senior Indebtedness.'
 
     'Disinterested Directors' means (i) prior to the consummation of the
Pro-Fac Merger, directors of the Company who are not employees, shareholders (at
the time of becoming directors) or otherwise Affiliates (other than by reason of
being a director of the Company) of either Pro-Fac or the Company and (ii) on
and after consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger, directors of Pro-Fac, as the
successor corporation to the Company, who are not employees, shareholders (at
the time of becoming directors) or otherwise Affiliates (other than by reason of
being a director of Pro-Fac) of Pro-Fac.
 
     'Disqualified Capital Stock' means any Capital Stock of a Person or any of
its Subsidiaries that, by its terms, by the terms of any agreement related
thereto or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, puttable
or exchangeable, is, or upon the happening of any event or the passage of time
would be, required to be redeemed or repurchased by such Person or any to its
Subsidiaries, whether or not at the option of the holder thereof, or matures or
is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise,
in whole or in part, on or prior to the final maturity date of the Notes;
provided, however, that in the case of Pro-Fac, Disqualified Capital Stock shall
not include (x) retained earnings allocated to members of Pro-Fac, (y) common
stock of Pro-Fac issued to members of Pro-Fac and (z) Class B Preferred Stock
(having substantially the same terms as in effect on the Issue Date) of Pro-Fac
issued to officers, directors or employees of Pro-Fac.
 
     'EBITDA' for any period means, without duplication, the sum of the amounts
for such period of (i) Consolidated Net Income, plus (ii) in each case to the
extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period (and
without duplication), (A) Consolidated Income Tax Expense, (B) Consolidated
Amortization Expense (but only to the extent not included in Consolidated
Interest Expense), (C) Consolidated Depreciation Expense, (D) Consolidated
Interest Expense, (E) all other non-cash items reducing the Consolidated Net
Income (excluding any such non-cash charge that results in an accrual of a
reserve for cash charges in any future period) for such period, in each case
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, plus (iii) in the
case of the Company, for any period that includes a fiscal quarter beginning on
or prior to consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger, the Pro-Fac share of earnings
(loss) as determined in accordance with the Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement for such
period through the date of consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger, minus (iv) the
aggregate amount of all non-cash items, determined on a consolidated basis, to
the extent such items increased Consolidated Net Income for such period.
 
     'Equity Offering' means an underwritten primary offering of Capital Stock
(other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of Pro-Fac (to the extent that the net
cash proceeds thereof are contributed to the equity capital of the Company
(other than as Disqualified Capital Stock)) or the Company pursuant to a
registration statement filed with the Commission in accordance with the
Securities Act or pursuant to a private placement pursuant to an available
exemption from registration under the Securities Act to the extent, in the case
of such private placement, such Capital Stock is not sold to Pro-Fac, the
Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate (without giving effect to clause (ii)
in the definition thereof) thereof.
 
     'Exchange Act' means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
     'Existing Indebtedness' means all of the Indebtedness of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries that is outstanding on the Issue Date and any
additional promissory notes issued in accordance with the terms of the
Subordinated Promissory Note as in effect on the Issue Date.
 
     'Fair Market Value' of any asset or item means the fair market value of
such asset or item as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors and
evidenced by a Board Resolution.
 
     'Foreign Subsidiary' means any Subsidiary of the Company that is not
incorporated or organized in the United States or in any State thereof or the
District of Columbia.
 
     'GAAP' means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such
other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession of the United States, as in effect on the Issue Date.
 
                                       83
 




     'Guarantee' means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable
instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or
indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of credit and
reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any
Indebtedness.
 
     'Guarantors' means each of the Subsidiary Guarantors and Pro-Fac, and
'Guarantor' means any one of the foregoing.
 
     'Hedging Obligations' of any Person means the obligations of such Person
pursuant to (i) any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate collar agreement
or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect such Person
against fluctuations in interest rates, (ii) agreements or arrangements designed
to protect such Person against fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates
in the conduct of its operations, or (iii) any forward contract, commodity swap
agreement, commodity option agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement
designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in commodity prices, in
each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business for bona fide hedging
purposes and not for the purpose of speculation.
 
     'Immaterial Subsidiary' means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that
has, together with all other Immaterial Subsidiaries in the aggregate, assets,
revenues and net income comprising less than 2.00% of the assets, revenues and
net income of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
     'incur' means, with respect to any Indebtedness or Obligation, incur,
create, issue, assume, Guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly
liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to such Indebtedness or
Obligation; provided that (i) the Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time
such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to have been incurred
by such Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) neither the accrual of interest nor the
accretion of accreted value shall be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness.
 
     'Indebtedness' of any Person at any date means, without duplication: (i)
all liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of such Person for borrowed money
(whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such
Person or only to a portion thereof); (ii) all obligations of such Person
evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; (iii) all
obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit or other similar
instruments (or reimbursement obligations with respect thereto); (iv) all
obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of
property or services, except trade payables and accrued expenses incurred by
such Person in the ordinary course of business in connection with obtaining
goods, materials or services, which payable is not overdue by more than 60 days
according to the original terms of sale unless such payable is being contested
in good faith; (v) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of all
Disqualified Capital Stock of such Person; (vi) all Capitalized Lease
Obligations of such Person; (vii) all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien
on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such
Person; (viii) all Indebtedness of others guaranteed by such Person to the
extent of such Guarantee; provided that Indebtedness of the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries that is guaranteed by the Company or the Company's
Restricted Subsidiaries shall only be counted once in the calculation of the
amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis; (ix) all Attributable Indebtedness; and (x) to the extent
not otherwise included in this definition, Hedging Obligations of such Person.
The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding
balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above, the
maximum liability of such Person for any such contingent obligations at such
date and, in the case of clause (vii), the lesser of (A) the Fair Market Value
of any asset subject to a Lien securing the Indebtedness of others on the date
that the Lien attaches and (B) the amount of the Indebtedness secured. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, the 'maximum fixed redemption or repurchase
price' of any Disqualified Capital Stock that does not have a fixed redemption
or repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such
Disqualified Capital Stock as if such Disqualified Capital Stock were purchased
or redeemed on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined
pursuant to the Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the
fair market value of such Disqualified Capital Stock (or any equity security
for which it may be exchanged or converted), such fair market value shall be
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of such Person, which
determination shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution.
 
                                       84
 




     'Independent Financial Advisor' means an accounting, appraisal or
investment banking firm of nationally recognized standing that is, in the
reasonable judgment of the Company's Board of Directors, qualified to perform
the task for which it has been engaged and disinterested and independent with
respect to the Company and its Affiliates.
 
     'Investments' of any Person means (i) all investments by such Person in any
other Person in the form of loans, advances or capital contributions (excluding
commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the
ordinary course of business) or similar credit extensions constituting
Indebtedness of such Person, and any Guarantee of Indebtedness of any other
Person, (ii) all purchases (or other acquisitions for consideration) by such
Person of Indebtedness, Capital Stock or other securities of any other Person
and (iii) all other items that would be classified as investments (including
without limitation purchases of assets outside the ordinary course of business)
on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.
 
     'Issue Date' means the date the Notes are initially issued.
 
     'Lien' means, with respect to any asset or property, any mortgage, deed of
trust, lien (statutory or other), pledge, lease, easement, restriction,
covenant, charge, security interest or other encumbrance of any kind or nature
in respect of such asset or property, whether or not filed, recorded or
otherwise perfected under applicable law, including without limitation any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any lease in the nature
thereof, any option or other agreement to sell, and any filing of, or agreement
to give, any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or
equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction (other than cautionary filings in
respect of operating leases).
 
     'Moody's' means Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and its successors.
 
     'Net Available Proceeds' means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the
proceeds thereof in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in
respect of deferred payment obligations when received in the form of cash or
Cash Equivalents (except to the extent that such obligations are financed or
sold with recourse to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), net of (i)
brokerage commissions and other fees and expenses (including fees and expenses
of legal counsel, accountants and investment banks) related to such Asset Sale,
(ii) provisions for all taxes payable as a result of such Asset Sale (after
taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing
arrangements), (iii) amounts required to be paid to any Person (other than the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary) owning a beneficial interest in the
properties or assets subject to the Asset Sale or having a Lien therein and (iv)
appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, as a reserve required in accordance with GAAP against any
liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including,
without limitation, pensions and other postemployment benefit liabilities,
liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any
indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sale, all as reflected in
an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee; provided, however, that any
amounts remaining after adjustments, revaluations or liquidations of such
reserves shall constitute Net Available Proceeds.
 
     'New Credit Facility' means the Credit Agreement dated as of September 23,
1998 by and among the Company, Pro-Fac, the other guarantors, Harris Trust and
Savings Bank, individually and as Administrative Agent, Bank of Montreal,
individually and as a Syndication Agent, and the other lenders party thereto,
together with any guarantees, security agreements or other collateral documents
and any other related documents, as any of the foregoing may be subsequently
amended, restated, refinanced, or replaced from time to time, and shall include
agreements in respect of Hedging Obligations designed to protect against
fluctuations in interest rates and entered into with respect to loans
thereunder.
 
     'Non-Recourse Purchase Money Indebtedness' means Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred (a) to finance the
purchase of any assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
within 90 days of such purchase, (b) to the extent the amount of Indebtedness
thereunder does not exceed 100% of the purchase cost of such assets, (c) to the
extent the purchase cost of such assets is or should be included in 'additions
to property, plant and equipment' in accordance
 
                                       85
 




with GAAP, and (d) to the extent that such Indebtedness is non-recourse to the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets
other than the assets so purchased.
 
     'Obligation' means any principal, interest (including, in the case of
Senior Indebtedness, interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in
bankruptcy or insolvency at the rate specified in the document relating to such
Senior Indebtedness, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim permitted
to be enforced against the obligor under applicable law), penalties, fees,
indemnification, reimbursements, costs, expenses, damages and other liabilities
payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
 
     'Officer' means any of the following of the Company: the Chairman of the
Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President,
any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary.
 
     'Officers' Certificate' means a certificate signed by any two Officers.
 
     'Old Notes' means the Company's 12 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005.
 
     'Opinion of Counsel' means a written opinion from legal counsel (such
counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Trustee) that
complies with the requirements of the Indenture.
 
     'Payment Restriction' with respect to a Subsidiary of any Person, means any
encumbrance, restriction of limitation, whether by operation of the terms of its
charter or by reason of any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order,
statute, rule or governmental regulation, on the ability of (i) such Subsidiary
to (a) pay dividends or make other distributions on its Capital Stock or make
payments on any obligation, liability or Indebtedness owed to such Person or any
other Subsidiary of such Person, (b) make loans or advances to such Person or
any other Subsidiary or such Person, (c) Guarantee any Indebtedness of such
Person or any other Subsidiary of such Person or (d) transfer any of its
properties or assets to such Person or any other Subsidiary of such Person
(other than customary restrictions on transfers of property subject to a Lien
permitted under the Indenture) or (ii) such Person or any other Subsidiary of
such Person to receive or retain any such dividends, distributions or payments,
loans or advances, guarantee, or transfer of properties or assets.
 
     'Permitted Indebtedness' means any of the following:
 
          (i) Indebtedness of the Company and the related guarantees of the
     Subsidiary Guarantors under the New Credit Facility in an aggregate
     principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed (a) under the Term
     Loan Facilities, $455.0 million, less any required permanent repayments
     actually made thereunder (excluding any such repayment to the extent
     refinanced and replaced at the time of payment), and (b) under the
     Revolving Loan Facility, the greater of (x) $200.0 million, and (y) the sum
     of (A) 80% of the book amount of all accounts receivable owned by the
     Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and (B) 50% of the book value of
     all inventory owned by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each
     case computed in accordance with GAAP as of the end of the last fiscal
     month of the Company, reduced by any required permanent repayments actually
     made (which are accompanied by a corresponding permanent commitment
     reduction) in respect of the Revolving Loan Facility (excluding any such
     repayment and commitment reductions to the extent refinanced and replaced
     at the time of payment);
 
          (ii) Indebtedness under the Notes, the Note Guarantees and the
     Indenture;
 
          (iii) Existing Indebtedness;
 
          (iv) Indebtedness under Hedging Obligations, provided that (1) such
     Hedging Obligations are related to payment obligations on Permitted
     Indebtedness or Indebtedness otherwise permitted by the 'Limitations on
     Additional Indebtedness' covenant, and (2) the notional principal amount of
     such Hedging Obligations at the time incurred does not exceed the principal
     amount of such Indebtedness to which such Hedging Obligations relate;
 
          (v) Indebtedness of the Company to a Subsidiary Guarantor and
     Indebtedness of any Subsidiary Guarantor to the Company or any other
     Subsidiary Guarantor; provided, however, that upon either (1) the
     subsequent issuance (other than directors' qualifying shares), sale,
     transfer or other disposition of any Capital Stock or any other event which
     results in any such Subsidiary
 
                                       86
 




     Guarantor ceasing to be a Subsidiary Guarantor or (2) the transfer or other
     disposition of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or a Subsidiary
     Guarantor), the provisions of this clause (v) shall no longer be applicable
     to such Indebtedness and such Indebtedness shall be deemed, in each case,
     to be incurred and shall be treated as an incurrence for purposes of the
     'Limitations on Additional Indebtedness' covenant at the time the
     Subsidiary Guarantor in question ceased to be a Subsidiary Guarantor or the
     time such transfer or other disposition occurred;
 
          (vi) Indebtedness in respect of bid, performance or surety bonds or
     insurance of self-reinsurance obligations (including to secure worker's
     compensation and other similar insurance coverage) issued for the account
     of the Company in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
     practice, including guarantees or obligations of the Company with respect
     to letters of credit supporting such bid, performance or surety obligations
     or such insurance or self-insurance obligations (in each case other than
     for an obligation for money borrowed);
 
          (vii) Indebtedness in respect of Non-Recourse Purchase Money
     Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
 
          (viii) Refinancing Indebtedness;
 
          (ix) Indebtedness in respect of the guaranty by the Company of
     revolving credit indebtedness incurred by Great Lakes Kraut Company in an
     aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $10.0
     million; and
 
          (x) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor,
     in addition to Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the foregoing clauses of
     this definition, with an aggregate principal face or stated amount (as
     applicable) at any time outstanding for all such Indebtedness incurred
     pursuant to this clause not in excess of $25.0 million.
 
     'Permitted Junior Securities' means any securities of the Company provided
for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment that are subordinated in right
of payment to all Senior Indebtedness that may at the time be outstanding to
substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Notes are
subordinated to Senior Indebtedness.
 
     'Person' means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, joint venture, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint-stock
company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency or
political subdivision thereof or other entity of any kind.
 
     'Plan of Liquidation' with respect to any Person, means a plan that
provides for, contemplates or the effectuation of which is preceded or
accompanied by (whether or not substantially contemporaneously, in phases or
otherwise): (i) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of such Person otherwise than as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety; and (ii) the distribution of all or substantially
all of the proceeds of such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition and all
or substantially all of the remaining assets of such Person to holders of
Capital Stock of such Person.
 
     'Pro-Fac' means Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc., a New York cooperative
corporation.
 
     'Pro-Fac Director' means any Person who, as a director, officer or other
designee of Pro-Fac, serves as a director of the Company.
 
     'Pro-Fac Marketing Agreement' means the Marketing and Facilitation
Agreement between Pro-Fac and the Company in the form existing as of the Issue
Date, as such agreement may be amended, restated, renewed, extended or replaced
in accordance with the Indenture.
 
     'Refinancing Indebtedness' means Indebtedness of the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary issued in exchange for, or the proceeds from the issuance
and sale or disbursement of which are used substantially concurrently to repay,
redeem, refund, refinance, discharge or otherwise retire for value, in whole or
in part (collectively, 'repay'), or constituting an amendment, modification or
supplement to or a deferral or renewal of (collectively, an 'amendment'), any
Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (the 'Refinanced
Indebtedness') in a principal amount not in excess of the principal amount of
the Refinanced Indebtedness (or, if such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances
Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility or other agreement providing a
commitment for subsequent borrowings, with a maximum commitment not to exceed
the maximum commitment under
 
                                       87
 




such revolving credit facility or other agreement), plus the amount of accrued
but unpaid interest thereon and the amount of any reasonably determined
prepayment premium necessary to accomplish such refinancing and such reasonable
fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith; provided that: (i) the
Refinancing Indebtedness is the obligation of the same Person as that of the
Refinanced Indebtedness; (ii) if the Refinanced Indebtedness was subordinated to
or pari passu with the Note Indebtedness, then such Refinancing Indebtedness, by
its terms, is expressly pari passu with (in the case of Refinanced Indebtedness
that was pari passu with) the Note Indebtedness, or subordinate in right of
payment to (in the case of Refinanced Indebtedness that was subordinated to) the
Note Indebtedness at least to the same extent as the Refinanced Indebtedness;
(iii) the portion, if any, of the Refinancing Indebtedness that is scheduled to
mature on or prior to the maturity date of the Notes has a Weighted Average Life
to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred that is equal
to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the portion of the
Refinanced Indebtedness being repaid that is scheduled to mature on or prior to
the maturity date of the Notes; and (iv) the Refinancing Indebtedness is secured
only to the extent, if at all, and by the assets (which may include
after-acquired assets), that the Refinanced Indebtedness is secured.
 
     'Related Business' means any business in which the Company and its
Subsidiaries operate on the Issue Date, or that is closely related to or
complements the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as such business
exists on the Issue Date.
 
     'Related Business Investment' means any Investment directly by the Company
or its Restricted Subsidiaries in any Related Business.
 
     'Restricted Debt Payment' means any purchase, redemption, defeasance
(including without limitation in substance or legal defeasance) or other
acquisition or retirement for value, directly or indirectly, by the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary, prior to the scheduled maturity or prior to any scheduled
repayment of principal or sinking fund payment, as the case may be, in respect
of Subordinated Indebtedness.
 
     'Restricted Investment' means any Investment by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary (other than investments in Cash Equivalents) in any Person
that is not the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, including in any
Unrestricted Subsidiary, but shall not include (i) Investments by the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (a)
such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is engaged in a
Related Business or (b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with
or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is
liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is
engaged in a Related Business; (ii) loans by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to employees of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries the proceeds of which are applied to purchase Capital Stock of
Pro-Fac in amount not to exceed $2.0 million at any time outstanding; (iii) the
guaranty by the Company of revolving credit indebtedness incurred by Great Lakes
Kraut Company in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to
exceed $10.0 million; or (iv) demand loans for working capital purposes from the
Company to Pro-Fac made prior to consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger, not
exceeding $40.0 million at any time outstanding, which will be reduced to zero
for a period of not less than 15 consecutive days in each fiscal year.
 
     'Restricted Payment' means with respect to any Person: (i) the declaration
or payment of any dividend (other than a dividend declared and paid (x) by a
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary to holders of its Capital Stock, or (y) by a
Subsidiary (other than a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary) to its shareholders
on a pro rata basis, but only to the extent of the dividends actually received
by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) or the making of any other payment or
distribution of cash, securities or other property or assets in respect of such
Person's Capital Stock (except that a dividend payable solely in Capital Stock
(other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of such Person shall not constitute a
Restricted Payment) (it being understood that the allocation of retains to
Pro-Fac's members on and after consummation of the Pro-Fac Merger shall not be
deemed a Restricted Payment); (ii) any payment on account of the purchase,
redemption, retirement or other acquisition for value of (A) the Capital Stock
of the Company or (B) the Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary, or any
other payment or distribution made in respect thereof, either directly or
indirectly (other than a payment solely in Capital Stock that is not
Disqualified Capital Stock, and excluding any such payment
 
                                       88
 




to the extent actually received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary);
(iii) any Restricted Investment; or (iv) any Restricted Debt Payment.
 
     'Restricted Subsidiary' means any Subsidiary of the Company other than an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
     'Revolving Loan Facility' means the revolving loan facility provided under
the New Credit Facility.
 
     'S&P' means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of the
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and its successors.
 
     'Sale and Leaseback Transactions' means with respect to any Person an
arrangement with any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor or to
which such lender or investor is a party, providing for the leasing by such
Person of any property or asset of such Person which has been or is being sold
or transferred by such Person to such lender or investor or to any Person to
whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the
security of such property or asset.
 
     'Securities Act' means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
     'Senior Indebtedness' means, with respect to the Company or any Guarantor,
all Indebtedness and other Obligations specified below payable directly or
indirectly by the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, whether
outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter created, incurred or assumed by the
Company or such Guarantor: (i) the principal of and interest on and all other
Indebtedness and Obligations related to the New Credit Facility (including,
without limitation, all loans, letters of credit and unpaid drawings with
respect thereto and other extensions of credit under the New Credit Facility,
and all expenses, fees, reimbursements, indemnities and other amounts owing
pursuant to the New Credit Facility), (ii) amounts payable in respect of any
Hedging Obligations, (iii) in addition to the amounts described in (i) and (ii),
all Indebtedness not prohibited by the 'Limitations on Additional Indebtedness'
covenant that is not expressly pari passu with, or subordinated to, the Notes or
the Note Guarantees, as the case may be, (iv) all Capital Lease Obligations
outstanding on the Issue Date, and (v) all Refinancing Indebtedness permitted
under the Indenture of Indebtedness specified in clauses (i) through (iv).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Senior Indebtedness will not include
(a) any Indebtedness which by the express terms of the agreement or instrument
creating, evidencing or governing the same is junior or subordinate in right of
payment to any item of Senior Indebtedness, (b) any trade payable arising from
the purchase of goods or materials or for services obtained in the ordinary
course of business, (c) Indebtedness incurred (but only to the extent incurred)
in violation of the Indenture as in effect at the time of the respective
incurrence, (d) any Indebtedness of the Company that, when incurred, was without
recourse to the Company, (e) any Indebtedness to any employee of the Company or
any of its respective Subsidiaries, (f) any liability for taxes owned or owing
by the Company, (g) any Indebtedness represented by the Company's Old Notes and
any Guarantee thereof by Pro-Fac or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or (h) any
Subordinated Indebtedness. Indebtedness represented by the Old Notes and any
Guarantee thereof by Pro-Fac or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall be pari passu
with the Notes and the Note Guarantees, respectively.
 
     'Senior Subordinated Indebtedness' of the Company means the Notes and any
other Indebtedness of the Company (including the Old Notes) that specifically
provides that such Indebtedness is to rank pari passu with the Notes in right of
payment and is not subordinated by its terms in right of payment to any
Indebtedness or other obligation of the Company which is not Senior
Indebtedness. 'Senior Subordinated Indebtedness' of any Guarantor has a
correlative meaning.
 
     'Significant Subsidiary' means any Subsidiary of the Company that would be
a 'Significant Subsidiary' as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X,
promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on
the Issue Date, except all references to '10 percent' in such definition shall
be changed to '2 percent'.
 
     'Subordinated Indebtedness' means Indebtedness of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary that is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or
the Note Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, respectively, including,
without limitation, the Subordinated Promissory Note and any additional
promissory notes issued in accordance with the terms thereof as in effect on the
Issue Date.
 
                                       89
 




     'Subordinated Promissory Note' means the Subordinated Promissory Note dated
as of September 23, 1998 made by the Company to Deans Food Company in principal
amount of $30.0 million issued in connection with the consummation of the
Acquisition.
 
     'Subsidiary' of any Person means (i) any corporation of which at least a
majority of the aggregate voting power of all classes of the Voting Stock is
owned by such Person directly or through one or more other Subsidiaries of such
Person and (ii) any entity other than a corporation in which such Person,
directly or indirectly, owns at least a majority of the Voting Stock of such
entity entitling the holder thereof to vote or otherwise participate in the
selection of the governing body, partners, managers or others that control the
management and policies of such entity. Unless otherwise specified, 'Subsidiary'
means a Subsidiary of the Company.
 
     'Subsidiary Guarantor' means each domestic Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) and each other person who is
required to become (or whom the Company otherwise causes to become) a Subsidiary
Guarantor by the terms of the Indenture.
 
     'Term Loan Facilities' means the Term Loan Facilities provided under the
New Credit Facility.
 
     'Unrestricted Subsidiary' means (i) any Subsidiary that at the time of
determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of
Directors of the Company in the manner provided below and (ii) any Subsidiary of
an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Company may designate
any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, and any such
designation shall be deemed to be a Restricted Investment at the time of and
immediately upon such designation by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
in the amount of the Consolidated Net Worth of such designated Subsidiary and
its consolidated Subsidiaries at such time, provided that such designation shall
be permitted only if (A) the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be
able to make the Restricted Investment deemed made pursuant to such designation
at such time, (B) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligation
(contingent or otherwise) of such Subsidiary (x) is Guaranteed by the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary, (y) is recourse to the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary or (z) subjects any property or asset of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the
satisfaction thereof and (C) no default or event of default with respect to any
Indebtedness of such Subsidiary would permit any holder of any Indebtedness of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to declare such Indebtedness of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary due and payable prior to its maturity. The
Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to
be a Restricted Subsidiary, and any such designation shall be deemed to be an
incurrence by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries of the Indebtedness
(if any) of such Subsidiary so designated for purposes of the ' -- Limitations
on Additional Indebtedness' covenant as of the date of such designation,
provided that such designation shall be permitted only if immediately after
giving effect to such designation and the incurrence of any such additional
Indebtedness deemed to have been incurred thereby (x) the Company would meet the
Coverage Ratio Incurrence Condition and (y) no Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors
described in the two preceding sentences shall be evidenced to the Trustee by
the filing with the Trustee of a certified copy of the Board Resolution giving
effect to such designation and an Officers' Certificate certifying that such
designation complied with the foregoing conditions and setting forth the
underlying calculations of such certificate.
 
     'Voting Stock' with respect to any Person, means securities of any class of
Capital Stock of such Person entitling the holders thereof (whether at all times
or only so long as no senior class of stock or other relevant equity interest
has voting power by reason of any contingency) to vote in the election of
members of the board of directors of such Person.
 
     'Weighted Average Life to Maturity,' when applied to any Indebtedness at
any date, means the number of years obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the
products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining
installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payment of
principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the
number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between
such date and the making of such payment by (ii) the then outstanding principal
amount of such Indebtedness.
 
                                       90
 




     'Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary' means a Restricted Subsidiary of which
100% of the Capital Stock (except for directors' qualifying shares or certain
minority interests owned by other Persons solely due to local law requirements
that there be more than one stockholder, but which interest is not in excess of
what is required for such purpose) is owned directly by the Company or through
one or more Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
                 CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The following is a general discussion of the principal United States
federal income tax consequences to holders of Initial Notes who exchange their
Initial Notes for Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. This discussion
is based on currently existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the 'Code'), existing, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations
promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof,
all as in effect or proposed on the date hereof and all of which are subject to
change, possibly with retroactive effect, or different interpretations. This
discussion is limited to holders of Initial Notes who hold the Notes as capital
assets, within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code. Moreover, this
discussion is for general information only and does not address all of the tax
consequences that may be relevant to holders of Initial Notes and Exchange Notes
in light of their personal circumstances or to certain types of holders of
Initial Notes and Exchange Notes (such as certain financial institutions,
insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, dealers in securities or persons who
have hedged the risk of owning a Note). In addition, this discussion does not
address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, locality or
foreign jurisdiction, or any estate or gift tax considerations.
 
EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The exchange of Initial Notes for Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange
Offer should not be treated as an exchange or other taxable event for United
States Federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, there should be no United
States Federal income tax consequences to holders who exchange Initial Notes for
Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any such holder should have
the same adjusted tax basis and holding period in the Exchange Notes as it had
in the Initial Notes immediately before the exchange.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Each Holder desiring to participate in the Exchange Offer will be required
to represent, among other things, that (i) it is not an 'affiliate' (as defined
in Rule 405 of the Securities Act) of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor
(ii) it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution
of the Exchange Notes and (iii) it is acquiring the Exchange Notes in the
ordinary course of its business. A Restricted Holder will not be able to
participate in the Exchange Offer and may only sell its Initial Notes pursuant
to a registration statement containing the selling security holder information
required by Item 507 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, or pursuant to
an exemption from the registration requirement of the Securities Act.
 
     Each Participating Broker-Dealer must acknowledge in the Letter of
Transmittal that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such Exchange Notes. Based upon interpretations by the staff of the Commission,
the Issuer believes that Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer to
Participating Broker-Dealers may be offered for resale, resold, and otherwise
transferred by a Participating Broker-Dealer upon compliance with the prospectus
delivery requirements, but without compliance with the registration
requirements, of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by all persons subject to the
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, including Participating
Broker-Dealers, in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in
exchange for Initial Notes where such Initial Notes were acquired as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities. The Issuer has agreed
that, for a period of 180 days after the Registration Statement has been
declared effective by the Commission, it will make this Prospectus, as amended
or supplemented, available to any Participating Broker-Dealer
 
                                       91
 




for use in connection with any such resale. If the Issuer is not so notified by
any Participating Broker-Dealers that they may be subject to such requirements
or if it is later notified by all such Participating Broker-Dealers that they
are no longer subject to such requirements, the Issuer will not be required to
maintain the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or to
amend or supplement this Prospectus following the consummation of the Exchange
Offer or following such date of notification, as the case may be. The Issuer
believes that during such period of time, delivery of this Prospectus, as it may
be amended or supplemented, will satisfy the prospectus delivery requirements of
a Participating Broker-Dealer engaged in market-making or other trading
activities.
 
     Based on interpretations by the staff of the Commission, the Issuer
believes that Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be
offered for resale, resold, and otherwise transferred by a Holder thereof (other
than a Restricted Holder or a Participating Broker-Dealer) without compliance
with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
Act.
 
     The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Exchange Notes
by broker-dealers (including Participating Broker-Dealers). Exchange Notes
received by Participating Broker-Dealers for their own accounts pursuant to the
Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the
over-the- counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of
options on the Exchange Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at
market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made
directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive
compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such
Participating Broker-Dealer and/or the purchasers of any such Exchange Notes.
Any Participating Broker-Dealer that resells Exchange Notes may be deemed to be
an 'underwriter' within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of Exchange Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any
such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities
Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will
deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an 'underwriter' within the meaning of the Securities Act.
 
     The Issuer has agreed to pay all expenses incidental to the Exchange Offer
other than commissions and concessions of any brokers or dealers and will
indemnify holders of the Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, as set forth in the
Registration Rights Agreement.
 
     By acceptance of the Exchange Offer, each Participating Broker-Dealer that
receives Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer hereby agrees to notify
the Issuer prior to using the Prospectus in connection with the sale or transfer
of Exchange Notes, and acknowledges and agrees that, upon receipt of notice from
the Issuer of the happening of any event that makes any statement in the
Prospectus untrue in any material respect or which requires the making of any
changes in the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading
(which notice the Issuer agrees to deliver promptly to such Participating
Broker-Dealer), such Participating Broker-Dealer will suspend use of the
Prospectus until the Issuer has amended or supplemented the Prospectus to
correct such misstatement or omission and has furnished copies of the amended or
supplemented prospectus to such Participating Broker-Dealer.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Exchange Notes will be passed upon on behalf of the
Issuer by Howard, Smith & Levin LLP, New York, New York.
 
                                       92
 




                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of Agrilink and the consolidated
financial statements of Pro-Fac at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997 and for each
of the three years in the period ended June 27, 1998, included elsewhere in the
Prospectus, have been so included in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
     The consolidated financial statements of DFVC at May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997
and May 26, 1996 and for each of the three years in the period ended May 31,
1998, included elsewhere in the Prospectus, have been so included in reliance on
the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
                                       93









        INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION
 


                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                              ----
                                                                                                           
AGRILINK FOODS, INC. -- CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Accountants..........................................................................    F-2
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Deficit for the years ended June 27, 1998, June 28,
  1997, and June 26, 1996..................................................................................    F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997..........................................    F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997, and June 26,
  1996.....................................................................................................    F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................    F-7
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended September 26, 1998 and September
  27, 1997.................................................................................................   F-23
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997......................   F-24
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended September 26, 1998 and September
  27, 1997.................................................................................................   F-25
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................................   F-27
 
DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY -- FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Accountants..........................................................................   F-33
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and May 26, 1996..........   F-34
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and May 26, 1996..............................   F-35
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and May 26, 1996......   F-36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................   F-37
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended August 30, 1998 and August
  24, 1997.................................................................................................   F-45
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 30, 1998 and August 24, 1997..................   F-46
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended August 30, 1998 and
  August 24, 1997..........................................................................................   F-47
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.............................................   F-48
 
PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY
Report of Independent Accountants..........................................................................   F-49
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Net Proceeds for the years ended June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997 and
  June 29, 1996............................................................................................   F-50
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997..........................................   F-51
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996....   F-52
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' and Members' Capitalization and Redeemable Stock for the
  years ended June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996...............................................   F-54
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................   F-55
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations and Net Proceeds for the three months ended September 26,
  1998 and September 27, 1997..............................................................................   F-73
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997......................   F-74
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for three months ended September 26, 1998 and September 27,
  1997.....................................................................................................   F-76
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................................   F-78
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations......................   F-84
Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data.................................................   F-96
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data.........................................................................   F-98

 
     The Company's obligations under the New Credit Agreement and the Notes are
guaranteed by Kennedy Endeavors, Incorporated and Linden Oaks Corporation each a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in addition to Pro-Fac. All subsidiaries
of the Company, other than Kennedy Endeavors, Incorporated and Linden Oaks
Corporation, are inactive and consequently maintain no assets or are active but
maintain insignificant assets. Financial information of the Company and the
Subsidiary Guarantors is substantially the same as that presented in the
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
 
                                      F-1
 




                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholder and Board of Directors of
AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
 
     In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations and accumulated deficit and of
cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Agrilink Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three
fiscal years in the period ended June 27, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
     As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company changed its method of accounting for spare parts in 1997.
 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Rochester, New York
July 31, 1998
 
                                      F-2









                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
 


                                                                             FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                  
Net sales.................................................................    $  719,665     $  730,823     $  739,094
Cost of sales.............................................................      (524,082)      (539,081)      (562,926)
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
Gross profit..............................................................       195,583        191,742        176,168
Selling, administrative, and general expenses.............................      (141,837)      (145,392)      (156,067)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company.....................................         1,893              0              0
Gain on sale of Finger Lakes Packaging....................................             0          3,565              0
Restructuring charge......................................................             0              0         (5,871)
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
Operating income before dividing with Pro-Fac.............................        55,639         49,915         14,230
Interest expense..........................................................       (30,633)       (35,030)       (41,998)
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
Pretax income/(loss) before dividing with Pro-Fac and before cumulative
  effect of an accounting change..........................................        25,006         14,885        (27,768)
Pro-Fac share of (income)/loss before cumulative effect of an accounting
  change..................................................................       (12,503)        (7,442)         9,037
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
Income/(loss) before taxes and cumulative effect of an accounting
  change..................................................................        12,503          7,443        (18,731)
Tax (provision)/benefit...................................................        (5,689)        (3,668)         6,853
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect of an accounting change............         6,814          3,775        (11,878)
Cumulative effect of an accounting change before dividing with Pro-Fac....             0          4,606              0
Pro-Fac share of an accounting change.....................................             0         (2,859)             0
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
Net income/(loss).........................................................         6,814          5,522        (11,878)
Accumulated deficit at beginning of period................................       (11,878)       (11,878)             0
Cash dividends to Pro-Fac.................................................        (6,814)        (5,522)             0
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
Accumulated deficit at end of period......................................    $  (11,878)    $  (11,878)    $  (11,878)
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-3
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 


                                                                                         JUNE 27,         JUNE 28,
                                                                                           1998             1997
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                  
                                       ASSETS
Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents......................................................     $   5,046        $   2,836
     Accounts receivable trade, less allowances for bad debts of $774 and $970,
      respectively..................................................................        55,046           48,661
     Accounts receivable, other.....................................................         3,575            2,813
     Current deferred tax asset.....................................................         4,642            8,198
     Inventories --
          Finished goods............................................................       111,153           87,904
          Raw materials and supplies................................................        30,433           27,001
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
               Total inventories....................................................       141,586          114,905
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
     Current investment in Bank.....................................................         1,994              946
     Prepaid manufacturing expense..................................................         8,404            8,265
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets......................................        12,989            6,323
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
               Total current assets.................................................       233,282          192,947
Investment in Bank..................................................................        22,377           24,321
Investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company.............................................         6,584                0
Property, plant, and equipment, net.................................................       194,615          217,923
Assets held for sale at net realizable value........................................         2,662            3,259
Goodwill and other intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $13,634 and
  $10,053, respectively.............................................................        94,744           96,429
Other assets........................................................................        12,175            7,682
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
               Total assets.........................................................     $ 566,439        $ 542,561
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
 
                        LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
     Current portion of obligations under capital leases............................     $     256        $     558
     Current portion of long-term debt..............................................         8,071            8,075
     Accounts payable...............................................................        70,125           49,231
     Income taxes payable...........................................................         3,943            5,152
     Accrued interest...............................................................         8,559            8,540
     Accrued employee compensation..................................................         8,598           11,063
     Other accrued expenses.........................................................        19,013           21,956
     Due to Pro-Fac.................................................................         6,642            4,312
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
               Total current liabilities............................................       125,207          108,887
Obligations under capital leases....................................................           503              817
Long-term debt......................................................................        69,937           62,829
Senior subordinated notes...........................................................       160,000          160,000
Deferred income tax liabilities.....................................................        33,154           40,902
Other non-current liabilities.......................................................        23,053           22,687
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
               Total liabilities....................................................       411,854          396,122
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder's equity:
     Common stock, par value $.01; 10,000 shares outstanding, owned by Pro-Fac......             0                0
     Minimum pension liability adjustment...........................................          (608)               0
     Additional paid-in capital.....................................................       167,071          158,317
     Accumulated deficit............................................................       (11,878)         (11,878)
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
               Total shareholder's equity...........................................       154,585          146,439
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
               Total liabilities and shareholder's equity...........................     $ 566,439        $ 542,561
                                                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                                                       -------------    -------------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-4
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 


                                                                              FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                   
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income/(loss).....................................................     $ 6,814       $    5,522     $ (11,878)
     Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash (used
       in)/provided by operating activities:
          Restructuring and net (gain)/loss from disposals.................           0           (3,565)        5,871
          Cumulative effect of an accounting change........................           0           (4,606)            0
          Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles...................       3,581            4,092         3,422
          Amortization of debt issue costs.................................         800              800           800
          Depreciation.....................................................      18,009           22,680        26,081
          Provision/(benefit) for deferred taxes...........................         281            2,787        (6,853)
          Provision for losses on accounts receivable......................           0              445           528
          Equity in undistributed earnings of Bank.........................        (715)          (1,143)       (1,532)
          Change in assets and liabilities:
               Accounts receivable.........................................      (6,744)          (1,856)       11,309
               Inventories.................................................     (25,654)          (1,636)       33,347
               Income taxes payable........................................      (1,209)             205         4,879
               Accounts payable and accrued expenses.......................      15,737           (1,751)      (15,200)
               Payable to Pro-Fac..........................................      (1,720)             466         2,754
               Other assets and liabilities................................     (11,322)             548        (1,514)
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities........................      (2,142)          22,988        52,014
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Purchase of property, plant, and equipment............................     (14,056)         (16,876)      (18,038)
     Proceeds from disposals...............................................      12,794           68,716         4,408
     Proceeds from sales of idle facilities................................           0            4,465           597
     Proceeds from investment in CoBank....................................       1,611              315             0
     Cash paid for acquisitions............................................      (7,423)               0        (5,785)
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities........................      (7,074)          56,620       (18,818)
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt..............................      18,180           18,000         5,400
     Payments on long-term debt............................................      (8,076)        (104,854)      (43,056)
     Payments on capital leases............................................        (616)            (503)         (825)
     Capital contribution by Pro-Fac.......................................       8,752            7,234        10,000
     Cash dividends paid to Pro-Fac........................................      (6,814)          (5,522)            0
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities........................      11,426          (85,645)      (28,481)
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents....................................       2,210           (6,037)        4,715
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period...........................       2,836            8,873         4,158
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................................     $ 5,046       $    2,836     $   8,873
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------

 
                                                  (table continued on next page)
 
                                      F-5
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(table continued from previous page)
 


                                                                              FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                   
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
     Cash paid during the year for:
          Interest (net of amount capitalized).............................     $30,062       $   35,587     $  41,508
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
          Income taxes, net................................................     $ 6,617       $      676     $    (703)
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
          Acquisition of DelAgra:
               Accounts receivable.........................................     $   403       $        0     $       0
               Inventories.................................................       3,212                0             0
               Prepaid expenses and other current assets...................          81                0             0
               Property, plant, and equipment..............................       1,842                0             0
               Goodwill....................................................       1,508                0             0
               Other accrued expenses......................................        (433)               0             0
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                $ 6,613       $        0     $       0
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
          Acquisition of C&O Distributing Company:
               Property, plant and equipment...............................     $    54       $        0     $       0
               Goodwill....................................................         756                0             0
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                $   810       $        0     $       0
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
          Investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company:
               Inventories.................................................     $ 2,175       $        0     $       0
               Prepaid expenses and other current assets...................         409                0             0
               Property, plant, and equipment..............................       6,966                0             0
               Other accrued expenses......................................         (62)               0             0
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                $ 9,488       $        0     $       0
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
          Acquisition of Packer Foods and Matthews Candy Co.:
               Accounts receivable.........................................     $     0       $        0     $   1,282
               Inventories.................................................           0                0         3,902
               Prepaid expenses and other current assets...................           0                0           270
               Property, plant and equipment...............................           0                0         6,044
               Goodwill....................................................           0                0           493
               Deferred tax asset..........................................           0                0           264
               Accounts payable............................................           0                0        (4,954)
               Other accrued expenses......................................           0                0          (418)
               Other non-current liabilities...............................           0                0        (1,098)
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
               Cash paid for acquisition...................................     $     0       $        0     $   5,785
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
     In conjunction with the purchase of certain businesses of Nalley
       Canada Ltd. by Agrilink in fiscal 1997, the following non-cash
       transactions occurred:
          Notes forgiven...................................................     $     0       $    4,986     $       0
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-6









                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     Agrilink Foods, Inc. ('Agrilink' or the 'Company') is a producer and
marketer of processed food products, including canned and frozen fruits and
vegetables, canned desserts and condiments, fruit fillings and toppings, canned
chilies and stews, salad dressings, pickles, peanut butter and snack foods. The
vegetable and fruit product lines account for approximately 49 percent of sales.
The Company's products are primarily distributed in the United States. The
Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. ('Pro-Fac').
 
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.
 
FISCAL YEAR
 
     The fiscal year of Agrilink corresponds with that of its parent, Pro-Fac,
and ends on the last Saturday in June. Fiscal 1998 and 1997 comprised 52 weeks,
and fiscal 1996 comprised 53 weeks.
 
CONSOLIDATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany transactions and
balances. Investments in affiliates, owned more than 20 percent but not in
excess of 50 percent, are recorded under the Equity Method of accounting.
 
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
 
     Effective June 30, 1996, accounting procedures were changed to include in
prepaid expenses and other current assets, manufacturing spare parts previously
charged directly to expense. Management believes this change is preferable
because it provides a better matching of costs with related revenues when
evaluating interim financial statements. The favorable cumulative effect of the
change (net of Pro-Fac's share of $2.9 million and income taxes of $1.1 million)
was $1.7 million. Pro forma amounts for the cumulative effect of the accounting
change on prior periods are not determinable due to the lack of physical
inventory counts required to establish quantities at the respective dates.
Management does not believe that the difference in accounting methodologies for
spare parts had any material impact on the Cooperative's historic financial
statements.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
     Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments with maturities of
three months or less. There were no such short-term investments at June 28, 1997
or June 27, 1998.
 
INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on the first-in,
first-out ('FIFO') method. Reserves recorded at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997
were $391,000 and $362,000, respectively.
 
INVESTMENT IN COBANK ('THE BANK')
 
     The Company's investment in the Bank is required as a condition of
borrowing. These securities are not physically issued by the Bank, but the
Company is notified as to their monetary value. The investment is carried at
cost plus the Company's share of the undistributed earnings of the Bank (that
portion of patronage refunds not distributed currently in cash).
 
                                      F-7
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Earnings on the Company's investment in the Bank in fiscal years 1998,
1997, and 1996 amounted to $1,023,000, $1,633,000, and $2,188,000, respectively.
 
MANUFACTURING OVERHEAD
 
     Allocation of manufacturing overhead to finished goods produced is on the
basis of a production period; thus at the end of each period, manufacturing
costs incurred by seasonal plants, subsequent to the end of previous pack
operations, are deferred and included in the accompanying balance sheet under
the caption 'Prepaid manufacturing expense.' Such costs are applied to finished
goods during the next production period and recognized as an element of cost of
goods sold.
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED LEASE ARRANGEMENTS
 
     Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over the estimated useful
lives of the assets using the straight-line method, half-year convention, over 4
to 40 years.
 
     Assets held for sale are separately classified on the balance sheet. The
recorded value represents an estimate of net realizable value.
 
     Lease arrangements are capitalized when such leases convey substantially
all of the risks and benefits incidental to ownership. Capital leases are
amortized over either the lease term or the life of the related assets,
depending upon available purchase options and lease renewal features.
 
OTHER ASSETS
 
     Other assets are primarily comprised of debt issuance. Debt issuance costs
are amortized over the term of the debt. Amortization expense incurred in fiscal
1998, 1997, and 1996 was $800,000.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
     Income taxes are provided on income for financial reporting purposes.
Deferred income taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial
reporting and tax reporting are appropriately classified in the balance sheet.
 
PENSION
 
     The Company and its subsidiaries have several pension plans and participate
in various union pension plans which on a combined basis cover substantially all
employees. Charges to income with respect to plans sponsored by the Company and
its subsidiaries are based upon actuarially determined costs. Pension
liabilities are funded by periodic payments to the various pension plan trusts.
 
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
 
     Goodwill and other intangible assets include the cost in excess of the fair
value of net tangible assets acquired in purchase transactions and acquired
non-competition agreements and trademarks. Goodwill and other intangible assets,
stated net of accumulated amortization, are amortized on a straight-line basis
over 5 to 35 years. The Company periodically assesses whether there has been a
permanent impairment in the value of goodwill. This is accomplished by
determining whether the estimated, undiscounted future cash flows from operating
activities exceed the carrying value of goodwill as of the assessment date.
Should aggregate future cash flows be less than the carrying value, a writedown
would be required, measured by the difference between the discounted future cash
flows and the carrying value of goodwill.
 
COMMODITIES OPTIONS CONTRACTS
 
     In connection with the purchase of certain commodities for anticipated
manufacturing requirements, the Company occasionally enters into options
contracts as deemed appropriate to reduce the
 
                                      F-8
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
effect of price fluctuations. These options contracts are accounted for as
hedges and, accordingly, gains and losses are deferred and recognized in cost of
sales as part of the product cost. These activities are not significant to the
Company's operations as a whole.
 
CASUALTY INSURANCE
 
     The Company is insured for workers compensation and automobile liability
through a primarily self-insured program. The Company accrues for the estimated
losses from both asserted and unasserted claims. The estimate of the liability
for unasserted claims arising from unreported incidents is based on an analysis
of historical claims data. The accrual for casualty insurance at June 27, 1998
and June 28, 1997 was $3.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA OMITTED
 
     Earnings per share amounts are not presented, as subsequent to November 3,
1994, the Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pro-Fac.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPENDITURES
 
     Environmental expenditures that pertain to current operations are expensed
or capitalized consistent with the Company's capitalization policy. Expenditures
that result from the remediation of an existing condition caused by past
operations that do not contribute to current or future revenues are expensed.
Liabilities are recorded when remedial activities are probable, and the cost can
be reasonably estimated.
 
ADVERTISING
 
     Production costs of commercials and programming are charged to operations
in the year first aired. The costs of other advertising promotion and marketing
programs are charged in the year incurred. Advertising expense incurred in
fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996 amounted to $9,878,000, $8,376,000, and
$9,831,000, respectively.
 
DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
 
Cash, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Other Accrued Expenses
 
     The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity
of these instruments.
 
Long-Term Investments
 
     The carrying value of the investment in the Bank was $24.4 million at June
27, 1998. As there is no market price for this investment, a reasonable estimate
of fair value is not possible.
 
Long-Term Debt
 
     The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market
prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for debt
of the same remaining maturities.
 
                                      F-9
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2. AGREEMENTS WITH PRO-FAC
 
     Effective November 3, 1994, the Company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Pro-Fac.
 
     In connection with the acquisition, Pro-Fac sold $160.0 million of 12.25
percent Senior Subordinated Notes (the 'Notes') due 2005 and entered into a
credit agreement (the 'Credit Agreement') with the Bank, which provided for a
term loan, a term-loan facility, and a letter-of-credit facility. All
obligations of Pro-Fac under the Notes and the Credit Agreement have become
obligations of the Company.
 
     The Company's contractual relationship with Pro-Fac is defined in the
Pro-Fac Marketing and Facilitation Agreement ('Agreement'). Under the Agreement,
the Company pays Pro-Fac the commercial market value ('CMV') for all crops
supplied by Pro-Fac. CMV is defined as the weighted average price paid by other
commercial processors for similar crops sold under preseason contracts and in
the open market in the same or competing market area. Although CMV is intended
to be no more than the fair market value of the crops purchased by Agrilink, it
may be more or less than the price Agrilink would pay in the open market in the
absence of the Agreement. For the fiscal years ended 1998, 1997, and 1996 the
CMV for all crops supplied by Pro-Fac amounted to $58.5 million, $51.4 million,
and $44.7 million, respectively.
 
     Under the Agreement the Company is required to have on its board of
directors some persons who are neither members of, nor affiliated with Pro-Fac
('Disinterested Directors'). The number of Disinterested Directors must at least
equal the number of directors who are members of Pro-Fac. The volume and type of
crops to be purchased by Agrilink under the Agreement are determined pursuant to
its annual profit plan, which requires the approval of a majority of the
Disinterested Directors. In addition, under the agreement, in any year in which
the Company has earnings on products which were processed from crops supplied by
Pro-Fac ('Pro-Fac Products'), the Company pays to Pro-Fac, as additional
patronage income, 90 percent of such earnings, but in no case more than 50
percent of all pretax earnings of the Company. In years in which the Company has
losses on Pro-Fac Products, the Company reduces the CMV it would otherwise pay
to Pro-Fac by 90 percent of such losses, but in no case by more than 50 percent
of all pretax losses of the Company. Additional patronage income is paid to
Pro-Fac for services provided to Agrilink, including the provision of a long
term, stable crop supply, favorable payment terms for crops, and the sharing of
risks of losses of certain operations of the business. Earnings and losses are
determined at the end of the fiscal year, but are accrued on an estimated basis
during the year. For the fiscal years ended 1998, 1997, and 1996 such additional
patronage income/(loss) amounted to $12.5 million, $10.3 million, and $(9.0)
million, respectively. Under the Indentures related to the Notes, Pro-Fac is
required to reinvest at least 70 percent of the additional Patronage income in
Agrilink.
 
     The capital contribution of Pro-Fac to the Company at acquisition primarily
included the cancellation of indebtedness and capital lease obligations.
Subsequent to the acquisition date, Pro-Fac invested an additional $29.9 million
in the Company (including reinvested Additional Patronage Income).
 
NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSALS, AND RESTRUCTURING
 
FISCAL 1998
 
Nutrition Medical
 
     Effective May 1, 1998, the Company acquired the private label adult
nutrition formula business from Nutrition Medical, Inc. Nutrition Medical will
be paid royalty payments for two years.
 
                                      F-10
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Michigan Distribution Center
 
     Effective March 31, 1998, the Company entered into a multiyear logistics
agreement under which GATX Logistics will provide freight management, packaging
and labeling services, and distribution support to and from production
facilities owned by the Company in and around Coloma, Michigan. The agreement
included the sale of the Company's labeling equipment and distribution center.
The Company received proceeds of $12.6 million for the equipment and facility
which were applied to outstanding bank loans. No significant gain or loss
occurred as a result of this transaction.
 
DelAgra Corp.
 
     Effective March 30, 1998, the Company acquired the majority of assets and
the business of DelAgra Corp. of Bridgeville, Delaware. DelAgra Corp. is a
producer of private label frozen vegetables. The acquisition was accounted for
as a purchase. The purchase price was approximately $6.9 million. Goodwill of
approximately $0.6 million and $0.9 million for a covenant not to compete were
recorded in conjunction with this transaction. These amounts are being amortized
over 30 and 5 years, respectively.
 
C&O Distributing Company
 
     Effective March 9, 1998, the Company acquired the majority of assets and
the business of C&O Distributing Company of Canton, Ohio. C&O distributes snack
products for Snyder of Berlin, one of the Company's businesses included within
its snack foods unit. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The
purchase price was approximately $0.8 million. Intangibles of approximately $0.8
million were recorded in conjunction with this transaction and are being
amortized over 30 years.
 
Formation of New Sauerkraut Company
 
     Effective July 1, 1997, the Company and Flanagan Brothers, Inc. of Bear
Creek, Wisconsin contributed all their assets involved in sauerkraut production
to form a new sauerkraut company. This new company, Great Lakes Kraut Company,
operates as a New York limited liability company with ownership and earnings
divided equally between the two companies. The joint venture is accounted for
using the Equity Method of accounting. Summarized financial information of Great
Lakes Kraut Company is as follows:
 
                        CONDENSED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS


                                                                    1998
                                                                 -----------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN
                                                                 THOUSANDS)
                                                              
Net sales.....................................................     $27,620
Gross profit..................................................     $ 7,439
Operating income..............................................     $ 4,411
Net income....................................................     $ 3,786
 
                          CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
 

                                                                 (DOLLARS IN
                                                                 THOUSANDS)
                                                              
Current assets................................................     $10,648
Noncurrent assets.............................................     $18,884
Current liabilities...........................................     $ 6,463
Noncurrent liabilities........................................     $ 6,261

 
                                      F-11
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
FISCAL 1997
 
Georgia Frozen Distribution Center
 
     On June 27, 1997, Americold acquired the Company's frozen foods
distribution center in Montezuma, Georgia. In addition, the two companies
entered into a long-term logistics agreement under which Americold manages its
facility and all frozen food transportation operations of Agrilink in Georgia
and New York. The Company received proceeds of approximately $9.1 million which
were applied to outstanding Bank loans. No significant gain or loss occurred as
a result of this transaction.
 
Information Services Reorganization
 
     On June 19, 1997, Systems & Computer Technology Corporation ('SCT') and the
Company announced they signed a major outsourcing services and software
agreement effective June 30, 1997. The ten-year agreement, valued at
approximately $50.0 million, is for SCT's OnSite outsourcing services and ADAGE
ERP software and implementation services.
 
Sale of New York Canned Vegetable Businesses
 
     On May 6, 1997, Seneca Foods Corporation ('Seneca') acquired the Agrilink
Leicester, New York production facility and the LeRoy, New York distribution
center, as well as the Blue Boy brand.
 
     Seneca and the Company have also forged a long-term strategic alliance to
combine their agricultural departments into one organization to be managed by
Agrilink. The objective is to maximize sourcing efficiencies of New York State
vegetable requirements for both companies. This agreement initially has a
minimum ten-year term.
 
     The Company received proceeds of approximately $29.4 million which were
applied to outstanding Bank loans. No significant gain or loss occurred as a
result of this transaction.
 
Brooks Foods
 
     On April 30, 1997, Hoopeston Foods acquired certain assets from the Brooks
Foods operating facility. The purchase price of approximately $2.1 million was
paid with $400,000 in cash and a $1.7 million ten-year note. The proceeds were
applied to outstanding Bank loans. No significant gain or loss occurred as a
result of this transaction. In addition, the two companies entered into a copack
and warehouse agreement under which Hoopeston will produce, package, and
warehouse certain products.
 
Nalley Canada Ltd.
 
     On June 26, 1995, Agrilink sold Nalley Canada Ltd., located in Vancouver,
British Columbia, to a management group. The operations were sold for
approximately $8.0 million. Approximately, $4.0 million was received in cash.
The remainder of the proceeds were received through a series of long-term notes
with maturities between 1998 and 2005. The notes beared interest at a rate of
12 1/4 percent.
 
     In April 1997, the Company acquired certain businesses from Nalley Canada
Ltd. The acquired operations include a $12.0 million consumer products business,
which markets throughout the western Provinces of Canada. The purchase price of
approximately $5.0 million was paid through the forgiveness of various long-term
receivables (including interest earned) issued to the Company in connection with
its sale of the stock of Nalley Canada Ltd. in 1995.
 
Finger Lakes Packaging
 
     On October 9, 1996, the Company completed the sale of Finger Lakes
Packaging, Inc. ('Finger Lakes Packaging'), a subsidiary of the Company to
Silgan Containers Corporation, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Silgan
Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. A gain of
 
                                      F-12
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
approximately $3.6 million was recognized on this transaction. The Company
received proceeds of approximately $30.0 million. Proceeds were applied to
outstanding Bank loans. The transaction also included a long-term supply
agreement between Silgan and Agrilink.
 
FISCAL 1996
 
Packer Foods
 
     On July 21, 1995, the Company acquired Packer Foods, a privately owned,
Michigan-based food processor. The total cost of acquisition was approximately
$5.4 million in notes plus interest at 10 percent to be paid until the notes
mature in the year 2000. The transaction was accounted for as a purchase. For
the year ended December 31, 1994, Packer had net sales of $13.0 million,
operating income of $300,000, and income before extraordinary items of $100,000.
Packer Foods has been merged into the Company's CBF operations.
 
Matthews Candy Co.
 
     In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company acquired Matthews Candy
Co., a privately owned Washington-based snack food distributor. The total cost
of the acquisition was approximately $0.4 million and was paid in cash. Matthews
Candy Co. has been merged into the Tim's Cascade Chips operation of the
Company's Snack Foods Group.
 
Fiscal 1996 Restructuring Charge
 
     During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company began implementation
of a corporate-wide restructuring program. The overall objectives of the plan
were to reduce expenses, improve productivity, and streamline operations.
Efforts focused on the consolidation of operations and the elimination of
approximately 900 positions. The total fiscal 1996 restructuring charge amounted
to $5.9 million. This amount included a fourth-quarter charge of approximately
$4.0 million which was primarily comprised of employee termination benefits, and
approximately $1.9 million for strategic consulting incurred throughout the
year. Reductions in personnel included both operational and administrative
positions.
 
NOTE 4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED OBLIGATIONS
 
     The following is a summary of property, plant and equipment and related
obligations at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997:
 


                                                       JUNE 27, 1998                      JUNE 28, 1997
                                               ------------------------------    -------------------------------
                                                OWNED      LEASED                 OWNED      LEASED
                                                ASSETS     ASSETS     TOTAL       ASSETS     ASSETS      TOTAL
                                               --------    ------    --------    --------    -------    --------
                                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                      
Land.......................................... $  5,772    $    0    $  5,772    $  5,755    $     0    $  5,755
Land improvements.............................    3,949         0       3,949       2,117          0       2,117
Buildings.....................................   71,342       395      71,737      80,739        645      81,384
Machinery and equipment.......................  163,177       990     164,167     167,155      2,397     169,552
Construction in progress......................   14,421         0      14,421      13,053          0      13,053
                                               --------    ------    --------    --------    -------    --------
                                                258,661     1,385     260,046     268,819      3,042     271,861
Less accumulated depreciation.................  (64,678)     (753)    (65,431)    (52,194)    (1,744)    (53,938)
                                               --------    ------    --------    --------    -------    --------
Net........................................... $193,983    $  632    $194,615    $216,625    $ 1,298    $217,923
                                               --------    ------    --------    --------    -------    --------
                                               --------    ------    --------    --------    -------    --------
Obligations under capital leases(1)...........             $  759                            $ 1,375
Less current portion..........................               (256)                              (558)
                                                           ------                            -------
Long-term portion.............................             $  503                            $   817
                                                           ------                            -------
                                                           ------                            -------

- ------------
(1) Represents the present value of net minimum lease payments calculated at the
    Company's incremental borrowing rate at the inception of the leases, which
    ranged from 6.3 to 9.8 percent.
 
                                      F-13
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Interest capitalized in conjunction with construction amounted to
approximately $248,000 and $342,000 in fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively.
 
     The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments together with
the present value of the minimum lease payments related to capitalized leases,
both as of June 27, 1998.
 


                                                                                                 TOTAL
                      FISCAL YEAR ENDING LAST                          CAPITAL    OPERATING      FUTURE
                          SATURDAY IN JUNE                             LEASES      LEASES      COMMITMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------   -------    ---------    ----------
                                                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                      
        1999........................................................   $   356     $ 5,418      $  5,774
        2000........................................................       224       3,582         3,806
        2001........................................................       145       1,977         2,122
        2002........................................................        78       1,012         1,090
        2003........................................................        56         204           260
Later years.........................................................       144          40           184
                                                                       -------    ---------    ----------
Net minimum lease payments..........................................     1,003     $12,233      $ 13,236
                                                                                  ---------    ----------
                                                                                  ---------    ----------
Less amount representing interest...................................      (244)
                                                                       -------
Present value of minimum lease payments.............................   $   759
                                                                       -------
                                                                       -------

 
     Total rent expense related to operating leases (including lease
arrangements of less than one year which are not included in the previous table)
amounted to $12,250,000, $11,204,000, and $10,927,000 for fiscal years 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively (including the current portion).
 
NOTE 5. DEBT
 
BANK FACILITY
 
     The Bank Facility includes Term Loan, Seasonal, and Letter of Credit
facilities. The outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan were $72.4 million at
June 27, 1998. The Seasonal Facility provides seasonal financing of up to $82.0
million. The Letter of Credit Facility provides $18.0 million.
 
Terms
 
     The Bank has extended to a portion of the Term Loan Facility for a limited
period of time certain fixed rates that were in effect with respect to
indebtedness repaid to the Bank on November 3, 1994. The weighted-average rate
of interest applicable to the Term Loan was 7.4 percent per annum for fiscal
1998.
 
     Borrowings under the Seasonal Facility are payable at the expiration of
that portion of the facility, which is December 1998; except that for 15
consecutive calendar days during each calendar year, the borrowings under the
Seasonal Facility must be zero.
 
Guarantees and Security
 
     All obligations under the Bank Facility are guaranteed by Pro-Fac and
certain subsidiaries of Agrilink (the 'Subsidiary Guarantors'). The Company's
obligations under the Bank Facility and Pro-Fac's and the Subsidiary Guarantors'
obligations under their respective guaranties are secured by all of the assets
of the Company and each guarantor, respectively.
 
Certain Covenants
 
     The Pro-Fac Bank Guarantee requires Pro-Fac, on a consolidated basis, to
maintain specified levels with regard to working capital, tangible net worth,
fixed charges, the incurrence of additional debt, and limitations on dividends,
investments, acquisitions, and asset sales. The Company is in compliance with
all covenants, restrictions and requirements under the terms of the borrowing
agreement.
 
                                      F-14
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Commitment Fees
 
     The Bank assesses commitment fees of 0.35 percent on the seasonal line and
0.25 percent on the unused portion of the Term Loan.
 
Seasonal and Letter of Credit Facilities
 
     Seasonal borrowings for the three years ended June 27, 1998 were as
follows:
 


                                                                FISCAL 1998      FISCAL 1997      FISCAL 1996
                                                                -----------      -----------      -----------
                                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                         
Balance at end of period.....................................     $     0          $     0          $     0
Rate at fiscal year end......................................         0.0%             0.0%             0.0%
Maximum outstanding during the period........................     $66,000          $65,000          $94,000
Average amount outstanding during the period.................     $51,300          $24,900          $53,700
Weighted average interest rate during the period.............         7.0%             7.3%             7.4%

 
     The Letter of Credit Facility provides for the issuance of letters of
credit through December 1998. Management anticipates timely renewals of both the
Seasonal and the Letter of Credit facilities.
 
Fair Value
 
     Based on an estimated borrowing rate at fiscal year-end 1998 of 7.2 percent
for long-term debt with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the
Company's long-term debt outstanding under the Bank Facility was approximately
$72.5 million at June 27, 1998.
 
     Based on an estimated borrowing rate at fiscal year end 1997 of 8.7 percent
for long-term debt with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the
Company's long-term debt outstanding under the Bank Facility was approximately
$64.8 million at June 28, 1997.
 
THE SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES ('NOTES')
 
     The Notes are limited in aggregate principal amount to $160.0 million and
will mature on February 1, 2005. Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of
12.25 percent per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1
and August 1.
 
Guarantees and Security
 
     The Notes represent general unsecured obligations of the Company,
subordinated in right of payment to certain other debt obligations of the
Company (including the Company's obligations under the Credit Agreement).
 
Certain Covenants
 
     The Notes also limit the amount and timing of dividends and other payments
('Restricted Payments') from the Company to Pro-Fac or to holders of other
Agrilink debt or equity. No dividends or other Restricted Payments may be made
if there is an existing event of default under the Notes or if Agrilink's Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Indenture, a ratio of cash flow to
interest) for the preceding four quarters is not at least 1.75 to 1.00. The
amount of all dividends and other Restricted Payments subsequent to the date of
the Indenture is subject to an overall limit that is based on the Company's net
income and the amount of additional equity invested in the Company.
 
                                      F-15
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Fair Value
 
     Based on an estimated borrowing rate at 1998 fiscal year-end of 11.2
percent for borrowings with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the
Notes was $171.4 million at June 27, 1998.
 
     Based on an estimated borrowing rate at 1997 fiscal year end of 11.1
percent for borrowings with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the
Notes was $174.7 million at June 28, 1997.
 
OTHER DEBT
 
     Other debt of $5.6 million carries rates up to 10.0 percent at June 27,
1998.
 
MATURITIES
 
     Total long-term debt maturities during each of the next five fiscal years
are as follows: 1999, $8.1 million; 2000, $10.6 million; 2001, $18.6 million;
2002, $13.1 million; and 2003, $13.1 million. Provisions of the Term Loan
require annual payments in the years through 2000 on October 1 of each year in
an amount equal to the 'annual cash sweep' (equivalent to approximately 80
percent of net income adjusted for certain cash and non-cash items) for the
preceding fiscal year. As of June 27, 1998, the Company had satisfied its
obligation under this provision. Provisions of the Term Loan also require that
cash proceeds from the sale of businesses be applied to the Term Loan.
 
NOTE 6. TAXES ON INCOME
 
     Taxes on income before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
include the following:
 


                                                           FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                
Federal --
     Current............................................     $ 4,534        $   567        $     0
     Deferred...........................................         730          2,639         (5,990)
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                               5,264          3,206         (5,990)
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
State and foreign --
     Current............................................         874            314              0
     Deferred...........................................        (449)           148           (863)
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                 425            462           (863)
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                             $ 5,689        $ 3,668        $(6,853)
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------

 
     A reconciliation of the Company's effective tax rate to the amount computed
by applying the federal income tax rate to income before taxes and cumulative
effect of a change in accounting is as follows:
 


                                                                     FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                          
Income tax provision/(benefit) at 35% in 1998, 34% in 1997 and
  1996............................................................     $ 4,376        $ 2,530        $(6,380)
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect..............         571            484           (859)
Goodwill amortization.............................................         961          1,041            784
Dividend received reduction.......................................        (305)          (472)          (521)
Other, net........................................................          86             85            123
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                       $ 5,689        $ 3,668        $(6,853)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
Effective tax rate................................................        45.5%          49.3%         (36.5)%
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

 
                                      F-16
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The deferred tax (liabilities)/assets consist of the following at June 27,
1998 and June 28, 1997:
 


                                                                        FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997
                                                                        -----------    -----------
                                                                                 
Liabilities:
     Depreciation....................................................    $ (44,611)     $ (49,357)
     Non-compete agreements..........................................         (333)          (462)
     Other receivables...............................................           (4)          (538)
     Prepaid manufacturing...........................................       (3,270)        (3,215)
     Accounts receivable.............................................         (197)             0
     Other...........................................................            0           (215)
                                                                        -----------    -----------
                                                                           (48,415)       (53,787)
                                                                        -----------    -----------
Assets:
     Inventory.......................................................        2,089          2,322
     Accounts receivable.............................................            0            377
     Capital and operating loss carryforwards........................        6,573          6,147
     Accrued employee benefits.......................................        3,594          3,431
     Insurance accruals..............................................        1,987          2,058
     Pension/OPEB accruals...........................................        6,928          7,128
     Restructuring reserves..........................................          321          1,332
     Promotional reserves............................................        1,648          1,592
     Other...........................................................        2,313          2,908
                                                                        -----------    -----------
                                                                            25,453         27,295
                                                                        -----------    -----------
     Net deferred liabilities........................................      (22,962)       (26,492)
     Valuation allowance.............................................       (5,550)        (6,212)
                                                                        -----------    -----------
                                                                         $ (28,512)     $ (32,704)
                                                                        -----------    -----------
                                                                        -----------    -----------

 
     During fiscal year 1998, the Company utilized $9.2 million of net operating
loss carryforwards ($3.2 million of tax). Additionally, approximately $11.0
million of net operating loss carryforwards ($3.9 million of tax) were
transferred from Pro-Fac. The benefits for these net operating losses had been
recorded in previous years.
 
     During fiscal year 1997, however, the Company disposed of its Finger Lakes
Packaging subsidiary, its New York canned vegetable operation, and a
distribution center in Georgia. During fiscal year 1998, a distribution center
in Michigan was also disposed of. As a result of these disposals, the Company
utilized $26.8 million of its capital loss carryforward. As the related
valuation allowance was established in conjunction with the acquisition of the
Company by Pro-Fac, the recognition of this capital loss carryforward reduced
goodwill. During fiscal year 1996, the Company sold the stock of its
wholly-owned subsidiary Curtice Burns Meat Snacks, Inc. Substantially all of the
assets of this subsidiary were previously sold. This sale and other sales
resulted in a capital loss of $40.4 million ($15.7 million of tax). As of the
date of sale, a full valuation allowance had been recorded against the capital
loss carryforward as it was more likely than not that a tax benefit would not be
realized. As of June 27, 1998, the Company has $13.6 million of a capital loss
carryforward available. The capital loss carryforward expires in 2001, and any
future recognition of this capital loss carryforward will also reduce goodwill.
 
     In January 1995, the Boards of Directors of Agrilink and Pro-Fac approved
appropriate amendments to the Bylaws of Agrilink to allow the Company to qualify
as a cooperative under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code. In August
1995, Agrilink and Pro-Fac received a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service approving the change in tax treatment effective for fiscal 1996.
Subsequent to this date, a consolidated return has been filed incorporating
Agrilink and Pro-Fac. Tax expense is allocated to Agrilink based on its
operations.
 
                                      F-17
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 7. PENSIONS, PROFIT SHARING, AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
 
PENSIONS
 
     The Company has primarily noncontributory defined benefit plans covering
most employees. The benefits for these plans are based primarily on years of
service and employees' pay near retirement. The Company's funding policy is
consistent with the funding requirements of Federal law and regulations. Plan
assets consist principally of common stocks, corporate bonds and US government
obligations.
 
     The Company also participates in several union sponsored pension plans. It
is not possible to determine the Company's relative share of the accumulated
benefit obligations or net assets for these plans.
 
     Pension cost for fiscal years ended 1998, 1997, and 1996 includes the
following components:
 


                                                                                 PENSION BENEFITS
                                                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                                     FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                          
Change in benefit obligation:
     Benefit obligation at beginning of period....................    $  86,775      $  87,674      $  80,752
     Service cost.................................................        2,796          2,915          3,162
     Interest cost................................................        6,776          6,637          6,703
     Plan participants' contributions.............................          168            279            213
     Amendments...................................................           74              0           (265)
     Actuarial loss/(gain)........................................       14,193         (2,171)         2,786
     Benefits paid................................................       (8,295)        (8,559)        (5,677)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
          Benefit obligation at end of period.....................      102,487         86,775         87,674
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
Change in plan assets:
     Fair value of assets at beginning of period..................       88,979         89,716         74,897
     Actual return on Plan assets.................................       25,129          4,884         19,430
     Employer contribution........................................          257          2,659            853
     Plan participants' contributions.............................          168            279            213
     Benefits paid................................................       (8,295)        (8,559)        (5,677)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
          Fair value of assets at end of period...................      106,238         88,979         89,716
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
Plan funded status................................................        3,751          2,204          2,042
     Unrecognized prior service cost..............................         (147)          (243)          (265)
     Unrecognized net transition asset or obligation..............            0              0              0
     Unrecognized actuarial loss/(gain)...........................      (17,057)       (15,421)       (18,115)
     Union plans..................................................         (106)          (122)          (293)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
          (Accrued benefit liability) prior to additional minimum
            liability.............................................      (13,559)       (13,582)       (16,631)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist
  of:
     Prepaid benefit cost (accrued benefit liability).............      (14,167)       (13,997)       (16,835)
     Accumulated other comprehensive income.......................          608            415            204
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
          Net amount recognized...................................    $ (13,559)     $ (13,582)     $ (16,631)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

 
                                                  (table continued on next page)
 
                                      F-18
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(table continued from previous page)
 


                                                                                 PENSION BENEFITS
                                                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                                     FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                          
Weighted-average assumptions:
     Discount rate................................................          7.0%           8.0%          7.75%
     Expected return on plan assets...............................         10.0%          10.0%          10.0%
     Rate of compensation increase................................          4.5%           4.5%           4.5%
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
     Service cost.................................................    $   2,796      $   2,915      $   3,162
     Interest cost................................................        6,776          6,637          6,703
     Expected return on plan assets...............................       (8,708)        (8,947)        (7,307)
     Amortization of prior service cost...........................          (22)           (22)             0
     Amortization of (gain)/loss..................................         (593)          (802)           (64)
     Union costs..................................................           88             70            205
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
     Net periodic cost/(benefit)..................................    $     337      $    (149)     $   2,699
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

 
     The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair
value of plan assets for the two non-qualified retirement plans with accumulated
benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were:


                                                 SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE
                                                     RETIREMENT PLAN
                                        -----------------------------------------
                                        FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
                                                             
Projected benefit obligation..........    $ 1,939        $ 1,843        $ 1,913
Accumulated benefit obligation........      1,939          1,843          1,913
Plan assets...........................          0              0              0
 

                                                     EXCESS BENEFIT
                                                    RETIREMENT PLAN
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         FISCAL 1998   FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                         -----------   -----------    -----------
                                                            
Projected benefit obligation..........   $   850        $ 652          $ 453
Accumulated benefit obligation........       651          575            315
Plan assets...........................         0            0              0

 
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
 
     Generally, other than pensions, the Company does not pay retirees' benefit
costs. Isolated exceptions exist, which have evolved from union negotiations,
early retirement incentives and existing retiree commitments from acquired
companies.
 
     The Company has not prefunded any of its retiree medical or life insurance
liabilities. Consequently there are no plan assets held in a trust, and there is
no expected long-term rate of return assumption for purposes of determining the
annual expense.
 
     The plan's funded status was as follows:
 


                                                                                  OTHER BENEFITS
                                                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                                     FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                          
Change in benefit obligation:
     Benefit obligation at beginning of period....................     $ 2,604        $ 2,695        $ 2,743
     Service cost.................................................           6              8             23
     Interest cost................................................         198            199            222
     Actuarial loss/(gain)........................................         322             49           (168)
     Benefits paid................................................        (372)          (347)          (125)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
          Benefit obligation at end of period.....................       2,758          2,604          2,695
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

 
                                                  (table continued on next page)
 
                                      F-19
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(table continued from previous page)
 


                                                                                  OTHER BENEFITS
                                                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                                     FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                          
Change in plan assets:
     Fair value of assets at beginning of period..................           0              0              0
     Employer contribution........................................         372            347            125
     Benefits paid................................................        (372)          (347)          (125)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
          Fair value of assets at end of period...................           0              0              0
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
Plan funded status................................................      (2,758)        (2,604)        (2,695)
     Unrecognized actuarial gain..................................         (46)          (378)          (443)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
          Accrued benefit liability prior to additional minimum
            liability.............................................      (2,804)        (2,982)        (3,138)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist
  of:
     Accrued benefit liability....................................      (2,804)        (2,982)        (3,138)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
          Net amount recognized...................................     $(2,804)       $(2,982)       $(3,138)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
Weighted-average assumptions:
     Discount rate................................................         7.0%           8.0%          7.75%
     Expected return on plan assets...............................         N/A            N/A            N/A
     Rate of compensation increase................................         N/A            N/A            N/A
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
     Service cost.................................................     $     6        $     8        $    23
     Interest cost................................................         198            199            222
     Amortization of (gain)/loss..................................         (10)           (15)             0
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
     Net periodic benefit cost....................................     $   194        $   192        $   245
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

 
     For measurement purposes, a 9.5 percent rate of increase in the per capita
cost covered health care benefits was assumed for fiscal 1998. The rate was
assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0 percent for 2007 and remain at that level
thereafter.
 
     The Company sponsors benefit plans that provide postretirement medical and
life insurance benefits for certain current and former employees. For the most
part, current employees are not eligible for the postretirement medical
coverage. As such, the assumed health care trend rates have an insignificant
effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement benefits plan.
One-percentage point change in the assumed health care trend rates would have
the following effect:
 


                                                                            1-PERCENTAGE      1-PERCENTAGE
                                                                           POINT INCREASE    POINT DECREASE
                                                                           --------------    --------------
                                                                                       
Effect on total of service and interest cost components.................      $  7,361         $   (7,435)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation.............................      $113,206         $ (108,742)

 
PROFIT SHARING/401(k)
 
     Under the prior Deferred Profit Sharing Plan and the Non-Qualified Profit
Sharing Plan, the Company allocated to all salaried exempt employees a
percentage of its earnings in excess of 5.0 percent of the combined long-term
debt and equity (as defined) of Pro-Fac and the Company.
 
     Under the Retirement Savings and Incentive Plan ('RSIP' or the 'Plan'), the
Company makes an incentive contribution to the Plan if certain pre-established
earnings goals are achieved. The maximum incentive contribution is 3 percent of
base salary earned during the fiscal year. In addition, the Company contributes
401(k) matching contributions to the Plan for the benefit of employees who elect
to defer a
 
                                      F-20
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
portion of their salary into the plan. During fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 the
Company allocated $475,000, $500,000 and $400,000, respectively, in the form of
matching contributions and $400,000, $400,000 and $211,000, respectively, in the
form of incentive contributions for the benefit of its employees.
 
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
 
     On June 24, 1996, the Company introduced a long-term incentive program, the
Agrilink Foods Equity Value Plan, which provides performance units to a select
group of management. The future value of the performance units is determined by
the Company's performance on earnings and debt repayment. The performance units
vest 25 percent each year after the first anniversary of the grant, becoming 100
percent vested on the fourth anniversary of grant. One-third of the appreciated
value of units in excess of the initial grant price is paid as cash compensation
over the subsequent three years. The final value of the performance units is
determined on the fourth anniversary of grant. The total units granted were
278,357 at $21.88 per unit in June 1998, 176,278 at $25.04 per unit, and 7,996
at $13.38 per unit in June 1997, and 248,511 at $13.38 per unit in June 1996.
Units forfeited during the year included 27,251 at $13.38 and 19,978 at $25.04.
During fiscal 1997, approximately $1.5 million was allocated to this plan.
 
     The value of the grants from the Agrilink Foods Equity Value Plan will be
based on the Company's future earnings and debt repayment.
 
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
     During fiscal 1996 the Company introduced an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
which affords employees the opportunity to purchase semi-annually, in cash or
via payroll deduction, shares of Class B Cumulative Pro-Fac Preferred Stock to a
maximum value of 5 percent of salary. The purchase price of such shares is par
value, $10 per share. During fiscal 1998, 1997, and 1996, 27,043, 31,435 and
33,364 shares, respectively, were held by employees, and 580 shares were
subscribed to as of June 27, 1998.
 
NOTE 8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND OTHER MATTERS
 
DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
 
     On July 27, 1998, the Company announced that it had reached a definitive
agreement with Dean Foods Company ('Dean') of Franklin Park, Illinois, to
acquire Dean's vegetable operations which include the nationally known Birds Eye
brand and Dean's Freshlike and VegAll brands. The Dean Foods Vegetable Company
('DFVC') reported net sales of $620.2 million (on a basis consistent with that
reported by Agrilink) and operating earnings of $38.7 million. DFVC employs
approximately 2,000 full-time employees in 13 plants, located in California,
Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. The acquisition is expected to close
in September 1998 and will be accounted for as a purchase.
 
SEYFERT FOODS, INC.
 
     On May 6, 1998, the Company and Heath Investment Capital, Inc., announced
that they were unable to reach a definitive agreement regarding the Company's
effort to acquire the assets of Seyfert Foods, Inc. of Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
 
J.A. HOPAY DISTRIBUTING CO., INC.
 
     Effective July 21, 1998, the Company acquired J.A. Hopay Distributing Co.,
Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hopay distributes snack products for Snyder of
Berlin. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price was
approximately $3.1 million.
 
                                      F-21
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The Company is party to various litigation and claims arising in the
ordinary course of business. Management and legal counsel for the Company are of
the opinion that none of these legal actions will have a material effect on the
financial position of the Company.
 
COMMITMENTS
 
     The Company's Curtice Burns Foods business unit has guaranteed an
approximate $1.4 million loan for the City of Montezuma to renovate a sewage
treatment plant operated in Montezuma on behalf of the City.
 
                                      F-22









                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                 UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 


                                                                                              QUARTER ENDED
                                                                                      ------------------------------
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 26,    SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                                                          1998             1997
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                 
Net sales..........................................................................     $ 182,579        $ 176,397
Cost of sales......................................................................      (135,882)        (130,748)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Gross profit.......................................................................        46,697           45,649
Selling, administrative and general expenses.......................................       (34,867)         (32,954)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company..............................................           636              164
Gain on sale of aseptic operations.................................................        64,202                0
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Operating income before dividing with Pro-Fac......................................        76,668           12,859
Interest expense...................................................................        (8,336)          (7,638)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Pretax income before dividing with Pro-Fac and before extraordinary item...........        68,332            5,221
Pro-Fac share of income before extraordinary item..................................        (5,658)          (2,611)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Income before taxes and before extraordinary item..................................        62,674            2,610
Tax provision......................................................................       (24,334)          (1,193)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Income before extraordinary item...................................................        38,340            1,417
Extraordinary item relating to the early extinguishment of debt (net of income
  taxes and after dividing with Pro-Fac)...........................................       (16,366)               0
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Net Income.........................................................................     $  21,974        $   1,417
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                      -------------    -------------

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated
financial statements.
 
                                      F-23
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                      UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 


                                                                         SEPTEMBER 26,    JUNE 27,    SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                                             1998           1998          1997
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
                                                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                             
                                ASSETS
Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents........................................    $     9,057     $  5,046      $   3,995
     Accounts receivable trade, net...................................         98,911       55,046         65,053
     Accounts receivable, other.......................................         11,053        3,575          3,863
     Current deferred tax asset.......................................         13,129        4,642          8,198
     Inventories --
          Finished goods..............................................        349,451      111,153        140,056
          Raw materials and supplies..................................         45,829       30,433         25,413
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
               Total inventories......................................        395,280      141,586        165,469
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
     Current investment in CoBank.....................................          1,330        1,994            631
     Prepaid manufacturing expense....................................             98        8,404             84
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets........................         17,288       12,989          8,464
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
          Total current assets........................................        546,146      233,282        255,757
Investment in CoBank..................................................         22,377       22,377         24,320
Investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company...............................          7,223        6,584          6,585
Property, plant and equipment, net....................................        317,025      194,615        209,216
Assets held for sale at net realizable value..........................          2,711        2,662          3,259
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net.............................        327,650       94,744         95,503
Other assets..........................................................         24,418       12,175          7,507
Note receivable due from Pro-Fac......................................          9,400            0              0
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
               Total assets...........................................    $ 1,256,950     $566,439      $ 602,147
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
 
                 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
     Notes payable....................................................    $    94,000     $      0      $  64,000
     Current portion of obligations under capital leases..............            256          256            558
     Current portion of long-term debt................................          1,023        8,071          8,073
     Accounts payable.................................................         84,493       70,125         38,931
     Income taxes payable.............................................         12,420        3,943          4,234
     Accrued interest.................................................            690        8,559          3,960
     Accrued employee compensation....................................         14,329        8,598          7,981
     Other accrued expenses...........................................         89,746       19,013         21,681
Current liability due to Pro-Fac......................................         27,254        6,642          9,659
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
               Total current liabilities..............................        324,211      125,207        159,077
Obligations under capital leases......................................            503          503            817
Long-term debt........................................................        463,700       69,937         70,528
Senior subordinated notes.............................................             15      160,000        160,000
Subordinated bridge facility..........................................        200,000            0              0
Subordinated promissory note..........................................         30,000            0              0
Deferred income tax liabilities.......................................         35,341       33,154         40,902
Other non-current liabilities.........................................         26,626       23,053         22,967
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
               Total liabilities......................................      1,080,396      411,854        454,291
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder's Equity:
     Common stock, par value $.01;
       10,000 shares outstanding, owned by Pro-Fac....................              0            0              0
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
     Minimum pension liability adjustment.............................           (608)        (608)             0
     Cumulative foreign currency adjustment...........................             (5)           0              0
Additional paid-in capital............................................        167,071      167,071        158,317
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)...............................         10,096      (11,878)       (10,461)
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
               Total shareholder's equity.............................        176,554      154,585        147,856
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
               Total liabilities and shareholder's equity.............    $ 1,256,950     $566,439      $ 602,147
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------
                                                                         -------------    --------    -------------

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated
financial statements.
 
                                      F-24
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                 UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 


                                                                                              QUARTER ENDED
                                                                                      ------------------------------
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 26,    SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                                                          1998             1997
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
     Net income....................................................................     $  21,974         $ 1,417
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating
      activities --
          Gain on the sale of the aseptic operation................................       (64,202)              0
          Extraordinary item relating to the early extinguishment of debt..........        16,366               0
          Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles...........................           926             990
          Amortization of debt issue costs.........................................           200             199
          Depreciation.............................................................         4,385           4,597
          Equity in undistributed earnings of Great Lakes Kraut Company............          (636)           (164)
          Change in assets and liabilities:
               Accounts receivable.................................................       (22,222)        (17,442)
               Inventories.........................................................       (72,038)        (52,739)
               Income taxes payable................................................        18,940            (918)
               Accounts payable and other accrued expenses.........................       (23,305)         (9,994)
               Due to Pro-Fac......................................................        12,870           5,347
               Other assets and liabilities........................................           (26)         (2,291)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Net cash used in operating activities..............................................      (106,768)        (70,998)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
     Purchase of property, plant and equipment.....................................        (4,094)         (3,231)
     Proceeds from disposals.......................................................        83,000             375
     Proceeds from investment in CoBank............................................           664             316
     Cash paid for acquisitions....................................................      (445,918)              0
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Net cash used in investing activities..............................................      (366,348)         (2,540)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
     Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt.....................................       177,000          64,000
     Payments on short-term debt...................................................       (83,000)              0
     Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt......................................       677,100           9,000
     Proceeds from Great Lakes Kraut Company.......................................             0           3,000
     Payments on long-term debt....................................................      (276,450)         (1,303)
     Cash paid for debt issuance costs.............................................       (17,523)              0
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Net cash provided by financing activities..........................................       477,127          74,697
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents............................................         4,011           1,159
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period...................................         5,046           2,836
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.........................................     $   9,057         $ 3,995
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                      -------------    -------------

 
                                                  (table continued on next page)
 
                                      F-25
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
         UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(table continued from previous page)
 


                                                                                              QUARTER ENDED
                                                                                      ------------------------------
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 26,    SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                                                          1998             1997
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
     Acquisition of Dean Foods Vegetable Company
          Accounts receivable......................................................     $  28,701
          Inventories..............................................................       191,619
          Prepaid expenses and other current assets................................         2,871
          Current deferred tax asset...............................................         6,300
          Property, plant and equipment............................................       131,648
          Goodwill and other intangible assets.....................................       230,609
          Accounts payable.........................................................       (37,802)
          Accrued employee compensation............................................        (8,437)
          Other accrued expenses...................................................       (66,748)
          Long-term debt...........................................................        (2,752)
          Subordinated promissory note.............................................       (30,000)
          Other assets and liabilities, net........................................        (2,404)
                                                                                      -------------
                                                                                        $ 443,605
                                                                                      -------------
                                                                                      -------------
Acquisition of J.A. Hopay Distributing Co., Inc.:
     Accounts receivable...........................................................     $     420
     Inventories...................................................................           153
     Property, plant and equipment.................................................            51
     Goodwill and other intangible assets..........................................         3,303
     Other accrued expenses........................................................          (251)
     Obligation for covenant not to compete........................................        (1,363)
                                                                                      -------------
                                                                                        $   2,313
                                                                                      -------------
                                                                                      -------------
Investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company:
     Inventories...................................................................                       $ 2,175
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets.....................................                           409
     Property, plant and equipment.................................................                         6,966
     Other accrued expenses........................................................                           (62)
                                                                                                       -------------
                                                                                                          $ 9,488
                                                                                                       -------------
                                                                                                       -------------

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated
financial statements.
 
                                      F-26









                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
              NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and in the
opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of
operations for these periods. Agrilink Foods, Inc. ('Agrilink' or the 'Company')
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. ('Pro-Fac' or the
'Cooperative'). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the financial statements and accompanying notes contained in the Company's
audited financial statements beginning on page F-2.
 
CONSOLIDATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its wholly
owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany transactions and balances.
Investments in affiliates, owned more than 20 percent but not in excess of 50
percent, are recorded under the equity method of accounting.
 
RECLASSIFICATION
 
     Certain items for fiscal 1998 have been reclassified to conform with the
current presentation.
 
ADOPTION OF SFAS NO. 130
 
     Effective June 28, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, 'Reporting Comprehensive Income.'
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business during a
period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner
sources. Under SFAS No. 130, the term 'comprehensive income' is used to describe
the total of net earnings plus other comprehensive income which for the Company
includes foreign currency translation adjustments and minimum pension liability
adjustments. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 did not have a material effect on the
Company's results of operations or financial position.
 
ADOPTION OF SFAS NO. 131
 
     Effective June 28, 1998 the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, 'Disclosures
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.' SFAS No. 131
supersedes SFAS No. 14, 'Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business
Enterprise,' replacing the 'industry segment' approach with the 'management'
approach. The management approach designates the internal organization that is
used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as
the source of the Company's reportable segments. SFAS No. 131 also requires
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers.
The adoption of SFAS No. 131 did not affect the Company's results of operations
or financial position.
 
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The Company does not engage in interest rate speculation. Derivative
financial instruments are utilized to hedge interest rate risks and are not held
for trading purposes.
 
     The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to limit exposure to
interest rate movements. Net payments or receipts are accrued into prepaid
expenses and other current assets and/or other accrued expenses and are recorded
as adjustments to interest expense. Interest rate instruments are entered into
for periods no greater than the life of the underlying transaction being hedged.
Management anticipates that all interest rate derivatives will be held to
maturity. Any gains or losses on prematurely terminated interest rate
derivatives will be recognized over the remaining life, if any, of the
underlying transaction as an adjustment to interest expense.
 
                                      F-27
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2. ACQUISITION OF DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
 
     On September 24, 1998, Agrilink acquired the Dean Foods Vegetable Company
('DFVC'), the frozen and canned vegetable business of Dean Foods Company ('Dean
Foods'), by acquiring all the outstanding capital stock of Dean Foods Vegetable
Company and Birds Eye de Mexico SA de CV (the 'Acquisition'). In connection with
the Acquisition, Agrilink sold its aseptic business to Dean Foods. Agrilink paid
$360 million in cash, net of the sale of the Aseptic Business, and issued to
Dean Foods a $30 million unsecured subordinated promissory note due November 22,
2008 (the 'Subordinated Promissory Note'), as consideration for the Acquisition.
The Company has the right, exercisable until July 15, 1999, to require Dean
Foods, jointly with the Company, to treat the Acquisition as an asset sale for
tax purposes under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code. In order to
exercise that election, the Company will pay $13.2 million to Dean Foods. The
Company intends to exercise that election.
 
     After the Acquisition, DFVC was merged into the Company, and Dean Foods
Vegetable Company became a business unit of the Company known as Agrilink Foods
Vegetable Company ('AFVC'). DFVC has been one of the leading processors of
vegetables in the United States, selling its products under well-known brand
names, such as Birds Eye, Freshlike and Veg-All, and private labels. The Company
believes that the Acquisition strengthens its competitive position by: (i)
enhancing its brand recognition and market position, (ii) providing
opportunities for cost savings and operating efficiencies and (iii) increasing
its product and geographic diversification.
 
     The Acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
Under purchase accounting, tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired
and liabilities assumed will be recorded at their respective fair values. The
valuations and other studies which will provide the basis for such an allocation
have not progressed to a stage where there is sufficient information to make a
final allocation in the accompanying financial statements. Accordingly, the
purchase accounting adjustments made in the accompanying financial statements
are preliminary. Once an allocation is determined, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, any remaining excess of purchase cost over net
assets acquired will be adjusted through goodwill.
 
     Due to insignificance, the results of operations of AFVC for the period
September 24 through 26, 1998 have not been included in the Company's
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended September 26,
1998.
 
     Concurrently with the Acquisition, Agrilink refinanced its existing
indebtedness (the 'Refinancing'), including its 12.25 percent Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the 'Old Notes') and its then existing bank debt.
On August 24, 1998, Agrilink commenced a tender offer (the 'Tender Offer') for
all the Old Notes and consent solicitation to certain amendments under the
indenture governing the Old Notes to eliminate substantially all the restrictive
covenants and certain events of default therein. Substantially all of the $160.0
million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes were tendered and purchased
by Agrilink for aggregate consideration of approximately $184 million, including
accrued interest of $2.9 million. Agrilink also terminated its existing bank
facility (including seasonal borrowings) and repaid the $176.5 million,
excluding interest owed and breakage fees outstanding thereunder.
 
     In order to consummate the Acquisition and the Refinancing and to pay the
related fees and expenses, Agrilink: (i) entered into a new credit facility (the
'New Credit Facility') providing for $455.0 million of term loan borrowings (the
'Term Loan Facility') and up to $200.0 million of revolving credit borrowings
(the 'Revolving Credit Facility'), (ii) entered into a $200.0 million bridge
loan facility (the 'Bridge Facility') and (iii) issued a $30.0 million
Subordinated Promissory Note to Dean Foods. The Bridge Facility will be repaid
principally with the proceeds from a new long-term take-out financing. The
Bridge Facility was provided by Warburg Dillon Read LLC, as Arranger and
Syndication Agent; and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as Administrative Agent; and the
Bank of Montreal and Harris Trust and Savings Bank as additional lenders.
 
                                      F-28
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 3. AGREEMENTS WITH PRO-FAC
 
     The Company's contractual relationship with Pro-Fac is defined in the
Pro-Fac Marketing and Facilitation Agreement ('Agreement'). Under the Agreement,
the Company pays Pro-Fac the commercial market value ('CMV') for all crops
supplied by Pro-Fac. CMV is defined as the weighted average price paid by other
commercial processors for similar crops sold under preseason contracts and in
the open market in the same or competing market area. Although CMV is intended
to be no more than the fair market value of the crops purchased by Agrilink, it
may be more or less than the price Agrilink would pay in the open market in the
absence of the Agreement.
 
     Under the Agreement, the Company is required to have on its board of
directors some persons who are neither members of nor affiliated with Pro-Fac
('Disinterested Directors'). The number of Disinterested Directors must at least
equal the number of directors who are members of Pro-Fac. The volume and type of
crops to be purchased by Agrilink under the Agreement are determined pursuant to
its annual profit plan, which requires the approval of a majority of the
Disinterested Directors. In addition, under the Agreement, in any year in which
the Company has earnings on products which were processed from crops supplied by
Pro-Fac ('Pro-Fac Products'), the Company pays to Pro-Fac, as additional
patronage income, 90 percent of such earnings, but in no case more than 50
percent of all pretax earnings (before dividing with Pro-Fac) of the Company. In
years in which the Company has losses on Pro-Fac Products, the Company reduces
the CMV it would otherwise pay to Pro-Fac by up to 90 percent of such losses,
but in no case by more than 50 percent of all pretax losses (before dividing
with Pro-Fac) of the Company. Additional patronage income is paid to Pro-Fac for
services provided to Agrilink, including the provision of a long term, stable
crop supply, favorable payment terms for crops, and the sharing of risks of
losses of certain operations of the business. Earnings and losses are determined
at the end of the fiscal year, but are accrued on an estimated basis during the
year. Under the Agreement, Pro-Fac is required to reinvest at least 70 percent
of the additional Patronage income in Agrilink.
 
     Amounts received by Pro-Fac from Agrilink for the quarters ended September
26, 1998 and September 27, 1997 include: commercial market value of crops
delivered, $44.3 and $40.6 million, respectively; and additional proceeds from
profit/(loss) sharing provisions, $4.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
 
     In the first quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company reclassified a $9.4
million demand receivable due from Pro-Fac reflecting the conversion of such
receivable to a non-interest bearing long-term obligation due from Pro-Fac
having a 10-year maturity.
 
NOTE 4. DEBT
 
NEW CREDIT FACILITY
 
     In connection with the Acquisition, the Company has entered into the New
Credit Facility with Harris Bank as Administrative Agent and Bank of Montreal as
Syndication Agent, and the lenders thereunder. The Credit Facility consists of
the $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility and the $455.0 million Term Loan
Facility. The Term Loan Facility is comprised of the Term A Facility, which has
a maturity of five years, the Term B Facility, which has a maturity of six
years, and the Term C Facility, which has a maturity of seven years. The
Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity of five years.
 
     The New Credit Facility bears interest, at the Company's option, at the
Administrative Agent's alternate base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate
('LIBOR') plus, in each case, applicable margins of: (i) in the case of
alternate base rate loans, (x) 1.00 percent for loans under the Revolving Credit
Facility and the Term A Facility, (y) 2.75 percent for loans under the Term B
Facility and (z) 3.00 percent for loans under the Term C Facility and (ii) in
the case of LIBOR loans, (x) 2.75 percent for loans under the Revolving Credit
Facility and the Term A Facility, (y) 3.75 percent for loans under the Term B
Facility and (z) 4.00 percent for loans under the Term C Facility. The
Administrative Agent's
 
                                      F-29
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
'alternate base rate' is defined as the greater of: (i) the prime commercial
rate as announced by the Administrative Agent or (ii) the Federal Funds rate
plus 0.50 percent. In addition, the Company will pay a commitment fee calculated
at a rate of 0.50 percent per annum on the daily average unused commitment under
the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
     Beginning with the reporting period ending March 31, 1999, the applicable
margins for the New Credit Facility will be subject to possible reductions based
on the ratio of consolidated debt to earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization ('EBITDA') (each as defined in the New Credit
Facility).
 
     Upon consummation of the Acquisition, the Company drew $455.0 million under
the Term Loan Facility, consisting of $100 million, $175 million and $180
million of loans under the Term A Facility, Term B Facility and Term C Facility,
respectively. Additionally, the Company drew $93.0 million under the Revolving
Credit Facility for seasonal working capital needs and $14.3 million under the
Revolving Credit Facility was issued for letters of credit. During December
1998, the Company's primary lender exercised its right under the New Credit
Facility to transfer $50.0 million from the Term A Facility to the Term B and
Term C Facilities in increments of $25.0 million.
 
     The Term Loan Facility will be subject to the following amortization
schedule.
 


    FISCAL YEAR        TERM LOAN A         TERM LOAN B         TERM LOAN C    TOTAL
- --------------------   -----------         -----------         -----------    ------
                                      (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                  
1999................      $ 0.0              $   0.2             $   0.2      $  0.4
2000................        7.5                  0.4                 0.4         8.3
2001................       10.0                  0.4                 0.4        10.8
2002................       10.0                  0.4                 0.4        10.8
2003................       10.0                  0.4                 0.4        10.8
2004................       12.5                  0.4                 0.4        13.3
2005................        0.0                197.8                 0.4       198.2
2006................        0.0                  0.0               202.4       202.4
                       -----------           -------           -----------    ------
                          $50.0              $ 200.0             $ 205.0      $455.0
                       -----------           -------           -----------    ------
                       -----------           -------           -----------    ------

 
     The Term Loan Facility is subject to mandatory prepayment under various
scenarios as defined in the New Credit Facility.
 
     The Company's obligations under the New Credit Facility are secured by a
first-priority lien on: (i) substantially all existing or after-acquired assets,
tangible or intangible, (ii) the capital stock of certain of Pro-Fac's current
and future subsidiaries, and (iii) all of the Company's rights (principally
indemnification rights) under the agreement to acquire DFVC and the Pro-Fac
Marketing and Facilitation Agreement. The Company's obligations under the New
Credit Facility are guaranteed by Pro-Fac and certain of the Company's current
and future subsidiaries, if any.
 
     The New Credit Facility contains customary covenants and restrictions on
the Company's ability to engage in certain activities, including, but not
limited to: (i) limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, (ii)
limitations on sale-leaseback transactions, consolidations, mergers, sale of
assets, transactions with affiliates and investments and (iii) limitations on
dividend and other distributions. The New Credit Facility also contains
financial covenants requiring Pro-Fac to maintain a minimum level of EBITDA, a
minimum interest coverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a
maximum leverage ratio and a minimum level of net worth. The Company is in
compliance with all covenants, restrictions and requirements under the terms of
the New Credit Facility.
 
INTEREST RATE PROTECTION AGREEMENTS
 
     The Company has entered into a three-year interest rate swap agreement with
the Bank of Montreal in the notional amount of $150 million. The swap agreement
provides for an interest rate of
 
                                      F-30
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
4.96 percent over the term of the swap payable by the Company in exchange for
payments at the published three-month LIBOR. In addition, the Company entered
into a separate interest rate swap agreement with the Bank of Montreal in the
notional amount of $100 million for an initial period of three years, which may
be extended, at the Company's option, for an additional two-year period. This
swap agreement provides for an interest rate of 5.32 percent over the term of
the swap, including the two-year extension period if the Company elects to
extend, payable by the Company in exchange for payments at the published
three-month LIBOR. The Company entered into these agreements in order to manage
its interest rate risk by exchanging its floating rate interest payments for
fixed rate interest payments.
 
SUBORDINATED BRIDGE FACILITY
 
     To complete the Acquisition, the Company also entered into a Subordinated
Bridge Facility (the 'Bridge Facility'). The Bridge Facility was provided by
Warburg Dillon Read LLC, as Arranger and Syndication Agent; and UBS AG, Stamford
Branch, as Administrative Agent; and the Bank of Montreal and Harris Trust and
Savings Bank as additional lenders. The interest rate under the Bridge Facility
resets monthly on the basis of LIBOR plus a spread of 5 percent for the first
90 days, which spread increases by an additional 1 percent each subsequent
90-day period. In no event will the interest rate exceed 16 percent per annum.
The Company anticipates that the Bridge Facility will be repaid principally with
the proceeds of a new long-term take-out financing. Should the Company be unable
to complete its long-term take-out financing, the Bridge Facility, if not repaid
within one year, may thereafter be converted to permanent financing with
consistent interest rates and a maturity of September, 2006.
 
SUBORDINATED PROMISSORY NOTE
 
     As partial consideration for the Acquisition, the Company issued to Dean
Foods a Subordinated Promissory Note for $30 million aggregate principal amount
due November 22, 2008. Interest on the Subordinated Promissory Note is payable
quarterly in arrears commencing December 31, 1998, at a rate per annum of 5
percent until November 22, 2003, and at a rate of 10 percent thereafter.
Interest accruing through November 22, 2003 is required to be paid in kind
through the issuance by the Company of additional subordinated promissory notes
identical to the Subordinated Promissory Note. Interest accruing after November
22, 2003 is payable in cash. The Subordinated Promissory Note may be prepaid at
the Company's option without premium or penalty.
 
     The Subordinated Promissory Note is expressly subordinate to the
Subordinated Bridge Facility, any long-term take-out financing, and the New
Credit Facility and contains no financial covenants. The Subordinated Promissory
Note is guaranteed by Pro-Fac.
 
12 1/4 PERCENT SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES (DUE 2005)
 
     In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Company repurchased $159,985,000
principal amount of its Old Notes, of which $160 million aggregate principal
amount was previously outstanding. The Company paid a total of approximately
$184 million to repurchase the Old Notes, including interest accrued thereon of
$2.9 million. Holders who tendered consented to certain amendments to the
indenture relating to the Old Notes, which eliminated or amended substantially
all the restrictive covenants and certain events of default contained in such
indenture. The Company may repurchase the remaining Old Notes in the future in
open market transactions, privately negotiated purchases or otherwise.
 
                                      F-31
 




                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5. OTHER MATTERS
 
J.A. HOPAY DISTRIBUTING CO., INC.
 
     Effective July 21, 1998, the Company acquired J.A. Hopay Distributing Co.,
Inc. ('Hopay') of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hopay distributes snack products for
Snyder of Berlin, one of the Company's business units within its Snack Foods
Group. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price (net
of liabilities assumed) was approximately $2.3 million. Intangibles of
approximately $3.3 million were recorded in conjunction with this transaction
and are being amortized over 30 years.
 
FORMATION OF NEW SAUERKRAUT COMPANY
 
     Effective July 1, 1997, the Company and Flanagan Brothers, Inc. of Bear
Creek, Wisconsin, contributed all their sauerkraut production related assets to
form a new sauerkraut company. This new company, Great Lakes Kraut Company,
operates as a New York limited liability company, with ownership split equally
between the two companies. The joint venture is accounted for using the equity
method of accounting.
 
                                      F-32









                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
DEAN FOODS COMPANY
 
     In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of income and of cash flows present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Dean Foods Vegetable Company
and subsidiaries ('DFVC'), a division of Dean Foods Company ('DFC'), at May 31,
1998, May 25, 1997 and May 26, 1996, and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 1998,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Chicago, Illinois
 
August 31, 1998
 
                                      F-33
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 


                                                                                           YEAR ENDED
                                                                                --------------------------------
                                                                                MAY 31,     MAY 25,     MAY 26,
                                                                                  1998        1997        1996
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                               
Net sales (Note 2)...........................................................   $541,243    $549,286    $569,836
Operating costs and expenses:
     Cost of products sold (Note 2)..........................................    397,577     406,703     450,599
     Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 3)...................    106,256     108,809     114,606
     Special charge (Note 13)................................................      --          9,644      37,346
     Interest expense -- related parties (Note 3)............................      9,170      10,270      12,010
     Other, net..............................................................     (1,193)       (648)       (560)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                 511,810     534,778     614,001
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Net income (loss) before income taxes........................................     29,433      14,508     (44,165)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (Notes 2 and 7).........................     11,773       5,803     (17,224)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Net income (loss)............................................................   $ 17,660    $  8,705    $(26,941)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                --------    --------    --------

 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-34
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 


                                                                                MAY 31,     MAY 25,     MAY 26,
                                                                                  1998        1997        1996
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                               
                                   ASSETS
Current assets:
     Cash (Note 2)...........................................................   $    301    $    235    $    227
     Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $500, $500
       and $510, respectively (Notes 2 and 3)................................     32,451      35,315      36,758
     Inventories (Notes 2 and 4).............................................    125,717     143,561     158,390
     Deferred tax assets (Notes 2 and 7).....................................     12,868      15,450      18,697
     Prepaid Slotting (Note 2)...............................................      5,092       3,677       3,576
     Other...................................................................      3,837       4,648       6,791
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
          Total current assets...............................................    180,266     202,886     224,439
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Property, plant and equipment, net (Notes 2 and 5)...........................    133,276     145,374     150,595
Other assets:
     Goodwill, net of amortization of $2,570, $1,978 and $1,397, respectively
       (Note 2)..............................................................     20,673      21,265      21,846
     Other intangible assets, net of amortization of $2,965, $2,293 and
       $1,634, respectively (Note 2).........................................     23,130      23,802      24,462
     Other...................................................................      2,400       2,844       3,971
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
          Total assets.......................................................   $359,745    $396,171    $425,313
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
 
                           LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable........................................................   $ 22,422    $ 28,432    $ 26,237
     Accounts payable to related parties (Note 3)............................     23,943      11,220      15,521
     Accrued liabilities (Notes 8 and 13)....................................     32,244      31,869      35,408
     Current portion of note payable to related parties (Note 3).............      5,370       5,056       8,633
     Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)..............................        503         712         692
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
          Total current liabilities..........................................     84,482      77,289      86,491
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Long-term liabilities:
     Long-term debt (Note 9).................................................      2,450       2,995       3,669
     Note payable to related parties (Note 3)................................      4,208       8,501      12,505
     Deferred income taxes (Notes 2 and 7)...................................     19,151      19,152      17,329
     Other...................................................................      3,257       2,824       2,664
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
          Total long-term liabilities........................................     29,066      33,472      36,167
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)......................................      --          --          --
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Equity:
     Investments by and advances from DFC (Note 3)...........................    246,197     285,410     302,655
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
          Total equity.......................................................    246,197     285,410     302,655
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
          Total liabilities and equity.......................................   $359,745    $396,171    $425,313
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                --------    --------    --------

 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-35
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 


                                                                                            YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 --------------------------------
                                                                                 MAY 31,     MAY 25,     MAY 26,
                                                                                   1998        1997        1996
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------
                                                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                
Cash flows from operations:
     Net income (loss)........................................................   $ 17,660    $  8,705    $(26,941)
     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided from
       operations:
          Depreciation and amortization.......................................     19,167      20,658      23,494
          Deferred income taxes...............................................      2,581       5,070     (13,211)
          Other current assets................................................     10,485       8,195       4,981
          Other long-term assets..............................................        444       1,127        (666)
          Special charge......................................................      --          9,644      37,346
          Other...............................................................      7,765       3,622      (6,287)
          Change in working capital items:
               Decrease in accounts receivable................................      2,864       1,443       6,807
               (Increase) decrease in inventories.............................     17,844      14,829      12,534
               Increase in other current assets...............................    (11,089)     (6,153)     (9,830)
               Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other accrued
                 expense......................................................      4,745     (17,890)     (2,647)
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------
          Net cash provided from operations...................................     72,466      49,250      25,580
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Capital expenditures.....................................................    (11,253)    (15,373)    (15,585)
     Proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and equipment..............        459         316         763
     Acquisitions, net of cash received.......................................      --          --        (21,748)
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------
          Net cash used in investing activities...............................    (10,794)    (15,057)    (36,570)
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Repayments of long-term debt.............................................       (754)       (654)       (636)
     Net repayments of notes payable to related parties.......................     (3,979)     (7,581)    (17,614)
     Increase (decrease) in advances from DFC (Note 3)........................    (56,873)    (25,950)     29,429
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------
          Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities...............    (61,606)    (34,185)     11,179
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------
Net increase in cash..........................................................         66           8         189
Cash, beginning of year.......................................................        235         227          38
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------
Cash, end of year.............................................................   $    301    $    235    $    227
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------
                                                                                 --------    --------    --------

 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-36









                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
     Dean Foods Vegetable Company and its subsidiaries ('DFVC') is a division of
Dean Foods Company ('DFC') and is principally engaged in the processing,
distribution and sales of frozen and canned vegetables in the United States. As
part of a reorganization of DFC in fiscal 1994, the vegetable businesses within
DFC were combined with the Birds Eye Frozen Vegetable business to form DFVC. The
Birds Eye Frozen Vegetable business was acquired from the All-American Gourmet
Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kraft General Foods, Inc., on December 27,
1993.
 
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the 'carve-out'
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of DFVC and its
majority owned subsidiaries for the periods presented. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The consolidated financial information included herein does not necessarily
reflect what the consolidated financial position and results of operations of
DFVC would have been had it operated as a stand alone entity during the periods
covered, and may not be indicative of future operations or financial position.
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
     DFVC's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in May. There were 53 weeks in
the fiscal year ended May 1998, whereas there were 52 weeks in fiscal 1997 and
1996.
 
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
 
     DFVC considers temporary cash investments with an original maturity of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
RECEIVABLES
 
     Accounts receivable are presented net of certain promotional and marketing
allowances.
 
INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for finished frozen and canned products
and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for all other inventories. The FIFO
method would approximate the actual cost. Market for raw materials is based on
replacement costs and for other inventory classifications on net realizable
value.
 
PREPAID SLOTTING
 
     Slotting allowances are capitalized and amortized over twelve months.
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Major renewals and
betterments are capitalized while repairs and maintenance which do not improve
or extend useful life are expensed currently. Upon sale, retirement, abandonment
or other disposition of property, the cost and related accumulated depreciation
are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in income.
 
                                      F-37
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
     For financial statement purposes, depreciation is calculated by the
straight-line method over the following useful lives: buildings and
improvements, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 3 to 12 years;
transportation equipment, 4 years. For income tax purposes, depreciation is
calculated using accelerated methods for certain assets.
 
     Certain land, buildings, and machinery and equipment having a net carrying
value of $6,796 were mortgaged or otherwise encumbered against related debt of
$503 at May 31, 1998.
 
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
     Excess of cost over fair market value of net identifiable assets of
acquired companies and other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line
basis over estimated useful lives not exceeding forty years.
 
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
 
     DFVC continually reviews intangible assets and property plant and equipment
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An estimate of the
undiscounted future cash flows or, in the case of goodwill, undiscounted
operating earnings, over the remaining life of the asset is compared to the
carrying amount to determine whether an impairment exists. DFVC believes that no
indicators of impairment of long-lived assets existed at May 31, 1998.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
     DFVC is included in the consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax
returns of DFC. The provision for income taxes has been determined as if DFVC
had filed separate tax returns under its existing structure for the periods
presented. Accordingly, the effective tax rate of DFVC in future years could
vary from its historical effective rates depending on DFVC's future legal
structure and tax elections. All income taxes are settled with DFC on a current
basis through the 'Investments by and advances from DFC' account.
 
     Provision has been made for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, 'Accounting for Income Taxes.'
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
     Revenues are recognized when products are shipped.
 
COST OF PRODUCTS SOLD
 
     Cost of products sold includes raw materials, labor and overhead.
 
ADVERTISING EXPENSES
 
     DFVC expenses all costs associated with advertising as incurred or when the
advertising takes place. Advertising expense was $13,918, $14,252 and $15,344
for the years ended 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The carrying amount of DFVC's financial instruments, which primarily
include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses,
approximates fair value due to the relatively short maturity of such
instruments.
 
                                      F-38
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
 
     Financing instruments, which potentially subject DFVC to significant
concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of trade accounts receivable.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are
limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many
geographic areas. DFVC had gross sales in excess of 10% to one customer in 1998
amounting to approximately $55,700.
 
NOTE 3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     DFC provides DFVC certain purchasing, credit, legal, accounting, treasury
and tax services. An allocation of the estimated costs, which in the opinion of
DFC management approximates actual costs, of these services is charged directly
to DFVC each month by DFC corporate using varying historical allocation bases.
The allocation process is consistent with the methodology used by DFC corporate
to allocate costs of similar services provided to its other business units. In
the opinion of management, these allocated costs are reasonable; however, the
terms of these transactions may differ from those that would result from
transactions among unrelated parties. The allocated costs of these services,
which aggregated $2,808, $2,648 and $2,743 for the fiscal years ended May 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively, were reflected in selling, general and
administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
 
     DFC maintains a transportation and distribution division that is used by
DFVC and other of DFC's divisions. DFVC is charged for shipments at estimated
standard carrier rates which may differ from prices that would result from
transactions among unrelated parties. The allocated costs for these services,
which aggregated $11,330, $8,950 and $9,307 for the fiscal years ended May 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively, were reflected in selling, general and
administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
 
     DFVC incurs an annual charge for interest expense from DFC based on a
formula which takes into consideration its percentage of certain assets and
liabilities in relation to the total for DFC of these assets and liabilities
(net invested capital). Management believes that the basis used for allocating
corporate interest is reasonable; however, the terms of these transactions may
differ from those that would result from transactions among unrelated parties.
Interest expense is reflected as a separate component in the accompanying
consolidated statements of income.
 
     DFC maintains a centralized cash management system and substantially all
cash receipts and disbursements are recorded at the corporate level. DFVC is
charged or credited for the net of cash receipts and disbursements each month.
 
     DFVC and DFC's other divisions engage in transactions with certain of the
same customers. In certain instances, due to the resulting collections from
these customers, related party receivables and payables arise. Related party
payables also arise from DFVC's relationship with DFC's transportation and
distribution division. Also, DFVC has related party notes payable to DFC. All of
these relationships are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheet.
 
     The aforementioned related party activity is primarily settled through the
Investments by and advancements from DFC account. The following table sets forth
the net activity in the Investments by and advances from DFC account for the
fiscal years ended May 1998, 1997 and 1996:
 


                                                                        1998        1997        1996
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
                                                                                     
Balance, beginning of year.........................................   $285,410    $302,655    $300,167
Net income (loss)..................................................     17,660       8,705     (26,941)
(Charges) advances from DFC, net...................................    (56,873)    (25,950)     29,429
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
Balance, end of year...............................................   $246,197    $285,410    $302,655
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
                                                                      --------    --------    --------

 
                                      F-39
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE 4. INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories at May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and May 26, 1996 consisted of the
following:
 


                                                                        1998        1997        1996
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
                                                                                     
Raw materials......................................................   $ 15,126    $ 16,167    $ 18,960
Work-in-process....................................................     31,518      43,520      50,986
Finished goods.....................................................     84,474      92,011      92,913
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
FIFO Inventory.....................................................    131,118     151,698     162,859
LIFO Reserve.......................................................     (5,401)     (8,137)     (4,469)
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
LIFO Inventory.....................................................   $125,717    $143,561    $158,390
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
                                                                      --------    --------    --------

 
     During fiscal 1998 and 1997, LIFO inventory quantities were reduced
resulting in a partial liquidation of the LIFO basis, the effect of which was
not significant.
 
NOTE 5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property, plant and equipment at May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and May 26,
1996 consisted of the following:
 


                                                                        1998        1997        1996
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
                                                                                     
Land...............................................................   $  8,114    $  8,574    $  8,444
Buildings and improvements.........................................     69,324      68,028      64,259
Machinery and equipment............................................    182,821     192,423     184,332
Transportation equipment...........................................      1,782       1,980       1,988
Construction in progress...........................................      5,416      11,047      10,589
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
                                                                       267,457     282,052     269,612
Less: Accumulated depreciation.....................................   (134,181)   (136,678)   (119,017)
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
                                                                      $133,276    $145,374    $150,595
                                                                      --------    --------    --------
                                                                      --------    --------    --------

 
NOTE 6. OPERATING LEASES
 
     DFVC leases manufacturing, warehouse and office facilities and certain
equipment. Future minimum lease payments required under leases having initial or
remaining noncancelable leases terms in excess of one year are set forth below.
Sublease rental income is not significant.
 


                                                                                      OPERATING
                                                                                       LEASES
                                                                                      ---------
                                                                                   
1999...............................................................................    $   948
2000...............................................................................        908
2001...............................................................................        829
2002...............................................................................        124
2003...............................................................................         45
Thereafter.........................................................................         52
                                                                                      ---------
Total minimum rentals..............................................................    $ 2,906
                                                                                      ---------
                                                                                      ---------

 
     Rental expense under all operating leases for the years ended 1998, 1997
and 1996 was $3,499, $3,602 and $4,263, respectively.
 
                                      F-40
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES
 
     The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the fiscal years ended May
1998, 1997 and 1996 was as follows:
 


                                                                           1998       1997       1996
                                                                          -------    ------    --------
                                                                                      
Current tax expense (benefit):
     Federal...........................................................   $ 7,583    $  605    $ (3,311)
     State.............................................................     1,609       128        (702)
                                                                          -------    ------    --------
                                                                            9,192       733      (4,013)
                                                                          -------    ------    --------
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
     Federal...........................................................     2,129     4,183     (10,899)
     State.............................................................       452       887      (2,312)
                                                                          -------    ------    --------
                                                                            2,581     5,070     (13,211)
                                                                          -------    ------    --------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes...................................   $11,773    $5,803    $(17,224)
                                                                          -------    ------    --------
                                                                          -------    ------    --------

 
     The effective tax rate differs from the prevailing statutory federal rate
for the fiscal years ended May 1998, 1997 and 1996 as follows:
 


                                                                                 1998    1997     1996
                                                                                 ----    ----    ------
                                                                                        
Statutory federal tax rate....................................................   35.0%   35.0%    (35.0)%
State, net of federal benefit.................................................    4.6     4.6      (4.4)
Other, net....................................................................    0.4     0.4       0.4
                                                                                 ----    ----    ------
Effective tax rate............................................................   40.0%   40.0%     39.0 %
                                                                                 ----    ----    ------
                                                                                 ----    ----    ------

 
     The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities at May 31,
1998, May 25, 1997 and May 26, 1996 were as follows:
 


                                                                         1998        1997        1996
                                                                       --------    --------    --------
                                                                                      
Deferred tax assets (net):
     Accounts receivable............................................   $   (478)   $    108    $  1,395
     Inventory......................................................      3,698       4,215       4,611
     Employee benefits..............................................      1,871       2,344       3,743
     Vacation pay...................................................        658         538       1,095
     Marketing accruals.............................................      6,604       4,542       4,220
     Future benefit of special charge...............................       (525)      1,009       3,576
     Other..........................................................      1,040       2,694          57
                                                                       --------    --------    --------
Total deferred tax assets (net).....................................   $ 12,868    $ 15,450    $ 18,697
                                                                       --------    --------    --------
                                                                       --------    --------    --------
Deferred tax liabilities (net):
     Fixed assets...................................................   $(13,115)   $(15,138)   $(14,560)
     Deferred compensation..........................................        302         362         913
     Intangibles....................................................     (6,299)     (5,662)     (5,251)
     Future benefit of special charge...............................       (361)        960       1,216
     Other..........................................................        322         326         353
                                                                       --------    --------    --------
Total deferred tax liabilities (net)................................   $(19,151)   $(19,152)   $(17,329)
                                                                       --------    --------    --------
                                                                       --------    --------    --------

 
                                      F-41
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE 8. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
     The components of accrued liabilities at May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and May
26, 1996 were as follows:
 


                                                                           1998       1997       1996
                                                                          -------    -------    -------
                                                                                       
Special charge (Note 13)...............................................   $ 4,597    $ 5,793    $10,357
Accrued payroll and employee benefits..................................     8,176      7,942      7,619
Accrued bonuses........................................................     2,508      3,529      2,049
Workers' compensation liability........................................     3,929      4,159      4,494
Accrued coupons and marketing..........................................     5,676      5,780      4,918
Other..................................................................     7,358      4,666      5,971
                                                                          -------    -------    -------
                                                                          $32,244    $31,869    $35,408
                                                                          -------    -------    -------
                                                                          -------    -------    -------

 
NOTE 9. DEBT
 
     The long-term obligations outstanding at May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and
May 26, 1996 primarily relate to a $2,450 floating interest rate industrial
revenue bond which matures on February 1, 2000. The average borrowing rates
during fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 were 3.76%, 3.52% and 3.73%, respectively. The
obligation is guaranteed by DFC.
 
     DFVC also has a note payable which matures in various installments through
December 1, 1998 and bears interest at 9.00%. The long-term portion of the notes
payable was $473 and $983 at May 25, 1997 and May 26, 1996, respectively.
 
NOTE 10. PENSION LIABILITIES
 
     DFVC's salaried employees are included in DFC-sponsored defined benefit
plans which cover substantially all of the salaried employees of the divisions
of DFC. DFVC's hourly employees are included in DFC-sponsored defined benefit or
multi-employer union plans. Net periodic pension expense is based upon
determinations made by independent actuaries. The funded status of the plans
relative to DFVC's participation is not separately determined and accordingly,
no pension obligation other than current expense allocations are included in the
accompanying financial statements.
 
     The DFC-sponsored plans covering defined benefit plans are based on
employees' years of service and compensation during employment with DFVC. The
majority of pension benefits are based upon the participant's highest average
'total compensation' paid during any sixty consecutive months out of the last
180 months of service accumulated for each year of service. DFVC through DFC
makes contributions to the defined benefit plans at least equal to the minimum
funding requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
(ERISA). Plan assets are primarily invested in bonds, stocks and real estate.
DFVC's pension cost for these defined benefit plans was $3,218, $1,397 and
$1,905 for the fiscal years ended May 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
     The DFC-sponsored multi-employer plans principally cover production
workers. DFVC's pension expense under these plans was $868, $951 and $1,162 for
the fiscal years ended May 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
NOTE 11. PROFIT SHARING PLAN
 
     DFC maintains noncontributory profit sharing plans for certain of DFVC's
employees. DFVC contributions under these plans are made at the discretion of
DFC's Board of Directors. Expense for these plans was $1,405, $1,317 and $1,295
in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In addition, certain DFVC employees
participate in DFC employee stock option plans.
 
                                      F-42
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
NOTE 12. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
 
     DFC sponsors healthcare and life insurance benefit plans for certain of
DFVC's retired employees and eligible dependents. Employees are eligible for
such benefits subject to minimum age and service requirements. Eligible
employees that retire before the normal retirement age, along with their
dependants, are entitled to benefits on a shared contribution basis.
Substantially all benefits terminate at age sixty-five. DFC maintains the right
to modify or eliminate these benefits.
 
     The net postretirement benefit expense for active employees is based on an
actuarial valuation. For purposes of these financial statements, the net
postretirement benefit expense for retired employees of DFVC participating in
the DFC-sponsored plans was computed based on the active employees at DFVC.
Management believes that this method of allocation is reasonable.
 
     The net postretirement benefit expense for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was not
significant.
 
     The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for active employees of
DFVC included in DFC-sponsored plans was approximately $665, $655 and $565 at
May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and May 26, 1996, respectively. The accumulated
benefit obligation for retirees of DFVC included in DFC-sponsored plans was
approximately $1,400, $1,250 and $1,000 at May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and May
26, 1996, respectively. The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was
determined by an actuarial valuation which used a discount rate of 7.25% in 1998
and 8.00% in 1997 and 1996, respectively, and an assumed compensation increase
of 5.00% for each year. The health care cost trend rates were assumed to be
7.00% in 1998, gradually declining to 5.00% over four years and remaining at
that level thereafter. In 1997, the cost trend rates were assumed to be 7.50%,
gradually declining to 5.00% over five years. In 1996, the cost trend rates were
assumed to be 8.00%, gradually declining to 5.00% over six years. A one
percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates would not
significantly impact the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation or the
net periodic benefit expense in any of the three years ended May 31, 1998. The
short-term and long-term portions of the postretirement benefit obligation as of
May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997 and May 26, 1996 were reflected in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets.
 
NOTE 13. SPECIAL CHARGE
 
     In May 1996, DFVC adopted a plan to reduce costs, rationalize production
capacity and provide for projected severance costs which reduced fiscal 1996
income before taxes by $37,346. The implementation of the plan included the
elimination of more than 200 manufacturing and administrative positions, closure
of five manufacturing facilities and the disposition of certain assets held by
two other facilities. In fiscal 1997, DFVC recorded an additional charge of
$9,644 to provide for employee and asset relocation costs associated with plant
consolidation.
 
     As of May 1998, DVFC had disposed of or closed five manufacturing
facilities and eliminated 413 positions. The remaining reserves are anticipated
to be used for continuing severance benefits and certain exit costs related to a
facility in the process of being closed.
 
     The following table sets forth the activity for the special charge reserve
for 1998, 1997 and 1996 and the reserve balances at May 31, 1998, May 25, 1997
and May 26, 1996 which are included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying
balance sheets.
 
                                      F-43
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 


                                                                                                  EMPLOYEE
                                                                       PLANT          ASSET       RELATED
                                                                   CLOSURE COSTS    WRITE-OFFS     COSTS       TOTAL
                                                                   -------------    ----------    --------    --------
                                                                                                  
1996 charge.....................................................     $   5,677       $  29,450    $ 2,219     $ 37,346
Cash payments...................................................          (753)         --            (51)        (804)
Non-cash charges................................................          --           (26,185)     --         (26,185)
                                                                   -------------    ----------    --------    --------
Balance at May 26, 1996.........................................         4,924           3,265      2,168       10,357
Provision.......................................................         8,935            --          709        9,644
Cash payments...................................................        (9,733)           --          --        (9,733)
Non-cash charges................................................            42          (3,253)    (1,264)      (4,475)
                                                                   -------------    ----------    --------    --------
Balance at May 25, 1997.........................................         4,168              12      1,613        5,793
Cash payments...................................................       (10,021)           --       (1,060)     (11,081)
Non-cash charges................................................         --             (5,782)     --          (5,782)
Net transfers (to) from DFC.....................................         8,353           5,770      1,544       15,667
                                                                   -------------    ----------    --------    --------
Balance at May 31, 1998.........................................     $   2,500       $  --        $ 2,097     $  4,597
                                                                   -------------    ----------    --------    --------
                                                                   -------------    ----------    --------    --------

 
NOTE 14. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
 
     In August 1995, DFVC purchased substantially all of the assets of a frozen
vegetable processor and distributor with annual sales of approximately $40.0
million. The acquisition was accounted for by the purchase method and the
purchase price of $21.7 million was allocated primarily to inventory and fixed
assets. The results of operations of the acquisition have been included in the
consolidated financial statements of DFVC from the acquisition date. On a pro
forma basis, the results of operations (unaudited) of the company acquired would
not have had a material effect on DFVC's net income in fiscal 1996.
 
NOTE 15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     DFVC is involved in litigation and in administrative proceedings and
investigations in various jurisdictions relating to certain civil,
environmental, product liability and employment matters. It is DFVC's policy to
accrue for legal and environmental matters when it is probable that a liability
has been incurred and an amount is reasonably estimable. DFVC believes that
recorded reserves are sufficient to provide for exposures meeting this
definition.
 
     An action has been brought against DFVC for damages and lost profits
related to an alleged breach of contract. The plaintiff filed a suit claiming
that DFVC had entered into an outputs or requirements contract subject to the
Uniform Commercial Code related to the hauling of vegetable 'by-product' from
the Hartford, Michigan processing plant of DFVC and that the closure of the
Hartford, Michigan facility was not in good faith. DFVC terminated its
relationship with the plaintiff upon the closure of the Hartford facility as
part of the rationalization of production capacity discussed in Note 13. In
August 1998, a final judgment against DFVC was rendered in favor of the
plaintiff in the amount of $2.5 million. At May 31, 1998, management believes
that DFVC had adequate reserves allocated to this contingency in the special
charge reserve discussed in Note 13.
 
NOTE 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
     On July 25, 1998, Agrilink Foods, Inc. ('Agrilink'), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc., acquired from DFC substantially all of
the net operating assets of DFVC for cash of approximately $400.0 million and
Agrilink's aseptic food business. Agrilink's aseptic food business has annual
sales of approximately $100.0 million. Upon completion of this transaction, DFC
will no longer actively sell products in the frozen and canned vegetables
markets.
 
                                      F-44









                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
             UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 30, 1998 AND AUGUST 24, 1997
 


                                                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                                            AUGUST 30,    AUGUST 24,
                                                                                               1998          1997
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
                                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                    
Net sales................................................................................    $106,440      $109,575
Costs of products sold...................................................................      81,199        89,166
Selling, general and administrative expenses.............................................      26,126        23,476
Interest expense.........................................................................       2,002         2,077
Other income.............................................................................         180           201
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Loss before income taxes.................................................................      (2,707)       (4,943)
Income tax benefit.......................................................................      (1,083)       (1,977)
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Net loss.................................................................................    $ (1,624)     $ (2,966)
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
                                                                                            ----------    ----------

 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-45
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
                UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      AUGUST 30, 1998 AND AUGUST 24, 1997
 


                                                                                            AUGUST 30,    AUGUST 24,
                                                                                               1998          1997
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
                                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                    
                                         ASSETS
Current assets:
     Cash................................................................................    $    575      $    385
     Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $500 in 1998 and
      1997...............................................................................      28,317        25,273
     Inventories.........................................................................     166,009       154,762
     Other current assets................................................................      21,862        27,853
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
          Total Current Assets...........................................................     216,763       208,273
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Properties:
     Property, plant and equipment, net..................................................     131,855       138,769
Other assets.............................................................................      45,521        47,306
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
          Total Assets...................................................................    $394,139      $394,348
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
                                 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities............................................    $ 83,224      $ 73,366
     Accounts payable to related parties.................................................      27,008        11,965
     Current portion of note payable to related parties..................................       5,438         5,143
     Current portion of long-term debt...................................................         344           731
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
          Total Current Liabilities......................................................     116,014        91,205
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Long-term liabilities
     Long-term debt......................................................................       2,449         2,794
     Note payable to related parties.....................................................       3,087         7,455
     Deferred income taxes...............................................................      22,386        22,476
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
          Total Long-Term Liabilities....................................................      27,922        32,725
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Equity -- Investments by and advances from DFC...........................................     250,203       270,418
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
          Total Liabilities and Equity...................................................    $394,139      $394,348
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
                                                                                            ----------    ----------

 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-46
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
           UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
         FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 30, 1998 AND AUGUST 24, 1997
 


                                                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                                            AUGUST 30,    AUGUST 24,
                                                                                               1998          1997
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
                                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                    
Net cash (used by)/provided from operations..............................................    $   (956)     $ 17,673
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Capital expenditures................................................................      (3,187)       (4,356)
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Net cash used in investing activities....................................................      (3,187)       (4,356)
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Repayment of long-term debt.........................................................        (159)         (182)
     Net repayments of notes payable to related parties..................................      (1,054)         (959)
     Increase (decrease) in advances from DFC............................................       5,630       (12,026)
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities.....................................       4,417       (13,167)
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Increase in cash.........................................................................         274           150
Cash -- beginning of period..............................................................         301           235
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
Cash -- end of period....................................................................    $    575      $    385
                                                                                            ----------    ----------
                                                                                            ----------    ----------

 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-47
 




                          DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
         NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
     Dean Foods Vegetable Company and its subsidiaries ('DFVC') is a division of
Dean Foods Company ('DFC') and is principally engaged in the processing,
distribution and sales of frozen and canned vegetables in the United States. As
part of a reorganization of DFC in fiscal 1994, the vegetable businesses within
DFC were combined with the Birds Eye Frozen Vegetable business to form DFVC. The
Birds Eye Frozen Vegetable business was acquired from the All-American Gourmet
Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kraft General Foods, Inc., on December 27,
1993.
 
     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
reflect the 'carve-out' financial position, results of operations and cash flows
of DFVC and its majority owned subsidiaries for the periods presented. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial information
included herein does not necessarily reflect what the consolidated financial
position and results of operations of DFVC would have been had it operated as a
stand alone entity during the periods covered, and may not be indicative of
future operations or financial position.
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
NOTE 2. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY INFORMATION
 
     In the opinion of DFC, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements have been included herein. Certain information
and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements have been
omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be
read in conjunction with DFC's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year
ended May 31, 1998.
 
NOTE 3. INVENTORIES
 
     The following is an unaudited tabulation of inventories by class at August
30, 1998 and August 24, 1997.
 


                                                                                  AUGUST 30,    AUGUST 24,
                                                                                     1998          1997
                                                                                  ----------    ----------
                                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                          
Raw materials and supplies.....................................................    $ 12,989      $ 14,207
Materials in process...........................................................      49,017        50,329
Finished goods.................................................................     108,937        97,613
                                                                                  ----------    ----------
                                                                                    170,943       162,149
 
Less: Excess of current cost over stated value of last-in, first-out
  inventories..................................................................       4,934         7,387
                                                                                  ----------    ----------
     Total inventories.........................................................    $166,009      $154,762
                                                                                  ----------    ----------
                                                                                  ----------    ----------

 
NOTE 4. SALE OF DFVC
 
     On September 24, 1998, Agrilink Foods, Inc. ('Agrilink'), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc., acquired from DFC substantially all of
the net operating assets of DFVC for consideration of approximately $360.0
million in cash, net of the sale to DFC of Agrilink's aseptic business and the
issuance to DFC by Agrilink of a $30.0 million subordinated promissory note due
November 22, 1998.
 
                                      F-48









                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC.
 
     In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations and net proceeds, of cash flows
and statements of changes in shareholders' and members' capitalization and
redeemable stock present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. and its subsidiary at June 27, 1998 and
June 28, 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the three fiscal years in the period ended June 27, 1998, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Cooperative's management; our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
     As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the
Cooperative changed its method of accounting for spare parts in 1997.
 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Rochester, New York
July 31, 1998
 
                                      F-49
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND NET PROCEEDS


                                                                                     FISCAL YEARS ENDED
                                                                             -----------------------------------
                                                                             JUNE 27,     JUNE 28,     JUNE 29,
                                                                               1998         1997         1996
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                              
Net sales.................................................................   $ 719,665    $ 730,823    $ 739,094
Cost of sales.............................................................    (524,082)    (539,081)    (562,926)
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
Gross profit..............................................................     195,583      191,742      176,168
Selling, administrative, and general expenses.............................    (141,739)    (145,214)    (151,671)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company.....................................       1,893            0            0
Gain on sale of Finger Lakes Packaging....................................           0        3,565            0
Restructuring charge......................................................           0            0       (5,871)
Interest income...........................................................           0            0          770
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
Operating income..........................................................      55,737       50,093       19,396
Interest expense..........................................................     (30,767)     (36,473)     (41,998)
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
Pretax income/(loss) before dividends and allocation of net proceeds......      24,970       13,620      (22,602)
Tax (provision)/benefit...................................................      (7,840)      (5,529)      13,071
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect of an accounting change, dividends,
  and allocation of net proceeds..........................................      17,130        8,091       (9,531)
Cumulative effect of an accounting change.................................           0        4,606            0
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
               Net income/(loss)..........................................   $  17,130    $  12,697    $  (9,531)
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
Allocation of net proceeds:
     Net income/(loss)....................................................   $  17,130    $  12,697    $  (9,531)
     Dividends on common and preferred stock..............................      (6,328)      (5,503)      (8,993)
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
     Net proceeds/(deficit)...............................................      10,802        7,194      (18,524)
     Allocation (to)/from earned surplus..................................      (4,662)      (3,661)      18,524
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
               Net proceeds available to members..........................   $   6,140    $   3,533    $       0
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
Allocation of net proceeds available to members:
     Payable to members currently (25% of qualified proceeds available to
       members in fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively).....................   $   1,535    $     883    $       0
     Allocated to members but retained by the Cooperative:
          Qualified retains...............................................       4,605        2,650            0
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
               Net proceeds available to members..........................   $   6,140    $   3,533    $       0
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-50
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


                                                           JUNE 27,    JUNE 28,
                                                             1998        1997
                                                           --------    --------
                                                               (DOLLARS IN
                                                                THOUSANDS)
                                                                 
                        ASSETS
Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents..........................    $  5,049    $  2,838
    Accounts receivable, trade, less allowances for bad
     debts of $774 and $970, respectively..............      55,046      48,661
    Accounts receivable, other.........................       3,575       2,795
    Current deferred tax assets........................       4,849      12,312
    Inventories
        Finished goods.................................     111,153      87,904
        Raw Materials and supplies.....................      30,433      27,001
                                                           --------    --------
            Total inventories..........................     141,586     114,905
                                                           --------    --------
    Current investment in Bank.........................       1,994         946
    Prepaid manufacturing expense......................       8,404       8,265
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets..........      12,989       6,323
                                                           --------    --------
            Total current assets.......................     233,492     197,045
Investment in Bank.....................................      22,377      24,321
Investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company................       6,584           0
Property, plant, and equipment, net....................     194,615     217,923
Assets held for sale at net realizable value...........       2,662       3,259
Goodwill and other intangible assets, less accumulated
  amortization of $13,634 and $10,053, respectively....      94,744      96,429
Other assets...........................................      12,234       7,700
                                                           --------    --------
            Total assets...............................    $566,708    $546,677
                                                           --------    --------
                                                           --------    --------
 
      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' AND MEMBERS'
                     CAPITALIZATION
Current liabilities:
    Current portion of obligations under capital
     leases............................................    $    256    $    558
    Current portion of long-term debt..................       8,071       8,075
    Accounts payable...................................      70,158      49,256
    Income taxes payable...............................       4,046       5,672
    Accrued interest...................................       8,559       8,663
    Accrued employee compensation......................       8,598      11,063
    Other accrued expenses.............................      19,065      21,956
    Dividends payable..................................           0          61
    Amounts due members................................      20,636      15,791
                                                           --------    --------
            Total current liabilities..................     139,389     121,095
Obligations under capital leases.......................         503         817
Long-term debt.........................................      69,937      69,829
Senior subordinated notes..............................     160,000     160,000
Deferred income tax liabilities........................      32,457      39,591
Other non-current liabilities..........................      23,053      22,682
                                                           --------    --------
            Total liabilities..........................     425,339     414,014
                                                           --------    --------
Commitments and contingencies
Class B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock,
  liquidation preference $10 per share, authorized
  500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 27,043 and
  31,435, respectively.................................         270         315
Common stock, par value $5, authorized -- 5,000,000
  shares
 

 
                                 JUNE 27,     JUNE 28,
                                   1998         1997
                                 ---------    ---------
                                                           
    Shares issued.............   1,825,863    1,788,815
    Shares subscribed.........     160,629       54,557
                                 ---------    ---------
            Total subscribed
              and issued......   1,986,492    1,843,372
    Less subscriptions
      receivable in
      installments............    (160,629)     (54,557)
                                 ---------    ---------
            Total issued and
              outstanding.....   1,825,863    1,788,815       9,129       8,944
                                 ---------    ---------
                                 ---------    ---------
Shareholders' and members'
  capitalization:
    Retained earnings allocated to members.............      29,765      31,920
    Non-qualified allocation to members................       2,660       2,960
    Minimum pension liability adjustment...............        (608)          0
    Non-cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $25,
     authorized -- 5,000,000 shares; issued and
     outstanding -- 45,001 and 53,797, respectively....       1,125       1,345
    Class A Cumulative Preferred Stock, liquidation
     preference $25 per share; authorized 49,500,000
     shares; issued and outstanding 3,503,199 and
     3,215,709, respectively...........................      87,580      80,393
    Earned surplus.....................................      11,448       6,786
                                                           --------    --------
            Total shareholders' and members'
             capitalization............................     131,970     123,404
                                                           --------    --------
            Total liabilities and capitalization.......    $566,708    $546,677
                                                           --------    --------
                                                           --------    --------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-51
 




                          PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 


                                                                                       FISCAL YEARS ENDED
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                                                 JUNE 27,   JUNE 28,    JUNE 29,
                                                                                   1998       1997        1996
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                               
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income/(loss).........................................................  $ 17,130   $  12,697   $ (9,531)
     Amount payable to members currently.......................................    (1,535)       (883)         0
     Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by
       operating activities:
          Restructuring and net (gain)/loss from disposals.....................         0      (3,565)     5,871
          Cumulative effect of an accounting change............................         0      (4,606)         0
          Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles.......................     3,581       4,092      3,422
          Amortization of debt issue costs.....................................       800         800        800
          Depreciation.........................................................    18,009      22,680     26,081
          Provision/(benefit) for deferred taxes...............................       752       4,557     (8,212)
          Provision for losses on accounts receivable..........................         0         445        528
          Equity in undistributed earnings of the Bank.........................      (715)     (1,143)    (1,532)
          Change in assets and liabilities:
               Accounts receivable.............................................    (6,762)     (3,983)    13,482
               Inventories.....................................................   (25,654)     (1,636)    33,347
               Income taxes payable............................................    (1,626)      2,272     12,395
               Accounts payable and accrued expenses...........................    15,613        (922)   (15,027)
               Amounts due to members..........................................     4,845       7,033     (5,935)
               Other assets and liabilities....................................   (11,360)        530     (1,385)
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
Net cash provided by operating activities......................................    13,078      38,368     54,304
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Purchase of property, plant, and equipment................................   (14,056)    (13,691)   (19,453)
     Proceeds from disposals...................................................    12,794      68,716      4,408
     Proceeds from sales of idle facilities....................................         0       4,465        597
     Proceeds from investment in Bank..........................................     1,611         315          0
     Cash paid for acquisition.................................................    (7,423)          0     (5,785)
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities............................    (7,074)     59,805    (20,233)
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt..................................    11,180           0      5,400
     Payments on long-term debt................................................    (8,076)    (97,854)   (25,056)
     Payments on capital leases................................................      (616)       (503)      (825)
     Issuance of stock, net of repurchases.....................................       140        (260)       124
     Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares....................................        (9)          0         (6)
     Cash portion of non-qualified conversion..................................       (84)        (88)      (122)
     Cash dividends paid.......................................................    (6,328)     (5,503)    (8,865)
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
Net cash used in financing activities..........................................    (3,793)   (104,208)   (29,350)
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents........................................     2,211      (6,035)     4,721
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period...............................     2,838       8,873      4,152
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.....................................  $  5,049   $   2,838   $  8,873
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
     Cash paid during the year for:
          Interest (net of amount capitalized).................................  $ 30,319   $  36,907   $ 41,508
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
          Income taxes, net....................................................  $  8,714   $  (1,300)  $ (9,206)
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------

 
                                                  (table continued on next page)
 
                                      F-52
 




                          PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(table continued from previous page)
 


                                                                                       FISCAL YEARS ENDED
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                                                 JUNE 27,   JUNE 28,    JUNE 29,
                                                                                   1998       1997        1996
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                               
          Acquisition of DelAgra:
               Accounts receivable.............................................  $    403   $       0   $      0
               Inventories.....................................................     3,212           0          0
               Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......................        81           0          0
               Property, plant, and equipment..................................     1,842           0          0
               Goodwill........................................................     1,508           0          0
               Other accrued expenses..........................................      (433)          0          0
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 $  6,613   $       0   $      0
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
          Acquisition of C&O Distributing Company:
               Property, plant, and equipment..................................  $     54   $       0   $      0
               Goodwill........................................................       756           0          0
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 $    810   $       0   $      0
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
          Investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company:
               Inventories.....................................................  $  2,175   $       0   $      0
               Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......................       409           0          0
               Property, plant and equipment...................................     6,966           0          0
               Other accrued expenses..........................................       (62)          0          0
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 $  9,488   $       0   $      0
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
          Acquisition of Packer Foods and Matthews Candy Co.:
               Accounts receivable.............................................  $      0   $       0   $  1,282
               Inventories.....................................................         0           0      3,902
               Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......................         0           0        270
               Property, plant and equipment...................................         0           0      6,044
               Goodwill........................................................         0           0        493
               Deferred tax asset..............................................         0           0        264
               Accounts payable................................................         0           0     (4,954)
               Other accrued expenses..........................................         0           0       (418)
               Other non-current liabilities...................................         0           0     (1,098)
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
               Cash paid for acquisition.......................................  $      0   $       0   $  5,785
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
     Conversion of retains to preferred stock..................................  $  6,967   $   3,275   $  2,379
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
     Net proceeds allocated to members but retained by the Cooperative.........  $  4,605   $   2,650   $      0
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
     Capital lease obligations incurred........................................  $      0   $     206   $    113
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
     Notes from Nalley Canada Ltd. forgiven in acquisition.....................  $      0   $   4,986   $      0
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------
                                                                                 --------   ---------   --------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-53
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS'
                AND MEMBERS' CAPITALIZATION AND REDEEMABLE STOCK
 


                                                                                       FISCAL YEARS ENDED
                                                                                --------------------------------
                                                                                JUNE 27,    JUNE 28,    JUNE 29,
                                                                                  1998        1997        1996
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                                                                               
Retained earnings allocated to members:
Qualified retains:
     Balance at beginning of period..........................................   $ 31,920    $ 32,318    $ 34,250
     Net proceeds allocated to members.......................................      4,605       2,650           0
     Converted to preferred stock............................................     (6,751)     (3,048)     (1,926)
     Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares..................................         (9)          0          (6)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
     Balance at end of period................................................     29,765      31,920      32,318
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Non-qualified retains:
     Balance at beginning of period..........................................      2,960       3,275       3,851
     Distribution of 1992, 1991, and 1990 non-qualified retains:
          Cash paid..........................................................        (84)        (88)       (122)
          Converted to preferred stock.......................................       (216)       (227)       (454)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
     Balance at end of period................................................      2,660       2,960       3,275
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Total retains allocated to members at end of period..........................     32,425      34,880      35,593
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Non-cumulative preferred stock:
     Balance at beginning of period..........................................      1,345       2,645      76,083
     Conversion to cumulative preferred stock................................       (220)     (1,300)    (73,438)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
     Balance at end of period................................................      1,125       1,345       2,645
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Cumulative preferred stock:
     Balance at beginning of period..........................................     80,393      75,818           0
     Converted from non-cumulative preferred stock...........................        220       1,300      73,438
     Converted from non-qualified retains....................................        216         227         454
     Converted from qualified retains........................................      6,751       3,048       1,926
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
     Balance at end of period................................................     87,580      80,393      75,818
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Earned surplus (unallocated and apportioned):
     Balance at beginning of period..........................................      6,786       3,125      21,649
     Allocation to/(from) earned surplus.....................................      4,662       3,661     (18,524)
     Minimum pension liability adjustment....................................       (608)          0           0
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
     Balance at end of period................................................     10,840       6,786       3,125
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Total shareholders' and members' capitalization..............................   $131,970    $123,404    $117,181
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Redeemable stock:
Class B cumulative preferred stock:
     Balance at beginning of period..........................................   $    315    $    334    $      0
     Issued/(repurchased), net...............................................        (45)        (19)        334
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
     Balance at end of period................................................   $    270    $    315    $    334
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Common stock:
     Balance at beginning of period..........................................   $  8,944    $  9,185    $  9,395
     (Repurchased)/issued, net...............................................        185        (241)       (210)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
     Balance at end of period................................................   $  9,129    $  8,944    $  9,185
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                --------    --------    --------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-54









                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. ('Pro-Fac' or the 'Cooperative') is an
agricultural cooperative which processes and markets crops grown by its members
through its wholly-owned subsidiary Agrilink Foods, Inc. ('Agrilink' or the
'Company').
 
     Agrilink is a producer and marketer of processed food products, including
canned and frozen fruits and vegetables, canned desserts and condiments, fruit
fillings and toppings, canned chilies and stews, salad dressings, pickles,
peanut butter, and snack foods. The vegetable and fruit product lines account
for approximately 49 percent of sales. The Company's products are primarily
distributed in the United States.
 
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.
 
FISCAL YEAR
 
     The fiscal year of Pro-Fac ends on the last Saturday in June. Fiscal 1998
and 1997 each comprised 52 weeks and fiscal 1996 comprised 53 weeks.
 
CONSOLIDATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the Cooperative and its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Agrilink, after elimination of intercompany
transactions and balances. Investments in affiliates, owned more than 20 percent
but not in excess of 50 percent, are recorded under the Equity Method of
accounting.
 
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
 
     Effective June 30, 1996, accounting procedures were changed to include in
prepaid expenses and other current assets, manufacturing spare parts previously
charged directly to expense. Management believes this change is preferable
because it provides a better matching of costs with related revenues when
evaluating interim financial statements. The favorable cumulative effect of the
change (net of income taxes of $1.1 million) was $4.6 million. Pro forma amounts
for the cumulative effect of the accounting change on prior periods are not
determinable due to the lack of physical inventory counts required to establish
quantities at the respective dates. Management does not believe that the
difference in accounting methodologies for spare parts had any material impact
on the Cooperative's historical financial statements.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
     Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments with maturities of
three months or less. There were no such short-term investments at June 27, 1998
or June 28, 1997.
 
INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on the first-in,
first-out ('FIFO') method. Reserves recorded at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997
were $391,000 and $362,000, respectively.
 
                                      F-55
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
INVESTMENT IN COBANK ('THE BANK')
 
     The Company's investment in the Bank is required as a condition of
borrowing. These securities are not physically issued by the Bank, but the
Company is notified as to their monetary value. The investment is carried at
cost plus the Company's share of the undistributed earnings of the Bank (that
portion of patronage refunds not distributed currently in cash).
 
     Earnings on the Cooperative's investment in the Bank in fiscal years 1998,
1997, and 1996 amounted to $1,023,000, $1,633,000, and $2,188,000, respectively.
 
MANUFACTURING OVERHEAD
 
     Allocation of manufacturing overhead to finished goods produced is on the
basis of a production period; thus at the end of each period, manufacturing
costs incurred by seasonal plants, subsequent to the end of previous pack
operations, are deferred and included in the accompanying balance sheet under
the caption ' Prepaid manufacturing expense.' Such costs are applied to finished
goods during the next production period and recognized as an element of costs of
goods sold.
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED LEASE ARRANGEMENTS
 
     Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over the estimated useful
lives of the assets using the straight-line method, half-year convention, over 4
to 40 years.
 
     Assets held for sale are separately classified on the balance sheet. The
recorded value represents an estimate of net realizable value.
 
     Lease arrangements are capitalized when such leases convey substantially
all of the risks and benefits incidental to ownership. Capital leases are
amortized over either the lease term or the life of the related assets,
depending upon available purchase options and lease renewal features.
 
OTHER ASSETS
 
     Other assets are primarily comprised of debt issuance costs. The debt
issuance costs are amortized over the term of the debt. Amortization expense
incurred in fiscal 1998, 1997, and 1996 was $800,000.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
     Income taxes are provided on non-patronage income for financial reporting
purposes. Deferred income taxes resulting from temporary differences between
financial reporting and tax reporting as well as from the issuance of
non-qualified retains are appropriately classified in the balance sheet.
 
PENSION
 
     The Company and its subsidiaries have several pension plans and participate
in various union pension plans which on a combined basis cover substantially all
employees. Charges to income with respect to plans sponsored by the Company and
its subsidiaries are based upon actuarially determined costs. Pension
liabilities are funded by periodic payments to the various pension plan trusts.
 
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
 
     Goodwill and other intangible assets include the cost in excess of the fair
value of net tangible assets acquired in purchase transactions and acquired
non-competition agreements and trademarks. Goodwill and other intangible assets,
stated net of accumulated amortization, are amortized on a straight-line basis
over 5 to 35 years. The Company periodically assesses whether there has been a
permanent impairment in the value of goodwill. This is accomplished by
determining whether the
 
                                      F-56
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
estimated, undiscounted future cash flows from operating activities exceed the
carrying value of goodwill as of the assessment date. Should aggregate future
cash flows be less than the carrying value, a writedown would be required,
measured by the difference between the discounted future cash flows and the
carrying value of goodwill.
 
COMMODITIES OPTIONS CONTRACTS
 
     In connection with the purchase of certain commodities for anticipated
manufacturing requirements, the Company occasionally enters into options
contracts as deemed appropriate to reduce the effect of price fluctuations.
These options contracts are accounted for as hedges and, accordingly, gains and
losses are deferred and recognized in cost of sales as part of the product cost.
These activities are not significant to the Company's operations as a whole.
 
CASUALTY INSURANCE
 
     The Company is insured for workers compensation and automobile liability
through a primarily self-insured program. The Company accrues for the estimated
losses from both asserted and unasserted claims. The estimate of the liability
for unasserted claims arising from unreported incidents is based on an analysis
of historical claims data. The accrual for casualty insurance at June 27, 1998
and June 28, 1997 was $3.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA OMITTED
 
     Earnings per share amounts are not presented as earnings are not
distributed to members in proportion to their common stock holdings. Earnings
(representing those earnings derived from patronage-sourced business) are
distributed to members in proportion to the dollar value of deliveries under
Pro-Fac contracts rather than based on the number of shares of common stock
held.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPENDITURES
 
     Environmental expenditures that pertain to current operations are expensed
or capitalized consistent with the Company's capitalization policy. Expenditures
that result from the remediation of an existing condition caused by past
operations that do not contribute to current or future revenues are expensed.
Liabilities are recorded when remedial activities are probable, and the cost can
be reasonably estimated.
 
ADVERTISING
 
     Production costs of commercials and programming are charged to operations
in the year first aired. The cost of other advertising promotion and marketing
programs are charged in the year incurred. Advertising expense incurred in
fiscal 1998, 1997, and 1996 amounted to $9,878,000, $8,736,000, and $9,831,000,
respectively.
 
DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The following methods and assumptions were used by the Cooperative in
estimating the fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
 
Cash, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Other Accrued Expenses
 
     The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity
of these instruments.
 
Long-Term Investments
 
     The carrying value of the investment in the Bank was $24.4 million at June
27, 1998. As there is no market price for this investment, a reasonable estimate
of fair value is not possible.
 
                                      F-57
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Long-Term Debt
 
     The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted
market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for
debt of the same remaining maturities.
 
NOTE 2. AGREEMENTS WITH AGRILINK
 
     Effective November 3, 1994, Pro-Fac acquired Agrilink.
 
     In connection with the acquisition, Pro-Fac sold $160.0 million of 12.25
percent Senior Subordinated Notes (the 'Notes') due 2005 and entered into a
credit agreement (the 'Credit Agreement') with the Bank, which provided for a
term loan, a term loan facility, a seasonal loan facility, and a
letter-of-credit facility. All obligations under the Notes and the Credit
Agreement have been guaranteed by Pro-Fac.
 
     The contractual relationship between Pro-Fac and the Company is defined in
the Pro-Fac Marketing and Facilitation Agreement (the 'Agreement'). Under the
Agreement, the Company pays Pro-Fac the commercial market value ('CMV') for all
crops supplied by Pro-Fac. CMV is defined as the weighted average price paid by
other commercial processors for similar crops sold under preseason contracts and
in the open market in the same or competing market area. Although CMV is
intended to be no more than the fair market value of the crops purchased by
Agrilink, it may be more or less than the price Agrilink would pay in the open
market in the absence of the Agreement.
 
     Under the Agreement, Agrilink is required to have on its Board of Directors
some persons who are neither members of nor affiliated with Pro-Fac
('Disinterested Directors'), the number of Disinterested Directors must at least
equal the number of Directors who are members of Pro-Fac. The volume and type of
crops to be purchased by Agrilink under the Agreement are determined pursuant to
its annual profit plan, which requires the approval of a majority of the
Disinterested Directors of Agrilink. In addition, in any year in which the
Company has earnings on products which were processed from crops supplied by
Pro-Fac ('Pro-Fac Products'), the Company pays to Pro-Fac up to 90 percent of
such earnings, but in no case more than 50 percent of all pretax earnings
(before dividing with Pro-Fac) of the Company. In years in which the Company has
losses on Pro-Fac Products, the Company reduces the CMV it would otherwise pay
to Pro-Fac by up to 90 percent of such losses, but in no case by more than 50
percent of all pretax losses (before dividing with Pro-Fac) of the Company.
Additional patronage income is paid to Pro-Fac for services provided to
Agrilink, including the provision of a long-term, stable crop supply, favorable
payment terms for crops and the sharing of risks in losses of certain operations
of the business. For fiscal years ended 1998, 1997, and 1996, such additional
patronage income/(loss) amounted to $12.5 million, $10.3 million, and $(9.0)
million, respectively. Under the Indentures related to the Notes, Pro-Fac is
required to reinvest at least 70 percent of the additional patronage income in
Agrilink.
 
     The capital contribution of Pro-Fac to the Company at acquisition primarily
included the cancellation of indebtedness and capital lease obligations.
Subsequent to the acquisition date, Pro-Fac invested an additional $29.9 million
in the Company (including reinvested Additional Patronage Income).
 
NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSALS, AND RESTRUCTURING
 
FISCAL 1998
 
Nutrition Medical
 
     Effective May 1, 1998, the Company acquired the private label adult
nutrition formula business from Nutrition Medical, Inc. Nutrition Medical will
be paid royalty payments for two years.
 
                                      F-58
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Michigan Distribution Center
 
     Effective March 31, 1998, the Company entered into a multiyear logistics
agreement under which GATX Logistics will provide freight management, packaging
and labeling services, and distribution support to and from production
facilities owned by the Company in and around Coloma, Michigan. The agreement
included the sale of the Company's labeling equipment and distribution center.
The Company received proceeds of $12.6 million for the equipment and facility
which were applied to outstanding bank loans. No significant gain or loss
occurred as a result of this transaction.
 
DelAgra Corp.
 
     Effective March 30, 1998, the Company acquired the majority of assets and
the business of DelAgra Corp. of Bridgeville, Delaware. DelAgra Corp. is a
producer of private label frozen vegetables. The acquisition was accounted for
as a purchase. The purchase price was approximately $6.9 million. Goodwill of
approximately $0.6 million and $0.9 million for a covenant not to compete were
received in conjunction with this transaction. These amounts are being amortized
over 30 and 5 years, respectively.
 
C&O Distributing Company
 
     Effective March 9, 1998, the Company acquired the majority of assets and
the business of C&O Distributing Company of Canton, Ohio. C&O distributes snack
products for Snyder of Berlin, one of the Company's businesses included within
its snack foods unit. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The
purchase price was approximately $0.8 million. Intangibles of approximately $0.8
million were recorded in conjunction with this transaction and are being
amortized over 30 years.
 
Formation of New Sauerkraut Company
 
     Effective July 1, 1997, the Company and Flanagan Brothers, Inc. of Bear
Creek, Wisconsin contributed all their assets involved in sauerkraut production
to form a new sauerkraut company. This new company, Great Lakes Kraut Company,
operates as a New York limited liability company with ownership and earnings
divided equally between the two companies. The joint venture is accounted for
using the Equity Method of accounting. Summarized financial information of Great
Lakes Kraut Company is as follows:
 
                        CONDENSED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
 


                                                                   1998
                                                          ----------------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                       
Net sales..............................................          $ 27,620
Gross profit...........................................          $  7,439
Operating income.......................................          $  4,411
Net income.............................................          $  3,786

 
                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
 


                                                                   1998
                                                          ----------------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                                       
Current assets.........................................          $ 10,648
Noncurrent assets......................................          $ 18,884
Current liabilities....................................          $  6,463
Noncurrent liabilities.................................          $  6,261

 
                                      F-59
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
FISCAL 1997
 
Georgia Frozen Distribution Center
 
     On June 27, 1997, Americold acquired the Company's frozen foods
distribution center in Montezuma, Georgia. In addition, the two companies
entered into a long-term logistics agreement under which Americold will manage
its facility and all frozen food transportation operations of Agrilink in
Georgia and New York. The Company received proceeds of approximately $9.1
million which were applied to outstanding Bank loans. No significant gain or
loss occurred as a result of this transaction.
 
Information Services Reorganization
 
     On June 19, 1997, Systems & Computer Technology Corporation ('SCT') and the
Company announced they signed a major outsourcing services and software
agreement effective June 30, 1997. The ten-year agreement, valued at
approximately $50 million, is for SCT's OnSite outsourcing services and ADAGE
ERP software and implementation services.
 
Sale of New York Canned Vegetable Businesses
 
     On May 6, 1997, Seneca Foods Corporation ('Seneca') acquired the Agrilink
Leicester, New York production facility and the LeRoy, New York distribution
center, as well as the Blue Boy brand.
 
     Seneca and the Company have also forged a long-term strategic alliance to
combine their agricultural departments into one organization to be managed by
Agrilink. The objective is to maximize sourcing efficiencies of New York State
vegetable requirements for both companies. This agreement initially has a
minimum ten-year term.
 
     The Company received proceeds of approximately $29.4 million which were
applied to outstanding Bank loans. No significant gain or loss occurred as a
result of this transaction.
 
Brooks Foods
 
     On April 30, 1997, Hoopeston Foods acquired certain assets from the Brooks
Foods operating facility. The purchase price of approximately $2.1 million was
paid with $400,000 in cash and a $1.7 million ten-year note. The proceeds were
applied to outstanding Bank loans. No significant gain or loss occurred as a
result of this transaction. In addition, the two companies entered into a copack
and warehouse agreement under which Hoopeston will produce, package, and
warehouse certain products.
 
Nalley Canada Ltd.
 
     On June 26, 1995, Agrilink sold Nalley Canada Ltd., located in Vancouver,
British Columbia, to a management group. The operations were sold for
approximately $8.0 million. Approximately, $4.0 million was received in cash.
The remainder of the proceeds were received through a series of long-term notes
with maturities between 1998 and 2005. The notes beared interest at a rate of
12 1/4 percent.
 
     In April 1997, the Company acquired certain businesses from Nalley Canada
Ltd. The acquired operations include a $12.0 million consumer products business,
which markets throughout the western Provinces of Canada. The purchase price of
approximately $5.0 million was paid through the forgiveness of various long-term
receivables (including interest earned) issued to the Company in connection with
its sale of the stock of Nalley Canada Ltd. in 1995.
 
Finger Lakes Packaging
 
     On October 9, 1996, the Company completed the sale of Finger Lakes
Packaging, Inc. ('Finger Lakes Packaging'), a subsidiary of the Company to
Silgan Containers Corporation, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Silgan
Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. A gain of approximately
$3.6 million was recognized on this transaction. The Company received proceeds
of approximately $30.0 million. Proceeds from this sale were applied to
outstanding Bank loans. The transaction also included a long-term supply
agreement between Silgan and Agrilink.
 
                                      F-60
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
FISCAL 1996
 
Packer Foods
 
     On July 21, 1995, the Company acquired Packer Foods, a privately owned,
Michigan-based food processor. The total cost of acquisition was approximately
$5.4 million in notes plus interest at 10 percent to be paid until the notes
mature in the year 2000. The transaction was accounted for as a purchase. For
the year ended December 31, 1994, Packer had net sales of $13.0 million,
operating income of $300,000, and income before extraordinary items of $100,000.
Packer Foods has been merged into the Company's CBF operations.
 
Matthews Candy Co.
 
     In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company acquired Matthews Candy
Co., a privately owned Washington-based snack food distributor. The total cost
of the acquisition was approximately $0.4 million and was paid in cash. Matthews
Candy Co. has been merged into the Tim's Cascade Chips operation of the
Company's Snack Foods Group.
 
Fiscal 1996 Restructuring Charge
 
     During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company began implementation
of a corporate-wide restructuring program. The overall objectives of the plan
were to reduce expenses, improve productivity, and streamline operations.
Efforts focused on the consolidation of operations and the elimination of
approximately 900 positions. The total fiscal 1996 restructuring charge amounted
to $5.9 million. This amount included a fourth-quarter charge of approximately
$4.0 million which was primarily comprised of employee termination benefits, and
approximately $1.9 million for strategic consulting incurred throughout the
year. Reductions in personnel included both operational and administrative
positions.
 
NOTE 4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED OBLIGATIONS
 
     The following is a summary of property, plant and equipment and related
obligations at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997:
 


                                                         JUNE 27, 1998                     JUNE 28, 1997
                                                 ------------------------------    ------------------------------
                                                  OWNED      LEASED                 OWNED      LEASED
                                                  ASSETS     ASSETS     TOTAL       ASSETS     ASSETS     TOTAL
                                                 --------    ------    --------    --------    ------    --------
                                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                       
Land............................................ $  5,772    $   0     $  5,772    $  5,755    $    0    $  5,755
Land improvements...............................    3,949        0        3,949       2,117         0       2,117
Buildings.......................................   71,342      395       71,737      80,739       645      81,384
Machinery and equipment.........................  163,177      990      164,167     167,155     2,397     169,552
Construction in progress........................   14,421        0       14,421      13,053         0      13,053
                                                 --------    ------    --------    --------    ------    --------
                                                  258,661    1,385      260,046     268,819     3,042     271,861
Less accumulated depreciation...................  (64,678)    (753 )    (65,431)    (52,194)   (1,744)    (53,938)
                                                 --------    ------    --------    --------    ------    --------
Net............................................. $193,983    $ 632     $194,615    $216,625    $1,298    $217,923
                                                 --------    ------    --------    --------    ------    --------
                                                 --------    ------    --------    --------    ------    --------
Obligations under capital leases(1).............             $ 759                             $1,375
Less current portion............................              (256 )                             (558)
                                                             ------                            ------
Long-term portion...............................             $ 503                             $  817
                                                             ------                            ------
                                                             ------                            ------

- ------------
(1) Represents the present value of net minimum lease payments calculated at the
    Company's incremental borrowing rate at the inception of the leases, which
    ranged from 6.3 to 9.8 percent.
 
     Interest capitalized in conjunction with construction amounted to
approximately $248,000 and $342,000 in fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively.
 
                                      F-61
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments together with
the present value of the minimum lease payments related to capitalized leases,
both as of June 27, 1998.
 


                                                                                                           TOTAL
                           FISCAL YEAR ENDING LAST                               CAPITAL    OPERATING      FUTURE
                               SATURDAY IN JUNE                                  LEASES      LEASES      COMMITMENT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------    ---------    ----------
                                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                
        1999..................................................................   $   356     $ 5,418      $  5,774
        2000..................................................................       224       3,582         3,806
        2001..................................................................       145       1,977         2,122
        2002..................................................................        78       1,012         1,090
        2003..................................................................        56         204           260
Later years...................................................................       144          40           184
                                                                                 -------    ---------    ----------
Net minimum lease payments....................................................     1,003     $12,233      $ 13,236
                                                                                            ---------    ----------
                                                                                            ---------    ----------
Less amount representing interest.............................................      (244)
                                                                                 -------
Present value of minimum lease payments.......................................   $   759
                                                                                 -------
                                                                                 -------

 
     Total rent expense related to operating leases (including lease
arrangements of less than one year which are not included in the previous table)
amounted to $12,250,000, $11,204,000, and $10,927,000 for fiscal years 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively.
 
NOTE 5. DEBT
 
BANK FACILITY
 
     The Bank Facility includes Term Loan, Seasonal, and Letter of Credit
facilities. The outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan were $72.4 million at
June 27, 1998. The Seasonal Facility provides seasonal financing of up to $82.0
million. The Letter of Credit Facility provides $18.0 million.
 
Terms
 
     The Bank has extended to a portion of the Term Loan Facility for a limited
period of time certain fixed rates that were in effect with respect to
indebtedness repaid to the Bank on November 3, 1994. The weighted-average rate
of interest applicable to the Term Loan was 7.4 percent per annum for fiscal
1998.
 
     Borrowings under the Seasonal Facility are payable at the expiration of
that portion of the facility, which is December 1998; except that for 15
consecutive calendar days during each year, the borrowings under the Seasonal
Facility must be zero.
 
Guarantees and Security
 
     All obligations under the Bank Facility are guaranteed by Pro-Fac and
certain subsidiaries of Agrilink (the 'Subsidiary Guarantors'). The Company's
obligations under the Bank Facility and Pro-Fac's and the Subsidiary Guarantors'
obligations under their respective guaranties are secured by all of the assets
of the Company and each guarantor, respectively.
 
Certain Covenants
 
     The Pro-Fac Bank Guarantee requires Pro-Fac, on a consolidated basis, to
maintain specified levels with regard to working capital, tangible net worth,
fixed charges, the incurrence of additional debt, and limitations on dividends,
investments, acquisitions, and asset sales. The Company is in compliance with
all covenants, restrictions and requirements under the terms of the borrowing
agreement.
 
                                      F-62
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Commitment Fees
 
     The Bank assesses commitment fees of 0.35 percent on the seasonal line and
0.25 percent on the unused portion of the Term Loan.
 
Seasonal and Letter of Credit Facilities
 
     Short-term borrowings for the three years ended June 27, 1998 were as
follows:
 


                                                                          FISCAL 1998      FISCAL 1997      FISCAL 1996
                                                                          -----------      -----------      -----------
                                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                   
Balance at end of period...............................................     $     0          $     0          $     0
Rate at fiscal year end................................................         0.0%             0.0%             0.0%
Maximum outstanding during the period..................................     $66,000          $65,000          $94,000
Average amount outstanding during the period...........................     $51,300          $34,300          $53,700
Weighted average interest rate during the period.......................         7.0%             7.3%             7.4%

 
     The Letter of Credit Facility provides for the issuance of letters of
credit through December 1998. Management anticipates timely renewals of both the
Seasonal and the Letter of Credit facilities.
 
Fair Value
 
     Based on an estimated borrowing rate at fiscal year-end 1998 of 7.2 percent
for long-term debt with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the
Company's long-term debt outstanding under the Bank Facility was approximately
$72.5 million at June 27, 1998.
 
     Based on an estimated borrowing rate at fiscal year end 1997 of 8.7 percent
for long-term debt with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the
Company's long-term debt outstanding under the Bank Facility was approximately
$71.8 million at June 28, 1997.
 
THE SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES ('NOTES')
 
     The Notes are limited in aggregate principal amount to $160.0 million and
will mature on February 1, 2005. Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of
12.25 percent per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1
and August 1.
 
Guarantees and Security
 
     The Notes represent general unsecured obligations of the Company,
subordinated in right of payment to certain other debt obligations of the
Company (including the Company's obligations under the Credit Agreement).
 
Certain Covenants
 
     The Notes also limit the amount and timing of dividends and other payments
('Restricted Payments') from the Company to Pro-Fac or to holders of other
Agrilink debt or equity. No dividends or other Restricted Payments may be made
if there is an existing event of default under the Notes or if Agrilink's Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Indenture, a ratio of cash flow to
interest) for the preceding four quarters is not at least 1.75 to 1.00. The
amount of all dividends and other Restricted Payments subsequent to the date of
the Indenture is subject to an overall limit that is based on the Company's net
income and the amount of additional equity invested in the Company.
 
                                      F-63
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Fair Value
 
     Based on an estimated borrowing rate at 1998 fiscal year-end of 11.2
percent for borrowings with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the
Notes was $171.4 million at June 27, 1998.
 
     Based on an estimated borrowing rate at 1997 fiscal year end of 11.1
percent for borrowings with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the
Notes was $174.7 million at June 28, 1997.
 
OTHER DEBT
 
     Other debt of $5.6 million carries rates up to 10.0 percent at June 27,
1998.
 
MATURITIES
 
     Total long-term debt maturities during each of the next five fiscal years
are as follows: 1999, $8.1 million; 2000, $10.6 million; 2001, $18.6 million;
2002, $13.1 million; and 2003, $13.1 million. Provisions of the Term Loan
require annual payments in the years through 2000 on October 1 of each year in
an amount equal to the 'annual cash sweep' (equivalent to approximately 80
percent of net income adjusted for certain cash and non-cash items) for the
preceding fiscal year. As of June 27, 1998, the Company had satisfied its
obligation under this provision. Provisions of the Term Loan also require that
cash proceeds from the sale of businesses be applied to the Term Loan.
 
NOTE 6. TAXES ON INCOME
 
     Taxes on income before cumulative effect of an accounting change include
the following:
 


                                                           FISCAL 1998    FISCAL 1997    FISCAL 1996
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                
Federal --
     Current............................................     $ 6,214        $   658       $  (4,884)
     Deferred...........................................       1,201          4,409          (7,349)
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                               7,415          5,067         (12,233)
State and foreign --
     Current............................................         874            314              25
     Deferred...........................................        (449)           148            (863)
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                 425            462            (838)
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                             $ 7,840        $ 5,529       $ (13,071)
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                           -----------    -----------    -----------

 
                                      F-64
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     A reconciliation of the consolidated effective tax rate to the amount
computed by applying the federal income tax rate to income before taxes and
cumulative effect of an accounting change, is as follows:
 


                                                                          JUNE 27,    JUNE 28,    JUNE 29,
                                                                            1998        1997        1996
                                                                          --------    --------    --------
                                                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                         
Income tax provision/(benefit) at 35% in 1998,
  34% in 1997 and 1996.................................................    $8,740      $4,631     $ (7,697)
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect...................       571         484         (834)
Allocation to members..................................................    (2,149)       (230)           0
Goodwill amortization..................................................       961       1,041          784
Dividend received deduction............................................      (305)       (472)        (521)
Other (net)............................................................        22          75          (95)
                                                                          --------    --------    --------
Subtotal...............................................................     7,840       5,529       (8,363)
Tax benefits resulting from prior years' exempt status.................         0           0       (4,708)
                                                                          --------    --------    --------
     Total.............................................................    $7,840      $5,529     $(13,071)
                                                                          --------    --------    --------
                                                                          --------    --------    --------
Effective Tax Rate.....................................................      31.4%       40.6%       (57.7)%

 
     The consolidated deferred tax (liabilities)/assets consist of the following
at June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997:
 


                                                                          FISCAL      FISCAL
                                                                           1998        1997
                                                                         --------    --------
                                                                               
Liabilities:
     Depreciation.....................................................   $(44,611)   $(49,357)
     Non-compete agreements...........................................       (333)       (462)
     Other receivables................................................         (4)       (538)
     Prepaid manufacturing............................................     (3,270)     (3,215)
     Accounts receivable..............................................       (197)          0
     Other............................................................          0        (215)
                                                                         --------    --------
                                                                          (48,415)    (53,787)
                                                                         --------    --------
Assets:
     Non-qualified retains............................................        904       1,006
     Inventory........................................................      2,089       2,322
     Accounts receivable..............................................          0         377
     Capital and operating loss carryforwards.........................      6,573      10,159
     Accrued employee benefits........................................      3,594       3,431
     Insurance accruals...............................................      1,987       2,058
     Pension/OPEB accruals............................................      6,928       7,128
     Restructuring reserves...........................................        321       1,332
     Promotional Reserves.............................................      1,648       1,592
     Other............................................................      2,313       3,315
                                                                         --------    --------
                                                                           26,357      32,720
                                                                         --------    --------
     Net deferred liabilities.........................................    (22,058)    (21,067)
     Valuation allowance..............................................     (5,550)     (6,212)
                                                                         --------    --------
                                                                         $(27,608)   $(27,279)
                                                                         --------    --------
                                                                         --------    --------

 
     During fiscal year 1998, the Company utilized $9.2 million of net operating
loss carryforwards ($3.2 million of tax). Additionally, approximately $11.0
million of net operating loss carryforwards
 
                                      F-65
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
($3.9 million of tax) were transferred from Pro-Fac. The benefits for these net
operating losses had been recorded in previous years.
 
     During fiscal year 1997, however, the Company disposed of its Finger Lakes
Packaging subsidiary, its New York canned vegetable operation, and a
distribution center in Georgia. During fiscal year 1998, a distribution center
in Michigan was also disposed of. As a result of these disposals, the Company
utilized $26.8 million of its capital loss carryforward. As the related
valuation allowance was established in conjunction with the acquisition of the
Company by Pro-Fac, the recognition of this capital loss carryforward reduced
goodwill. During fiscal year 1996, the Company sold the stock of its
wholly-owned subsidiary Curtice Burns Meat Snacks, Inc. Substantially all of the
assets of this subsidiary were previously sold. This sale and other sales
resulted in a capital loss of $40.4 million ($15.7 million of tax). As of the
date of sale, a full valuation allowance had been recorded against the capital
loss carryforward as it was more likely than not that a tax benefit would not be
realized. As of June 27, 1998, the Company has $13.6 million of a capital loss
carryforward available. The capital loss carryforward expires in 2001, and any
future recognition of this capital loss carryforward will also reduce goodwill.
 
     In January 1995, the Boards of Directors of Agrilink and Pro-Fac approved
appropriate amendments to the Bylaws of the Agrilink to allow the Company to
qualify as a cooperative under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code. In
August 1995, Agrilink and Pro-Fac received a favorable ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service approving the change in tax treatment effective for fiscal 1996.
This ruling also confirmed that the change in Agrilink tax status would have no
affect on Pro-Fac's ongoing treatment as a cooperative under Subchapter T of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
 
     In August of 1993, the Internal Revenue Service issued a determination
letter which concluded that the Cooperative was exempt from federal income tax
to the extent provided by Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code, 'Exemption
of Farmers' Cooperative from Tax.' Unlike a nonexempt cooperative, a tax-exempt
cooperative is entitled to deduct cash dividends it pays on its capital stock in
computing its taxable income. The exempt status was retroactive to fiscal year
1986. In conjunction with this ruling, the Cooperative had filed for tax refunds
for fiscal years 1986 to 1992 in the amount of approximately $8.8 million and
interest payments of approximately $5.2 million. Accordingly, a refund amount of
$10.1 million for tax and interest have been reflected in the financial
statements of the Cooperative as of June 24, 1995. In addition, refund amounts
of $3.9 million for tax and interest have been reflected in the financial
statement of the Cooperative as of June 29, 1996. These refunds and interest for
the fiscal years 1986 to 1991 were received in March of 1996. The refund and
interest for fiscal year 1992 was received in June of 1997.
 
     As a result of the acquisition of Agrilink Foods, the Cooperative's tax
exempt status has ceased.
 
NOTE 7. PENSIONS, PROFIT SHARING, AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
 
PENSIONS
 
     The Company has primarily noncontributory defined benefit plans covering
most employees. The benefits for these plans are based primarily on years of
service and employees' pay near retirement. The Company's funding policy is
consistent with the funding requirements of Federal law and regulations. Plan
assets consist principally of common stocks, corporate bonds and US government
obligations.
 
     The Company also participates in several union sponsored pension plans. It
is not possible to determine the Company's relative share of the accumulated
benefit obligations or net assets for these plans.
 
                                      F-66
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Pension cost for fiscal years ended 1998, 1997, and 1996 includes the
following components:
 


                                                                                           PENSION BENEFITS
                                                                               -----------------------------------------
                                                                                 FISCAL         FISCAL         FISCAL
                                                                                  1998           1997           1996
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                    
Change in benefit obligation:
     Benefit obligation at beginning of period..............................    $  86,775      $  87,674      $  80,752
     Service cost...........................................................        2,796          2,915          3,162
     Interest cost..........................................................        6,776          6,637          6,703
     Plan participants' contributions.......................................          168            279            213
     Amendments.............................................................           74              0           (265)
     Actuarial loss/(gain)..................................................       14,193         (2,171)         2,786
     Benefits paid..........................................................       (8,295)        (8,559)        (5,677)
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
          Benefit obligation at end of period...............................      102,487         86,775         87,674
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
Change in plan assets:
     Fair value of assets at beginning of period............................       88,979         89,716         74,897
     Actual return on Plan assets...........................................       25,129          4,884         19,430
     Employer contribution..................................................          257          2,659            853
     Plan participants' contributions.......................................          168            279            213
     Benefits paid..........................................................       (8,295)        (8,559)        (5,677)
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
          Fair value of assets at end of period.............................      106,238         88,979         89,716
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
Plan funded status..........................................................        3,751          2,204          2,042
     Unrecognized prior service cost........................................         (147)          (243)          (265)
     Unrecognized net transition asset or obligation........................            0              0              0
     Unrecognized actuarial gain............................................      (17,057)       (15,421)       (18,115)
     Union plans............................................................         (106)          (122)          (293)
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
          (Accrued benefit liability) prior to additional minimum
            liability.......................................................      (13,559)       (13,582)       (16,631)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position
  consist of:
     Prepaid benefit cost (accrued benefit liability).......................      (14,167)       (13,997)       (16,835)
     Accumulated other comprehensive income.................................          608            415            204
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
          Net amount recognized.............................................    $ (13,559)     $ (13,582)     $ (16,631)
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
Weighted-average assumptions:
     Discount rate..........................................................          7.0%           8.0%          7.75%
     Expected return on plan assets.........................................         10.0%          10.0%          10.0%
     Rate of compensation increase..........................................          4.5%           4.5%           4.5%
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
     Service cost...........................................................    $   2,796      $   2,915      $   3,162
     Interest cost..........................................................        6,776          6,637          6,703
     Expected return on plan assets.........................................       (8,708)        (8,947)        (7,307)
     Amortization of prior service cost.....................................          (22)           (22)             0
     Amortization of (gain)/loss............................................         (593)          (802)           (64)
     Union costs............................................................           88             70            205
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
     Net periodic benefit cost..............................................    $     337      $    (149)     $   2,699
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------

 
                                      F-67
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair
value of plan assets for the two non-qualified retirement plans with accumulated
benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were:
 


                                             SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN       EXCESS BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN
                                             ---------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------
                                               FISCAL        FISCAL        FISCAL        FISCAL        FISCAL        FISCAL
                                                1998          1997          1996          1998          1997          1996
                                             -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                                                 
Projected benefit obligation...............    $ 1,939       $ 1,843       $ 1,913        $ 850         $ 652         $ 453
Accumulated benefit obligation.............      1,939         1,843         1,913          651           575           315
Plan assets................................          0             0             0            0             0             0

 
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
 
     Generally, other than pensions, the Company does not pay retirees' benefit
costs. Isolated exceptions exist, which have evolved from union negotiations,
early retirement incentives and existing retiree commitments from acquired
companies.
 
     The Company has not prefunded any of its retiree medical or life insurance
liabilities. Consequently there are no plan assets held in a trust, and there is
no expected long-term rate of return assumption for purposes of determining the
annual expense.
 
     The plan's funded status was as follows:
 


                                                                                            OTHER BENEFITS
                                                                               -----------------------------------------
                                                                                 FISCAL         FISCAL         FISCAL
                                                                                  1998           1997           1996
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                    
Change in benefit obligation:
     Benefit obligation at beginning of period..............................     $ 2,604        $ 2,695        $ 2,743
     Service cost...........................................................           6              8             23
     Interest cost..........................................................         198            199            222
     Actuarial loss/(gain)..................................................         322             49           (168)
     Benefits paid..........................................................        (372)          (347)          (125)
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
          Benefit obligation at end of period...............................       2,758          2,604          2,695
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
Change in plan assets:
     Fair value of assets at beginning of period............................           0              0              0
     Employer contribution..................................................         372            347            125
     Benefits paid..........................................................        (372)          (347)          (125)
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
          Fair value of assets at end of period.............................           0              0              0
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
Plan funded status..........................................................      (2,758)        (2,604)        (2,695)
     Unrecognized actuarial gain............................................         (46)          (378)          (443)
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
          Accrued benefit liability prior to additional minimum liability...      (2,804)        (2,982)        (3,138)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position
  consist of:
     Accrued benefit liability..............................................      (2,804)        (2,982)        (3,138)
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
          Net amount recognized.............................................     $(2,804)       $(2,982)       $(3,138)
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
Weighted-average assumptions:
     Discount rate..........................................................         7.0%           8.0%          7.75%
     Expected return on plan assets.........................................         N/A            N/A            N/A
     Rate of compensation increase..........................................         N/A            N/A            N/A

 
                                      F-68
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 


                                                                                            OTHER BENEFITS
                                                                               -----------------------------------------
                                                                                 FISCAL         FISCAL         FISCAL
                                                                                  1998           1997           1996
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                    
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
     Service cost...........................................................      $   6          $   8          $  23
     Interest cost..........................................................        198            199            222
     Amortization of (gain)/loss............................................        (10)           (15)             0
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
     Net periodic benefit cost..............................................      $ 194          $ 192          $ 245
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                               -----------    -----------    -----------

 
     For measurement purposes, a 9.5 percent rate of increase in the per capita
cost covered health care benefits was assumed for fiscal 1998. The rate was
assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0 percent for 2007 and remain at that level
thereafter.
 
     The Company sponsors benefit plans that provide postretirement medical and
life insurance benefits for certain current and former employees. For the most
part, current employees are not eligible for the postretirement medical
coverage. As such, the assumed health care trend rates have an insignificant
effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement benefits plan.
One-percentage point change in the assumed health care trend rates would have
the following effect:
 


                                                        1-PERCENTAGE      1-PERCENTAGE
                                                       POINT INCREASE    POINT DECREASE
                                                       --------------    --------------
                                                                   
Effect on total of service and interest cost
  components........................................      $  7,361         $   (7,435)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation.........      $113,206         $ (108,742)

 
PROFIT SHARING/401(K)
 
     Under the prior Deferred Profit Sharing Plan and the Non-Qualified Profit
Sharing Plan, the Company allocated to all salaried exempt employees a
percentage of its earnings in excess of 5.0 percent of the combined long-term
debt and equity (as defined) of Pro-Fac and the Company.
 
     Under the Retirement Savings and Incentive Plan ('RSIP' or the 'Plan'), the
Company makes an incentive contribution to the Plan if certain pre-established
earnings goals are achieved. The maximum incentive contribution is 3 percent of
base salary earned during the fiscal year. In addition, the Company contributes
401(k) matching contributions to the Plan for the benefit of employees who elect
to defer a portion of their salary into the plan. During fiscal 1998, 1997 and
1996 the Company allocated $475,000, $500,000 and $400,000, respectively, in the
form of matching contributions and $400,000, $400,000 and $211,000,
respectively, in the form of incentive contributions for the benefit of its
employees.
 
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
 
     On June 24, 1996, the Company introduced a long-term incentive program, the
Agrilink Foods Equity Value Plan, which provides performance units to a select
group of management. The future value of the performance units is determined by
the Company's performance on earnings and debt repayment. The performance units
vest 25 percent each year after the first anniversary of the grant, becoming
100 percent vested on the fourth anniversary of grant. One-third of the
appreciated value of units in excess of the initial grant price is paid as cash
compensation over the subsequent three years. The final value of the performance
units is determined on the fourth anniversary of grant. The total units granted
were 278,357 at $21.88 per unit in June 1998, 176,278 at $25.04 per unit, and
7,996 at $13.38 per unit in June 1997, and 248,511 at $13.38 per unit in June
1996. Units forfeited during the year included 27,251 at $13.38 and 19,978 at
$25.04. During fiscal 1997, approximately $1.5 million was allocated to this
plan.
 
                                      F-69
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The value of the grants from the Agrilink Foods Equity Value Plan will be
based on the Company's future earnings and debt repayment.
 
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
     During fiscal 1996 the Company introduced an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
which affords employees the opportunity to purchase semi-annually, in cash or
via payroll deduction, shares of Class B Cumulative Pro-Fac Preferred Stock to a
maximum value of 5 percent of salary. The purchase price of such shares is par
value, $10 per share. During fiscal 1998, 1997, and 1996, 27,043, 31,435 and
33,364 shares, respectively, were held by employees, and 580 shares were
subscribed to as of June 27, 1998.
 
NOTE 8. COMMON STOCK AND CAPITALIZATION
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     The common stock purchased by members is related to the crop delivery of
each member. Regardless of the number of shares held, each member has one vote.
As of June 27, 1998, there were 634 holders of the common stock. Common stock
may be transferred to another grower only with approval of the Pro-Fac Board of
Directors. If a member ceases to be a producer of agricultural products which he
markets through the Cooperative, then he must sell his common stock to another
grower acceptable to the Cooperative. If no such grower is available to purchase
the stock, then the member must provide one year's advance written notice of his
intent to withdraw, after which the Cooperative must purchase his common stock
at par value. There is no established public trading market for the common stock
of the Cooperative.
 
     In fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1996, dividends on common stock were paid at a
rate of 5.0 percent. No dividends on common stock were paid in fiscal 1997.
 
     At June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997, there were outstanding subscriptions,
at par value, for 160,629 and 54,557 shares of common stock, respectively. These
shares are issued as subscription payments are received.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Except for the Class B Cumulative Preferred Stock all preferred stock
originated from the conversion at par value of retains. This stock is
non-voting, except that the holders of preferred and common stock would be
entitled to vote as separate classes on certain matters which would affect or
subordinate the rights of the class.
 
     At the Cooperative's annual meeting in January 1995, shareholders approved
an amendment to the certificate of incorporation to authorize the creation of
five additional classes of preferred stock.
 
     On August 23, 1995, the Cooperative commenced an offer to exchange one
share of its Class A Cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation preference $25 per
share) for each of its existing Non-cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation
preference $25 per share). Pro-Fac's Class A Cumulative Preferred Stock is
listed under the symbol PFACP on the National Market System of the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ('Nasdaq'). As of
June 27, 1998, the number of Class A Cumulative Preferred Stock record holders
was 1,841.
 
     Subsequent to June 27, 1998, the Cooperative declared a cash dividend of
$1.50 per share on the Non-cumulative Preferred Stock and $.43 per share on the
cumulative preferred stock. These dividends amounted to $1.6 million.
 
     In June 1995, the Board approved, pursuant to its authority under the
Charter Amendment the creation of a new series of preferred stock, to be
designated the 'Class B, Series 1, 10 percent
 
                                      F-70
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
cumulative preferred stock' (the 'Class B Stock'). These shares will be issued
to employees of Agrilink pursuant to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. At least
once a year Pro-Fac plans to offer to repurchase at least 5 percent of the
outstanding shares of Class B Stock.
 
     The dividend rates for the preferred stock are as follows:
 

                                             
Non-cumulative preferred......................  $1.50 per share paid annually at the
                                                  discretion of the Board.
Class A Cumulative Preferred..................  $1.72 per share annually, paid in four
                                                  quarterly installments of $.43 per share.
Class B Cumulative Preferred..................  $1.00 per share paid annually.

 
     Because dividends on the Non-cumulative Preferred Stock are payable
annually and dividends on the Cumulative Preferred Stock are paid quarterly, the
exchange of Non-cumulative Preferred Stock for Cumulative Preferred Stock on
October 10, 1995 resulted in the payment of 1 3/4 years of dividends to the
holders of exchanged shares in fiscal 1996.
 
RETAINED EARNINGS ALLOCATED TO MEMBERS ('RETAINS')
 
     Retains arise from patronage income and are allocated to the accounts of
members within 8.5 months of the end of each fiscal year.
 
Qualified Retains
 
     Qualified retains are freely transferable and normally mature into
preferred stock in December of the fifth year after allocation. Qualified
retains are taxable income to the member in the year the allocation is made.
 
Non-Qualified Retains
 
     Non-qualified retains may not be sold or purchased. The present intention
of the Board of Directors is that the non-qualified retains allocation be
redeemed in five years through partial payment in cash and issuance of preferred
stock. The non-qualified retains will not be taxable to the member until the
year of redemption. Non-qualified retains may be subject to later adjustment if
such is deemed necessary by the Board of Directors because of events which may
occur after the retains were allocated.
 
     Beginning with the retains issued in 1995, the maturity of all future
retains will result in the issuance of Class A Cumulative Preferred Stock.
 
EARNED SURPLUS (UNALLOCATED AND APPORTIONED)
 
     Earned surplus consists of accumulated income after distribution of
earnings allocated to members, dividends and after state and federal income
taxes. Earned surplus is reinvested in the business in the same fashion as
retains.
 
NOTE 9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND OTHER MATTERS
 
DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
 
     On July 27, 1998, the Company announced that it had reached a definitive
agreement with Dean Foods Company ('Dean') of Franklin Park, Illinois, to
acquire Dean's vegetable operations which include the nationally known Birds Eye
brand and Dean's Freshlike and VegAll brands. The Dean Foods Vegetable Company
('DFVC') reported net sales of $620.2 million (on a basis consistent with
 
                                      F-71
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
that report by Agrilink) and operating earnings of $38.7 million. DFVC employs
approximately 2,000 full-time employees in 13 plants, located in California,
Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. The acquisition is expected to close
in September 1998 and will be accounted for as a purchase.
 
SEYFERT FOODS, INC.
 
     On May 6, 1998, the Company and Heath Investment Capital, Inc., announced
that they were unable to reach a definitive agreement regarding the Company's
effort to acquire the assets of Seyfert Foods, Inc. of Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
 
J.A. HOPAY DISTRIBUTING CO., INC.
 
     Effective July 21, 1998, the Company acquired J.A. Hopay Distributing Co.,
Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hopay distributes snack products for Snyder of
Berlin. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price was
approximately $3.1 million.
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The Company is party to various litigation and claims arising in the
ordinary course of business. Management and legal counsel for the Company are of
the opinion that none of these legal actions will have a material effect on the
financial position of the Company.
 
COMMITMENTS
 
     The Company's Curtice Burns Foods business unit has guaranteed an
approximate $1.4 million loan for the City of Montezuma to renovate a sewage
treatment plant operated in Montezuma on behalf of the City.
 
                                      F-72









                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
        UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND NET PROCEEDS
 


                                                                                              QUARTER ENDED
                                                                                      ------------------------------
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 26,    SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                                                          1998             1997
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                 
Net sales..........................................................................     $ 182,579        $ 176,397
Cost of sales......................................................................      (135,882)        (130,748)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Gross profit.......................................................................        46,697           45,649
Selling, administrative and general expense........................................       (34,883)         (32,922)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company..............................................           636              164
Gain on sale of aseptic operations.................................................        64,202                0
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Operating income...................................................................        76,652           12,891
Interest expense...................................................................        (8,336)          (7,770)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Income before taxes, dividends, allocation of net proceeds, and extraordinary
  item.............................................................................        68,316            5,121
Tax provision......................................................................       (25,007)          (1,822)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Income before dividends, allocation of net proceeds, and extraordinary item........        43,309            3,299
Extraordinary item relating to the early extinguishment of debt (net of income
  taxes)...........................................................................       (18,024)               0
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Net income.........................................................................     $  25,285        $   3,299
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Allocation of net proceeds:
     Net income....................................................................     $  25,285        $   3,299
     Dividends on common and preferred stock.......................................        (1,978)          (1,850)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
     Net proceeds..................................................................        23,307            1,449
     Allocation to earned surplus..................................................       (21,302)            (788)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
     Net proceeds available to members.............................................     $   2,005        $     661
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Net proceeds available to members:
     Estimated cash payment........................................................     $     501        $     165
     Qualified retains.............................................................         1,504              496
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
     Net proceeds available to members.............................................     $   2,005        $     661
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                      -------------    -------------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated
                             financial statements.
 
                                      F-73
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                      UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 


                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 26,     JUNE 27,     SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                                                          1998            1998           1997
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
                                                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                            
                                      ASSETS
Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents....................................................     $     9,083     $    5,049     $     3,997
     Accounts receivable trade, net...............................................          98,911         55,046          65,053
     Accounts receivable, other...................................................          11,053          3,575           3,845
     Current deferred tax assets..................................................          13,336          4,849          12,312
     Inventories --
          Finished goods..........................................................         349,451        111,153         140,056
          Raw materials and supplies..............................................          45,829         30,433          25,413
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
               Total inventories..................................................         395,280        141,586         165,469
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
     Current investment in CoBank.................................................           1,330          1,994             631
     Prepaid manufacturing expense................................................              98          8,404              84
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets....................................          17,288         12,989           8,464
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
               Total current assets...............................................         546,379        233,492         259,855
Investment in CoBank..............................................................          22,377         22,377          24,320
Investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company...........................................           7,223          6,584           6,585
Property, plant and equipment, net................................................         317,025        194,615         209,216
Assets held for sale at net realizable value......................................           2,711          2,662           3,259
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net.........................................         327,650         94,744          95,503
Other assets......................................................................          24,477         12,234           7,525
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
               Total assets.......................................................     $ 1,247,842     $  566,708     $   606,263
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
 
            LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' AND MEMBERS' CAPITALIZATION
Current liabilities:
     Notes payable................................................................     $    94,000     $        0     $    64,000
     Current portion of obligations under capital leases..........................             256            256             558
     Current portion of long-term debt............................................           1,023          8,071           8,073
     Accounts payable.............................................................          84,945         70,158          39,175
     Income taxes payable.........................................................          13,212          4,046           5,386
     Accrued interest.............................................................             690          8,559           3,960
     Accrued employee compensation................................................          14,329          8,598           7,981
     Other accrued expenses.......................................................          89,746         19,013          21,681
     Dividends payable............................................................               0             52               0
     Amount due members...........................................................          29,946         20,636          27,808
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
               Total current liabilities..........................................         328,147        139,389         178,622
Obligations under capital leases..................................................             503            503             817
Long-term debt....................................................................         463,700         69,937          70,528
Senior subordinated notes.........................................................              15        160,000         160,000
Subordinated bridge facility......................................................         200,000              0               0
Subordinated promissory note......................................................          30,000              0               0
Deferred income tax liabilities...................................................          34,644         32,457          39,591
Other non-current liabilities.....................................................          26,623         23,053          22,962
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
               Total liabilities..................................................       1,083,632        425,339         472,520
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
 
                                                                                                    (table continued on next page)

 
                                      F-74
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
              UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET -- (CONTINUED)
 
(table continued from previous page)


                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 26,     JUNE 27,     SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                                                          1998            1998           1997
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
                                                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                            
Commitments and contingencies
Class B cumulative redeemable preferred stock; liquidation preference $10 per
  share, authorized -- 500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 27,043, 27,043, and
  31,435 shares, respectively.....................................................             270            270             314
 

 
                                      SEPTEMBER 26,     JUNE 27,     SEPTEMBER 27,
                                          1998            1998           1997
                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
                                                                                                   
Common stock, par value $5,
  authorized -- 5,000,000 shares
Shares issued......................      1,834,805      1,825,863       1,749,580
Shares subscribed..................        737,935        160,629          44,808
                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
               Total subscribed and
                 issued............      2,572,740      1,986,492       1,794,388
Less subscriptions receivable in
  installments.....................       (737,935)      (160,629)        (44,808)
                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
               Total issued and
                 outstanding.......      1,834,805      1,825,863       1,749,580            9,174          9,129           8,748
                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
Shareholders' and members' capitalization:
     Retained earnings allocated to members.......................................          31,264         29,765          32,409
     Non-qualified allocation to members..........................................           2,660          2,660           2,960
     Accumulated other comprehensive income:
          Minimum pension liability adjustment....................................            (608)          (608)              0
          Cumulative foreign currency adjustment..................................              (5)             0               0
     Non-cumulative preferred stock, par value $25; authorized -- 5,000,000
       shares; issued and outstanding -- 45,001, 45,001, and 53,797,
       respectively...............................................................           1,125          1,125           1,345
     Class A cumulative preferred stock, liquidation preference $25 per share;
       authorized -- 49,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,503,199,
       3,503,199, and 3,215,709 shares, respectively..............................          87,580         87,580          80,393
     Earned surplus...............................................................          32,750         11,448           7,574
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
               Total shareholders' and members' capitalization....................         154,766        131,970         124,681
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
               Total liabilities and capitalization...............................     $ 1,247,842     $  566,708     $   606,263
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------
                                                                                      -------------    ----------    -------------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated
                             financial statements.
 
                                      F-75
 




                          PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                 UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 


                                                                                              QUARTER ENDED
                                                                                      ------------------------------
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 26,    SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                                                          1998             1997
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                 
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income....................................................................     $  25,285        $   3,299
     Amounts payable to members....................................................          (501)            (165)
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
          Gain on the sale of the aseptic operations...............................       (64,202)               0
          Extraordinary item relating to the early extinguishment of debt..........        18,024                0
          Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles...........................           926              990
          Amortization of debt issue costs.........................................           200              199
          Depreciation.............................................................         4,385            4,597
          Equity in undistributed earnings of Great Lakes Kraut Company............          (636)            (164)
          Change in assets and liabilities:
               Accounts receivable.................................................       (22,222)         (17,442)
               Inventories.........................................................       (72,038)         (52,739)
               Accounts payable and other accrued expenses.........................       (22,938)          (9,959)
               Amounts due to members..............................................         9,310           12,017
               Income taxes payable................................................        19,629             (286)
               Other assets and liabilities........................................           (34)          (2,299)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                    Net cash used in operating activities..........................      (104,812)         (61,952)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Purchase of property, plant and equipment.....................................        (4,094)          (3,231)
     Proceeds from disposals.......................................................        83,000              375
     Proceeds from investment in CoBank............................................           664              316
     Cash paid for acquisitions....................................................      (445,918)               0
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                    Net cash used in investing activities..........................      (366,348)          (2,540)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt.....................................       177,000           64,000
     Payments on short-term debt...................................................       (83,000)               0
     Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt......................................       677,100            2,000
     Proceeds from Great Lakes Kraut Company.......................................             0            3,000
     Payments on long-term debt....................................................      (276,450)          (1,303)
     Cash paid for debt issuance costs.............................................       (17,523)               0
     Issuances/(repurchases) of common stock.......................................            45             (196)
     Cash dividends paid...........................................................        (1,978)          (1,850)
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                    Net cash provided by financing activities......................       475,194           65,651
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents............................................         4,034            1,159
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period...................................         5,049            2,838
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.........................................     $   9,083        $   3,997
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                      -------------    -------------

 
                                                  (table continued on next page)
 
                                      F-76
 




                          PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
         UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(table continued from previous page)
 


                                                                                              QUARTER ENDED
                                                                                      ------------------------------
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 26,    SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                                                          1998             1997
                                                                                      -------------    -------------
                                                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
     Acquisition of Dean Foods Vegetable Company
          Accounts receivable......................................................     $  28,701
          Inventories..............................................................       191,619
          Prepaid expenses and other current assets................................         2,871
          Current deferred tax asset...............................................         6,300
          Property, plant and equipment............................................       131,648
          Goodwill and other intangible assets.....................................       230,609
          Accounts payable.........................................................       (37,802)
          Accrued employee compensation............................................        (8,437)
          Other accrued expenses...................................................       (66,748)
          Long-term debt...........................................................        (2,752)
          Subordinated promissory note.............................................       (30,000)
          Other assets and liabilities, net........................................        (2,404)
                                                                                      -------------
                                                                                        $ 443,605
                                                                                      -------------
                                                                                      -------------
     Acquisition of J.A. Hopay Distributing Co., Inc.:
          Accounts receivable......................................................     $     420
          Inventories..............................................................           153
          Property, plant and equipment............................................            51
          Goodwill and other intangible assets.....................................         3,303
          Other accrued expenses...................................................          (251)
          Obligation for covenant not to compete...................................        (1,363)
                                                                                      -------------
                                                                                        $   2,313
                                                                                      -------------
                                                                                      -------------
     Investment in Great Lakes Kraut Company:
          Inventories..............................................................                      $   2,175
          Prepaid expenses and other current assets................................                            409
          Property, plant and equipment............................................                          6,966
          Other accrued expenses...................................................                            (62)
                                                                                                       -------------
                                                                                                         $   9,488
                                                                                                       -------------
                                                                                                       -------------

 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated
                             financial statements.
 
                                      F-77









                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
              NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and, in the
opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of
operations for these periods. The following summarizes the significant
accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying financial
statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and accompanying notes contained in the Pro-Fac
Cooperative, Inc. ('Pro-Fac' or the 'Cooperative') audited financial statements
beginning on page F-49.
 
CONSOLIDATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the Cooperative and its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Agrilink Foods, Inc. ('Agrilink' or 'the Company')
after elimination of intercompany transactions and balances. Investments in
affiliates, owned more than 20 percent but not in excess of 50 percent, are
recorded under the equity method of accounting.
 
RECLASSIFICATION
 
     Certain items for fiscal 1998 have been reclassified to conform with the
current presentation.
 
ADOPTION OF SFAS NO. 130
 
     Effective June 28, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, 'Reporting Comprehensive Income.'
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business during a
period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner
sources. Under SFAS No. 130, the term 'comprehensive income' is used to describe
the total of net earnings plus other comprehensive income which for the Company
includes foreign currency translation adjustments and minimum pension liability
adjustments. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 did not have a material effect on the
Company's results of operations or financial position.
 
ADOPTION OF SFAS NO. 131
 
     Effective June 28, 1998 the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, 'Disclosures
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.' SFAS No. 131
supersedes SFAS No. 14, 'Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business
Enterprise,' replacing the 'industry segment' approach with the 'management'
approach. The management approach designates the internal organization that is
used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as
the source of the Company's reportable segments. SFAS No. 131 also requires
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers.
The adoption of SFAS No. 131 did not affect the Company's results of operations
or financial position.
 
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The Company does not engage in interest rate speculation. Derivative
financial instruments are utilized to hedge interest rate risks and are not held
for trading purposes.
 
     The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to limit exposure to
interest rate movements. Net payments or receipts are accrued into prepaid
expenses and other current assets and/or other accrued expenses and are recorded
as adjustments to interest expense. Interest rate instruments are entered into
for periods no greater than the life of the underlying transaction being hedged.
Management anticipates that all interest rate derivatives will be held to
maturity. Any gains or losses on
 
                                      F-78
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
prematurely terminated interest rate derivatives will be recognized over the
remaining life, if any, of the underlying transaction as an adjustment to
interest expense.
 
NOTE 2. ACQUISITION OF DEAN FOODS VEGETABLE COMPANY
 
     On September 24, 1998, Agrilink acquired the Dean Foods Vegetable Company
('DFVC'), the frozen and canned vegetable business of Dean Foods Company ('Dean
Foods'), by acquiring all the outstanding capital stock of Dean Foods Vegetable
Company and Birds Eye de Mexico SA de CV (the 'Acquisition'). In connection with
the Acquisition, Agrilink sold its aseptic business to Dean Foods. Agrilink paid
$360.0 million in cash, net of the sale of the Aseptic Business, and issued to
Dean Foods a $30.0 million unsecured subordinated promissory note due November
22, 2008 (the 'Subordinated Promissory Note'), as consideration for the
Acquisition. The Company has the right, exercisable until July 15, 1999, to
require Dean Foods, jointly with the Company, to treat the Acquisition as an
asset sale for tax purposes under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue
Code. In order to exercise that election, the Company will pay $13.2 million to
Dean Foods. The Company intends to exercise that election.
 
     After the Acquisition, DFVC was merged into the Company, and Dean Foods
Vegetable Company became a business unit of the Company known as Agrilink Foods
Vegetable Company ('AFVC'). DFVC has been one of the leading processors of
vegetables in the United States, selling its products under well-known brand
names, such as Birds Eye, Freshlike and Veg-All, and private labels. The Company
believes that the Acquisition strengthens its competitive position by: (i)
enhancing its brand recognition and market position, (ii) providing
opportunities for cost savings and operating efficiencies and (iii) increasing
its product and geographic diversification.
 
     The Acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
Under purchase accounting, tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired
and liabilities assumed will be recorded at their respective fair values. The
valuations and other studies which will provide the basis for such an allocation
have not progressed to a stage where there is sufficient information to make a
final allocation in the accompanying financial statements. Accordingly, the
purchase accounting adjustments made in the accompanying financial statements
are preliminary. Once an allocation is determined, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, any remaining excess of purchase cost over net
assets acquired will be adjusted through goodwill.
 
     Due to insignificance, the results of operations of AFVC for the period
September 24 through 26, 1998 have not been included in the Company's
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended September 26,
1998.
 
     Concurrently with the Acquisition, Agrilink refinanced its existing
indebtedness (the 'Refinancing'), including its 12.25 percent Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the 'Old Notes') and its then existing bank debt.
On August 24, 1998, Agrilink commenced a tender offer (the 'Tender Offer') for
all the Old Notes and consent solicitation to certain amendments under the
indenture governing the Old Notes to eliminate substantially all the restrictive
covenants and certain events of default therein. Substantially all of the $160
million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes were tendered and purchased
by Agrilink for aggregate consideration of approximately $184 million, including
accrued interest of $2.9 million. Agrilink also terminated its existing bank
facility (including seasonal borrowings) and repaid the $176.5 million,
excluding interest owed and breakage fees outstanding thereunder.
 
     In order to consummate the Acquisition and the Refinancing and to pay the
related fees and expenses, Agrilink: (i) entered into a new credit facility (the
'New Credit Facility') providing for $455.0 million of term loan borrowings (the
'Term Loan Facility') and up to $200.0 million of revolving credit borrowings
(the 'Revolving Credit Facility'), (ii) entered into a $200.0 million bridge
loan facility (the 'Bridge Facility') and (iii) issued a $30.0 million
Subordinated Promissory Note to Dean Foods. The
 
                                      F-79
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Bridge Facility will be repaid principally with the proceeds from a new
long-term take-out financing. The Bridge Facility was provided by Warburg Dillon
Read LLC, as Arranger and Syndication Agent; and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as
Administrative Agent; and the Bank of Montreal and Harris Trust and Savings Bank
as additional lenders.
 
NOTE 3. AGREEMENTS WITH AGRILINK
 
     The contractual relationship between Agrilink and Pro-Fac is defined in the
Pro-Fac Marketing and Facilitation Agreement ('Agreement'). Under the Agreement,
the Company pays Pro-Fac the commercial market value ('CMV') for all crops
supplied by Pro-Fac. CMV is defined as the weighted average price paid by other
commercial processors for similar crops sold under preseason contracts and in
the open market in the same or competing market area. Although CMV is intended
to be no more than the fair market value of the crops purchased by Agrilink, it
may be more or less than the price Agrilink would pay in the open market in the
absence of the Agreement.
 
     Under the Agreement, the Company is required to have on its board of
directors some persons who are neither members of nor affiliated with Pro-Fac
('Disinterested Directors'). The number of Disinterested Directors must at least
equal the number of directors who are members of Pro-Fac. The volume and type of
crops to be purchased by Agrilink under the Agreement are determined pursuant to
its annual profit plan, which requires the approval of a majority of the
Disinterested Directors. In addition, under the Agreement, in any year in which
the Company has earnings on products which were processed from crops supplied by
Pro-Fac ('Pro-Fac Products'), the Company pays to Pro-Fac, as additional
patronage income, up to 90 percent of such earnings, but in no case more than 50
percent of all pretax earnings (before dividing with Pro-Fac) of the Company. In
years in which the Company has losses on Pro-Fac Products, the Company reduces
the CMV it would otherwise pay to Pro-Fac by up to 90 percent of such losses,
but in no case by more than 50 percent of all pretax losses (before dividing
with Pro-Fac) of the Company. Additional patronage income is paid to Pro-Fac for
services provided to Agrilink, including the provision of a long term, stable
crop supply, favorable payment terms for crops and the sharing of risks of
losses of certain operations of the business. Earnings and losses are determined
at the end of the fiscal year, but are accrued on an estimated basis during the
year. Under the Agreement, Pro-Fac is required to reinvest at least 70 percent
of the additional Patronage income in Agrilink.
 
NOTE 4. DEBT
 
NEW CREDIT FACILITY
 
     In connection with the Acquisition, the Company has entered into the New
Credit Facility with Harris Bank as Administrative Agent and Bank of Montreal as
Syndication Agent, and the lenders thereunder. The Credit Facility consists of
the $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility and the $455.0 million Term Loan
Facility. The Term Loan Facility is comprised of the Term A Facility, which has
a maturity of five years, the Term B Facility, which has a maturity of six
years, and the Term C Facility, which has a maturity of seven years. The
Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity of five years.
 
     The New Credit Facility bears interest, at the Company's option, at the
Administrative Agent's alternate base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate
('LIBOR') plus, in each case, applicable margins of: (i) in the case of
alternate base rate loans, (x) 1.00 percent for loans under the Revolving Credit
Facility and the Term A Facility, (y) 2.75 percent for loans under the Term B
Facility and (z) 3.00 percent for loans under the Term C Facility and (ii) in
the case of LIBOR loans, (x) 2.75 percent for loans under the Revolving Credit
Facility and the Term A Facility, (y) 3.75 percent for loans under the Term B
Facility and (z) 4.00 percent for loans under the Term C Facility. The
Administrative Agent's 'alternate base rate' is defined as the greater of: (i)
the prime commercial rate as announced by the
 
                                      F-80
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Administrative Agent or (ii) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50 percent. In
addition, the Company will pay a commitment fee calculated at a rate of 0.50
percent per annum on the daily average unused commitment under the Revolving
Credit Facility.
 
     Beginning with the reporting period ending March 31, 1999, the applicable
margins for the New Credit Facility will be subject to possible reductions based
on the ratio of consolidated debt to earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization ('EBITDA') (each as defined in the New Credit
Facility).
 
     Upon consummation of the Acquisition, the Company drew $455.0 million under
the Term Loan Facility, consisting of $100.0 million, $175.0 million and $180.0
million of loans under the Term A Facility, Term B Facility and Term C Facility,
respectively. Additionally, the Company drew $93.0 million under the Revolving
Credit Facility for seasonal working capital needs and $14.3 million under the
Revolving Credit Facility was issued for letters of credit. During December
1998, the Company's primary lender exercised its right under the New Credit
Facility to transfer $50.0 million from the Term A Facility to the Term B and
Term C Facilities in increments of $25.0 million.
 
     The Term Loan Facility will be subject to the following amortization
schedule.
 


             FISCAL YEAR                 TERM LOAN A    TERM LOAN B    TERM LOAN C    TOTAL
- --------------------------------------   -----------    -----------    -----------    ------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                          
  1999................................      $ 0.0         $   0.2        $   0.2      $  0.4
  2000................................        7.5             0.4            0.4         8.3
  2001................................       10.0             0.4            0.4        10.8
  2002................................       10.0             0.4            0.4        10.8
  2003................................       10.0             0.4            0.4        10.8
  2004................................       12.5             0.4            0.4        13.3
  2005................................        0.0           197.8            0.4       198.2
  2006................................        0.0             0.0          202.4       202.4
                                         -----------    -----------    -----------    ------
                                            $50.0         $ 200.0        $ 205.0      $455.0
                                         -----------    -----------    -----------    ------
                                         -----------    -----------    -----------    ------

 
     The Term Loan Facility is subject to mandatory prepayment under various
scenarios as defined in the New Credit Facility.
 
     The Company's obligations under the New Credit Facility are secured by a
first-priority lien on: (i) substantially all existing or after-acquired assets,
tangible or intangible, (ii) the capital stock of certain of Pro-Fac's current
and future subsidiaries, and (iii) all of the Company's rights (principally
indemnification rights) under the agreement to acquire DFVC and the Pro-Fac
Marketing and Facilitation Agreement. The Company's obligations under the New
Credit Facility are guaranteed by Pro-Fac and certain of the Company's current
and future subsidiaries, if any.
 
     The New Credit Facility contains customary covenants and restrictions on
the Company's ability to engage in certain activities, including, but not
limited to: (i) limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, (ii)
limitations on sale-leaseback transactions, consolidations, mergers, sale of
assets, transactions with affiliates and investments and (iii) limitations on
dividend and other distributions. The New Credit Facility also contains
financial covenants requiring Pro-Fac to maintain a minimum level of EBITDA, a
minimum interest coverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a
maximum leverage ratio and a minimum level of net worth. The Company is in
compliance with all covenants, restrictions and requirements under the terms of
the New Credit Facility.
 
INTEREST RATE PROTECTION AGREEMENTS
 
     The Company has entered into a three-year interest rate swap agreement with
the Bank of Montreal in the notional amount of $150 million. The swap agreement
provides for an interest rate of
 
                                      F-81
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
4.96 percent over the term of the swap payable by the Company in exchange for
payments at the published three-month LIBOR. In addition, the Company entered
into a separate interest rate swap agreement with the Bank of Montreal in the
notional amount of $100 million for an initial period of three years, which may
be extended, at the Company's option, for an additional two-year period. This
swap agreement provides for an interest rate of 5.32 percent over the term of
the swap, including the two-year extension period if the Company elects to
extend, payable by the Company in exchange for payments at the published
three-month LIBOR. The Company entered into these agreements in order to manage
its interest rate risk by exchanging its floating rate interest payments for
fixed rate interest payments.
 
SUBORDINATED BRIDGE FACILITY
 
     To complete the Acquisition, the Company also entered into a Subordinated
Bridge Facility (the 'Bridge Facility'). The Bridge Facility was provided by
Warburg Dillon Read LLC, as Arranger and Syndication Agent; and UBS AG, Stamford
Branch, as Administrative Agent; and the Bank of Montreal and Harris Trust and
Savings Bank as additional lenders. The interest rate under the Bridge Facility
resets monthly on the basis of LIBOR plus a spread of 5 percent for the first 90
days, which spread increases by an additional 1 percent each subsequent 90-day
period. In no event will the interest rate exceed 16 percent per annum. The
Company anticipates that the Bridge Facility will be repaid principally with the
proceeds of a new long-term take-out financing. Should the Company be unable to
complete its long-term take-out financing, the Bridge Facility, if not repaid
within one year, may thereafter be converted to permanent financing with
consistent interest rates and a maturity of September, 2006.
 
SUBORDINATED PROMISSORY NOTE
 
     As partial consideration for the Acquisition, the Company issued to Dean
Foods a Subordinated Promissory Note for $30 million aggregate principal amount
due November 22, 2008. Interest on the Subordinated Promissory Note is payable
quarterly in arrears commencing December 31, 1998, at a rate per annum of 5
percent until November 22, 2003, and at a rate of 10 percent thereafter.
Interest accruing through November 22, 2003 is required to be paid in kind
through the issuance by the Company of additional subordinated promissory notes
identical to the Subordinated Promissory Note. Interest accruing after November
22, 2003 is payable in cash. The Subordinated Promissory Note may be prepaid at
the Company's option without premium or penalty.
 
     The Subordinated Promissory Note is expressly subordinate to the
Subordinated Bridge Facility, any long-term take-out financing, and the New
Credit Facility and contains no financial covenants. The Subordinated Promissory
Note is guaranteed by Pro-Fac.
 
12 1/4 PERCENT SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES (DUE 2005)
 
     In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Company repurchased $159,985,000
principal amount of its Old Notes, of which $160 million aggregate principal
amount was previously outstanding. The Company paid a total of approximately
$184 million to repurchase the Old Notes, including interest accrued thereon of
$2.9 million. Holders who tendered consented to certain amendments to the
indenture relating to the Old Notes, which eliminated or amended substantially
all the restrictive covenants and certain events of default contained in such
indenture. The Company may repurchase the remaining Old Notes in the future in
open market transactions, privately negotiated purchases or otherwise.
 
                                      F-82
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5. OTHER MATTERS
 
J.A. HOPAY DISTRIBUTING CO., INC.
 
     Effective July 21, 1998, the Company acquired J.A. Hopay Distributing Co.,
Inc. ('Hopay') of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hopay distributes snack products for
Snyder of Berlin, one of the Company's business units within its Snack Foods
Group. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price (net
of liabilities assumed) was approximately $2.3 million. Intangibles of
approximately $3.3 million were recorded in conjunction with this transaction
and are being amortized over 30 years.
 
FORMATION OF NEW SAUERKRAUT COMPANY
 
     Effective July 1, 1997, the Company and Flanagan Brothers, Inc. of Bear
Creek, Wisconsin, contributed all their sauerkraut production related assets to
form a new sauerkraut company. This new company, Great Lakes Kraut Company,
operates as a New York limited liability company, with ownership split equally
between the two companies. The joint venture is accounted for using the equity
method of accounting.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Subsequent to quarter end, the Cooperative declared a cash dividend of $.43
per share on the Class A Cumulative Preferred Stock. These dividends approximate
$1.5 million and will be paid on October 30, 1998.
 
                                      F-83









                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The purpose of this discussion is to outline the significant reasons for
changes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Net Proceeds from fiscal
1996 through fiscal 1998. This discussion is taken from the Annual Report on
Form 10-K/A-1 for the year ended June 27, 1998 and the Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 1998 of Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc.
('Pro-Fac' or the 'Cooperative') and, to the extent the information in the main
part of the Prospectus is more recent than information in this discussion, the
information in this discussion is superseded by such more recent information.
 
     Pro-Fac processes and markets crops grown by its members through its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Agrilink Foods, Inc. ('Agrilink' or the 'Company').
 
     Prior to the Acquisition, Agrilink had three primary business units:
Curtice Burns Foods ('CBF'), Nalley Fine Foods ('Nalley'), and its Snack Foods
Group. Each business unit offers different products. The majority of each
business unit's net sales are within the United States. In addition, all of the
operating facilities of those business units are within the United States. A
fourth business unit, AFVC, which has a processing facility located in Mexico,
was added in connection with the Acquisition.
 
     The CBF business unit produces products in several food categories,
including fruit fillings and toppings; aseptically-produced products (prior to
Agrilink's sale of the Aseptic Business to Dean Foods in connection with the
Acquisition); canned and frozen fruits and vegetables and popcorn. The Nalley
business unit produces canned meat products (such as chilies and stews),
pickles, salad dressings, peanut butter, salsa and syrup. The Company's snack
foods business unit consists of the Snyder of Berlin, Husman Snack Foods and
Tim's Cascade Potato Chip businesses. This business unit produces and markets
potato chips and other salty-snack items. As part of the Acquisition, Agrilink
sold the Aseptic Business to Dean Foods. On December 10, 1998, the Company
announced that it had reached an agreement in principle to sell its peanut
butter business; the sale of the peanut butter business will not constitute a
significant transaction.
 
     The following tables illustrate the Cooperative's results of operations by
business unit for the fiscal years ended June 29, 1996, June 28, 1997 and June
27, 1998 and the fiscal quarters ended September 27, 1997 and September 26,
1998, and the Cooperative's total assets by business at June 28, 1997, June 27,
1998, September 27, 1997 and September 26, 1998. In fiscal 1996, Agrilink sold
its Nalley Canada Ltd. subsidiary and Nalley's United States Chips and Snacks
business. In fiscal 1997, Agrilink sold its Finger Lakes Packaging Company, Inc.
('Finger Lakes Packaging') subsidiary and a portion of its canned vegetable
business.
 
                                   NET SALES
                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)


                                                     FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                     --------------------------------------------------
                                     JUNE 29, 1996     JUNE 28, 1997     JUNE 27, 1998
                                     --------------    --------------    --------------
                                              % OF              % OF              % OF
                                       $      TOTAL      $      TOTAL      $      TOTAL
                                     -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----
                                                                
CBF...............................   431.2     58.4    440.2     60.2    469.0     65.2
Nalley Fine Foods.................   189.2     25.6    182.4     25.0    182.1     25.3
Snack Foods Group.................    63.7      8.6     67.3      9.2     68.6      9.5
                                     -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----
    Subtotal ongoing operations...   684.1     92.6    689.9     94.4    719.7    100.0
Businesses sold(1)................    55.0      7.4     40.9      5.6      0.0      0.0
                                     -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----
    Total.........................   739.1    100.0    730.8    100.0    719.7    100.0
                                     -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----
                                     -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----
 

                                                FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                      SEPTEMBER 27, 1997   SEPTEMBER 26, 1998
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                                  % OF                 % OF
                                         $        TOTAL     $          TOTAL
                                       -----      -----     ------     -----
                                                           
CBF...............................      87.7       49.7       96.7      53.0
Nalley Fine Foods.................      46.9       26.6       42.8      23.4
Snack Foods Group.................      17.3        9.8       18.2      10.0
                                       -----      -----      -----     -----
    Subtotal ongoing operations...     151.9       86.1      157.7      86.4
Businesses sold(1)................      24.5       13.9       24.9      13.6
                                       -----      -----      -----     -----
    Total.........................     176.4      100.0      182.6     100.0
                                       -----      -----      -----     -----
                                       -----      -----      -----     -----

- ------------
(1) Includes the sales of Finger Lakes Packaging, the portion of the canned
    vegetable business sold, Nalley Canada Ltd. and Nalley's United States Chips
    and Snacks business. See Note 3 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial
    Statements' of Pro-Fac included elsewhere herein. Includes the net sales of
    the Aseptic Business for the fiscal quarters ended September 27, 1997 and
    September 26, 1998. See Note 2 to the 'Unaudited Consolidated Financial
    Statements' of Pro-Fac included elsewhere herein.
 
                                      F-84
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                              OPERATING INCOME(1)
                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 


                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED                 FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                                      --------------------------------    ------------------------------
                                                      JUNE 29,    JUNE 28,    JUNE 27,    SEPTEMBER 27,    SEPTEMBER 26,
                                                        1996        1997        1998          1997            1998(2)
                                                      --------    --------    --------    -------------    -------------
                                                                                            
CBF................................................    $ 26.5      $ 40.5      $ 47.1         $ 6.1            $ 6.1
Nalley Fine Foods..................................      (2.9)       10.8        10.4           3.7              2.2
Snack Foods Group..................................       4.1         5.9         6.9           2.1              2.3
Corporate overhead.................................      (1.6)      (10.3)       (8.7)         (1.9)            (1.3)
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
     Subtotal ongoing operations...................      26.1        46.9        55.7          10.0              9.3
Businesses sold and other non-recurring(3).........      (6.7)        3.2         0.0           2.9              3.2
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
     Total(4)......................................    $ 19.4      $ 50.1      $ 55.7         $12.9            $12.5
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------

- ------------
(1) Excludes cumulative effect of an accounting change in fiscal 1997. See Note
    1 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of Pro-Fac included
    elsewhere herein.
 
(2) Excludes the gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business.
 
(3) In fiscal 1996, such amount includes restructuring initiatives and operating
    activities of both Finger Lakes Packaging and the portion of the canned
    vegetable business sold. In fiscal 1997, such amount includes the operating
    earnings and gain on the sale of Finger Lakes Packaging, operating
    activities of the portion of the canned vegetable business sold, final
    settlement of an insurance claim and a loss on the disposal of property held
    for sale. See Note 3 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of
    Pro-Fac included elsewhere herein. For the fiscal quarters ended September
    27, 1997 and September 26, 1998, such amount represents the operating
    earnings of the Aseptic Business.
 
(4) Operating income less interest expense of $7.6 million and $8.3 million for
    the fiscal quarters ended September 27, 1997 and September 26, 1998,
    respectively, results in pretax income before dividing with Pro-Fac and
    before extraordinary item. Interest expense allocated to business units is
    not considered a critical component by management when evaluating success.
 
                                  EBITDA(1)(2)
                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 


                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED                 FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                                      --------------------------------    ------------------------------
                                                      JUNE 29,    JUNE 28,    JUNE 27,    SEPTEMBER 27,    SEPTEMBER 26,
                                                        1996        1997        1998          1997            1998(3)
                                                      --------    --------    --------    -------------    -------------
                                                                                            
CBF................................................    $ 44.4      $ 57.1      $ 61.0         $ 9.5            $ 8.9
Nalley Fine Foods..................................       2.3        16.2        16.0           5.1              3.6
Snack Foods Group..................................       6.0         7.6         8.8           2.6              2.8
Corporate..........................................      (1.7)       (9.9)       (8.5)         (1.9)            (1.3)
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
     Subtotal ongoing operations...................      51.0        71.0        77.3          15.3             14.0
Businesses sold and other non-recurring(4).........      (2.1)        5.9         0.0           3.2              3.8
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
     Total.........................................    $ 48.9      $ 76.9      $ 77.3         $18.5            $17.8
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------
                                                      --------    --------    --------       ------           ------

- ------------
(1) EBITDA is defined as the sum of pretax income (loss) of Pro-Fac (before the
    cumulative effect of an accounting change and extraordinary item, dividends
    and allocation of net proceeds), and interest expense, depreciation and
    amortization of goodwill and other intangibles. EBITDA should not be
    considered as an alternative to net income or cash flows from operations or
    any other generally accepted accounting principles measure of performance or
    as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA is included herein because the Cooperative
    believes EBITDA is a financial indicator of a company's ability to service
    debt. EBITDA as calculated by the Cooperative may not be comparable to
    calculations as presented by other companies.
 
(2) Excludes cumulative effect of an accounting change in fiscal 1997. See Note
    1 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of Pro-Fac included
    elsewhere herein.
 
(3) Excludes the gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business.
 
(4) In fiscal 1996, such amount includes restructuring initiatives and operating
    activities of both Finger Lakes Packaging and the portion of the canned
    vegetable business sold. In fiscal 1997, such amount includes the operating
    earnings and gain on the sale of Finger Lakes Packaging, operating
    activities of the portion of the canned vegetable business sold, final
    settlement of an insurance claim and a loss on the disposal of property held
    for sale. See Note 3 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of
    Pro-Fac included elsewhere herein. For the fiscal quarters ended September
    27, 1997 and September 26, 1998, such amount represents the operating
    earnings of the Aseptic Business.
 
                                      F-85
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                                  TOTAL ASSETS
                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 


                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED                   FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                               --------------------------------    ----------------------------------
                                                  JUNE 28,          JUNE 27,       SEPTEMBER 27,      SEPTEMBER 26,
                                                    1997              1998              1997               1998
                                               --------------    --------------    --------------    ----------------
                                                        % OF              % OF              % OF                % OF
                                                 $      TOTAL      $      TOTAL      $      TOTAL       $       TOTAL
                                               -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -------    -----
                                                                                        
CBF.........................................   329.0     60.2    362.2     63.9    346.7     57.1      405.0     32.5
AFVC........................................    --       --       --       --       --       --        592.0     47.4
Nalley Fine Foods...........................   144.4     26.4    137.4     24.3    155.8     25.7      154.9     12.4
Snack Foods Group...........................    26.7      4.9     28.0      4.9     26.5      4.4       32.1      2.6
Corporate...................................    46.6      8.5     39.1      6.9     49.6      8.2       63.8      5.1
                                               -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -------    -----
     Subtotal ongoing operations............   546.7    100.0    566.7    100.0    578.6     95.4    1,247.8    100.0
Businesses sold(1)..........................    --       --       --       --       27.7      4.6      --        --
                                               -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -------    -----
     Total..................................   546.7    100.0    566.7    100.0    606.3    100.0    1,247.8    100.0
                                               -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -------    -----
                                               -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -----    -------    -----

- ------------
(1) Includes the assets of the Aseptic Business. See Note 2 to the 'Unaudited
    Consolidated Financial Statements' of Agrilink included elsewhere herein.
 
CHANGES FROM FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 1999 TO FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 1998
 
     Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 of $25.3 million
represented a $22.0 million increase over the first quarter of fiscal 1998 net
income of $3.3 million. Total EBITDA for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 before
the extraordinary charge relating to the early extinguishment of debt was $82.0
million as compared to $18.5 million in the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 1998.
Excluding the operating results and gain from businesses sold, EBITDA for the
continuing business decreased $1.3 million, or 8.5%, to $14.0 million in the
first quarter of the current fiscal year from $15.3 million in the first quarter
of the prior fiscal year. This decline was impacted by a decrease at CBF of $0.6
million due to changes in product mix within the fruit category (approximately
$1.1 million); and an increase in advertising associated with the launch of
Breakfast Toppers (approximately $0.5 million). These decreases were offset by
an increase within the vegetable category of $1.0 million attributable to
improvements in volume. The decline at Nalley of $1.5 million was due primarily
to the recognition of a favorably settled outstanding tax claim with the state
of Washington for $1.4 million in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year.
The EBITDA within the Snack Foods Group increased $0.2 million due to increases
in net sales.
 
Net Sales
 
     Total net sales for the quarter increased $6.2 million, or 3.5%, to $182.6
million in the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 1999 from $176.4 million in the
first quarter of fiscal 1998. Excluding businesses sold, net sales increased by
$5.8 million, or 3.8%, to $157.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1999
from $151.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1998.
 
     The increase in net sales for ongoing operations came primarily from the
CBF business unit which reported an increase in net sales of $9.0 million. This
increase was attributable to improvements in volume primarily within frozen
vegetables. Net sales for the remaining categories at CBF were relatively
consistent with that of the first quarter of the prior fiscal year.
 
     Net sales for Nalley decreased $4.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal
1999 as compared with the first quarter of the prior fiscal year as gains in the
pickle category were offset by reductions in the dressings and canned product
lines. Within the pickle category, net sales for the first quarter of fiscal
1999 increased $0.6 million as a result of increased volume in the food service
channel. Competitive
 
                                      F-86
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
pressures on volume and price resulted in a $2.6 million decrease in net sales
for dressings and a $2.0 million decrease in the canned category. Net sales for
the peanut butter category were flat with that of the first quarter of the prior
fiscal year. On December 10, 1998, the Company announced that it had reached an
agreement in principle to sell its peanut butter business.
 
     Net sales for the Snack Foods Group increased by $0.9 million, or 5.2%, to
$18.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 as a result of new business in
the Northwest and product line extensions, including Snyder of Berlin's kettle
chips.
 
Gross Profit
 
     Gross profit of $46.7 million in the quarter ended September 26, 1998
represented an increase of approximately $1.1 million, or 2.4%, from $45.6
million in the quarter ended September 27, 1997. Excluding the impact of
businesses sold, gross profit increased $0.7 million or 1.8%.
 
     The increase in gross profit at the CBF business unit (excluding the
Aseptic Business) was $1.0 million. The vegetable category showed improvements
of $2.1 million resulting from increases in volume, while the fruit category
showed a decline of $0.7 million attributable to product mix and decreases
within other categories of $0.4 million due to changes in volume.
 
     Overall, gross profit at Nalley decreased $0.8 million due primarily to the
reductions in net sales outlined above. The Nalley gross margin percentage has,
however, improved over the prior year to 35.9% from 34.4% in the first quarter
of fiscal 1998.
 
     Increases in net sales within the Snack Foods Group resulted in margin
improvements of $0.5 million.
 
Selling, Administrative and General Expenses
 
     Selling, administrative and general expenses have increased $1.9 million in
the first quarter of fiscal 1999 as compared with the first quarter of the prior
fiscal year. As a percentage of net sales, selling, administrative and general
expenses increased to 19.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 from 18.7% in
the first quarter of fiscal 1998. This increase is primarily due to the impact
of a favorably settled outstanding tax claim with the state of Washington for
$1.4 million recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 1998. All remaining
expenses were relatively flat with that of the prior year.
 
Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company
 
     This amount represents earnings received from the investment in Great Lakes
Kraut Company, a joint venture formed between Agrilink and Flanagan Brothers,
Inc. See Note 5, 'Other Matters -- Formation of New Sauerkraut Company,' to the
'Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements' of Pro-Fac included elsewhere
herein.
 
Gain on Sale of Aseptic Operations
 
     In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Company sold its Aseptic Business
to Dean Foods. A gain of approximately $64.2 million was recognized on this
disposal reflecting a value for this business of approximately $83.0 million
(based upon an appraised value given to the Company by an independent
appraiser).
 
                                      F-87
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Interest Expense
 
     Interest expense increased $0.5 million, or 6.4%, to $8.3 million in the
first quarter of fiscal 1999 from $7.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal
1998. The increase is impacted by higher levels of seasonal borrowings in the
first quarter of fiscal 1999 due to the earlier intake of crops in the current
year and therefore the resultant increase in inventory levels.
 
Provision for Taxes
 
     The provision for taxes increased $23.2 million to $25.0 million in the
first quarter of fiscal 1999 from $1.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal
1998. Of this increase, $25.0 million is attributable to the provision
associated with the gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business. The remaining
variance is impacted by the change in earnings. The Cooperative's effective tax
rate is impacted by the net proceeds distributed to members and the
non-deductibility of certain amounts of goodwill.
 
Extraordinary Item Relating to the Early Extinguishment of Debt
 
     Concurrently with the Acquisition, the Company refinanced its existing
indebtedness, including the Old Notes and its then existing bank debt. Premiums
and breakage fees associated with early redemptions and other fees incurred
amounted to $18.0 million (net of applicable income taxes of $10.4 million).
 
CHANGES FROM FISCAL 1997 TO FISCAL 1998
 
     Net income for fiscal 1998 of $17.1 million represented a $4.4 million, or
34.6%, increase over the prior year's net income of $12.7 million. Total EBITDA
before cumulative effect of an accounting change was $77.3 million as compared
to $76.9 million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of businesses sold and
other non-recurring activities, EBITDA increased $6.3 million, or 8.9%, to
$77.3 million, while operating income increased $8.8 million, or 18.8%, to
$55.7 million from the prior year's $46.9 million. These improvements reflected
the benefits from numerous initiatives including: (i) increase in volume and new
customers in many of Agrilink's product lines; (ii) the continuing benefits from
structural changes made within the organization including the consolidation of
operations and facilities; and (iii) a decrease in interest expense due to
initiatives undertaken in the prior year to reduce debt and focus on strategic
product lines.
 
Net Sales
 
     Total net sales for the year decreased $11.1 million, or 1.5%, to $719.7
million in fiscal year 1998 from $730.8 million in the prior year. Excluding the
net sales of businesses sold by the Company, net sales increased by $29.8
million, or 4.3%, to $719.7 million in fiscal year 1998 from $689.9 million in
the prior year.
 
     The increase in net sales for ongoing operations came primarily from the
CBF business unit, which accounted for an increase of $28.8 million. Prior year
net sales include $13.8 million in sauerkraut sales, which are now accounted for
by the joint venture between Agrilink and Flanagan Brothers, Inc. created in
fiscal 1998. See Note 3, 'Acquisitions, Disposals and Restructuring -- Formation
of New Sauerkraut Company' to the financial statements of Pro-Fac included
elsewhere herein. Excluding the impact of sauerkraut sales from the prior year,
net sales from the CBF business unit increased $42.6 million, or 10.0%, from the
prior year. Such increases resulted from changes in volume, product mix, new
customers and improvements in pricing. The increase was attributable to
increases in net sales from: (i) the vegetable category of $20.2 million, (ii)
the fruit category of $3.0 million and (iii) the Aseptic
 
                                      F-88
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Business of $24.4 million. In connection with the Acquisition the Company sold
its Aseptic Business to Dean Foods.
 
     Net sales for Nalley remained relatively flat with the prior year as gains
in the pickle and canned categories were offset by reductions in dressings and
peanut butter (on December 10, 1998, the Company announced it had reached an
agreement in principle to sell its peanut butter business). Within the pickle
category, net sales for fiscal 1998 increased $3.0 million as a result of
increased volume in the food service channel. Competitive pressures on volume
and price resulted in a $3.0 million decrease in net sales for dressings. In
addition, peanut butter experienced a $0.6 million decrease in net sales.
 
     Net sales for the Snack Foods Group increased by $1.3 million, or 1.9%, to
$68.6 million in fiscal 1998 as a result of new business in the Northwest and
product line extensions, including kettle chips within Snyder of Berlin.
 
Gross Profit
 
     Gross profit of $195.6 million in fiscal 1998 increased $3.9 million, or
2.0%, from $191.7 million in fiscal 1997. Excluding the impact of businesses
sold in fiscal 1997, gross profit increased $8.1 million. As a percentage of
sales, gross profit increased from 26.2% to 27.2%. This increase is attributable
to improved margins in many of Agrilink's product lines.
 
     The increase in gross profit at the CBF business unit was $5.0 million. The
fruit category showed improvements of $5.5 million resulting from changes in
pricing and product mix. The vegetable category showed a decline of $0.9
million. However, excluding the impact of the canned vegetable business sold in
1997, the gross profit within the vegetable category improved $1.5 million. This
increase is lower than the increase in net sales described above primarily due
to weakened pricing within the industry. As highlighted under ' -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources -- Short- and Long-Term Trends,' the vegetable portion of
Agrilink's business can be impacted by the national market. During the third and
fourth quarters of fiscal 1998, pricing was negatively impacted by an oversupply
situation.
 
     Overall, gross profit at Nalley decreased $0.5 million. While production
and purchasing efficiencies yielded benefits, such amounts were offset by volume
declines within the dressing category due to competitive pressures.
 
     Increases in net sales within the Snack Foods Group resulted in margin
improvements of $0.7 million.
 
Selling, Administrative and General Expenses
 
     Selling, administrative and general expenses decreased $3.5 million as
compared with the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, selling,
administrative and general expenses declined from 19.9% to 19.7%. This decrease
is primarily due to: (i) reductions in selling expenses of $1.4 million; (ii)
reductions in incentive costs of $1.2 million; and (iii) the impact of a
favorably settled outstanding tax claim with the state of Washington for $1.4
million.
 
Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company
 
     This amount represents earnings received from the investment in Great Lakes
Kraut Company, a joint venture formed between Agrilink and Flanagan Brothers,
Inc. See Note 3 'Other Matters -- Formation of New Sauerkraut Company' to the
consolidated financial statements of Pro-Fac included elsewhere herein.
 
                                      F-89
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Interest Expense
 
     Interest expense decreased $5.7 million, or 15.6%, to $30.8 million in
fiscal 1998 from $36.5 million in fiscal 1997. This improvement is primarily the
result of management's focus on debt reduction during fiscal year 1997. Specific
actions taken by management included the sale of Finger Lakes Packaging, the
sale of the canned vegetable business and the sale of the Georgia distribution
center. The reduction in debt accounted for $4.2 million of the reduction in
interest expense while changes in rate accounted for the remaining $1.5 million
reduction.
 
Provision for Taxes
 
     The provision for taxes increased $2.3 million, or 41.8%, to $7.8 million
in fiscal 1998 from $5.5 million in fiscal 1997. This increase was a result of
an $11.4 million increase in earnings before tax. The Pro-Fac effective tax rate
in fiscal 1998 was 31.4% which is impacted by the net proceeds distributed to
members and the non-deductibility of goodwill. A further discussion of tax
matters is included at Note 6 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements' of Pro-Fac included elsewhere herein.
 
CHANGES FROM FISCAL 1996 TO FISCAL 1997
 
     Net income for fiscal 1997 of $12.7 million represented a $22.2 million
increase over the prior year's loss of $9.5 million. Total EBITDA before
cumulative effect of an accounting change was $76.9 million for the year ended
June 28, 1997 as compared to $48.9 million in the prior year. EBITDA for ongoing
business reached $71.0 million as compared to the prior year's $51.0 million.
This significant improvement reflected the benefits from numerous initiatives
including: (i) a reduction in debt by $97.9 million which included the sales of
Finger Lakes Packaging, the portion of the canned vegetable business sold, the
Georgia Distribution facility and idle manufacturing facilities, and efforts to
improve cash flow through better management of working capital requirements (see
Notes 3 and 5 to the 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' of Pro-Fac
included elsewhere herein); (ii) the implementation of structural changes within
the organization, including the consolidation of the operations of Brooks Foods
and Southern Frozen Foods into CBF; and (iii) the consolidation of support
services such as human resources and agricultural services. The reduction in
interest expense as a result of the debt reduction initiatives improved net
income by $5.5 million and consolidation efforts accounted for approximately
$2.0 million of the $6.5 million reduction in selling, administrative, and
general expenses.
 
     Structural changes within the business units included a review of the
Nalley operations and the consolidation of several other operations. EBITDA for
the Nalley business unit was $16.2 million for the year ended June 28, 1997 as
compared to $2.3 million in the prior year. These results were driven by
organizational changes and the absence of the significant start-up costs for the
new salad dressing line which were incurred throughout fiscal 1996.
 
Net Sales
 
     Total net sales decreased by $8.3 million, or 1.1%, to $730.8 million in
fiscal 1997 from $739.1 million in fiscal 1996. Excluding businesses sold, net
sales increased $5.8 million, or 0.8%, to $689.9 million in fiscal 1997 from
$684.1 million in fiscal 1996.
 
     Net sales from ongoing operations at CBF increased $9.0 million, or 2.1%,
to $440.2 million in fiscal 1997 from $431.2 million in fiscal 1996. This
increase was due to improvements in pricing and increased sales from new
customers.
 
     Net sales from ongoing operations at Nalley decreased by $6.8 million, or
3.6%, to $182.4 million in fiscal 1997 from $189.2 million in fiscal 1996. While
the canned category showed increases of $1.5
 
                                      F-90
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
million, such gains were offset by reductions in all other categories of $8.3
million. Such reductions resulted from competitive pressures on volume and
price.
 
     Net sales at the Snack Foods Group increased $3.6 million, or 5.7%, to
$67.3 million in fiscal 1997 from $63.7 million in fiscal 1996. Of this
increase, $0.9 million was attributable to the acquisition of Matthews Candy
Company during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. The $2.7 million increase from
the existing remaining business was due to the addition of new customers and
product line extensions. Management believes the acquisition of Matthews
broadened its line of products and, therefore, enhanced its earnings capability.
However, due to the competitive nature of the snack food industry, management is
unable to assess whether such increases within the Snack Foods Group will
continue to be realized.
 
Gross Profit
 
     Gross profit of $191.7 million in fiscal 1997 increased $15.5 million, or
8.8%, from $176.2 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of sales, gross profit
increased from 23.8% to 26.2%. This increase was attributable to improved
margins in all of the business units.
 
     The increase in gross profit was benefited by improved/increased pricing at
the CBF business unit. As highlighted under ' -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources -- Short- and Long-Term Trends,' the vegetable and fruit portions of
Agrilink's business can be positively or negatively impacted by the national
crop yields. The status of the national supply situation controls pricing.
During fiscal 1997, crop yields of commodities in markets in which Agrilink
operates were below that of the prior year and, therefore, pricing levels within
the commodities markets in which Agrilink competes were increased. The increase
in pricing favorably impacted gross profit by $9.5 million.
 
     Gross profit increased at Nalley by $4.0 million in 1997. This improvement
was primarily attributable to operating improvements, primarily the elimination
of start-up costs on the new salad dressing line introduced in 1996, reductions
in manufacturing variances and reductions in promotional expenses.
 
     Increased sales from the Snack Foods Group also improved profitability. The
increase in sales within the Snack Foods Group contributed an increase to gross
profit of $1.5 million.
 
Selling, Administrative and General Expenses
 
     Selling, administrative and general expenses decreased $6.5 million as
compared with the prior year. As a percentage sales, selling, administrative,
and general expenses decreased from 20.5% to 19.9%. This decrease is net of the
inclusion of expenses (approximately $5.6 million) relating to Agrilink's
incentive program. Payments under the incentive programs in fiscal 1997 are
attributable to the significantly improved earnings. The net decrease is
attributable to a $5.8 million decrease in selling ($1.7 million), advertising
($1.0 million), and trade promotions expenses ($3.1 million) resulting from
decreased spending at Nalley. Reductions in other administrative expenses
accounted for $10.5 million and were primarily attributable to benefits from the
restructuring initiative that began late in fiscal 1996. These initiatives
included the consolidation of the administrative functions at CBF and the sale
of Finger Lakes Packaging. In addition, in fiscal 1996, selling, administrative,
and general expenses were offset by a $4.4 million income adjustment related to
a reduction in the amount of CMV paid to the Cooperative members.
 
Gain on Sale of Finger Lakes Packaging
 
     On October 9, 1996, Agrilink completed the sale of Finger Lakes Packaging
to Silgan Containers Corporation, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Silgan
Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. A gain of approximately
$3.6 million was recognized on this disposal. Agrilink received
 
                                      F-91
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
proceeds of approximately $30.0 million which were applied to reduce bank debt.
The transaction also included a long-term supply agreement.
 
Interest Expense
 
     Interest expense decreased $5.5 million, or 13.1%, to $36.5 million in
fiscal 1997 from $42.0 million in fiscal 1996. This improvement resulted from
both the inventory reduction and cash-flow-management programs initiated in
fiscal 1996. In addition, debt was reduced by the proceeds from the sale of
Finger Lakes Packaging, the canned vegetable business, and idle facilities.
 
Provision for Taxes
 
     The provision for taxes increased $18.6 million to $5.5 million in fiscal
1997 from a $13.1 million benefit in fiscal 1996. The Cooperative's effective
tax rate in fiscal 1997 was 40.6% which was impacted by the net proceeds
distributed to members and the non-deductibility of goodwill. The Cooperative's
tax benefit in fiscal 1996 was favorably impacted by tax benefits resulting from
the prior year's exempt status. A further discussion of tax matters is included
at Note 6 to the 'Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements' of Pro-Fac
included elsewhere herein.
 
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting
 
     Effective June 30, 1996, accounting procedures were changed to include in
prepaid expenses and other current assets, manufacturing spare parts previously
charged directly to expense. Management believes this change is preferable
because it provides a better matching of costs with related revenues when
evaluating interim financial statements. The favorable cumulative effect of the
change (net of income taxes of $1.1 million) was $4.6 million. Pro forma amounts
for the cumulative effect of the accounting change on prior periods are not
determinable due to the lack of physical inventory counts required to establish
quantities at the respective dates. Management does not believe that the
difference in accounting methodologies for spare parts had any material impact
on the Company's historic financial statements.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The following discussion highlights the major variances in the 'Unaudited
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Cash Flows' included elsewhere herein, for
Pro-Fac's first quarter of fiscal 1999 compared to its first quarter of fiscal
1998 and in the 'Consolidated Statement of Changes in Cash Flows' included in
the consolidated financial statements of Pro-Fac, included elsewhere herein, for
fiscal 1998 compared to fiscal 1997.
 
     Net cash used in operating activities in the first quarter of fiscal 1999
increased $42.9 million over the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. This
increase is primarily due to variances within inventory including: (i) an
increase of $1.5 million in inventory to support additional business regarding
the Sam's national club stores; (ii) an increase of $2.5 million associated with
the acquisition of DelAgra; and (iii) changes in growing areas, early harvesting
of crops, the size of the crop intake, and other changes in inventory necessary
to support operations (approximately $15.3 million).
 
     In addition, cash used in operating activities in the first quarter of
fiscal 1999 increased over the first quarter of the prior fiscal year due to the
timing of liquidation of outstanding accounts payable and accrued expenses.
 
     Net cash used in investing activities increased significantly in the first
quarter of fiscal 1999 as compared with the first quarter of fiscal 1998 due to
the acquisition of DFVC offset by the sale of the
 
                                      F-92
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Aseptic Business. The purchase of property, plant and equipment increased $0.9
million to $4.1 million for the quarter ended September 26, 1998 from $3.2
million for the quarter ended September 27, 1997 and was for general operating
purposes.
 
     Net cash provided by financing activities also increased significantly in
the first quarter of fiscal 1999 as compared with the first quarter of fiscal
1998 due to the acquisition of DFVC and the activities completed concurrent with
the Acquisition to refinance existing indebtedness. See Note 4, 'Debt,' to the
'Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements' of Pro-Fac included elsewhere
herein.
 
     Net cash provided by operating activities decreased in fiscal 1998
primarily due to an increase in inventory of approximately $25.7 million. This
increase is primarily due to: (i) an increase of $8.0 million in inventory to
support additional business regarding the Sam's national club stores as
described below; (ii) an increase of $4.0 million of inventory associated with
the acquisition of DelAgra; and (iii) change in growing areas/timing of crop
intake and early harvesting of crops resulting from the 1998 growing season
(approximately $11.0 million).
 
     During October of 1997, Agrilink became the sole supplier of frozen
vegetables for the Sam's national club stores. The executed contract extends for
a two-year period and required an $11.0 million prepayment for volume discounts.
Due to the time frame required for the incumbent supplier to exit these
operations and for the Company to implement full distribution, this contract did
not significantly impact fiscal 1998 earnings. However, the Company anticipates
this arrangement will have a favorable impact on fiscal 1999 earnings, although
there can be no assurance it will do so.
 
     An offsetting increase in cash provided by operating activities resulted
from the changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses due to the timing of
liquidation.
 
     Net cash provided by investing activities decreased significantly in fiscal
1998, primarily due to the sales in fiscal 1997 of Finger Lakes Packaging, a
portion of the canned vegetable business, the Georgia distribution center, and
several idle facilities. In fiscal 1998 the only significant disposal consisted
of the sale of the distribution center in Coloma, Michigan. All proceeds from
asset sales were applied to repay bank debt in accordance with the terms of the
Old Credit Facility. In addition, in fiscal 1998, acquisitions accounted for the
use of $7.4 million of investing cash flow. These proceeds were utilized to
purchase DelAgra Corporation of Bridgeville, Delaware and C&O Distributing
Company of Canton, Ohio. The purchase of property, plant, and equipment
increased by $0.4 million, or 2.9%, to $14.1 million in fiscal 1998 from $13.7
million in fiscal 1997 and was for general operating purposes.
 
     Financing activities used $3.8 million of cash in fiscal 1998 compared to
using $104.2 million in cash for fiscal 1997. Cash used in fiscal 1997 included
$97.9 million of debt repayment which resulted from the cash provided by the
sale of certain assets during the year.
 
Borrowings
 
     See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources -- New Credit Facility'
in the main part of this Prospectus.
 
Capital Expenditures
 
     The Company anticipates that capital expenditures for fiscal years 1999 and
2000, including capital expenditures relating to DFVC, will be approximately
$25.0 million per annum.
 
     As a result of the Acquisition and the Merger, the Company may in the
current fiscal year be required to repay prior to maturity industrial revenue
bonds under which the Company, as successor to DFVC, is obligated, in the
principal amount of approximately $2.5 million, plus accrued and unpaid
interest.
 
                                      F-93
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Based on the current level of operations, the Company believes that it will
be able to meet the debt service requirements on its indebtedness (including the
Notes) and meet its working capital needs and fund its capital expenditures and
other operating expenses out of cash flow from operations and available
borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. However, there can be no
assurance that the Company's business will generate cash flow at levels
sufficient to meet these requirements. In addition under the New Credit
Facility, the Company has scheduled principal amortization payments of the Term
Loans of $198.2 million in fiscal 2005 and $202.4 million in fiscal 2006. See
'Description of Certain Indebtedness -- New Credit Facility.' The Company may be
unable to repay such principal amounts under the New Credit Facility due in
fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2006 unless it is able to refinance such indebtedness.
See 'Risk Factors -- Our Substantial Leverage and Debt Service Requirements May
Have Adverse Consequences' in the main part of this Prospectus.
 
Short- and Long-Term Trends
 
     Throughout fiscal 1998 and 1997 Agrilink has focused on Agrilink's core
businesses and growth opportunities. A complete description of the acquisition
and disposal activities completed is outlined at Note 3 to the 'Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements' of Pro-Fac included elsewhere herein.
 
     As a result of the financings entered into in connection with the
Acquisition, the Company is highly leveraged. The Company will therefore be
heavily focused on managing its operations with a view toward making timely
payments of scheduled debt repayments. Such leverage and demands on the Company
could have significant adverse effects. See 'Risk Factors -- Our Substantial
Leverage and Debt Service Requirements May Have Adverse Consequences' in the
main part of this Prospectus.
 
     The vegetable and fruit portions of the business, which includes CBF and
AFVC, can be positively or negatively affected by weather conditions nationally
and the resulting impact on crop yields. Favorable weather conditions can
produce high crop yields and an oversupply situation. This results in depressed
selling prices and reduced profitability on the inventory produced from that
year's crops. Excessive rain or drought conditions can produce low crop yields
and a shortage situation. This typically results in higher selling prices and
increased profitability. While the national supply situation controls the
pricing, the supply can differ regionally because of variations in weather. The
crop and yields resulting from the 1997 growing season has resulted in an
increased supply throughout the industry. Accordingly, pricing and sales volume
have been negatively impacted in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1998.
 
     In the first quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company reclassified a $9.4
million demand receivable due from Pro-Fac reflecting the conversion of such
receivable to a non-interest bearing long-term obligation due from Pro-Fac
having a 10-year maturity.
 
Additional Payment to Dean Foods
 
     The Company expects to pay an additional $13.2 million to Dean Foods in
connection with the anticipated election by Agrilink to treat the Acquisition as
an asset sale for tax purposes under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code and to fund
such payment by borrowing that amount under the Revolving Credit Facility. The
Company anticipates that such election would allow the Company to reduce its
future tax liability through increased depreciation and amortization deductions
resulting from the stepped up basis for the assets acquired from Dean Foods and
deductibility of goodwill.
 
DFVC
 
     See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources -- DFVC' in the main
part of this Prospectus.
 
                                      F-94
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
New Credit Facility
 
     See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources -- New Credit Facility'
in the main part of this Prospectus.
 
Interest Rate Protection Agreements
 
     See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results Operations -- Interest Rate Protection Agreements' in the main part of
this Prospectus.
 
Supplemental Information on Inflation
 
     The changes in costs and prices within the Company's business due to
inflation were not significantly different from inflation in the United States
economy as a whole. Levels of capital investment, pricing and inventory
investment were not materially affected by the moderate inflation.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
     See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Other Matters' in the main part of this Prospectus.
 
Favorable Tax Ruling and Developments
 
     In August of 1993, the Internal Revenue Service issued a determination
letter which concluded that the Cooperative was exempt from federal income tax
to the extent provided by Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code, 'Exemption
of Farmers' Cooperative from Tax.' Unlike a nonexempt cooperative, a tax-exempt
cooperative is entitled to deduct cash dividends it pays on its capital stock in
computing its taxable income. The exempt status was retroactive to fiscal year
1986. In conjunction with this ruling, the Cooperative filed for tax refunds for
fiscal years 1986 to 1992 in the amount of approximately $8.8 million and
interest payments of approximately $5.2 million. A refund amount of $10.1
million for tax and interest was reflected in the financial statements of the
Cooperative as of June 24, 1995. In addition, a refund amount of $3.9 million
for tax and interest have been reflected in the financial statements of the
Cooperative as of June 29, 1996. The refund and interest for the fiscal years
1986 to 1991 was received in March of 1996. The refund and interest for fiscal
year 1992 was received in June of 1997.
 
     As a result of the acquisition of Agrilink in 1994, the Cooperative's
exempt status has ceased.
 
                                      F-95









                       SELECTED HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED
                            PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following selected historical consolidated financial data and selected
unaudited pro forma financial data with respect to Pro-Fac should be read in
conjunction with 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations' for Pro-Fac, the historical consolidated financial
statements of Pro-Fac and DFVC and the related notes and the Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Data of Pro-Fac and the related notes, each as included elsewhere
herein. The selected historical consolidated financial data for each of the
years ended June 25, 1994, June 24, 1995, June 29, 1996, June 28, 1997 and June
27, 1998 and as of the end of each such periods have been derived from Pro-Fac's
audited consolidated financial statements and reflect the operations and
financial position of Pro-Fac at the dates and for the periods indicated. The
selected historical consolidated financial data for the fiscal quarters ended
September 27, 1997 and September 26, 1998 and as of the end of each of such
periods have been derived from Pro-Fac's financial statements included elsewhere
herein which are unaudited but which, in the opinion of management, include all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a
fair presentation of the results of operations and financial position of Pro-Fac
at the dates and for the periods indicated. The selected unaudited pro forma
financial data have been derived from Pro-Fac's audited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended and as of June 27, 1998, Pro-Fac's unaudited
consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended and as of September 26,
1998, DFVC's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended and as
of May 31, 1998 and DFVC's unaudited consolidated financial statements for the
quarter ended and as of August 30, 1998. No adjustment was made to the unaudited
pro forma financial data to conform DFVC's last Sunday of May fiscal year end to
Pro-Fac's last Saturday of June fiscal year end or their disparate respective
fiscal quarter ends. The summary selected unaudited pro forma financial data
give effect to the Transactions and the Offering and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom as described under 'The Acquisition' and 'Use of Proceeds,'
as if they had occurred at the dates referenced under 'Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Data of Pro-Fac and Consolidated Subsidiary.' The pro forma financial
data reflect the assumption that Agrilink will elect to treat the Acquisition as
an asset sale for tax purposes under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code. The summary
selected unaudited pro forma financial data do not purport to represent what
Pro-Fac's results of operations or financial position actually would have been
if the transactions referred to therein had been consummated on the date or for
the periods indicated or what such results will be for any future date or any
future period.


                                                         FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 JUNE 27, 1998
                                  JUNE 25,   JUNE 24,   JUNE 29,   JUNE 28,   -------------------
                                  1994(1)    1995(2)      1996       1997     ACTUAL    PRO FORMA
                                 --------   --------   --------   --------   -------   ---------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                      
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales.......................   $ 58.2    $ 522.4    $ 739.1    $ 730.8    $ 719.7   $1,242.0
Cost of sales...................    (58.2)    (384.8)    (562.9)    (539.1)    (524.1)    (865.4)
                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------   ---------
  Gross profit..................      0.0      137.6      176.2      191.7      195.6      376.6
Selling, administrative and
  general.......................      1.1      (99.3)    (151.7)    (145.2)    (141.8)    (288.4)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut
  Company.......................    --         --         --         --           1.9        1.9
Gain on sale of Finger Lakes
  Packaging.....................    --         --         --           3.6      --         --
Gain on sale of the Aseptic
  Business......................    --         --         --         --         --         --
Restructuring(3)................    --         --          (5.9 )    --         --         --
Additional costs incurred as a
  result of fire................    --          (2.3 )    --         --         --         --
Interest income.................    --           4.4        0.8      --         --         --
Income from Agrilink prior to
  acquisition...................     34.2       11.2      --         --         --         --
Amortization of unallocated
  excess of purchase cost over
  net assets acquired...........    --         --         --         --         --         (10.4)
                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------   ---------
  Operating income..............   $ 35.3    $  51.6    $  19.4    $  50.1    $  55.7   $   79.7
Total interest expense..........    (11.6)     (29.1)     (42.0)     (36.5)     (30.8)     (73.0)
                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------   ---------
 

                                              FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                    ----------------------------------------
                                                       SEPTEMBER 26, 1998
                                    SEPTEMBER 27,    -----------------------
                                        1997         ACTUAL        PRO FORMA
                                        ----         ------        ---------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                          
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales.......................        $ 176.4      $  182.6      $  279.6
Cost of sales...................         (130.8)       (135.9)       (201.8)
                                        -------      --------      --------
  Gross profit..................           45.6          46.7          77.8
Selling, administrative and
  general.......................          (32.9)        (34.9)        (67.7)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut
  Company.......................            0.2           0.6           0.6
Gain on sale of Finger Lakes
  Packaging.....................           --            --           --
Gain on sale of the Aseptic
  Business......................           --            64.2           --
Restructuring(3)................
Additional costs incurred as a
  result of fire................           --            --           --
Interest income.................           --            --           --
Income from Agrilink prior to
  acquisition...................           --            --           --
Amortization of unallocated
  excess of purchase cost over
  net assets acquired...........           --            --            (2.4)
                                        -------      --------      --------
  Operating income..............        $  12.9      $   76.6      $    8.3
Total interest expense..........           (7.8)         (8.3)        (19.2)
                                        -------      --------      --------

 
                                                  (table continued on next page)
 
                                      F-96
 




(table continued from previous page)


                                                         FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 JUNE 27, 1998
                                  JUNE 25,   JUNE 24,   JUNE 29,   JUNE 28,   -------------------
                                  1994(1)    1995(2)      1996       1997     ACTUAL    PRO FORMA
                                 --------   --------   --------   --------   -------   ---------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                      
  Pre-tax income (loss) before
    dividends, allocation of net
    proceeds, and cumulative
    effect of an accounting
    change and extraordinary
    item........................   $ 23.7    $  22.5    $ (22.6)   $  13.6    $  24.9   $    6.7
Tax (provision) benefit.........      0.8        7.1       13.1       (5.5)      (7.8)      (4.1)
                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------   ---------
Income (loss) before cumulative
  effect of an accounting change
  and extraordinary item........     24.5       29.6       (9.5 )      8.1       17.1        2.6
Extraordinary item relating to
  the early extinguishment of
  debt (net of income taxes)....    --         --         --         --         --         --
Cumulative effect of an
  accounting change(4)..........    --         --         --           4.6      --         --
                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------   ---------
      Net income (loss).........   $ 24.5    $  29.6    $  (9.5 )  $  12.7    $  17.1   $    2.6
                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------   ---------
                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------   ---------
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(5).......................   $ 37.0    $  68.1    $  48.9    $  76.9    $  77.3   $  131.0
EBITDA margin(6)................     63.6%      13.0%       6.6%      10.5%      10.7%      10.5%
Depreciation and amortization...   $  1.7    $  16.5    $  29.5    $  26.8    $  21.6   $   51.3
Capital expenditures............   $ 10.0    $  28.7    $  19.5    $  13.7    $  14.1   $   25.3
Ratio of earnings to fixed
  charges and preferred
  dividends (coverage
  deficiency)(7)................     2.20x      1.49x   $ (37.0)      1.09x      1.37x  $   (3.0)
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.................   $  2.1    $ 138.9    $ 103.4    $  76.0    $  94.1
Total assets....................   $296.1    $ 689.7    $ 637.3    $ 546.7    $ 566.7
Total debt......................   $152.6    $ 357.6    $ 337.4    $ 239.3    $ 238.8
Total shareholders' and members'
  capitalization(8).............   $123.8    $ 145.2    $ 126.7    $ 132.7    $ 141.4
 

                                              FISCAL QUARTER ENDED
                                    ----------------------------------------
                                                       SEPTEMBER 26, 1998
                                    SEPTEMBER 27,    -----------------------
                                         1997        ACTUAL        PRO FORMA
                                         ----        ------        ---------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                          

  Pre-tax income (loss) before
    dividends, allocation of net
    proceeds, and cumulative
    effect of an accounting
    change and extraordinary
    item........................      $   5.1      $   68.3       $  (10.9)
Tax (provision) benefit.........         (1.8)        (25.0)           1.7
                                      -------      --------       --------
Income (loss) before cumulative
  effect of an accounting change
  and extraordinary item........          3.3          43.3           (9.2)
Extraordinary item relating to
  the early extinguishment of
  debt (net of income taxes)....         --           (18.0)           --
Cumulative effect of an
  accounting change(4)..........         --             --             --
                                      -------      --------       --------
      Net income (loss).........      $   3.3      $   25.3       $   (9.2)
                                      -------      --------       --------
                                      -------      --------       --------
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(5).......................      $  18.5      $   17.8       $   21.1
EBITDA margin(6)................         10.5%          9.7%           7.5%
Depreciation and amortization...      $   5.6      $    5.3       $   12.8
Capital expenditures............      $   3.2      $    4.1       $    7.3
Ratio of earnings to fixed
  charges and preferred
  dividends (coverage
  deficiency)(7)................         1.27x         1.14x      $  (13.4)

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.................      $  81.2      $  218.2
Total assets....................      $ 606.3      $1,247.8
Total debt......................      $ 304.0      $  789.5
Total shareholders' and members'
  capitalization(8).............      $ 133.7      $  164.2

- ------------
(1) Represents financial information prior to the acquisition of Agrilink Foods,
    Inc. Depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures were recognized
    by Pro-Fac through the provisions of the earnings split.
 
(2) Includes the results of Agrilink subsequent to the acquisition in November
    1994.
 
(3) During fiscal 1996, the Company initiated a company-wide restructuring
    program. The restructuring charge amounted to $5.9 million (before taxes).
    This amount consisted of employee termination benefits of $4.0 million and
    $1.9 million for strategic consulting expenses.
 
(4) Represents cumulative effect of an accounting change to include in prepaid
    expenses and other current assets manufacturing spare parts previously
    charged directly to expense.
 
(5) EBITDA is defined as the sum of pre-tax income (loss) of Pro-Fac (before the
    cumulative effect of an accounting change, dividends and allocation of net
    proceeds), and interest expense, depreciation and amortization of goodwill
    and other intangibles. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to
    net income or cash flows from operations or any other generally accepted
    accounting principles measure of performance or as a measure of liquidity.
    EBITDA is included herein because Pro-Fac believes EBITDA is a financial
    indicator of a company's ability to service debt. EBITDA as calculated by
    Pro-Fac may not be comparable to calculations as presented by other
    companies. EBITDA (actual and pro forma) at September 26, 1998 excludes the
    $64.2 million gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business. Had the gain on the
    sale of the Aseptic Business been included, EBITDA (actual) at September 26,
    1998 would have been $81.9 million.
 
(6) EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by net sales.
 
(7) For purposes of calculating ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred
    dividends, earnings are determined by adding fixed charges to income (loss)
    before taxes and before cumulative effect of an accounting change. Fixed
    charges consist of interest expense and the interest component of rental
    expense. For fiscal 1996, and for fiscal 1998 and the first quarter of
    fiscal 1999 on a pro forma basis, earnings before fixed charges were
    insufficient to cover fixed charges and pre-tax basis preferred dividends,
    and the dollar amount of coverage deficiency, instead of the ratio, is
    disclosed.
 
(8) For purposes of this calculation, equity includes common stock and
    redeemable preferred stock.
 
                                      F-97









               UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA OF PRO-FAC AND
                            CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY
 
     The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data
(the 'Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data') of Pro-Fac and its consolidated
subsidiary is derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of
Pro-Fac and DFVC included elsewhere herein, adjusted to give effect on a
preliminary basis to the Transactions and the Offering and the application of
the net proceeds therefrom. The Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data reflect the
assumption that Agrilink will elect to treat the Acquisition as an asset sale
for tax purposes under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code. The Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Statements of Operations of Pro-Fac give effect to the Transactions
and the Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as if they
had occurred as of June 29, 1997. No adjustment was made to the Pro-Fac Pro
Forma Financial Data to conform DFVC's last Sunday of May fiscal year end to
Pro-Fac's last Saturday of June fiscal year end or their disparate quarter ends.
The Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data do not purport to represent what Pro-Fac's
results of operations would actually have been had the Transactions and the
Offering in fact occurred on such dates or what Pro-Fac's results of operations
will be for any future period. The Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data do not give
effect to any transactions other than the Transactions and the Offering and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom as discussed in the notes to the
Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data set forth below.
 
     The Acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. Under purchase accounting, tangible and identifiable intangible
assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded at their respective
fair values. Information regarding the fair values of assets being acquired is
not currently available. Accordingly, no allocation of the excess of purchase
cost over net assets acquired has been made for purposes of this pro forma
presentation. The valuations and other studies which will provide the basis for
such an allocation have not progressed to a stage where there is sufficient
information to make a final allocation in the accompanying Pro-Fac Pro Forma
Financial Data. Accordingly, the purchase accounting adjustments made in
connection with the Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data are preliminary and have
been made solely for purposes of developing the Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial
Data. Once an allocation is determined, in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, any remaining excess of purchase cost over net assets
acquired will be recorded as goodwill. Pro-Fac expects that significant goodwill
will be recorded as a result of the Acquisition.
 
     Likewise, the value recorded for the Aseptic Business disposal, and the
resulting gain and other effects on the Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data, are
based on the appraisal given to Agrilink by the independent appraiser retained
by Agrilink. If the value ascribed to the Aseptic Business is determined to be
different than that recorded in the Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data due to a
variance from the appraisal or for any other reason, the change in such value
would have a corresponding effect on the Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data.
 
     The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and upon
certain assumptions that management of Pro-Fac believes are reasonable under the
circumstances. The Pro-Fac Pro Forma Financial Data and accompanying notes
should be read in conjunction with 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations' relating to Pro-Fac, the
historical consolidated financial statements of Pro-Fac and DFVC, including the
notes thereto, and other financial information pertaining to Pro-Fac and
Agrilink incorporated by reference herein.
 
                                      F-98
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
       UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 27, 1998
 


                                                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                                                         -------------------------------------------
                                                                                            ASEPTIC        TRANSACTIONS
                                                                                            BUSINESS           AND
                                                           PRO-FAC           DFVC           DISPOSAL        OFFERING
                                                         (HISTORICAL)    (HISTORICAL)    ADJUSTMENTS(A)    ADJUSTMENTS       TOTAL
                                                         ------------    ------------    --------------    -----------      --------
                                                                                    (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                                            
Net sales.............................................      $719.7          $541.2           ($97.9)          $79.0 (b)    $1,242.0
Cost of sales.........................................      (524.1)         (397.6)            81.3           (25.0)(c)      (865.4)
                                                         ------------    ------------        ------        -----------     --------
     Gross profit.....................................       195.6           143.6            (16.6)           54.0           376.6
Selling, administrative and general...................      (141.9)         (104.9)             0.1           (41.7)(d)      (288.4)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company.................         1.9                                                              1.9
Amortization of unallocated excess of purchase cost
  over -- net assets acquired.........................      --              --               --               (10.4)(e)       (10.4)
                                                         ------------    ------------        ------        -----------     --------
     Operating income before extraordinary items......        55.6            38.7            (16.5)            1.9            79.7
Interest expense......................................       (30.7)           (9.2)             1.4           (34.5)(f)       (73.0)
                                                         ------------    ------------        ------        -----------     --------
     Pretax income before extraordinary items and
       dividends and allocation of net proceeds.......        24.9            29.5            (15.1)          (32.6)            6.7
(Provision) benefit for taxes.........................        (7.8)          (11.8)             3.4            12.1 (g)        (4.1)
                                                         ------------    ------------        ------        -----------     --------
     Income (loss) before extraordinary items.........      $ 17.1          $ 17.7           ($11.7)          ($20.5)      $    2.6
                                                         ------------    ------------        ------        -----------     --------
                                                         ------------    ------------        ------        -----------     --------

 
          See accompanying notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                       Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-99
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                          NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 27, 1998
 
     (a) To reflect the sale of the Aseptic Business to Dean Foods. In
conjunction with this transaction, it is anticipated Agrilink will recognize a
gain. Such gain has not been reflected in the unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Operations as the gain is considered nonrecurring.
 
     (b) Represents a reclassification of promotional expenses of DFVC to
conform presentation to that of Agrilink. Such amount is equal to the adjustment
of selling, administrative and general expenses in pro forma adjustment (d)
below.
 
     (c) To reflect the net of (dollars in millions):
 

                                                                                          
     Cost savings anticipated under existing contracts with the suppliers of product
     packaging.........................................................................      $  2.5
     Reclassification of warehousing expenses of DFVC to conform presentation to that of
     Agrilink. Such amount is equal to the adjustment of selling, administrative and
     general expenses in pro forma adjustment (d) below................................       (27.5)
                                                                                             ------
                                                                                             $(25.0)
                                                                                             ------
                                                                                             ------

 
     (d) To reflect the net of (dollars in millions):
 

                                                                                          
     Reclassification of promotional expenses of DFVC to conform presentation to that of
     Agrilink. Such amount is equal to the adjustment to the net sales in pro forma
     adjustment (b) above..............................................................      $(79.0)
     Reclassification of warehousing expenses to conform presentation to that of Agrilink.
     Such amount is equal to the adjustment to the net sales in pro forma adjustment (c)
     above.............................................................................        27.5
     To reflect the anticipated cost reductions under the plan formulated by management to
     eliminate duplicate administrative costs, including primarily sales and marketing
     functions, finance functions and logistics functions. Because both the Agrilink and
     DFVC personnel currently contact the same customers, it is anticipated that no
     material negative impact to sales will occur. The plan outlined is to be executed
     within one year from the consummation date of the Acquisition.....................         9.8
                                                                                             ------
                                                                                             $(41.7)
                                                                                             ------
                                                                                             ------

 
     (e) To reflect $10.4 million of additional goodwill amortization relating
to the Acquisition assuming an amortization period of 20 years. Depreciation and
amortization recorded by the Company subsequent to the Acquisition will be
determined based upon the fair values of acquired assets and their related lives
as ultimately recorded under purchase accounting.
 
     (f) To reflect the net adjustment to interest expense as follows (dollars
in millions):
 

                                                                                          
     Notes at an interest rate of 11.875%.................................................   $ 23.8
     Borrowings under the New Credit Facility (at the rates applicable upon syndication
     thereof).............................................................................     40.1
     Subordinated Promissory Note at an interest rate of 5.0% (noncash)................         1.5
     Amortization of debt issuance costs..................................................      3.2
     Less historical interest expense net adjustment......................................    (33.3)
     Less amortization of debt issuance costs related to debt repaid......................     (0.8)
                                                                                             ------
                                                                                             $ 34.5
                                                                                             ------
                                                                                             ------

 
                                     F-100
 




     The elimination of debt issuance costs and premiums to be paid to
extinguish existing debt will be recognized as an extraordinary item ($18.0
million net of a $10.5 million tax benefit) in Pro-Fac's statement of operations
for the first fiscal quarter of 1999. Such charge has not been reflected in the
unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
 
     Fees associated with obtaining commitments for the Bridge Facility have not
been reflected in the unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
as they are considered nonrecurring. Such fees, which will be reflected in
Pro-Fac's 1999 second fiscal quarter, are estimated to be approximately $5.6
million before taxes.
 
     (g) To reflect the income tax effect of the pro forma adjustments based on
an assumed statutory income tax rate of 39.0%.
 
                                     F-101
 




                         PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND
                CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY -- AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
                              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                    FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998
 


                                                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                                                          -----------------------------------------
                                                                                             ASEPTIC        TRANSACTIONS
                                                                                             BUSINESS           AND
                                                            PRO-FAC           DFVC           DISPOSAL        OFFERING
                                                          (HISTORICAL)    (HISTORICAL)    ADJUSTMENTS(A)    ADJUSTMENTS       TOTAL
                                                          ------------    ------------    --------------    -----------      ------
                                                                                    (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                                              
Net sales..............................................     $  182.6         $106.4           $(24.9)        $  15.5 (b)    $ 279.6
Cost of sales..........................................       (135.9)         (81.2)            20.8            (5.5)(c)     (201.8)
                                                          ------------    ------------       -------       -----------      -------
     Gross profit......................................         46.7           25.2             (4.1)           10.0           77.8
Selling, administrative and general....................        (34.9)         (25.9)          --                (6.9)(d)      (67.7)
Income from Great Lakes Kraut Company..................          0.6         --               --              --                0.6
Gain on the sale of the Aseptic Business...............         64.2         --               --               (64.2)(e)      --
Amortization of unallocated excess of purchase cost
  over net assets acquired.............................       --             --               --                (2.4)(f)       (2.4)
                                                          ------------    ------------       -------       -----------      -------
     Operating income before extra-ordinary items......         76.6           (0.7)            (4.1)          (63.5)           8.3
Interest expense.......................................         (8.3)          (2.0)             0.4            (9.3)(g)      (19.2)
                                                          ------------    ------------       -------       -----------      -------
     Pre-tax income before extraordinary items and
       dividends and allocation of net proceeds........         68.3           (2.7)            (3.7)          (72.8)         (10.9)
(Provision) benefit for taxes..........................        (25.0)           1.1              0.8            24.8(e)(h)      1.7
                                                          ------------    ------------       -------       -----------      -------
     Income (loss) before extraordinary items..........     $   43.3         $ (1.6)          $ (2.9)        $ (48.0)       $  (9.2)
                                                          ------------    ------------       -------       -----------      -------
                                                          ------------    ------------       -------       -----------      -------

- ------------
     (a) To reflect the sale of the Aseptic Business to Dean Foods which was
completed in conjunction with the transaction.
 
     (b) Represents a reclassification of promotional expenses of DFVC to
conform presentation to that of Agrilink. Such amount is equal to the adjustment
of selling, administrative and general expenses in pro forma adjustment (d)
below.
 
     (c) To reflect the net of (dollars in millions):
 

                                                                                            
     Cost savings anticipated under existing contracts with the suppliers of product
     packaging...........................................................................      $ 0.6
     Reclassification of warehousing expenses of DFVC to conform presentation to that of
     Agrilink. Such amount is equal to the adjustment of selling, administrative and general
     expenses in pro forma adjustment (d) below..........................................       (6.1)
                                                                                               -----
                                                                                               $(5.5)
                                                                                               -----
                                                                                               -----

 
                                     F-102
 




     (d) To reflect the net of (dollars in millions):
 

                                                                                           
     Reclassification of promotional expenses of DFVC to conform presentation to that of
     Agrilink. Such amount is equal to the adjustment to the net sales in pro forma
     adjustment (b) above...............................................................      $(15.5)
     Reclassification of warehousing expenses to conform presentation to that of Agrilink.
     Such amount is equal to the adjustment to the net sales in pro forma adjustment (c)
     above..............................................................................         6.1
     To reflect the anticipated cost reductions achievable under the plan formulated by
     management to eliminate duplicate administrative costs, including primarily sales and
     marketing functions, finance functions and logistics functions. Because both the
     Agrilink and DFVC personnel currently contact the same customers, it is anticipated
     that no material negative impact to sales will occur. The plan outlined is to be
     executed within one year from the consummation date of the Acquisition.............         2.5
                                                                                              ------
                                                                                              $ (6.9)
                                                                                              ------
                                                                                              ------

 
     (e) To eliminate the gain recognized on the sale of the Aseptic Business to
Dean Foods (net of income taxes of $25.0 million). Such income has not been
reflected in the unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Operations, as the gain is considered nonrecurring.
 
     (f) To reflect $2.4 million of additional goodwill amortization relating to
the Acquisition assuming an amortization period of 20 years. Depreciation and
amortization recorded by the Company subsequent to the Acquisition will be
determined based upon the fair values of acquired assets and their related lives
as ultimately recorded under purchase accounting.
 
     (g) To reflect the net adjustment to interest expense as follows (dollars
in millions):
 

                                                                                            
     Notes at an interest rate of 11.875%...................................................   $ 5.9
     Borrowings under the New Credit Facility (at the rates applicable upon syndication
     thereof)...............................................................................    10.3
     Subordinated Promissory Note at an interest rate of 5.0% (non-cash)....................     0.4
     Amortization of debt issuance costs....................................................     0.8
     Less historical interest expense net adjustment........................................    (7.9)
     Less amortization of debt issuance costs related to debt repaid........................    (0.2)
                                                                                               -----
                                                                                               $ 9.3
                                                                                               -----
                                                                                               -----

 
     The elimination of debt issuance costs and premiums to be paid to
extinguish existing debt have been recognized as an extraordinary item in the
Statement of Operations for the quarter ended September 26, 1998. See 'Unaudited
Consolidated Statement of Operations' of Pro-Fac included elsewhere herein. Such
charge has not been reflected in the unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Operations.
 
     Fees associated with obtaining commitments for the Bridge Facility have not
been reflected in the unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
as they are considered nonrecurring. Such fees, which will be reflectd in
Pro-Fac's 1999 second fiscal quarter, are estimated to be approximately $5.6
million before taxes.
 
     (h) To reflect the income tax effect of the pro forma adjustments based on
an assumed statutory income tax rate of 39.0%.
 
                                     F-103









==================================            ==================================
     WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANY DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE ISSUER OR THE GUARANTORS. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE ISSUER OR THE GUARANTORS SINCE SUCH DATE.
                            ------------------------
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                              ----
                                                                                                           
Where You Can Find More Information........................................................................      2
Forward-Looking Information................................................................................      3
Market and Industry Data...................................................................................      4
Prospectus Summary.........................................................................................      5
Risk Factors...............................................................................................     12
The Company and Pro-Fac....................................................................................     21
The Transactions...........................................................................................     21
Use of Proceeds............................................................................................     23
Capitalization.............................................................................................     23
The Exchange Offer.........................................................................................     24
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data of the Company..........................................................     33
Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data of Agrilink and DFVC...............     38
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations......................     42
Business...................................................................................................     57
Description of Certain Indebtedness........................................................................     59
Description of Notes.......................................................................................     62
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.............................................................     91
Plan of Distribution.......................................................................................     91
Legal Matters..............................................................................................     92
Experts....................................................................................................     93
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Information...........................................    F-1

                            ------------------------
     UNTIL              , 1999, ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE
EXCHANGE NOTES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE
REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS DELIVERY REQUIREMENT IS IN ADDITION TO
THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS,
INCLUDING SELLING EXCHANGE NOTES RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR INITIAL NOTES HELD FOR
THEIR OWN ACCOUNT (SEE 'PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION') AND WITH RESPECT TO ANY UNSOLD
ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                                  $200,000,000

                              AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
 
                           -------------------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                           -------------------------
 
                             OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
                       11 7/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
                                    DUE 2008
 
==================================            ==================================








                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.
 
Agrilink Foods, Inc.
 
     Agrilink Foods, Inc. is a New York corporation. Pursuant to Section 722 of
the New York Business Corporation Law (the 'New York Corporation Law'), Article
V of the By-laws of the Company provides that the Company shall indemnify any
person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action or proceeding,
whether civil or criminal, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or
intestate is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or serves or
served any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee
benefit plan or other enterprise in any capacity at the request of the Company
against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses,
including attorneys' fees actually and necessarily incurred as a result of such
action or proceeding or any appeal thereon to the full extent permitted by the
New York Corporation Law. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal
action or proceeding shall be paid by the registrant in advance of the final
disposition of such action or proceeding to the extent, if any, authorized by
the Board in accordance with the provisions of the New York Corporation Law,
upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer or
employee to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is
not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized in the by-laws or to
repay such amount to the extent the expenses so advanced by the Company or
allowed by a court exceed the indemnification to which he is entitled. The
Company shall provide such other indemnification to the directors and officers
of the Company as may, from time to time, be provided pursuant to resolutions
duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
     Section 726 of the New York Corporation Law allows the Company to purchase
and maintain insurance to indemnify (i) the Company for any obligation which it
incurs as a result of the indemnification of directors and officers, (ii)
directors and officers in instances in which they may be indemnified by the
Company, and (iii) directors and officers in instances in which they may not
otherwise be indemnified by the Company provided the contract of insurance
covering such directors and officers provides, in a manner acceptable to the
superintendent of insurance of the State of New York, for a retention amount and
for co-insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such insurance may provide
for any payment, other than cost of defense, to or on behalf of any director or
officer (i) if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the insured
director or officer establishes that his acts of active and deliberate
dishonesty were material to the cause of action so adjudicated, or that he
personally gained in fact a financial profit or other advantage to which he was
not legally entitled or (ii) in relation to any risk the insurance of which is
prohibited under the insurance law of the State of New York.
 
     Pursuant to Section 402(b) of the New York Corporation Law, paragraph 10 of
the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides that no director of the
Company shall be personally liable to the Company or its shareholders for
damages for any breach of duty in such capacity except where a judgment or other
final adjudication adverse to said director establishes: (i) that the director's
acts or omissions were in bad faith or involved intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law; or (ii) that the director personally gained in fact a
financial profit or other advantage to which the director was not legally
entitled; or (iii) that the director's acts violated Section 719 of the New York
Corporation Law.
 
     The foregoing statements are subject to the detailed provisions of Sections
721 through 726 of the New York Business Corporation Law, Agrilink's By-laws and
its Certificate of Incorporation, as applicable.
 
Pro-Fac Cooperative
 
     Pro-Fac is a New York cooperative corporation. Sections 721 through 726 of
the New York Business Corporation Law permit the registrant to indemnify its
officers and directors against liabilities. Under Section 722 of the New York
Business Corporation Law, the registrant may indemnify any person made, or
threatened to be made, a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or
criminal, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was a
director, officer or employee of the
 
                                      II-1
 




registrant or serves or served any other corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise in any capacity at the
request of the registrant against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement
and reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees actually and necessarily
incurred as a result of such action or proceeding or any appeal thereon, if such
director or officer acted in good faith for a purpose which he reasonably
believed to be in, or, under certain circumstances, not opposed to, the best
interests of the registrant.
 
     Section 726 of the New York Business Corporation Law allows the registrant
to purchase and maintain insurance to indemnify (i) the registrant for any
obligation which it incurs as a result of the indemnification of directors and
officers, (ii) directors and officers in instances in which they may be
indemnified by the registrant, and (iii) directors and officers in instances in
which they may not otherwise be indemnified by the registrant provided the
contract of insurance covering such directors and officers provides, in a manner
acceptable to the superintendent of insurance of the State of New York, for a
retention amount and for co-insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such
insurance may provide for any payment, other than cost of defense, to or on
behalf of any director or officer (i) if a judgment or other final adjudication
adverse to the insured director or officer establishes that his acts of active
and deliberate dishonesty were material to the cause of action so adjudicated,
or that he personally gained in fact a financial profit or other advantage to
which he was not legally entitled or (ii) in relation to any risk the insurance
of which is prohibited under the insurance law of the State of New York.
 
     The foregoing statements are subject to the detailed provisions of Sections
721 through 726 of the New York Business Corporation Law, Pro-Fac's By-laws and
its Certificate of Incorporation, as applicable.
 
Kennedy Endeavors, Incorporated
 
     Kennedy Endeavors is a Washington corporation. Section 23B.08.510 of the
Washington Business Corporation Act permits a Washington corporation to
indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because the individual is
or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if (i) the
individual acted in good faith; and (ii) the individual reasonably believed, in
the case of conduct in the individual's official capacity with the corporation,
that the individual's conduct was in its best interests, and in all other cases,
that the individual's conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests;
and (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the individual had no
reasonable cause to believe the individual's conduct was unlawful. A corporation
may not indemnify a director under this section (i) in connection with a
proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director was
adjudged liable to the corporation; or (ii) in connection with any other
proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director, whether or not
involving action in the director's official capacity, in which the director was
adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by
the director.
 
     Kennedy Endeavors' By-laws permit indemnification to the full extent
permitted by the Washington Business Corporation Act of any person who is or was
a director or officer of Kennedy Endeavors who is or was involved or threatened
to be made so involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal,
civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person
is or was serving as a director, officer or employee of Kennedy Endeavors or was
serving at the request of Kennedy Endeavors as a director, officer or employee
of any other corporation.
 
     Section 23B.08.580 of the Washington Business Corporation Act permits a
Washington corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an
individual who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the
corporation, or who, while a director officer, employee, or agent of the
corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director,
officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other
enterprise, against liability asserted against or incurred by the individual in
that capacity or arising from the individual's status as a director, officer,
employee, or agent, whether or not the corporation would have power to indemnify
the individual against the same liability under Section 23B.08.510 or 23B.08.520
of the Washington Business Corporation Act.
 
                                      II-2
 




     The foregoing statements are subject to the detailed provisions of Sections
23B.08.500 through 23B.08.590 of the Washington Business Corporation Act,
Kennedy Endeavors' By-laws and its Certificate of Incorporation, as applicable.
 
Linden Oaks Corporation
 
     Linden Oaks is a Delaware corporation. Section 145 of the Delaware General
Corporation law (the 'DGCL') provides that a corporation may indemnify directors
and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in
connection with specified actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the
right of the corporation -- a 'derivative action'), if they acted in good faith
and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A
similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that
indemnification only extends to expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually
and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such
action, and the statute requires court approval before there can be any
indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable
to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other
indemnification that may be granted by a corporation's charter, by-laws,
disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise.
 
     Linden Oaks Corporation's By-laws permit indemnification to the fullest
extent permitted under Delaware law of any person who is or was a director or
officer of Linden Oaks Corporation who is or was involved or threatened to be
made so involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is or
was serving as a director, officer or employee of Linden Oaks Corporation or was
serving at the request of Linden Oaks Corporation as a director, officer or
employee of any other enterprise.
 
     Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a provision in the certificate of
incorporation of each corporation organized thereunder, such as Linden Oaks
Corporation, eliminating or limiting, with certain exceptions, the personal
liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Section FIFTH of Linden Oaks
Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation provides that no director shall be
personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages
for breach of a fiduciary duty as a director (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts
or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law; (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL (relating to
unlawful dividends, stock purchases and redemptions); or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Section SIXTH provides that each director, officer, employee and agent of the
corporation shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the
fullest extent authorized by the DGCL.
 
     The foregoing statements are subject to the detailed provisions of Sections
145 and 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, Linden Oaks Corporation's By-laws and its
Certificate of Incorporation, as applicable.
 
Liability Insurance
 
     Pro-Fac maintains a directors and officers liability insurance and
corporation reimbursement policy, in such amount as it deems reasonable, against
certain liabilities that may be asserted against, or incurred by, the directors
and officers of each registrant in their capacities as directors or officers of
such registrant, including liabilities under Federal and state securities laws.
Such policy is due for renewal on October 15, 1999.
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS.
 
(a)   Exhibits:
 

    
  4.1  -- Indenture, dated as of November 18, 1998, between Agrilink Foods, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and
          IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, Inc., as trustee.
  4.2  -- Form of 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (included as Exhibit B to Exhibit 4.1).
  4.3  -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 18, 1998, among Agrilink Foods, Inc., Pro-Fac
          Cooperative, Inc., Warburg Dillon Read LLC and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc.

 
                                      II-3
 





    
  5.1  -- Opinion of Howard, Smith & Levin LLP.
 12.1  -- Statement regarding the computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends of
          Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc.
 12.2  -- Statement regarding the computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of Agrilink Foods, Inc.
 23.1  -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP regarding Agrilink Foods, Inc.
 23.2  -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP regarding Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc.
 23.3  -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP regarding Dean Foods Vegetable Company.
 23.4  -- Consent of counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1).
 24.1  -- Powers of Attorney of Agrilink Foods, Inc., Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc., Kennedy Endeavors, Incorporated and
          Linden Oaks Corporation (included in the signature pages hereto).
 25.1  -- Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 of IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company.
 99.1  -- Form of Letter of Transmittal.
 99.2  -- Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
 99.3  -- Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees.
 99.4  -- Form of Letter to Clients.
 99.5  -- Form of Exchange Agency Agreement.

 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual
report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
 
     (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
 
     (c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
 
     (d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-4









                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rochester, State of New
York, on January 5, 1999.
 
                                          AGRILINK FOODS, INC.
 
                                          By:  /S/ DENNIS M. MULLEN
                                               .................................
                                               NAME: DENNIS M. MULLEN
                                               TITLE: PRESIDENT AND CHIEF
                                                      EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints each of Dennis M. Mullen and Earl L. Powers and
each of them, with full power to act alone, as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement and any subsequent registration statement filed
by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
 
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE
DATE INDICATED.
 


                SIGNATURE                                      TITLE                              DATE
- ------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                                                     
           /s/ DENNIS M. MULLEN             President and Chief Executive Officer            January 5, 1999
 .........................................
            (DENNIS M. MULLEN)
 
            /s/ EARL L. POWERS              Vice President, Finance and                      January 5, 1999
 .........................................    Chief Financial Officer (Principal
             (EARL L. POWERS)                 Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
                                              Officer)
 
         /s/ ROBERT V. CALL, JR.            Director and Chairman of the Board               January 5, 1999
 .........................................
          (ROBERT V. CALL, JR.)
 
             /s/ BRUCE R. FOX               Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
              (BRUCE R. FOX)
 
     /s/ CORNELIUS D. HARRINGTON, JR.       Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
      (CORNELIUS D. HARRINGTON, JR.)
 
         /s/ STEVEN D. KOINZAN              Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
           (STEVEN D. KOINZAN)
 
           /s/ WALTER F. PAYNE              Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
            (WALTER F. PAYNE)
 
            /s/ FRANK M. STOTZ              Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
             (FRANK M. STOTZ)

 
                                      II-5
 




                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rochester, State of New
York, on January 5, 1999.
 
                                           PRO-FAC COOPERATIVE, INC.
 
                                           By: /s/ BRUCE R. FOX
                                               .................................
                                               NAME: BRUCE R. FOX
                                               TITLE: PRESIDENT
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints each of Dennis M. Mullen and Earl L. Powers and
each of them, with full power to act alone, as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement and any subsequent registration statement filed
by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
 
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE
DATE INDICATED.
 


                SIGNATURE                                      TITLE                              DATE
- ------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                                                     

          /s/ BRUCE R. FOX                  President and Director                           January 5, 1999
 .......................................
           (BRUCE R. FOX)

          /s/ STEVEN D. KOINZAN             Treasurer and Director                           January 5, 1999
 .........................................
           (STEVEN D. KOINZAN)
 
           /s/ EARL L. POWERS               Vice President, Finance and                      January 5, 1999
 .........................................    Assistant Treasurer
             (EARL L. POWERS)
 
          /s/ DALE W. BURMEISTER            Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
           (DALE W. BURMEISTER)
 
         /s/ ROBERT V. CALL, JR.            Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
          (ROBERT V. CALL, JR.)
 
            /s/ GLEN LEE CHASE              Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
             (GLEN LEE CHASE)
 
                                            Secretary and Director                                    
 .........................................
             (TOM R. CRONER)
 
                                            Director                                                  
 .........................................
          (KENNETH M. DAHLSTEDT)

 
                                      II-6
 




 


                SIGNATURE                                      TITLE                              DATE
- ------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                                                     
          /s/ ROBERT A. DEBADTS             Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
           (ROBERT A. DEBADTS)
 
         /s/ KENNETH A. MATTINGLY           Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
          (KENNETH A. MATTINGLY)
 
                                            Director                                                  
 .........................................
           (ALLAN W. OVERHISER)
 
             /s/ PAUL E. ROE                Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
              (PAUL E. ROE)
 
             /s/ DARELL SARFF               Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
              (DARELL SARFF)

 
                                      II-7
 




                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rochester, State of New
York, on January 5, 1999.
 
                                           KENNEDY ENDEAVORS, INCORPORATED
 
                                           By: /S/ TIM KENNEDY
                                               .................................
                                               NAME: TIM KENNEDY
                                               TITLE: PRESIDENT
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints each of Dennis M. Mullen and Earl L. Powers and
each of them, with full power to act alone, as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement and any subsequent registration statement filed
by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
 
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE
DATE INDICATED.
 


                SIGNATURE                                      TITLE                              DATE
- ------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                                                     
             /s/ TIM KENNEDY                President                                        January 5, 1999
 .........................................
              (TIM KENNEDY)
 
            /s/ EARL L. POWERS              Director, Vice President, Finance and            January 5, 1999
 .........................................    Secretary
             (EARL L. POWERS)
 
         /s/ ROBERT V. CALL, JR.            Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
          (ROBERT V. CALL, JR.)
 
           /s/ DENNIS M. MULLEN             Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
            (DENNIS M. MULLEN)

 
                                      II-8
 




                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rochester, State of New
York, on January 5, 1999.
 
                                           LINDEN OAKS CORPORATION
 
                                           By: /S/ TIMOTHY J. BENJAMIN
                                               .................................
                                               NAME: TIMOTHY J. BENJAMIN
                                               TITLE: PRESIDENT
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints each of Dennis M. Mullen and Earl L. Powers and
each of them, with full power to act alone, as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement and any subsequent registration statement filed
by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
 
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE
DATE INDICATED.
 


                SIGNATURE                                      TITLE                              DATE
- ------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                                                     
         /s/ TIMOTHY J. BENJAMIN            President and Director                           January 5, 1999
 .........................................
          (TIMOTHY J. BENJAMIN)
 
           /s/ LINDA K. NELSON              Treasurer                                        January 5, 1999
 .........................................
            (LINDA K. NELSON)
 
           /s/ ROBERT CAMPBELL              Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
            (ROBERT CAMPBELL)
 
            /s/ EARL L. POWERS              Director                                         January 5, 1999
 .........................................
             (EARL L. POWERS)

 
                                      II-9










                                     EXHIBIT INDEX



EXHIBIT NO.                           DESCRIPTION                                                                   PAGE NO.
- -----------                           -----------                                                                   --------
                                                                                                              
  4.1  -- Indenture, dated as of November 18, 1998, between Agrilink Foods, Inc., the Guarantors named therein
          and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, Inc., as trustee.
  4.2  -- Form of 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (included as Exhibit B to Exhibit 4.1).
  4.3  -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 18, 1998, among Agrilink Foods, Inc., Pro-Fac
          Cooperative, Inc., Warburg Dillon Read LLC and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc.
  5.1  -- Opinion of Howard, Smith & Levin LLP.
 12.1  -- Statement regarding the computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends
          of Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc.
 12.2  -- Statement regarding the computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of Agrilink Foods, Inc.
 23.1  -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP regarding Agrilink Foods, Inc.
 23.2  -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP regarding Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc.
 23.3  -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP regarding Dean Foods Vegetable Company.
 23.4  -- Consent of counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1).
 24.1  -- Powers of Attorney of Agrilink Foods, Inc., Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc., Kennedy Endeavors, Incorporated
          and Linden Oaks Corporation (included in the signature pages hereto).
 25.1  -- Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 of IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company.
 99.1  -- Form of Letter of Transmittal.
 99.2  -- Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
 99.3  -- Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees.
 99.4  -- Form of Letter to Clients.
 99.5  -- Form of Exchange Agency Agreement.