The Hogapalooza team had 9 members: Skip Steele, Kelly Dallas, Mike Emmerson, Al Futrell, Steve Gray, Ray Rayburn, Chad House, Greg Maclea and Clay Peavey. They won over judges with their “Hogapalooza Apple Cole Slaw” made with apples, bell peppers, vinaigrette and, of course, cabbage.

“This sweet cole slaw is a family recipe that blends well with our award winning barbecue – applewood smoked pork with apple jelly barbecue sauce. We also served our winning Hogapalooza Apple Cole Slaw with our entry in the Whole Hog Division of the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Contest and got 6th place,” says team member Kelly Dallas. “It is really something if you win at Memphis in May because you’re among the best barbecuers in the land…it’s something to be proud of.”

Prizes were also awarded to 2nd place team “Swine & Dine”, and 3rd place team “All Star Ten Pin Porkers”. Over 106,000 people attended the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Contest between May 13-15th at Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis, TN. Hundreds of teams competed in various contests for over $110,000 in prizes, but only one team took home the nation’s first Cole Slaw Championship award – congratulations Team Hogapalooza!

About Reser’s

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Reser’s Fine Foods has more than 2,000 employees and 1,000,000 square feet of space in 12 production and distribution facilities across the country. The company’s leading brands include Reser’s American Classics™ deli salads, Reser’s Sensational Sides™ side dishes, Baja Café® Mexican Foods and Stonemill Kitchens® premium dips. Reser’s remains a family owned and operated company that is dedicated to creating delicious, wholesome meals that nourish family ties and sustain family traditions. For more information, visit www.resers.com.

Al was recognized in Oregon as a life long supporter of many causes, but especially those enhancing the lives and education of young people. He was nationally known in the refrigerated foods industry as a pioneer. He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Pat and their children: Mindy, Michelle, Mark, Mike and Marty.

Always a good humored, soft spoken, gentle man with an infectious smile; Al was loved by everyone who knew him.

Al’s family convey their sympathy to all those friends of Al who share their loss.

Additional details regarding arrangements will be released at a subsequent date.

Contact:
Office of the Governor
Chrissy Pearson
(919) 733-5612

Raleigh, NC, January 19, 2010 – Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Reser’s Fine Foods, a national producer of prepared foods and salads, will expand its plant to the Halifax Industrial Center in Halifax County, North Carolina. The company plans to create 500 jobs in three phases over the next five years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $1 million grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“We are working hard to create jobs and North Carolina is proud to host a national-brand business like Reser’s Fine Foods, which is building on its success here,” Gov. Perdue said. “Our state’s strategic location, skilled workers and top business climate continue to attract growing companies from around the nation.”

Reser’s Fine Foods Inc., headquartered in Oregon, makes prepared salads, dips, side dishes, Mexican foods and specialty products under a variety of brand names. The company has facilities nationwide. The company’s goal is to expand production of prepared foods at its Halifax plant, starting with a first-phase investment of $15 million in 2010.

“We are convinced North Carolina is the best strategic location, and we are excited to expand there. We plan to build a facility that the people of Halifax County and our employees are proud of, and one that will continue to produce great products,” said company CEO Al Reser. “I want to thank Gov. Perdue and her staff for helping us finalize this project. I also want to recognize the Halifax County commissioners and Cathy Scott, executive director of the Halifax Economic Development Commission, and her associates for their assistance in moving this project along.”

The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches. “We are all going through tough times and the people of Halifax County and Northeastern North Carolina need to know that we are working aggressively to expand existing businesses and attract new ones,” said Sen. Ed Jones. “This could not come at a better time. I join the Governor and my neighbors in celebrating these new jobs at Reser’s Fine Foods.” “The announcement of 500 jobs to our community is certainly great news. Our skilled workforce continues to be one of our top assets as we work to grow jobs in Halifax County,” said Rep. Angela Bryant.

“North Carolina continues to be a great state for businesses to locate and expand, and we welcome the expansion of Reser’s Fine Foods in Halifax County,” said Rep. Lucy Allen. North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state will work aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.

Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 40,000 jobs and $7 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other project partners include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Halifax County, Halifax County Business Horizons, Halifax County Economic Development Commission, North Carolina’s Northeast Commission and Roanoke Electric.

For more information on Reser’s Fine Foods, including job opportunities with the company, go to: www.resers.com.

Reser’s is donating tortillas from its popular Don Pancho brand of authentic Mexican foods. The fresh tortillas, manufactured locally in Salem, OR will be placed in food boxes in September, October and November to help feed approximately 300 low-income families who live in the city of Beaverton.

September marks the second annual celebration of National Tortilla Month, which aims to educate and advocate for this fast-growing food industry. Tortillas are the second most popular bread type, beating out whole wheat bread, bagels and rolls, and only giving way to classic white bread.

Ricardo Baez, Don Pancho executive vice president and Tortilla Industry Association board member states, “We believe it’s important to help those in need, especially in these tough economic times. Working with The Oregon Food Bank was a natural fit, especially during National Tortilla Month.”

Tortilla Fast Facts: Did You Know?

• The first tortillas, which date 10,000 years before Christ, were made with native corn from dried kernels.
• Tortillas are more popular in the U.S. than all other ethnic breads including bagels, English muffins and pita bread.
• Americans consume more than 85 billion tortillas each year (not including tortilla chips!)
  • Don Pancho bakes more than 3 million tortilla shells every day.
  • Every day more than 100 trucks deliver fresh baked Don Pancho tortillas to hundreds of grocery stores and restaurants across the Northwest.

About Reser’s

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Reser’s has more than 2,000 employees and 1,000,000 square feet of space in 12 production and distribution facilities across the country. The company’s leading brands include Reser’s American Classics™ deli salads, Reser’s Sensational Sides™ side dishes, Baja Café® Mexican Foods and Stonemill Kitchens® premium dips. Reser’s remains a family owned and operated company that is dedicated to creating delicious, wholesome meals that nourish family ties and sustain family traditions. For information, visit www.resers.com.

About Don Pancho

In 1979 Francisco Puentes founded Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods providing flour and corn tortillas to Independent Hispanic grocery stores and restaurants. Thirty years later under the leadership of his son, George Puentes, Don Pancho has grown with manufacturing facilities in Salem, North Carolina and Salt Lake City. Don Pancho bakes more than 3 million tortilla shells every day. It sells to 2,000 retail stores and 2,000 restaurants across the nation. In addition to tortillas, the manufacturer has diversified to also offer low-fat wraps, gluten-free wraps, chips, tostadas and spices. With the continued expansion, one thing remains the same, Don Pancho’s commitment to create authentic Mexican food using recipes handed down from generations. For more information visit www.donpancho.com.

Party Planning

Reser’s Chef Barb says you can turn your next tailgating party into a sizzling success by following these tips:

• Main course: Make food the centerpiece. Be creative and create flavors specific to a certain region. For example, a Texas-themed party would include beef brisket that’s been cooked over smoke and low heat for hours.
• Sides: Serve up savory sides such as potato salad, macaroni salad or coleslaw. Buy freshly prepared salads from your local grocer and personalize by adding your favorite herbs and vegetables.
• Veggies: For non-meat-eating guests, include plenty of grilled veggies. Chef Barb recommends tossing green and red peppers, eggplant, and zucchini with Stonemill Kitchen’s Artichoke Parmesan dip, then wrapping in heavy duty foil and tossing on the grill until crisp.
• Dessert: Think classic Americana. Apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is sure to please and don’t forget the fun and colorful gelatins for the kids!

Affordable grocery shopping

Americans are hungry to save money on household bills this fall more than ever. Reser’s Chef Barb offers three painless tips for trimming your grocery bill:

1. Create a List and Shop the Perimeter. Planning ahead and making a specific grocery list will eliminate unnecessary grocery purchases. Bread, meat, dairy and vegetables are usually located around the “perimeter” of a store. Always fill your cart with these items first. Next, pick up the rest of the items on your list. And as a bonus, perimeter items tend to be fresher than their ‘shelf-stable’ counterparts found in the center of the store.
2. Go to manufacturers’ websites for coupons. Consumers can go directly to manufacturers’ websites to find downloadable coupons. Coupons are often provided with new products because manufacturers want to entice consumers to sample products. For instance, you can find coupons at www.resers.com and www.stonemillkitchens.com.
3. Build a $marter meal. Splurge on your main course. Select a great cut of meat or a homemade main dish and then supplement with easy, convenient and cost-effective ready-to-serve sides, salads, and desserts often found in a store’s refrigerated deli or meat department.

Food Safety

While you’re enjoying your pre-planned, affordable tailgating food, Reser’s food safety expert, Steve Loehndorf advises to use safe food handling and preparation techniques. It’s easy for food-borne bacteria to quickly multiply, spoiling food and causing illness. To stay safe, Loehndorf advises:

1. Follow the 3-C`s. Keep products Clean, Cold, and Covered. Use clean serving dishes and utensils, keep products in coolers or on ice whenever possible, and protect against exposure to insects and direct sunlight.
2. Transport food in the passenger area of your car. The trunk of a car can reach a sweltering 150 degrees F, so transport coolers in the passenger area of your car.
3. Keep your cool. Put a blanket over the cooler and place it in the shade to maintain cold temperatures. Minimize the number of times you open the lid by placing beverages in a separate container.
4. Wash your hands. If no hand washing facilities are nearby, play it smart and pack moist towelettes.

Loehndorf also points out that the presence of mayonnaise in summer salads and coleslaws actually contributes to the product’s safety. Why? The high acidity of mayonnaise protects against bacterial growth and the potential for food poisoning.

By following the advice above, consumers are sure to have a fun, affordable and worry-free tailgating party so they can focus on cheering for their team during the game instead.

About Reser’s

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Reser’s has more than 2,000 employees and 1,000,000 square feet of space in 12 production and distribution facilities across the country. The company’s leading brands include Reser’s American Classics™ deli salads, Reser’s Sensational Sides™ side dishes, Baja Café® Mexican Foods and Stonemill Kitchens® premium dips. Reser’s remains a family owned and operated company that is dedicated to creating delicious, wholesome meals that nourish family ties and sustain family traditions. For information, visit www.resers.com.

According to Karmen Olson-Stevens, category manager, “As a family-owned company of nearly 60 years, we love to help make fun times easy for busy families. And BBQs and picnics are a great summertime staple, just like our fresh macaroni and potato salads.”

As the grand prize winner, the Madison family will receive a gas barbecue grill, outdoor heater, two lounge chairs, beverage cooler, and barbecue utensil set for a total value of more than $1,500. Twenty-five other participants were selected as runners up and received a travel chair perfect for camping.

Reser’s is gearing up for football season and will launch its next contest “Reser’s Ultimate Tailgating Sweepstakes” later this fall.

About Reser’s

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Reser’s has more than 2,000 employees and 1,000,000 square feet of space in 12 production and distribution facilities across the country. The company’s leading brands include Reser’s American Classics™ deli salads, Reser’s Sensational Sides™ side dishes, Baja Café® Mexican Foods and Stonemill Kitchens® premium dips. Reser’s remains a family owned and operated company that is dedicated to creating delicious, wholesome meals that nourish family ties and sustain family traditions. For information, visit www.resers.com.

According to David Lakey, vice president of marketing, “There are exciting growth opportunities in both branded and private label deli products.” He adds, “One trend we’re seeing is increasing consumer interest in affordable entertaining—whether at home, a neighbor’s backyard BBQ or a picnic with friends. We predict deli products that make entertaining more fun, and more budget-friendly, will continue to do well, even in a down economy.”

Retailers can now add the following new Reser’s products to their deli department shelves as Reser’s unveils three new product categories at IDDBA 2009.

Reser’s American Classics™ Deli Salads

Reser’s new line of American Classics deli salads feature 10 favorite recipes in three convenient size configurations (12 oz., 1lb and 3lb). This line-up of summertime protein, potato, macaroni and coleslaw items are perfect for family BBQs, picnics and reunions, and will help retailers drive sales in the refrigerated deli case. Six of these new salads recently received the prestigious “ChefsBest® Certified” designation by an independent judging organization.

Stonemill Kitchens® Premium Dips

Reser’s introduces three new Stonemill Kitchens premium dips. The new lineup includes: Creamy Spinach Dip; Roasted Red Pepper Dip; and a savory Peppercorn, Garlic & Herb Dip. These dips are highly versatile: just one package can be used as an appetizer, topping or entree ingredient. With a suggested retail price of $3.99 for an 11oz package, these creamy dips will hit store shelves by late summer 2009. Consumers can find fun recipes at www.stonemillkitchens.com including Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Satay and Roasted Peppercorn Potato appetizers.

Retro Reinvented

Reser’s Fruit Gelatins

Reser’s retro-cool gelatins are sure to evoke fond memories—but with a modern twist. New ready-to-eat gelatins are bursting with fresh-tasting fruit chunks (up to 50 percent fruit in each cup). Flavors include: Lime with Bartlett Pear, Raspberry with Fruit Cocktail, Mango with Tropical Fruit and a zesty Orange with Mandarin oranges. For the calorie-conscious, Reser’s offers two sugar-free gelatins gently sweetened with Splenda® in lime and raspberry flavors. These 15 or 16oz re-sealable cups are now available nationwide. Suggested Retail Prices: Sugar Free Gelatins: $2.49 to $2.99 and Fruit Gelatins: $2.79 to $3.29.

Pure Indulgence

Reser’s Puddings

Reser’s new ready-to-eat deli puddings are made with natural ingredients and calcium-rich gluten-free recipes allowing consumers to indulge without feeling guilty. The category’s top selling flavors are now available from Reser’s: chocolate, tapioca and classic rice; available nationally in August, with suggested retail prices of $2.79 to $3.29. Retailers are encouraged to stock and promote puddings and fruit gelatins together, enabling mix and match promotions at the same prices.

About Reser’s

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Reser’s has more than 2,000 employees and 1,000,000 square feet of space in 12 production and distribution facilities across the country. The company’s leading brands include Reser’s American Classics™ deli salads, Reser’s Sensational Sides™ side dishes, Baja Café® Mexican Foods and Stonemill Kitchens® premium dips. Reser’s remains a family owned and operated company that is dedicated to creating delicious, wholesome meals that nourish family ties and sustain family traditions. For information, visit www.resers.com.

Beaverton, OR, May 18, 2009 – In response to changes in how busy consumers shop, cook, and dine, Reser’s, a premier manufacturer and distributor of refrigerated food products, today unveiled its new Customer R&D Center. This facility will help foodservice operators and retailers create more appealing menus, leverage the latest flavor trends, delight consumers’ by meeting regional taste preferences, reduce food costs, and meet exacting food safety standards, all while creating easy, wholesome meals for consumers.

According to Barbara Jordan, director of research and development, and head chef, “This is where ideas become a reality. Many retailers are looking for ways to offer a restaurant-like experience in their in-store delis. And many foodservice operators want to entice budget-conscious consumers back into restaurants with unique menu items and greater value.” Jordan continues, “In our R&D Center, we have the tools, culinary expertise, market leadership and passion to help customers achieve these, and other, business goals.”

About The Customer R&D Center

Located within the corporate headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, the new state-of-the-art R&D center has more than 10,000 square feet of space dedicated to helping customers bring their ideas to life. The Reser’s culinary team works closely with restaurants, universities, hotels, retailers, and national chains to create profitable food programs.

Features that distinguish the R&D center include a development lab that mimics major restaurant chains, bench top product development tools, and common appliances found in most consumers’ homes. Reser’s professional chefs use these top notch tools and facilities to help retail and foodservice customers create customized recipes and products to build consumer loyalty and maximize sales. As an SQF-certified company, Reser’s also provides a deep bench of regulatory, safety and scientific technical resources.

According to Al Reser, chairman, “For more than 60 years, we’ve helped customers innovate and bring valuable new products to market. This flagship facility shows our ongoing commitment to innovation and to helping our valued customers find, and profit from, the next big idea.”

About Reser’s

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Reser’s has more than 2,000 employees and 1,000,000 square feet of space in 12 production and distribution facilities across the country. The company’s leading brands include Reser’s American Classics™ deli salads, Reser’s Sensational Sides™ side dishes, Baja Café® Mexican Foods and Stonemill Kitchens® premium dips. Reser’s remains a family owned and operated company that is dedicated to creating delicious, wholesome meals that nourish family ties and sustain family traditions. For information, visit www.resers.com

Website features include:

• Money saving coupons to help consumers stretch their grocery dollars
• Easy cooking tips, recipes and entertaining ideas from “Chef Barb”
• An enhanced product locator making it easier to find Reser’s top selling products

“This fresh new site reflects how today’s consumer lives, shops and eats. Shoppers are looking for creative ways to stretch their grocery dollars, so we added money-saving coupons on some of our most popular products,” states David Lakey, Reser’s vice president of marketing. “Budget-conscious consumers are also choosing to eat and entertain more in their homes, so we invite them to stop by our new site to find easy recipe and entertaining ideas.”

Reser’s selected Shepherd Interactive, a nationally recognized marketing and advertising firm for the site re-design. “Reser’s asked us to create a consumer-friendly website that was easy to navigate and showed their industry leadership,” stated Graham Keavney, account services manager at Shepherd Interactive. “This new site makes it easy to quickly make site updates and share the latest product information, coupons and recipes with consumers.”

Reser’s offers a full line-up of prepared salads, dips, and side dishes, perfect for BBQs, picnics, tailgaters, and family reunions. Summertime favorites include Reser’s Original Potato Salad, Reser’s Deviled Egg Potato Salad, Reser’s Macaroni Salad and Reser’s Cole Slaw.

About Reser’s

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Reser’s has more than 2,000 employees and 1,000,000 square feet of space in 12 production and distribution facilities across the country. As a premiere manufacturer and distributor of refrigerated food products, it serves the food service and grocery industries. The company’s leading brands include Reser’s American Classics™ deli salads, Reser’s Sensational Sides™ side dishes, Baja Café® Mexican Foods and Stonemill Kitchens® premium dips. Reser’s remains a family owned and operated company that is dedicated to creating delicious, wholesome meals that nourish family ties and sustain family traditions.
Visit www.resers.com.

The “Unwrapped” episodes will take viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of three Reser’s manufacturing plants located in Pasco, WA; Beaverton, OR; and Halifax, NC where viewers will learn how Reser’s Macaroni & Cheese, Potato Salad, and Macaroni Salad are made. Chef Barb, director of culinary development, will also share some fun facts and mind-boggling statistics, including how Reser’s cooks millions of pounds of potatoes every month, and makes more than 120 different varieties of potato salad.

“As a family owned business, we take great pride providing wholesome and convenient meals that can be enjoyed at picnics, BBQs and other family gatherings,” stated Mark Reser, president for Reser’s. “We’re honored to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how several of our comfort food classics are made.”

Monday, April 20th, 2009 (Please check your local listings)

Episode Title: Get Comfy
Reser’s Product Featured: Macaroni & Cheese
Other Companies featured: Fisherman’s Clam Chowder, Fairytale Brownies, Red Robin, Idahoan Mashed Potatoes, Claim Jumper Lasagna.

Monday, May 18th, 2009 (Please check your local listings)

Episode Title: Picnic Basket
Reser’s Product Featured: Potato Salad
Other Companies featured: Dulcinea Watermelons, Vienna Beef Deli Meats, Mt. Olive Relish, McEvoy Olive Oil, and Bug City.

Monday, May 25th, 2009 (Please check your local listings)

Episode Title: BBQ Bonanza
Reser’s Product Featured: Macaroni Salad
Other Companies featured: Rub With Love, Lays BBQ Chips, Dole Classic Cole Slaw, Big Bob’s White BBQ Sauce, and Texas Road House.

About Reser’s

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Reser’s has more than 2,000 employees and 1,000,000 square feet of space in 12 production and distribution facilities across the country. The company’s leading brands include Reser’s American Classics™ deli salads, Reser’s Sensational Sides™ side dishes, Baja Café® Mexican Foods and Stonemill Kitchens® premium dips. Reser’s remains a family owned and operated company that is dedicated to creating delicious, wholesome meals that nourish family ties and sustain family traditions. For information, visit www.resers.com.