USA: Universal Foods Names R. Steven Martin Executive Vice President

Universal Foods Corporation announced today that R. Steven Martin has been promoted to executive vice president of the corporation. In this role, Martin is responsible for the company's Flavor, Color, Yeast and Dehydrated Products divisions. Martin, 43, joined Universal Foods in 1993 as vice president of marketing for the company's Red Star Yeast & Products division. In 1995, he was elected president of the division. Martin was named vice president and group executive in 1997, when he assumed responsibility for the Yeast and Flavor divisions. Most recently, he served as vice president and group executive for the Performance Products segment, which includes the company's Color and Flavor divisions. "Steve has been instrumental in advancing the company's operating plan during the past several years," stated Kenneth P. Manning, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "He was responsible for a number of successful initiatives, including the implementation of Red Star's cream yeast program. This promotion recognizes Steve's leadership capabilities and our confidence in his abilities going forward." Universal Foods Corporation is a global manufacturer of high-performance flavors and colors. The company's products give distinction to food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and a variety of other products. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Universal Foods employs approximately 4,200 people in 21 countries around the world. Total revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999 were $920 million.