George E. Deese, chairman, CEO and president of Georgia baked goods group Flowers Foods, took the opportunity of a presentation to the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) to outline of the company’s growth plan and reiterate its guidance for the 2007 fiscal year.
 
Deese said the company expects to continue creating value for shareholders by focusing on its operating strategies as well as its financial strengths.
 
These strategies include growing the company’s core business, entering new geographic markets, and making acquisitions; continuing its investment in its operations to improve efficiency, quality, and service; and developing new products that respond to the needs of consumers as well as retail and foodservice customers.
 
“The theme of our 2006 annual report and our presentation today is ‘Doing What We Do Best,'” Deese said. “Flowers Foods’ business is baked foods. We know this business well. Our depth of experience in baked foods is unmatched.”
   
Jimmy M. Woodward, senior vice president and chief financial officer, reaffirmed the company’s previous guidance for 2007 of sales between US$1.98bn and $2.04bn, excluding additional acquisitions, and net income from continuing operations of $81.0m to $87.0m.