First-quarter profits at Flowers Foods climbed 25.6% on the back of a 10.9% increase in sales, the US baker revealed today (22 May).

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The company booked net income of US$35.8m, up from $28.5m for the comparable period of last year. First-quarter sales increased $676.7m.


“Our results in the first quarter once again prove the strength of our brands, our team, and our operating strategies,” said George Deese, Flowers Foods chairman, CEO and president. “Sales of our branded products were robust and our internal data shows unit growth of 2.6%.”


The company also revealed that it has promoted Gene Lord to chief operating officer. Lord had served as COO of the company’s bakeries group, which accounts for 80% of total sales.


Bradley Alexander has taken Lord’s place as president of Flowers bakeries division.

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Meanwhile, Allen Shiver has been named chief marketing officer. Formerly, Shiver served as president and COO of the Specialty Group.

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