It’s that exciting time of the year again when PL Buyer recognizes a select group of private label manufacturers for their commitment to creating true partnerships with retailers and placing high value on a ‘win-win’ philosophy in conducting business. According to our retail readers, this year’s Category Colonels are the best trading partners because they exhibit an overall commitment to private label product quality; knowledge of the industry; and superior skills in helping retailers drive store brand volume, profits and competitive differentiation. This year’s Category Colonels represent a wide range of categories, but all share the same drive to grow the private label industry through a steadfast belief in partnership with retailers.

Congratulations to the 2004 Category Colonels!

Adult Incontinence Tyco Retail Group

Air Fresheners Changing Paradigms

Baby Products Apothecary Products Inc.

Baby Diapers Tyco Retail Group*

Baked Goods The Sara Lee Bakery Group*

Bakery Mixes Gilster-Mary Lee Corp.

Bath & Body Products Apollo Health and Beauty Care

Batteries Powermax USA*

Beverage Mixes Associated Brands LP*

Bottled Water Premium Waters Inc.

Breakfast Foods Ralston Foods*

Cameras/Film Ferrania Imaging Technologies*

Candy/Chocolate Hebert Candies Inc.

Canned Soups Del Monte Foods Corporate Brands

Canned Vegetables Faribault Foods Inc.

Carbonated Soft Drinks Cott Corp.*

Cheese Masters Gallery Foods Inc.

Cleaning Aids/Mops, Spontex Inc.*

Sponges, Gloves

Coffee/Tea Mother Parker’s Tea

& Coffee Inc. *

Condiments Baumer Foods*

Cotton Products U.S. Cotton*

Cosmetics/Supplies Private Portfolio

(Riviera) Inc.

Cookies/Crackers Bremner Inc.* (tie)

Bloomfield Bakers (tie)

Dairy Dean Specialty Foods Group*

Deli Meats Carl Buddig

Dry Soups/Dinner Mixes Gilster-Mary Lee Corp.

Dressings North Coast Processing Inc.*

Eye Care KC Pharmaceuticals Inc.*

Eggs Sparboe Farms

Feminine Hygiene First Quality Hygienic Inc.

Food/Trash Bags Presto Products Co.*

Foils/Wraps Reynolds/Alcoa Consumer Products*

First Aid Products ASO Corp.*

Foot Care Premier Brands of America*

Frozen Prepared Foods Destination Products Intl.

Frozen Fruits Frozsun Foods Inc.*

Frozen Vegetables Birds Eye Foods

Frozen Pizza Richelieu Foods Inc.

Frozen Snacks/Appetizers Frozen Specialties Inc.

Frozen Potatoes McCain Foods USA

Hair Care RC International*

Household Cleaners Huish Detergents

Ice Cream Fieldbrook Foods Corp.

Labels Fort Dearborn

Laundry Products Huish Detergents*

Meat Wright Brand Foods

Meat Snacks Mirab USA*

Nutritional/Fruit Snacks Amport Foods/American Importing Co.

Nuts/Seeds John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc.

Oils/Vinegars ACH Retail*

Olives/Pickles A. Camacho Inc.*

Oral Care Ranir*

Organic Food Products Ventre Packing

OTC Products Perrigo*

Paper Products Georgia Pacific Corp.*

Packaging Caraustar Custom Packaging Group

Pasta American Italian Pasta Co.*

Rice C&F Foods

Pet Foods Doane Pet Care*

Pet Products Dad’s Pet Care

Plastic Plates/Cups/Utensils Carthage Cup

Plastic Storage Presto Products*

Poultry Gold Kist Inc.

Pre-Moistened Wipes Nice-Pak Products*

Puddings/Gelatins Hormel Foods Corp.*

Produce Tanimura & Antle

Refrigerated Juices Silver Springs Citrus Inc.*

Salty Snacks Wyandot Inc.*

Sauces & Spreads The Carriage House Cos.* Seafood High Liner Foods Inc.

Self-Diagnostic/Testing Products Mabis Healthcare Inc.

Shaving Products Quality Home Products

Shelf Stable Juices Cliffstar Corp.*

Skin Care Cumberland Swan*

Spices & Seasonings McCormick & Co.*

Syrups/Preserves The Carriage House Cos.*

Vitamins Leiner Health Products

*Repeat Category Colonel From 2003