020143 Empire Kosher Poultry Appoints President/CEO

Mifflintown, PA - John A. Turner was named president and chief executive officer of Empire Kosher Poultry.

Turner brings more than 25 years experience in consumer packaged goods, food marketing, sales and general management. Turner replaces Michael Strear, who is leaving the company after more than three years for a position in an investment company. Under Strear's leadership, Empire was able to cultivate a higher level of esteem throughout rabbinic and Jewish communities. The company was able to establish itself as a major kosher food brand in retailers and specialty grocers throughout the nation. "We are grateful for the many contributions Mike has made during his tenure at Empire, including attracting high quality personnel," said Steven Segal, a partner at J.W. Childs Associates, parent company of Empire.

"As a proven leader, John will be an asset to Empire and enable us to continue making available the quality services and breadth of products that our core consumers come to expect from our brand," continued Segal. "We are delighted to have attracted such a talented individual."

Prior to joining Empire, John held the position of Vice President, Sales & Marketing for WLR Foods in Broadway, Virginia. He also held a series of senior management positions at Rich Products, Lever Brothers Company, Coca-Cola Foods and Borden, Inc.

With areas of practice including general management, strategic planning, marketing and sales management and new product development, Turner was instrumental in working towards the realization of the goals and objectives of these companies.

Nationally, sales of kosher foods are expected to top $5.9 billion in 2002. The growth is being attributed not only to core kosher consumers but also Muslims, Seventh-Day Adventists, vegetarians and others who value taste, health and quality. Empire produces fresh and frozen poultry, deli meats, and frozen products such as entrees, blintzes, pizza and egg rolls, which are available in supermarkets and specialty stores. Prepared in accordance with Kashrus, the 3,000- year-old Jewish Dietary Laws, kosher poultry preparation includes hand-salting and numerous cycles of cold spring water rinses, which add to Empire's distinctive taste and health benefits.

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