CONIFER SPECIALTIES, INC.
Purveyor of Specialty Foods
www.conifer-inc.com

COMPANY HISTORY

A NORTHWEST SUCCESS STORY
Conifer has been celebrating the agricultural richness of the Pacific Northwest for 30 years through its wide array of specialty foods. Founded in 1977, Conifer began with the Fisher Brand (now Famous Fair Scones) and has been expanding ever since with the acquisition of Canterbury Cuisine and Seattle Scone Girl, and the recent launch of its Canterbury Naturals line.

In the past six years Conifer has experienced tremendous and steady growth, at a rate of 113 percent each year. During that time the company has grown from four SKU's to 78, with another 117 private label SKU's. Its private label business accounts for 40 percent of its total sales. This success has taken the company from three employees in 1998 to 60 full-time employees now, with an additional 350 seasonal workers brought in each year. A privately owned company, Conifer is committed to quality of life for its customers and employees and has a 95 percent employee retention rate.

THE HOME OF PREMIUM SPECIALTY FOODS
Rooted in the Northwest, Conifer produces and markets a diverse range of premium products from its headquarters and 50,000 square foot production facility in Woodinville, WA. From its own contracted raspberry fields in Oregon to the abundant crops of apples, hazelnuts, asparagus, onions and other Pacific Northwest harvests, Conifer uses the highest quality ingredients in its products to create wholesome and flavorful foods. The Conifer family of brands features innovative recipes for today's busy, demanding consumer.

Each of Conifer's branded lines-Famous Fair Scones, Canterbury Cuisine, Canterbury Naturals and Seattle Scone Girl-has its own unique story and rich heritage.

FISHER SCONES - A Northwest Tradition - The original famous fair scone mix
For more than 80 years, Fisher Scones have been a tradition at fairs and festivals throughout the Northwestern United States. These triangular shaped biscuits, baked fresh and smothered in honey-whipped butter and tart raspberry jam, have created unparalleled loyalty.

Fisher Scones was created by the Seattle-based Fisher Flour Mills in the early 1900’s to promote its flour at various events. What started as a promotional tool eventually became a signature item at more than 39 fairs and festivals throughout the Northwest.

William H. Paulhamus, president and general manager of the Puyallup Fair (Western Washington State Fair), discovered Famous Fair Scones in 1915 at the Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. While browsing for new products, Paulhamus noticed a crowd of event goers waiting anxiously to sample these triangular shaped biscuits. Curious to see what the fuss was about, Paulhamus tried one for himself and found his soon-to-be star attraction.

Thrilled with his discovery, Paulhamus made arrangements to debut Fisher Scones at the 1915 Puyallup Fair in the very same corner booth where they remain today. So confident about their future success, Paulhamus donated the jam for the scones from his own business to attract the Fisher Company and sold the first scone at the Puyallup Fair for a nickel.

Today, Conifer Specialty is proud to continue the tradition started so many years ago. With the continued success of the Fisher Scone and Shortcake Mix, several new favorites have been added, including Cranberry/Orange Scone Mix, Blueberry Scone Mix, Apple/Cinnamon Scone Mix, and a scone gift pack.

CANTERBURY CUISINE & CANTERBURY NATURALS
Convenient, Simple Gourmet Mixes - Just add fresh ingredients

Canterbury Cuisine’s origins date back to 1981 with the packaging of a bean soup that had been a family Christmas Eve tradition for many years. This hearty bean soup, served with hot ham sandwiches made with freshly baked bread, was a hit. Friends and family would gather around the festive Christmas tree for a simple meal, lots of singing and good cheer.

Then, one-by-one, the family’s other favorite recipes were offered…and enthusiastically embraced. Soon, Canterbury’s line of products grew to include quick and classic soup mixes, sweet and savory bread mixes, breakfast mixes, its famous “Little Grandma’s Northwest Apple Cake Mix” and other dessert and beverage mixes.

Canterbury Naturals was debuted in January 2005 at the NASFT show in San Francisco. The Canterbury Naturals line of specialty baking mixes, soup mixes, spice blends and dressing mixes features all natural ingredients, and contains no trans fats, hydrogenated oils, colorings or preservatives.

Today, the Canterbury Cuisine and Canterbury Naturals lines continue the home-style recipe tradition with products that are easy and fun to prepare and stand out on any table. The Canterbury brand has become known as a leader of simple, upscale and affordable gourmet foods for everyday cooking, special occasions and gift giving.

Media Contact: Joanne Ramsay, 425-527-0402, jramsay@conifer-inc.com