Keown to Foster a Second Century of Growth at Farmer Brothers, Building on 100 Years of Dedicated Customer Service and High-Quality Products
Farmer Bros. Co. (NASDAQ: FARM) has announced that Michael Keown joined the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer on March 23. With his seasoned consumer product and foodservice industry background, Keown will lead Farmer Brothers toward expanded growth in its milestone centennial, focusing on high quality, innovative products and exceptional service to its customers.
“Mike is an extraordinary leader with significant consumer packaged goods experience and a consistent record of generating strong growth,” stated Farmer Brothers Chairman of the Board Guenter Berger. “He has an excellent knowledge of our industry and experience with major foodservice customers which will be a significant benefit to our organization.”
Keown previously served as President, Indulgent Brands, at WhiteWave Foods Company, a subsidiary of Dean Foods Company, which includes International Delight® and Land O’Lakes®. He was also responsible for WhiteWave’s alternative channel business comprised largely of foodservice. Keown also garnered extensive marketing and sales experience over the years from his work at major consumer products and food industry players such as Procter & Gamble, E&J Gallo Winery and The Minute Maid Company.
“I’m excited to join Farmer Brothers,” Mr. Keown said. “Over the past 100 years, Farmer Brothers has grown to become one of the leading coffee-focused, national foodservice suppliers, known for its outstanding service and products. I am looking forward to working with one of the foodservice industry’s most talented, experienced and passionate teams.”
In 2007, Farmer Brothers acquired Portland-based Coffee Bean International, one of North America’s first roasters of specialty coffees. In 2009, the Company acquired Sara Lee Direct-Store Delivery Foodservice coffee business to become the nation’s largest direct-store delivery business for coffee and allied products
Farmer Brothers will exhibit at the NRA Show 2012 in Chicago, Ill., May 5-8, booth #618. The Company plans to formally introduce Keown to the media, highlight Farmer Brothers service capabilities and unveil new products that demonstrate the company’s strength from its recent acquisitions.
About Farmer Bros. Co.
Founded in 1912 and currently celebrating its milestone centennial, Farmer Brothers is a manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of coffee, tea and culinary products through direct and brokered sales to food service establishments including restaurants, hotels, casinos, hospitals and food service providers, as well as retailers such as convenience stores, coffee houses, general merchandisers, private label retailers and grocery stores throughout the contiguous United States. Its product lines include roasted coffee, liquid coffee, coffee related products such as coffee filters, sugar and creamers, assorted teas, cappuccino, cocoa, spices, gelatins and puddings, soups, gravy and sauce mixes, pancake and biscuit mixes, and jellies and preserves. National foodservice brands include Farmer Brothers®, Superior®, Metropolitan®, Island Medley Iced Tea®, Farmer Brothers Spice Products™, Sierra Brand®, and Orchard Hills Estate™. Regional foodservice and retail brands include Cain’s®, Ireland® and McGarvey®. For more information, visit: www.FarmerBros.com.
Farmer Brothers and the Farmer Brothers logo are registered trademarks of Farmer Bros. Co. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
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