GKIS Gold Kist

ATLANTA, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Gold Kist Fridge-to-Freezer Pak(TM) has been selected as one of Progressive Grocer magazine's Editors' Picks for the best new products of 2006. This innovative fresh chicken packaging takes away the hassle of buying large quantities of chicken for consumers and was one of only five meat products chosen as an "Editors' Pick" by the magazine this year. Produced for Costco Club Stores, the Fridge-to-Freezer Pak(TM) separates fresh chicken parts, such as boneless skinless breasts, into small individual vacuum-sealed pockets. These leak-proof pockets are perforated and can be easily separated, so unused portions can be refrigerated or frozen without additional handling or rewrapping. "We are extremely proud to have received this recognition from Progressive Grocer. We believe that this new packaging will revolutionize the way consumers buy chicken," said Bill Andersen, vice president of sales and marketing for Gold Kist. "Not only is the new package easy to use and convenient for the consumer, it provides maximum visibility for our product and improves food safety. Innovative packaging and new product development are key components of our company's strategy to increase our line of value- added products for our customers." The new packaging also has boosted fresh chicken sales for Costco. "The impact has been all around positive in terms of sales and members' satisfaction," said Doug Holbrook, assistant general merchandising manager of the fresh meat department at Costco. "The members like the idea that the pieces are individually packaged and that the packs can be conveniently opened. It means better poultry storage." Currently boneless skinless breasts and thighs as well as bone-in products, such as wings, thighs, drumsticks and split breasts, are all available in this new packaging. The package is also designed to prevent freezer burn and to extend the shelf life of the product. Progressive Grocer, the nation's leading and largest-circulation publication serving grocery industry executives, initiated the "Editors' Picks" award program to recognize the year's best new products and honor companies whose innovation and commitment to creating new products sets them apart from their competitors. ABOUT GOLD KIST: Gold Kist (NASDAQ:GKIS) is the third largest chicken company in the United States, accounting for more than 9 percent of chicken produced in the United States in 2005. Gold Kist operates a fully-integrated chicken production business that includes live production, processing, marketing and distribution. Gold Kist's operations include nine divisions located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.goldkist.com/. DATASOURCE: Gold Kist Inc. CONTACT: Karla Harvill of Gold Kist Inc., +1-770-393-5091 Web site: http://www.goldkist.com/

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