Standard Functional Foods Group to expand facility in Eastman

ATLANTA, August 14, 2007 – Standard Functional Foods Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Standard Candy Company Inc., announced today that it plans to expand its 230-worker Standard Candy facility in Eastman, Ga., creating 77 new jobs to accommodate a new product line.
'We're very pleased that Standard Candy has found all the resources it needs to thrive and expand in Georgia,' said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). 'We look forward to helping the company fulfill its goals of growth and prosperity.'

Standard Candy has been in business in Dodge County for over 22 years. The facility was the original home to Stuckey's Candy Company and was built during the 1950s. In 1985, Standard Candy purchased the plant. The longtime location of the facility has helped make Eastman the 'Candy Capital' of Georgia.

Standard Functional Foods Group is a leading contract manufacturer of functional foods and nutraceutical bars. The company also manufactures several of Stuckey's former products in Eastman, including the famous pecan roll. Standard Candy is best known as the manufacturer of GooGoo Clusters.

'We chose to expand at our Dodge County facility because of the reliable workforce and business infrastructure that is available in Eastman, the support of the community and Georgia's proactive business climate,' said James W. Spradley, Jr., Standard's chief executive officer.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority, Georgia Quick Start and Georgia Power's Economic Development Division worked together to assist the company in its expansion. Jennifer Nelson was the project manager for GDEcD.

"This project is great news for our community. It is a significant statement about the business climate of Dodge County and Georgia when a company here as long as Standard Candy decides to reinvest and continue to do business with you,' stated Eastman-Dodge County Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO/Economic Developer F. J. "Josh" Fenn. 'We appreciate the leadership of Standard Candy for their continued support and investment in Eastman and Dodge County. We also appreciate the outstanding support of Governor Perdue and the State of Georgia's Economic Development team for partnering with us to bring this investment to our community."

Standard Functional Foods Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Standard Candy Company, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. In addition to its own products, Standard produces candy and functional foods for other labels and exports to markets in Mexico and Canada.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org.