May 13, 2001

Alliant Foodservice recognizes Dakota Growers Pasta Company in Award of Excellence Program

Carrington, ND ¾ Alliant Foodservice, one of the nation's largest broadline foodservice distributors, recognized Dakota Growers Pasta Company as their top dry grocery supplier. Dakota Growers was selected based on their merit for timely, accurate and excellent service and overall category growth performance.

"Dakota Growers Pasta Company has been one of our premier suppliers since 1996," said Pat Mulhern, Vice President of Category Management for Alliant Foodservice. "They were chosen for the Award of Excellence because they provide us excellent quality pasta and impeccable customer service which brings us closer to fulfilling our strategic vision. We intend to be the largest and best foodservice distributor, known for its speed and reliability, through its e-commerce capabilities, superior service, and strong financial performance."

Dakota Growers supplies the Luzzatti brand pasta to Alliant. "We're proud to be partnered with Dakota Growers," added Mulhern. "Their cost savings ideas, sales training support and overall consistent quality product have all contributed to the growth of our pasta sales."

Lana Overton, Vice President of Foodservice Sales for Dakota Growers has managed a strong training program both in the field and through the newly developed Foodservice University, Alliant's on-line training program. New point-of-sale materials were also developed in 2000 to provide greater product information to operators.

Alliant will be launching a new Italian import pasta program through the partnership of Dakota Growers and Italian-based Euricom. "Consenza brand pasta ---will be available this spring," stated Overton. "The Consenza pasta line is an important line extension that shows the popularity of Italian food as it continues to capture the spotlight on menus across the United States."

Dakota Growers Pasta Company, owned by more than 1,100 durum wheat farm families, began operations in 1993. It is the only pasta company in the world to grow its own No. 1 Hard Amber Durum wheat to ensure premium quality pasta from the field to the plate.