ConAgra Mills® and J.M Swank Introduce a New Generation of Whole Grain Pasta

September 2010 - Omaha, NE - Consumer acceptance of whole grain foods, particularly breads, snacks and cereals, has reached an all-time high, but whole grain pastas have yet to achieve mainstream appeal - until now. ConAgra Mills and J.M. Swank are changing consumer perceptions of whole grain pastas with a new line of Ultragrain Pasta based on Ultragrain, the revolutionary whole wheat flour that combines the nutrition of whole grain with the taste, texture and appearance of white flour. Now foodservice operators can offer the nutrition of whole grain pasta with consumer friendly appeal.

Ultragrain Pastas have a mild flavor, smooth texture, lighter color and no brown specks - the same benefits of traditional refined flour pasta - in addition to whole grain nutrition and fiber. These advantages are made possible by Ultragrain, a proprietary 100% whole wheat flour made from specially selected wheat and milled using a patented process. Today, J.M. Swank is introducing five Ultragrain Pasta varieties: penne, macaroni, rotini and spaghetti, all made with 51% Ultragrain, and a 51% whole 9-grain orzo made with Ultragrain, Sustagrain®, amaranth, quinoa, teff, sorghum, millet and other whole grains.

"Ultragrain was the forerunner in the mainstreaming of whole grains with products like 'tastes like white' whole wheat breads and snacks," says Mike Veal, vice president of marketing, ConAgra Mills. "And now with Ultragrain Pasta there is tremendous opportunity to bring mainstream whole grain pasta to restaurants and non-commercial foodservice operations."

"Customers are extremely excited about menu and product possibilities with Ultragrain Pasta," says Bob Jansen, senior director of ingredient marketing, J.M. Swank. "Increased whole grain content and higher fiber are now possible in consumer-friendly pasta dishes thanks to the benefits of Ultragrain whole wheat flour. Our ability to create custom shapes beyond the initial products, such as bow tie and lasagna, only adds to the line's versatility."

Consumers are hungry for better-tasting whole grain pasta options, and taste panels show they prefer whole grain pastas made with Ultragrain. Not only do they prefer the flavor when compared with traditional whole wheat, but research also shows that the Ultragrain name and logo further increase purchase intent . Royalty-free licensing of the new Ultragrain pasta logo is available and can be used on packaging and promotions. To discuss Ultragrain pasta ordering options, request a sample or learn more about Ultragrain licensing contact your ConAgra Mills sales representative, call (800) 851-9618 or email pasta@conagrafoods.com.

About ConAgra Mills

ConAgra Mills is a food ingredients brand of ConAgra Foods Inc. (NYSE: CAG). ConAgra Mills® offers the most comprehensive selection of premium multi-use flours and whole grains in the industry-including Ultragrain®, the 100 percent natural whole wheat flour with the taste, texture and appearance most like white flour, Sustagrain®, high fiber barley and a line of Ancient Grain flours, which are helping to meet growing consumer demand for healthier ingredients. For more information, please visit www.conagramills.com.