The country's

largest pie maker walked away with the most recognition. Mrs. Smith's

Bakeries received a record-breaking 15 first-place blue ribbons for its

pies. No other company has won as many awards in the history of the competition.

"There

was strong competition in the different categories," said Don Kemp,

vice president of marketing for Mrs. Smith's Bakeries. "To have the

judges, who were both peers and consumers, give us this designation is

a great endorsement."

Other companies

honored included Bonerts Slice of Pie with seven awards, Baker's Square

with six, and Sara Lee won five. All pies were graded on appearance, taste

and overall appeal by a panel of 40 judges.

Mrs. Smith's

Bakeries, Inc. is a business unit of Flowers Industries, Inc. Based in

Suwanee, Ga., Mrs. Smith's Bakeries markets a full line of fresh and frozen

branded baked foods to retail, in-store bakery, foodservice and vending

customers nationwide. The company's products are sold under brand names

such as Mrs. Smith's, Cobblestone Mill, Nature's Own, Our Special Touch,

Danish Kitchen, Stilwell, Mrs. Freshley's, Pet-Ritz, Oronoque Orchards

and Pour-A-Quiche.

Flowers Industries,

Inc. (NYSE: FLO), headquartered in Thomasville, Ga., produces and markets

a full line of fresh and frozen packaged baked foods for national and

regional markets. These products are sold under such well-known brand

names as Mrs. Smith's, Nature's Own and Cobblestone Mill.