Prior to the Flowers Foods annual shareholders meeting today, the company's board of directors announced a quarterly dividend of $.12per share, which represents an increase of 6.7% over the dividend paid previously. The dividend is payable on June 18, 2014, to shareholders of record on June 4, 2014. This action increases the annualized dividend rate to $.48 per share.

Allen L. Shiver, Flowers Foods' president and CEO, said the board has confidence in Flowers Foods' future performance and in the company's ability to generate cash flow to pay dividends, reduce debt, and fund the company's needs. "In the first quarter of 2014, we again generated strong cash flow from operations, which allowed us to pay down $81.2 million in debt, pay $24 million in dividends to shareholders, invest $23.6 million in capital improvements, and acquire $9.5 million of FLO common stock as part of the stock repurchase plan. The board believes the dividend is an appropriate way to allow our investors to participate in the company's success," he said.

During the shareholders meeting today, members of management will review the company's operating strategies and financial performance. The meeting is being webcast live at 11:00 a.m. Eastern on www.flowersfoods.com and also will be archived on the website.