Prior to the Flowers Foods annual shareholders meeting today, the company's board of directors announced a quarterly dividend of $.145 per share, which represents an increase of 9.4 % over the quarterly dividend paid previously. The dividend is payable on July 2, 2015, to shareholders of record on June 19, 2015. This action increases the annualized dividend rate to $.58 per share, a 20.8% increase from the annualized rate at this time last year.

Allen L. Shiver, Flowers Foods' president and CEO, said the board is confident in the company's future performance. "During the first quarter of 2015, we generated significant cash flow and continued to lower debt. We also grew sales of our branded products, expanded gross margins, and improved manufacturing efficiencies," he said. "The board believes Flowers Foods is in an excellent position to reward our shareholders with an increased dividend, allowing our investors to continue participating in the company's success."  

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.