During his 25-plus years with Welch’s, Dillon was responsible for establishing the company’s new products program, key to Welch’s business turnaround, growing the company from a declining $200 million business in 1981 to $600 million in fiscal year 2006. He re-energized the Welch’s brand by broadening the product line, increasing advertising support, and successfully penetrating new channels of distribution. Today, Welch’s is considered by many to be the most successful agricultural cooperative in the United States.

In the early 1990’s, Dillon led Welch’s acquisition efforts, overseeing several acquisitions, including Cascadian Farm, a leading organic food company – later sold to General Mills – and Welch’s acquisition of BAMA Foods in 1994.

The Welch’s Board of Directors will consider Dillon’s replacement at its next meeting.

Welch’s is the world's leading marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based products, including grape juice and jelly. The company produces a variety of other fruit-based products, including 100% juices, juice cocktails, and drinks in the following forms: single serve, bottled, refrigerated, and frozen and shelf-stable concentrates. In addition, Welch's produces a number of fruit spread products under both the Welch’s and BAMA brand names. Welch’s web site can be found at http://www.welchs.com.

For more information, please contact: Jim Callahan, Welch’s director of Corporate Communications, at 978-371-3762 or jcallahan@welchs.com