Imperial Sugar Company Announces Three–Year Agreement with Louisiana Union

[Omaha Steve]

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20071012005358&newsLang=en

SUGAR LAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Imperial Sugar Company (NASDAQ:IPSU) today announced that the local union representing associates employed at its Gramercy, Louisiana facility ratified a new three-year contract extending through February 1, 2011. Definitive terms of the new agreement were not released, but both sides expressed satisfaction with the new contract.

Imperial Sugar operates a cane refinery plant in Gramercy, Louisiana, which employs approximately 190 affiliated associates, who are represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local #1167-P.

Commenting on the agreement, Imperial’s President & CEO, Robert A. Peiser, stated: “We are pleased to have been able to reach an amicable agreement with the union representing our associates in Louisiana. The process demonstrated the mutual respect and partnership between the Union and the Company, which has developed over the years.” Senior Vice President - Human Resources, Kay Hastings, added, “The collaborative process confirms our belief in the professionalism and dedication of all of our associates.”

Lloyd Kliebert, Local 1167-P President, stated: “I really appreciate the hard work of Local 1167-P’s Bargaining Committee during the meetings we had with the Imperial negotiating team and the support of our members who continued with their work as usual. Our experience in these negotiations was very positive. Those on the other side of the table listened to our members’ concerns, seriously considered our proposals and acted swiftly to correct some of the problems that most concerned our members. We expect that these negotiations will continue to advance our proactive communications with the Company.”

The products produced at the Gramercy refinery supply Imperial’s customers across its consumer, foodservice and industrial markets with particular emphasis on its Imperial and Dixie Crystal brands and include some of Imperial’s innovative products supporting those brands including its new zip-close stand-up pouch. In addition to these operations, Imperial also operates a cane sugar refinery in Savannah, Georgia.

About Imperial Sugar

Imperial Sugar Company is one of the largest processors and marketers of refined sugar in the United States to food manufacturers, retail grocers and foodservice distributors. The Company markets products nationally under the Imperial®, Dixie Crystals®, and Holly® brands. For more information about Imperial Sugar, visit www.imperialsugar.com.

[gateley]

1. It seems as though there's a movement toward working with the unions. nt