Feb 25, 2005 9:02 AM, from staff and wire reports

Fresh Brands Inc reports further improvement in income from continuing operations for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Jan 1, 2005.

“We are pleased to report our second consecutive profitable quarter,” said Louis Stinebaugh, president and chief operating officer.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2004 were $159.4 million, an increase of $7.3 million, or 4.8%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2003. For the year, net sales totaled $673.1 million in 2004, a gain of $70.6 million, or 11.7%, versus 2003.

Wholesale sales for the fourth quarter of 2004 decreased $9.7 million, or 7.7%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2003. For 2004, wholesale sales for 2004 fell $19.5 million, or 3.8%, in contrast to 2003.