May 4, 2004 12:34 PM, from staff and wire reports

Performance Food Group, which distributes more than 64,000 food products, has announced results for the first quarter ended April 3, 2004.

Sales for the first quarter of 2004 grew to $1.5 billion, up 15% from $1.3 billion in the year-earlier period. Net earnings declined 54% to $7.5 million.

Bob Sledd, chairman and chief executive officer, said, “The first-quarter results represent the 37th consecutive period in which net sales have increased compared with the prior-year period. Our first-quarter sales growth of 15% consisted solely of internal growth in each of our business segments. We remain focused on driving improvements in our operations to address the challenges we faced in 2003.”