SCHNUCK SELLS AGRI-FOODS

ST. LOUIS -- Schnuck Markets here has sold its egg production and pullet farm operation, Agri-Foods, to Rose Acre Farms, Seymour, Ind.

uis division, spokeswoman Marie A. Casey told SN.

Casey said that the additional investment required for expansion of the egg producing division convinced the chain to sell it, and that income generated by the sale would help to reduce the debt incurred by the National Super Markets purchase. Market conditions in the egg business did not contribute to the decision, she said.

Rose Acre Farms, which also sells liquid and dried egg products, brown eggs and processed soybean products, will now supply Schnuck's stores.

"We're happy to sell our Agri-Foods business to another family business that shares our commitment to high quality products for our customers," said Craig D. Schnuck, chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement.

Agri-Foods produces nearly 10 million dozen Grade AA eggs annually, under the Schnuck's, Four Winds and Chesterfield Farms labels.