Hormel Foods Presents Crown Holdings With Two Awards for Excellence in Product Quality and Service

Monday, June 2, 2003

PHILADELPHIA, June 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) announced today that its affiliated company, Crown Cork & Seal (USA), Inc. (Crown) has received multiple "Spirit of Excellence" Awards from Hormel Foods Corporation, a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded meat and food products, based in Austin, Minn. Hormel Foods presents the awards annually in recognition of supplier distinction in product service and support.

Crown's Metal Closures division received the honor for supplying Hormel Foods with closures for all of the company's food items, including CHI- CHI's® Salsas and Dips and HORMEL® Bacon Toppings. Crown's Food Packaging division was presented the award for supplying rectangular shaped cans in two different sizes for the SPAM® family of products.

"Our supplier quality management process enables us to recognize our suppliers for their commitment to providing excellent product quality and service that exceeds requirements," said Donald Nelson, director of purchasing for Hormel Foods. "Crown is a model example of what a vendor should be in terms of reliability and customer support."

To qualify for the prestigious awards program, suppliers must meet or exceed specific requirements established by the supplier quality management (SQM) committee of Hormel Foods. Eligible companies are then selected according to various criteria, including performances involving deliveries, administrative, product quality, customer service and plant quality audits.

"By providing on-time, consistent quality packaging, superior customer service, technical support, innovation and problem solving consultation, we help our customers achieve a competitive advantage," said Frank Mechura, President & CEO of Crown Cork & Seal (USA), Inc. "We are honored to accept these awards, and look forward to continuing this important relationship with Hormel Foods."

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational marketer of consumer-branded, value-added food, meat and poultry products delivered through retail and foodservice channels. The company creates shareholder value by building emerging businesses, strengthening existing brands, launching new brands, providing outstanding customer service, maintaining careful cash and debt management and transparent accounting policies and by leveraging its strong financial position to accelerate growth worldwide.

Crown Holdings, Inc. through its affiliated companies is a leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world. World headquarters are located in Philadelphia, PA.

Source: Crown Holdings, Inc.