Centennial Specialty Foods Increases Distribution in Arizona DENVER, April 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Centennial Specialty Foods Corporation (Nasdaq: CHLE; Boston Stock Exchange: CSJ) announced today it has gained additional distribution through Bashas grocery stores in Arizona. Bashas will now carry all 5 varieties of Stokes Green Chile sauces in their 75 stores. Shipment of the new products begins immediately. The new items are expected to be on store shelves within 30 to 45 days. "Increasing distribution with Bashas in Arizona is part of our planned expansion," said Bob Beckwith, Chief Marketing Officer of Centennial. "Bashas is a strong Arizona grocery retailer and we are fortunate to have them as a partner in growing our expected sales and distribution of premium Stokes Green Chile Sauces." The new distribution in Arizona will provide consumers that shop at Bashas with a greater variety of flavors of Centennial's products. It also increases Centennial's shelf presence in Bashas, which increases the Stokes brand awareness and exposure. Centennial has also begun consumer marketing in portions of the Arizona market to increase product and brand awareness. The consumer marketing program will include product demonstrations, radio advertising and print advertising. Most recently, Centennial participated in sponsoring the Women's Expo in Phoenix, where over 70,000 people had an opportunity to taste and learn about Stokes' products. "It is important that consumers get an opportunity to enjoy the premium taste of our green chile sauces. We believe if consumers try our products, they will buy them," stated Mr. Beckwith. Centennial Specialty Foods Corporation is a manufacturer and distributor of ethnic Southwestern food products. Its products are sold under the Stokes and Ellis labels, two well-known Southwestern brands that date back almost 100 years. Principal channels of distribution for Centennial's products are grocery retailers, superstores and club stores in Colorado and, to a lesser extent, several major metropolitan markets in adjoining states. More information about Centennial can be found on its website at http://www.centennialspecialtyfoods.com/. Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain matters discussed in this press release could contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current trends or expected results. We identify forward looking statements through our use of words such as "expect," "believe," "project," "anticipate," and similar expressions. These risks, that may affect our ability to achieve forward-looking statements, are discussed in our final prospectus in the section entitled"Risk Factors" and other documents that are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Stokes and Ellis are registered trademarks of Centennial Specialty Foods Corporation. DATASOURCE: Centennial Specialty Foods Corporation CONTACT: Stephanie Hinkle of Preserve Communications, +1-720-488-5409, for Centennial Specialty Foods Corporation; or Jeffrey Nieder of Centennial Specialty Foods Corporation, +1-303-414-4613 Web site: http://www.centennialspecialtyfoods.com/

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