THOMASVILLE, Ga. — After announcing Wonder bread's return to grocery store shelves across the country starting this week, Flowers Foods (NYSE: FLO), a leading producer and marketer of packaged bakery foods in the U.S., is unveiling a partnership with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race car driver Kurt Busch who currently drives the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet SS. Reminiscent of Wonder bread's memorable appearance in the 2006 movie "Talladega Nights," the Wonder car will make its colorful debut at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Race at Talladega Superspeedway – NASCAR's most competitive track – on October 20.
"There is nothing more American than Wonder bread and NASCAR," said Keith Aldredge, Flowers Foods' vice president of marketing. "We're thrilled to be partnering with Kurt Busch and the Furniture Row Racing team to debut the Wonder car at the Talladega Superspeedway. Having such an incredible driver wear the bright colors of Wonder will make for a truly memorable all-American race experience."
Along with the Wonder car, the Wonder hot air balloon will be showcased at Talladega, kicking off race day.
"This motorsports partnership definitely carries a special feeling with two American icons coming together – Wonder bread and NASCAR – at one of America's legendary racetracks," said Kurt Busch. "And the sponsorship also has a nostalgic feel for me since Wonder bread was a household staple while growing up in Las Vegas."
Busch added, "Talladega is a track that we can win at and a celebration with the Wonder car in Victory Lane will make this partnership even more special."
Wonder is back in grocery stores throughout Flowers' fresh delivery market area, in cities and towns in the East, South, Southwest, and California where it was sold before. This includes: Baltimore, Boston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Richmond, St. Louis, San Diego, San Francisco and Tulsa. Consumers should check with their local grocery stores to find out when Wonder will be available.
The Wonder re-launch includes Wonder Classic White, Wonder Whole Grain White, and Wonder 100% Whole Wheat breads. Also returning are Wonder hamburger and hot dog buns, and rolls.
To celebrate its return, Wonder Bread is partnering with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, which raises funds and awareness for 170 children's hospitals in local communities across North America. For every loaf of Wonder Classic White and Wonder Whole Grain White bread sold between October 1 and December 31, 2013, Wonder will donate five cents to CMN Hospitals to make a difference in the lives of hospitalized children (up to a maximum donation of $250,000).
Wonder Bread fans can learn more online at www.WonderBread.com and can receive recipes, tips, and promotions by visiting Facebook.com/WonderBread and Twitter.com/WonderBread.
About Flowers Foods
Headquartered in Thomasville, Ga., Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO) is one of the largest producers of fresh packaged bakery foods in the United States with 2012 sales of $3.1 billion. Flowers operates bakeries across the country that produce a wide range of bakery products. Among the company's top brands are Nature's Own and Tastykake. Learn more at Flowersfoods.com.
Source: Flowers Foods