Hi all!
I've been following this thread for a while now (lurking..) and was moved to write to Reily Foods a few days ago. I won't go into details of my email, but I received much the same response from the Consumer Affairs Manager as many of you have received. Much to my surprise, I also received an email from Mr. Darragh, President/CEO of Reily Foods. He has graciously given permission to post his email to this forum.
*************** Mr. Darragh's response **************

Dear Mr. Perry,

First, I wish to thank you for the passion you have for the Woody's brand. Too often today consumers seem to lack interest and a commitment toward long standing, quality brands. In an environment where private label and a host of me-too products continue to clutter the shelves and erode the status of independent brands, your passion is very refreshing.

Second, I wish to personally respond to the issue of Woody's discontinuance. Reily Foods has proudly owned and distributed the Woody's brand for many years. But over the years Woody's sales have declined significantly. In just the last 10 years, sales of Woody's declined over 50%. As a result many retailers began refusing to carry the item due to its slow movement. We faced significant challenges in supporting a brand with so little volume that declined consistently from year to year. We also lack the capability to produce Woody's in our own manufacturing facilities and so have had to rely on contract manufacturing to produce Woody's two varieties. This added to the cost pressures associated with maintaining such a small brand.

We are not a large company but we are very proud of what we have accomplished since our founding in 1902 in the heart of New Orleans. We are still a fiercely independent, private company but, like most businesses, we are forced to focus our limited resources against the most promising business opportunities. We do this for the sake of our 400 dedicated employees and for the continuing growth of Reily Foods in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Unfortunately, Woody's Cook-In Sauce was having a negative impact on our limited resources.

We have spent a great deal of time and energy attempting to find a buyer for Woody's. It was not until a few weeks ago that we found a gentleman in Texas who has stepped up to continue the Woody's tradition. The sale of Woody's to its new owner will be completed before the end of September. Hopefully for all us Woody's will again be available to the brand's passionate users.

I hope you understand the decision we made. Many business decisions are not easy and this was certainly one that was difficult but necessary due to a myriad of factors. We at Reily Foods hope that you will continue to support Woody's even though it may no longer be a part of our family of brands. We also hope that you will support our many other products which we are proud to provide.

Please let me know if you have any questions that I can answer.

Most sincerely,

David Darragh



David T. Darragh
President & Chief Executive Officer
Reily Foods Company
640 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-524-6131
Fax:       504-539-5427
ddarragh@rfoods.com

*************** end of Mr. Darragh's response **************
Thank all of you for working to recreate the recipe... I miss Woody's aooo much!   I'll be sure to try it soon.
Also, let's hope that this Texas sale brings back Woody's as it was.

Ron