THOMASVILLE, GA. — For the second time in three years, Flowers Foods, Inc. has been named the "best managed" food company among the 400 best large companies in the United States, according to Forbes magazine.

The Thomasville-based company, which also received the top honor in January 2007, now has appeared on the list five times. In the most recent ranking, Flowers was selected by Forbes editors as No. 1 among the 17 companies in the food, drink and tobacco category. The companies are chosen based not only on financial performance, but on leadership, innovation and execution.

Additionally, Forbes ranked Flowers Foods’ stock as one of 15 that has held up well during recession.

"We’re honored to once again be selected as ‘best of the best’ among our peers by Forbes," said George E. Deese, chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Flowers Foods. "The entire organization takes pride in our ongoing dedication to executing on our long-term strategy that continues to build value for our shareholders."