Allen L. Shiver, president and c.e.o. of Flowers

THOMASVILLE, GA. — The board of directors of Flowers Foods has increased its third-quarter dividend 9.4%, to 14.5c per share. This is the 53rd consecutive quarterly dividend paid by the company and is payable on Dec. 18, 2015, to shareholders of record as of Dec. 4, 2015. “With this action, the board not only recognizes Flowers’ strong cash flow, but also demonstrates confidence in our management teams’ ability to execute on our opportunities to grow sales and expand margins,” said Allen L. Shiver, president and chief executive officer.