10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_____________________

FORM 10-K

_____________________

ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015

or

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________to _____________.

Commission File Number 001-35844

___________________________________

Pinnacle Foods Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

___________________________________

Delaware	35-2215019
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
399 Jefferson Road Parsippany, New Jersey	07054
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (973) 541-6620

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Name of the exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

___________________________________

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act).

Yes ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   ý No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes  ý    No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer," “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check One):

Large accelerated filer	ý	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	o	Smaller Reporting Company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)

Yes  ¨     No  ý

As of June 28, 2015 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter), the aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $5.26 billion. For purposes of this calculation, the Registrant has assumed that its directors and executive officers are affiliates.

There were 116,626,874 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding at February 22, 2016.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on May 25, 2016 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

	TABLE OF CONTENTS FORM 10-K	Page No.
PART I		5
ITEM 1:	BUSINESS	5
ITEM 1A:	RISK FACTORS	15
ITEM 1B:	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	22
ITEM 2:	PROPERTIES	23
ITEM 3:	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	23
ITEM 4:	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	23
PART II		23
ITEM 5:	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	24
ITEM 6:	SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	26
ITEM 7:	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	28
ITEM 7A:	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK	52
ITEM 8:	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	54
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS		57
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS		58
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS		59
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS		60
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		61
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		62
1.	Summary of Business Activities	62
2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	63
3.	Acquisitions	67
4.	Fair Value Measurements	70
5.	Shareholders' Equity, Equity-Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share	70
6.	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	74
7.	Other Expense (Income), net and Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs	76
8.	Balance Sheet Information	77
9.	Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets	79
10.	Debt and Interest Expense	81
11.	Pension and Retirement Plans	86
12.	Financial Instruments	91
13.	Commitments and Contingencies	95
14.	Related Party Transactions	96
15.	Segments	97
16.	Provision for Income Taxes	100
17.	Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	104
18.	Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements	106
19.	Subsequent Events	115
ITEM 9:	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	115
ITEM 9A:	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	115
ITEM 9B:	OTHER INFORMATION	116
PART III		116
ITEM 10:	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	116
ITEM 11:	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	117
ITEM 12:	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	117
ITEM 13:	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	117
ITEM 14:	PRINCIPAL ACCCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	117
PART IV		118
ITEM 15:	EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	118
SIGNATURES		123

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, business trends and other information that is not historical information. When used in this Form 10-K, the words “estimates,” “expects,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “may,” “should” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, management's examination of historical facts and operating trends, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, among other things:

▪ competition;

▪ our ability to predict, identify, interpret and respond to changes in consumer preferences;

▪ the loss of any of our major customers;

▪ our reliance on a single source provider for the manufacturing, co-packing and distribution of many of our products;

▪ fluctuations in price and supply of food ingredients, packaging materials and freight;

▪ volatility in commodity prices and our failure to mitigate the risks related to commodity price fluctuation and foreign exchange risk through the use of derivative instruments;

▪ future borrowing and restrictive covenants under our credit facility and the indenture governing our senior notes;

▪ costs and timeliness of integrating acquisitions or our failure to realize anticipated cost savings, revenue enhancements or other synergies therefrom;

▪ litigation or claims regarding our intellectual property rights or termination of our material licenses;

▪ our ability to drive revenue growth in our key product categories or to add products that are in faster growing and more profitable categories;

▪ potential product liability claims;

▪ seasonality;

▪ stock price volatility;

▪ the funding of our defined benefit pension plan;

▪ changes in our collective bargaining agreements or shifts in union policy;

▪ changes in the cost of compliance with laws and regulations, including environmental, worker health and workplace safety laws and regulations;

▪ our failure to comply with U.S. Food & Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture or Federal Trade Commission regulations and the impact of governmental budget cuts;

▪ disruptions in our information technology systems;

▪ future impairments of our goodwill and intangible assets;

▪ difficulty in the hiring or the retention of key management personnel; and

▪ changes in tax statutes, tax rates, or case laws which impact tax positions we have taken.

There may be other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including factors disclosed under the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-K. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-K in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

We caution you that the risks, uncertainties and other factors referenced above may not contain all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results, benefits or developments that we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our business in the way expected. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K apply only as of the date made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

Unless the context requires otherwise, in this Form 10-K, “Pinnacle,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refers to Pinnacle Foods Inc.”, and the entities that are its consolidated subsidiaries.

PART I

ITEM 1.BUSINESS

Company Overview

We are a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high-quality, branded food products in North America, with annual net sales of approximately $2.7 billion in fiscal 2015. Our brands are leaders in many of their respective categories, and we hold the #1 or #2 market share position in 10 of the 14 major product categories in which we compete. Our brand portfolio enjoys strong household penetration in the United States, where our products can be found in over 85% of U.S. households. Our products are sold through supermarkets, grocery wholesalers and distributors, mass merchandisers, super centers, convenience stores, dollar stores, natural and organic food stores, drug stores and warehouse clubs in the United States and Canada, as well as in military channels and foodservice locations. Given our diverse portfolio of iconic brands with attractive market positions, our business generates significant and stable cash flows that have enabled us to pay regular quarterly dividends to our shareholders, reduce our debt and drive value creation through both reinvestment in our existing brands and periodic strategic acquisitions.

We view our business as comprised of 14 major product categories, which collectively comprised in excess of 90% of our North America Retail net sales in fiscal 2015.

Our operations are reported in three operating segments: the Birds Eye Frozen segment, the Duncan Hines Grocery segment and the Specialty Foods segment. The Birds Eye Frozen segment and the Duncan Hines Grocery segment, which collectively represent our North America Retail operations, include the following major brands:

Birds Eye Frozen Segment

Major Pinnacle Brands	Industry Category	Market Share 52 Weeks Ended December 27, 2015 (1)	Category Rank (1)
Birds Eye	Frozen vegetables	28.3%	#1
Birds Eye Voila!	Frozen complete bagged meals	40.2%	#1
gardein	Frozen meat/poultry substitutes	11.7%	#2
Van de Kamp's Mrs. Paul's	Frozen prepared seafood	24.4%	#2
Lender's	Frozen and refrigerated bagels	63.0%	#1
Celeste	Frozen pizza for one	6.2%	#4
Hungry-Man	Full-calorie single-serve frozen dinners and entrées	7.7%	#5
Aunt Jemima	Frozen pancakes / waffles / French toast	4.9%	#3

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Duncan Hines Grocery Segment

Major Pinnacle Brands	Industry Category	Market Share 52 Weeks Ended December 27, 2015 (1)	Category Rank (1)
Duncan Hines	Cake / brownie mixes and frostings	25.6%	#2
Vlasic	Shelf-stable pickles	35.7%	#1
Wish-Bone (2) Western	Shelf-stable salad dressings	11.6%	#3
Mrs. Butterworth's Log Cabin	Table syrup	21.4%	#1
Armour Brooks Nalley	Canned meat	21.2%	#2
Comstock Wilderness	Pie / pastry fruit fillings	38.5%	#1

(1) Based on IRI custom Pinnacle databases; rank among branded manufacturers, excluding Private Label.

(2) Pinnacle is the number 3 competitor in the category and Wish-Bone is the number one brand in the Italian segment.

Specialty Foods Segment

The Specialty Foods segment consists of a regional presence in snack products (including Tim’s Cascade and Snyder of Berlin), as well as our Foodservice and Private Label businesses.

Throughout this Form 10-K, we use data provided by Information Resources Inc. (“IRI”). Unless we indicate otherwise, retail sales, market share, category and other industry data used throughout this Form 10-K for all categories and segments are for U.S. brands and for the 52-week period ended December 27, 2015. This data includes retail sales for food (grocery stores with at least $2.0 million in annual sales), drug (all chain and independent drug retailers, excluding prescription sales), mass merchandisers (Target, Kmart and Shopko), Walmart (Supercenters, Division 1 and Neighborhood Market), club stores (Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club), dollar stores (Dollar General, Family Dollar and Fred’s) and military (Defense Commissary Agency commissaries in the continental United States). Retail sales are dollar sales estimated by IRI and represent the value of units sold through cash registers for the relevant period. Market share is the Company’s percentage of the overall category and is calculated using dollar retail sales of U.S. brands.

We view shelf-stable pickles, table syrup, frozen and refrigerated bagels, frozen pancakes/waffles/French toast and pie/pastry fruit fillings as distinct categories. We view the cake/brownie mixes and frostings category as consisting of cake and cupcake mixes, brownie mixes and frostings. We view the frozen vegetables category as consisting of frozen plain vegetables, frozen prepared vegetables and select frozen side dishes, including vegetables. We view the frozen complete bagged meals category as consisting of frozen full-calorie multi-serve dinners, excluding non-bag items. We view the frozen prepared seafood category as consisting of frozen breaded and battered fish, excluding shellfish. We view the frozen/meat poultry substitutes category as consisting of frozen meat substitutes, frozen poultry substitutes, and frozen dinners/entrées where the ‘meat’ component is a plant-based substitute. We view the single-serve frozen dinners and entrées category as consisting of full-calorie single-serve frozen dinners and entrées and select frozen handheld entrees. We view the frozen pizza-for-one category as consisting of total frozen pizza of 12 ounces per unit or less (for single serve packages, or individual units within multi-serve packages), excluding French bread crust and diet-positioned varieties. We view the canned meat category as consisting of shelf-stable prepared chili, shelf-stable lunch meats, shelf-stable Vienna Sausage and shelf-stable potted meats. We view the shelf-stable salad dressings category as consisting of shelf-stable pourable dressings and salad dressing mixes.

Although we believe that this information is reliable, we cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness, nor have we independently verified it. Although we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the industry data that we present in this Form 10-K, our estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under “Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements” and “Item 1A: Risk Factors.”

On January 15, 2016, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of Boulder Brands Inc. ("Boulder") which manufactures a portfolio of health and wellness brands, including Udi's and Glutino gluten-free products, EVOL natural frozen meal offerings, Smart Balance refrigerated and shelf-stable spreads and Earth Balance plant based refrigerated and shelf-stable spreads. The

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acquisition expands Pinnacle's presence in growing and complementary health and wellness categories and in the natural and organic retail channels. Annual net sales of Boulder were $517 million in 2014.

Within our segments, we actively manage our portfolio by segregating our business into Leadership Brands and Foundation Brands. Our Leadership Brands enjoy a combination of higher growth and margins, greater potential for value-added innovation and enhanced responsiveness to consumer marketing than do our Foundation Brands. As a result, we focus our investment spending and brand-building activities on our Leadership Brands. By contrast, we manage our Foundation Brands for revenue and market share stability and for cash flow generation to support investment in our Leadership Brands, reduce our debt and fund other corporate priorities. As a result, we focus spending for our Foundation Brands on brand renovation and targeted consumer and trade programs.

Our Leadership Brands are comprised of Birds Eye, Birds Eye Voila!, gardein, Duncan Hines, Vlasic, Van de Kamp’s, Mrs. Paul’s, Mrs. Butterworth’s, Log Cabin and Wish-Bone. Historically, our Leadership Brands have received approximately 80% of our marketing investment and the majority of our innovation investment. Our Birds Eye and Birds Eye Voila! brands combined had annual retail revenue of approximately $1.2 billion in 2015, and our remaining Leadership Brands collectively also had annual retail revenue of approximately $1.2 billion in 2015. In fiscal 2015, our Leadership Brands accounted for approximately 63% and 76% of our consolidated net sales and gross profit, respectively, and approximately 72% and 79% of our North America Retail net sales and gross profit, respectively.

Birds Eye Frozen Segment

Birds Eye is the largest brand in the $3.2 billion frozen vegetables category. Collectively, our steamed and non-steamed product offerings hold the #1 position among branded products, with a 28.3% market share. Recent government programs, such as the USDA’s My Plate program, and nutrition and health professionals continue to identify increased vegetable consumption as a key to better health. We believe that enhancing the taste of vegetables and making them exceptionally convenient are keys to driving more vegetable consumption. Birds Eye has taken a leadership role in increasing vegetable consumption, including encouraging children to eat more vegetables. We are supporters of the USDA’s My Plate program, partners in Partnership for a Healthier America, and have engaged in breakthrough marketing efforts with major multi-media family entertainment partners to encourage children to eat more vegetables. We also compete in the frozen complete bagged meals category with our Birds Eye Voila! brand. We are the largest competitor in the frozen complete bagged meal category with a 40.2% market share. Birds Eye Voila! frozen bagged meals provide consumers with a high quality complete meal, including protein, starch, and vegetables, that can be prepared in a skillet in just minutes.

In fiscal 2015, we launched the Birds Eye Flavor Full and Birds Eye Protein Blends platforms. Birds Eye Flavor Full pairs vegetables with flavors such as buffalo, ranch, teriyaki and barbeque. Birds Eye Protein Blends provides a line of dishes that contain plant-based protein through vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Both of these new product lines contributed to the growth of the total Birds Eye vegetable business. Additionally, we introduced a new Voila! premium-tier platform that offers consumers new skillet meal varieties containing beef, pork or shrimp.

Our Birds Eye Frozen Division also includes Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul's frozen prepared seafood, Hungry-Man frozen entrées, Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products, Lender's frozen and refrigerated bagels and Celeste frozen pizza.

The Birds Eye Frozen Division also includes gardein’s plant-based protein products that enhance our frozen vegetable portfolio. During 2015 we acquired a new facility in Hagerstown, Maryland that we believe will further expand the capacity for gardein in 2017.

Duncan Hines Grocery Segment

Duncan Hines is the segment’s largest brand and includes cake mixes, ready-to-serve frostings, brownie mixes, muffin mixes, and cookie mixes. In 2015, we benefited from the launch of five varieties of Duncan Hines Perfect Size baking kits, which provides consumers with cake mix, frosting mix and a disposable baking pan. As one to two person households have continued to grow, we believe the Perfect Size kits address this shift and provide smaller households a baking option for two to four people. Duncan Hines is the #2 brand with a 25.6% market share of the $1.2 billion cake/brownie mixes and frostings category.

We also offer a complete line of shelf-stable pickle products that we market and distribute nationally, primarily under the Vlasic brand, and regionally under the Milwaukee’s and Wiejske Wyroby brands. Our Vlasic brand, represented by its trademark Vlasic stork, including Vlasic Farmer's Garden farmer's market quality pickles, has the highest consumer awareness and quality ratings in the pickle category. Vlasic is the #1 brand in the $777 million shelf-stable pickle category and Pinnacle brands collectively hold a 35.7% market share.

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Our Duncan Hines Grocery Division also includes Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin table syrups, Wish-Bone and Western salad dressings, Armour, Nalley and Brooks canned meat, Comstock and Wilderness pie and pastry fillings, Open Pit barbecue sauce and our Canadian operations.

Specialty Foods Segment

Snack Products. Our snack products primarily consist of Tim’s Cascade, Hawaiian kettle style chips, Snyder of Berlin and Husman’s. These direct store delivery brands have strong regional awareness.

Foodservice and Private Label. We also manufacture and distribute certain products, mainly in the frozen breakfast, canned meat, and pie and pastry fruit filling categories, through foodservice channels. We also manufacture and distribute certain Private Label products in the canned meat, shelf-stable pickles and frozen prepared seafood categories.

Financial information about our business segments is discussed in greater detail in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Competitive Strengths

We believe the following competitive strengths differentiate us from our competitors and contribute to our ongoing success:

Actively Managed Portfolio of Iconic Food Brands with Leading Market Positions

We actively manage our diverse portfolio of iconic food brands that participate in attractive product categories. Our well-recognized brand portfolio enjoys strong household penetration in the United States, where our products can be found in over 85% of U.S. households. Our brands are leaders in their respective categories, holding the #1 or #2 market share position in 10 of the 14 major product categories in which we compete.

We have prioritized our investment spending and brand-building activities behind our Leadership Brands, given their higher growth and margins, greater potential for value-added innovation and enhanced responsiveness to consumer marketing, as compared to that of our Foundation Brands. We manage our Foundation Brands for stability in sales, market share and cash flow, with a focus on ongoing quality upgrades, competitive pricing and strong merchandising and trade programs. Our brand prioritization strategy is focused on ensuring that the strong, stable cash flows from our Foundation Brands are deployed for reinvestment in marketing and on-trend innovation for our higher-margin Leadership Brands, as well as for debt reduction and other corporate priorities.

Strong Innovation and Marketing Capabilities Focused on Leadership Brands

Over the past few years, we have continually enhanced our organizational capabilities in the areas of new product innovation and consumer marketing. We have improved our in-house innovation capabilities by augmenting and upgrading our innovation team, with the construction of a new state-of-the-art Research and Development (“R&D”) facility in our Parsippany, New Jersey headquarters. This facility co-locates our sales, marketing and operations teams with our entire company-wide R&D team, other than gardein, which is located in British Columbia, and better enables us to leverage the innovation experience of our senior management. Additionally, we have increased investment in consumer insights and employee innovation training. Recent examples of successfully launched innovations include new varieties of our Duncan Hines Perfect Size and Birds Eye Steamfresh Flavor Full, Protein Blends and Disney-themed side dishes for kids. We intend to continue to invest in innovation that enables us to further differentiate our brands in the marketplace. Our research and development expenditures totaled $13.0 million, $11.3 million, and $10.5 million for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our level of research and development expenditures reflects our focus on product development in comparison to basic research.

To complement our accelerated innovation efforts, we have also focused and enhanced our marketing investments behind our Leadership Brands. We have partnered with best-in-class branded consumer advertising, digital and media agencies to develop high impact marketing programs implemented across television, print, social and digital media. We intend to increase marketing investments behind our Leadership Brands over time, as the volume trends and promotional environment in the broader food industry normalize.

Operational Excellence Driving Continued Gross Margin Improvement

Our operational excellence program is a holistic, company-wide productivity initiative designed to generate annual productivity savings across our supply chain, in the range of 3% to 4% of our annual Cost of products sold, which has been achieved over the

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last five years. In fiscal 2015, our operational excellence initiative drove productivity savings of 3.8%. These productivity savings, combined with selective retail price increases have been instrumental in mitigating input cost inflation in periods of significant inflationary pressure, and driving gross margin expansion in periods of more modest inflation. We also pursue other initiatives to drive incremental improvement in our gross margin, including improving our product mix by focusing growth in Leadership Brands and through new product innovation and low-margin SKU rationalization, increasing the effectiveness of our trade promotional spending and realizing synergies from acquisitions. Furthermore, our gross margin benefits from our diversified input cost basket in which no single commodity accounted for more than 5% of our total Cost of products sold in fiscal 2015. In addition, in 2015 we reduced our manufacturing costs for our Wish-Bone products by transitioning the manufacturing of these products from Unilever to our St. Elmo, Illinios location.

Strong Free Cash Flow Conversion

Our business generates an attractive Adjusted EBITDA margin and also benefits from modest capital expenditure and working capital requirements and approximately $443.7 million in net operating loss carryovers (“NOLs”) ($206.5 million after IRC Section 382 limitation, subject to an annual limitation of $17.1 million), which combined have resulted in strong and stable unlevered free cash flows. Our Adjusted EBITDA margin benefits from the quality of our brand portfolio and our lean and nimble organization structure, with selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding consumer advertising and promotions and one-time items, representing approximately 9.1% of net sales in fiscal 2015. Our NOLs and other tax attributes will generate modest annual cash tax savings in 2016 and thereafter.

We believe our strong free cash flows will enable us to continue to maximize shareholder value through paying a regular quarterly dividend, financing value-enhancing acquisitions, reducing our indebtedness and strategically deploying our capital to fund innovation and organic growth opportunities.

Proven M&A Expertise with Significant Opportunity

We have substantial experience in sourcing, executing and integrating value-enhancing acquisitions. We maintain a highly-disciplined approach to M&A, focusing on opportunities that add new iconic brands to our portfolio and/or allow for strong synergy realization.

On January 15, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Boulder Brands, a company with 2014 net sales of $517 million and with a health and wellness portfolio consisting of brands that target specific health trends.

Our strong existing platforms in the Birds Eye Frozen and Duncan Hines Grocery segments facilitate a large addressable market and provide us with a broad set of potential acquisition targets. We believe our scale, management depth, integration expertise and access to capital will allow us to consider both small and large acquisitions in the future and to seamlessly integrate them to drive maximum value creation.

Experienced, Hands-On Management Team and Board of Directors

Our management team has a demonstrated history of delivering strong operating results, has extensive food industry experience and includes several executives who have managed significantly larger businesses and have led numerous acquisition integrations. Our management team is complimented by an experienced Board of Directors, which includes several individuals with a proven track record of successfully managing and acquiring consumer businesses.

Customers

We have several large customers that account for a significant portion of our sales. Wal-Mart and its affiliates are our largest customers and represented approximately 27%, 27% and 26% of net sales in each of fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cumulatively, including Wal-Mart, our top ten customers accounted for approximately 60%, 62% and 60% of net sales in each of fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Marketing

Our marketing programs consist of consumer advertising, consumer promotions, trade promotions, direct marketing and public relations. Our advertising consists of television, newspaper, magazine, digital, mobile and social advertising aimed at increasing consumer preference and usage of our brands. Consumer promotions include free trial offers, targeted coupons and on-package offers to generate trial usage and increase purchase frequency. Our trade promotions focus on obtaining retail feature and display

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support, achieving optimum retail product prices and securing retail shelf space. Over the long term, we continue to focus on shifting our marketing efforts toward building long-term brand equity through increased consumer marketing.

Intellectual Property

Our intellectual property and other proprietary assets include copyrights, registered and common law trademarks and trademark applications, patents and patent applications, domain names, trade secrets, other proprietary rights and licenses of intellectual property rights of various kinds. We consider these assets and rights, both in the United States and in other countries around the world, among our most valuable assets. We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret and unfair competition laws as well as contractual provisions to protect these assets. The duration and scope of the protection afforded to our intellectual property and other assets depends on the type of property in question and the laws and regulations of the relevant jurisdiction. In the case of licenses, they also depend on contractual provisions.

We manufacture and market certain of our frozen food products under the Swanson, Aunt Jemima and Voila! brands pursuant to royalty-free, exclusive and perpetual trademark licenses. The licenses give us the right to use certain Swanson, Aunt Jemima and Voila! trademarks both inside and outside of the United States in connection with the manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising, and promotion and sale of these products. The licenses contain standard provisions, including those dealing with quality control and termination as well as assignment and consent. If we were to breach any material term of the licenses and not timely cure such breach, Campbell Soup Company, The Quaker Oats Company or Voila! Bakeries, Inc. could terminate the licenses.

We also have a license agreement granting us an exclusive, royalty bearing, perpetual license to use certain Armour trademarks in the United States. Under the license agreement, Smithfield Foods, Inc., as successor to ConAgra, Inc., the licensor, grants us a license for the use of various Armour trademarks in conjunction with shelf-stable products within the United States. We are required to make annual royalty payments to the licensor based upon our annual net sales of the approved shelf-stable products. If we were to materially breach the license agreement, Smithfield Foods, Inc. could terminate the license. We own and maintain Armour registrations in many other countries.

Sales and Distribution

We sell and distribute a majority of our products in the United States and Canada through a combined network of internal sales and broker teams. We employ other brokers for the foodservice and club channels. Through this combination network, our products reach all traditional classes of trade, including supermarkets, grocery wholesalers and distributors, mass merchandisers, super centers, convenience stores, drug stores, warehouse clubs, foodservice and other alternative channels.

Due to the different demands of distribution for frozen and shelf-stable products, we maintain separate distribution systems. Our Birds Eye Frozen segment’s and Duncan Hines Grocery segment’s product warehouse and distribution network consists of 13 locations and 10 locations, respectively. In addition to these locations, our snack products are primarily distributed through a direct store delivery network in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest, a portion of which we own and operate and a portion of which utilizes third-party providers. We believe that our sales and distribution network is scalable and has the capacity to support substantial increases in volume.

Ingredients and Packaging

We believe that the ingredients and packaging used to produce our products are readily available through multiple sources. Ingredients and packaging typically account for approximately two thirds of our annual Cost of products sold.  We use a broad array of ingredients including vegetables and fruits, proteins, grains and oils, sugars, seafood and other agricultural products. Certain vegetables and fruits are purchased under dedicated acreage supply contracts from a number of growers prior to each growing season, while the balance is sourced directly from third parties. Our packaging consists primarily of steel, aluminum, glass jars, plastic bottles, corrugated fiberboard, and various poly-films.

Manufacturing

Owned and Operated Manufacturing Facilities.    We own and operate twelve and lease two manufacturing facilities for our products. See "Item 2, - Properties" for a listing of our manufacturing facilities.

Co-Packing Arrangements. In addition to our own manufacturing facilities, we source a portion of our products under “co-packing” agreements, a common industry practice in which manufacturing is outsourced to other companies. We regularly evaluate our co-packing arrangements to ensure the most cost-effective manufacturing of our products and to utilize company-owned manufacturing facilities most effectively. On March 31, 2014, we acquired the largest Duncan Hines co-packing business located in Centralia,

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Illinois from Gilster Mary Lee Corporation. In connection with the Wish-Bone acquisition, in 2015 we transitioned the manufacturing of Wish-Bone into our St. Elmo, Illinois location.

Seasonality

Our sales and cash flows are affected by seasonal cyclicality. In general, our sales are higher in the first and fourth quarters. In addition, since many of our raw materials are agricultural crops, production of these products is predominantly seasonal. As a result our inventory levels tend to be higher in the third quarter, requiring more working capital at that time.

Competition

We face competition in each of our respective product lines. Although we operate in a highly competitive industry, we believe that the strength of our brands has resulted in strong respective competitive positions. We compete with producers of similar products on the basis of, among other things, product quality, brand recognition and loyalty, price, customer service, effective consumer marketing and promotional activities, and the ability to identify and satisfy emerging consumer preferences.

Employees

We employed approximately 4,300 people as of December 27, 2015, with approximately 61% of our hourly employees unionized. Due to the seasonality of our pickle and vegetable businesses, our employment fluctuates throughout the year, and thus our average number of employees was approximately 4,922 throughout fiscal 2015. In March 2015, we completed negotiations and entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with the union representing approximately 8 employees at our Berlin, Pennsylvania plant, effective through March 28, 2019. In April 2015, we entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with approximately 193 of our union employees at our Matoon, Illinois plant, effective through April 27, 2019. In October 2015, we completed negotiations and entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with the union representing approximately 360 employees at our Fayetteville, Arkansas plant, effective through October 11, 2019. Our other unionized employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements expiring between September 2016 and October 2022. In general, we consider our relationship with employees to be good. See “Item 1A- Risk Factors- Our financial well-being could be jeopardized by unforeseen changes in our employees’ collective bargaining agreements or shifts in union policy.”

Financial Information About Geographical Areas

For information about our geographic segments, see Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K.

Governmental, Legal and Regulatory Matters

Food Safety and Labeling

We are subject to extensive regulation, including, among other things, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Food Safety Modernization Act, the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This comprehensive and evolving regulatory program governs, among other things, the manufacturing, composition and ingredients, labeling, packaging, and safety of food, including compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices. In addition, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 prescribes the format and content of certain information required to appear on the labels of food products. We are also subject to regulation by certain other governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Our operations and products are also subject to state and local regulation, including the registration and licensing of plants, enforcement by state health agencies of various state standards, and the registration and inspection of facilities. Compliance with federal, state and local regulation is costly and time-consuming. Enforcement actions for violations of federal, state, and local regulations may include seizure and condemnation of products, cease and desist orders, injunctions or monetary penalties. We believe that our practices are sufficient to maintain compliance with applicable government regulations.

Federal Trade Commission

We are subject to certain regulations by the Federal Trade Commission. Advertising of our products is subject to such regulation pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

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Employee Safety Regulations

We are subject to certain health and safety regulations, including regulations issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act. These regulations require us to comply with certain manufacturing, health, and safety standards to protect our employees from accidents.

Environmental Regulation

We are subject to a number of federal, state, and local laws and other requirements relating to the protection of the environment and the safety and health of personnel and the public. These requirements relate to a broad range of our activities, including: the discharge of pollutants into the air and water; the identification, generation, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, recordkeeping, labeling, and reporting of, and emergency response in connection with, hazardous materials (including asbestos) associated with our operations; noise emissions from our facilities; and safety and health standards, practices, and procedures that apply to the workplace and the operation of our facilities.

In order to comply with these requirements, we may need to spend substantial amounts of money and other resources from time to time to (i) construct or acquire new equipment, (ii) acquire or amend permits to authorize facility operations, (iii) modify, upgrade, or replace existing and proposed equipment and (iv) clean up or decommission our facilities or other locations to which our wastes have been sent. For example, some of our baking facilities are required to obtain air emissions permits and to install bag filters. Many of our facilities discharge wastewater into municipal treatment works, and may be required to pre-treat the wastewater and/or to pay surcharges. Some of our facilities use and store in tanks large quantities of materials, such as sodium chloride and ammonia, that could cause environmental damage if accidentally released. We use some hazardous materials in our operations, and we generate and dispose of hazardous wastes as a conditionally exempt small quantity generator. Our capital and operating budgets include costs and expenses associated with complying with these laws. If we do not comply with environmental requirements that apply to our operations, regulatory agencies could seek to impose civil, administrative, and/or criminal liabilities, as well as seek to curtail our operations. Under some circumstances, private parties could also seek to impose civil fines or penalties for violations of environmental laws or recover monetary damages, including those relating to property damage or personal injury.

Many of our plants were in operation before current environmental laws and regulations were enacted. Our predecessors have in the past had to remediate soil and/or groundwater contamination at a number of locations, including petroleum contamination caused by leaking underground storage tanks which they removed, and we may be required to do so again in the future. We have sold a number of plants where we have ceased operations, and it is possible that future renovations or redevelopment at these facilities might reveal additional contamination that may need to be addressed. Although remediation costs in the past have not been material, future remediation costs may be. The presence of hazardous materials at our facilities or at other locations to which we have sent hazardous wastes for treatment or disposal, may expose us to potential liabilities associated with the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater under federal or state “Superfund” statutes. Under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”), owners and operators of facilities from which there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous materials, together with those who have transported or arranged for the transportation or disposal of those materials, are liable for (i) the costs of responding to and remediating that release and (ii) the restoration of natural resources damaged by any such release. Under CERCLA and similar state statutes, liability for the entire cost of cleaning up the contaminated site can, subject to certain exceptions, be imposed upon any such party regardless of the lawfulness of the activities that led to the contamination.

See “Item 1A— Risk Factors— We and our third-party co-packers and suppliers are subject to laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment, worker health, and workplace safety. Costs to comply with these laws and regulations, or claims with respect to environmental, health and safety matters, could have a significant negative impact on our business.”

Insurance

We maintain general liability and product liability, property, worker’s compensation, business interruption, director and officer and other insurance in amounts and on terms that we believe are customary for companies similarly situated. In addition, we maintain excess insurance where we believe it is reasonably cost effective.

Additional information

Additional information pertaining to our businesses, including operating segments, is set forth under the caption “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Results of Operations and Related Information” under Item 7 of this Form 10-K and in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Segments”, which is included under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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Our reports on Form 10-K, along with all other reports and amendments, are filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C., 20549. Please call 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our filings are also available free of charge to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. We also make available through our internet website at http://www.pinnaclefoods.com under the heading “Investor Center,” our annual report on Form 10-K, proxy statement, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports after we electronically file any such materials with the SEC. In addition, copies of our (i) Corporate Governance Guidelines, (ii) charters for the Audit and Finance Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and (iii) Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are available through our internet website at http://www.pinnaclefoods.com under the heading “Investor Center” and under the sub-heading “Governance Documents”. References to our website are intended to be inactive textual references only and the information posted on, accessed through or otherwise connected to it shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this report.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Pursuant to General Instruction G of Form 10-K, the following is included in Part I of this Annual Report and sets forth certain information as of February 24, 2016 concerning our executive officers:

Mr. Michael Barkley

Mr. Barkley, age 49, was named Executive Vice President, Meals and Sides and Chief Marketing Officer in December 2015. Mr. Barkley oversees the Meals and Sides category team and channels marketing. Additionally, Mr. Barkley's responsibilities as Chief Marketing Officer include strengthening and harmonizing the Company’s marketing across the business teams, overseeing agency relationships and developing marketing talent. From December 2013 to December 2015, Mr. Barkley served as the Company’s Senior Vice President and General Manager Meals and Sides. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Mr. Barkley served as Vice President and General Manager of Healthy Beverages, Vice President Simple Meals and Vice President Ready to Serve Soup at Campbell Soup Company from 2008 to 2013. Prior to joining Campbell, Mr. Barkley led consumer health brands in various Vice President and General Manager roles at Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Meyers Squibb. Mr. Barkley holds a B.S. degree from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina.

Mr. Christopher Boever

Mr. Boever, age 48, was named Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer in December, 2011. Mr. Boever oversees the sales force and broker organization for Pinnacle’s U.S. organization. From June 2007 to December 2011, Mr. Boever worked at ConAgra Foods, Inc., most recently serving as Senior Vice President Sales, leading the sales organization for the Consumer Division. At ConAgra he advanced through positions of increasing responsibility including strategy, planning and operations across a portfolio of frozen, grocery, refrigerated and snack food brands. From January 1991 to June 2007, Mr. Boever worked in various headquarters and field positions at Hormel Foods. Mr. Boever holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater.

Ms. Mary Beth DeNooyer

Ms. DeNooyer, age 45, was named Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer in May 2013. As Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. DeNooyer leads all human resources responsibilities throughout the Company including organizational development, recruitment and talent management, training, compensation and benefits, employee relations, diversity and communications. From April 2011 through June 2012, Ms. DeNooyer served as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, in addition to her role as head of Compensation and Benefits, for the division of Sara Lee which was later spun-off as Hillshire Brands. From March 2010 to April 2011, Ms. DeNooyer served as Senior Vice President, Compensation and Benefits at Sara Lee. Ms. DeNooyer held Human Resources leadership positions at The Pepsi Bottling Group from 1998 to 2010 and General Mills from 1994 to 1998. Ms. DeNooyer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Drexel University and a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

Mr. Robert Gamgort

Mr. Gamgort, age 53, was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective July 13, 2009. From September 2002 to April 2009, Mr. Gamgort served as North American President for Mars Incorporated, where he managed the company’s portfolio of

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confectionery, main meal, pet food and retail businesses in North America. Mr. Gamgort joined Mars in 1998, initially serving as Vice President of Marketing for M&M / Mars and then as General Manager of its Chocolate Unit. Prior to joining Mars, Mr. Gamgort served as President of Major League Baseball Properties. Mr. Gamgort began his career at General Foods, which later merged with and became Kraft Foods, where he served in key marketing, sales, corporate strategy, and general management roles. Mr. Gamgort holds an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a BA in Economics from Bucknell University and studied at the London School of Economics. Mr. Gamgort serves on the Board of Directors of the Grocery Manufacturers Association and on the Board of Directors of Wayfair Inc. where he serves as a member of the Compensation Committee.

Mr. Michael Kelley Maggs

Mr. Maggs, age 64, was named Executive Vice President and General Counsel in March 2013. Previously, Mr. Maggs served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since Pinnacle’s inception in 2001. Mr. Maggs oversees all legal and corporate secretary activities at Pinnacle. He was associated with affiliates of CDM Investor Group LLC from 1993 until 2007. Prior to his involvement with Pinnacle, Mr. Maggs held the same position with International Home Foods Inc. from November 1996 to December 2000. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Maggs was employed with Stella Foods, Inc. as Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to that time, he was engaged in the private practice of law in Virginia and New York. Mr. Maggs is a graduate of Niagara University and received his Juris Doctor from George Mason University Law School.

Mr. Mark Schiller

Mr. Schiller, age 54, was named Executive Vice President and President North America Retail in January 2015. In this role, Mr. Schiller oversees the management of the Company’s North America Retail brands. From May 2013 to December 2014, Mr. Schiller served as Executive Vice President and President Birds Eye Frozen Division. From June 2010 to May 2013, Mr. Schiller served as Executive Vice President and President Duncan Hines Grocery Division. From March 2002 to April 2010, Mr. Schiller worked at PepsiCo as Senior Vice President of Frito Lay New Ventures, President of Quaker Foods and Snacks North America, and Senior Vice President and General Manager of Frito Lay Convenience Foods Division. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Schiller was Chief Operating Officer and Co-President of Tutor Time Learning Systems, Inc. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Schiller served as President of Valley Recreation Products, Inc. Mr. Schiller began his career at the Quaker Oats Company in 1985 where he progressed through a number of marketing, sales and supply chain roles. Mr. Schiller holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University and an MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

Mr. Craig Steeneck

Mr. Steeneck, age 57, was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2007. Mr. Steeneck oversees our financial operations, treasury, tax, investor relations and information technology. From June 2005 to July 2007, Mr. Steeneck served as Executive Vice President, Supply Chain Finance and IT, where he helped redesign the supply chain to generate savings and improved financial performance. From April 2003 to June 2005, Mr. Steeneck served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Cendant Timeshare Resort Group (now Wyndham Worldwide), playing key roles in wide-scale organization of internal processes and staff management. From March 2001 to April 2003, Mr. Steeneck served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Resorts Condominiums International (now Wyndham Worldwide) From October 1999 to February 2001, he was the Chief Financial Officer of International Home Foods Inc. Mr. Steeneck is a member of the Board of Directors of Freshpet, Inc. since November 2014, and serves as Chairman of its Audit Committee. Mr. Steeneck is an honors graduate of the University of Rhode Island. 

Mr. D. Michael Wittman

Mr. Wittman, age 54, was named Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer in November 2015. In his role, Mr. Wittman has overall corporate responsibility for the end-to-end supply chain, including procurement, manufacturing, customer service, warehousing and distribution. Additionally, Mr. Wittman oversees Pinnacle's food quality and safety programs. From December 2008 to October 2015, Mr. Wittman served as Vice President of Supply Chain for Mars Chocolate North America where he was responsible for the supply chain for the confectionery business. Prior to Mars, Mr. Wittman spent over 25 years within the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, including leadership roles in J&J Consumer Companies and McNeil Consumer Products.Mr. Wittman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas.

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ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

RISK FACTORS

Risks Related to Our Business

We face significant competition in our industry, which could cause us to lose market share, lower prices, or increase advertising and promotional expenditures. Our success also depends on our ability to predict, identify and interpret changes in consumer preferences and develop and offer new products rapidly enough to meet those changes.

The food products business is highly competitive. Numerous brands and products compete for shelf space and sales, with competition based primarily on product quality, brand recognition and loyalty, price, trade promotion, consumer promotion, customer service, and the ability to identify and satisfy emerging consumer preferences. We compete with a significant number of companies of varying sizes, including divisions, subdivisions, or subsidiaries of larger companies. Many of these competitors have multiple product lines, substantially greater financial and other resources available to them, and may be substantially less leveraged than Pinnacle. In addition, private label is a significant competitor, particularly in the frozen vegetables, shelf-stable pickles, table syrup, frozen and refrigerated bagels, and pie/pastry fruit fillings categories. We may not be able to compete successfully with these companies and private label. Competitive pressures or other factors could cause us to lose market share, which may require us to lower prices, increase marketing and advertising expenditures, or increase the use of discounting or promotional campaigns, each of which would materially and adversely affect our margins and could result in a decrease in our operating results and profitability.

Our success depends on our ability to predict, identify, and interpret the tastes and dietary habits of consumers and to offer products that appeal to those preferences. There are inherent marketplace risks associated with new product or packaging introductions, including uncertainties about trade and consumer acceptance. If we do not succeed in offering products that consumers want to buy, our sales and market share will decrease, resulting in reduced profitability. If we are unable to accurately predict which shifts in consumer preferences will be long-lasting, or are unable to introduce new and improved products to satisfy those preferences, our sales will decline. In addition, given the variety of backgrounds and identities of consumers in our consumer base, we must offer a sufficient array of products to satisfy the broad spectrum of consumer preferences. As such, we must be successful in developing innovative products across a multitude of product categories. Finally, if we fail to rapidly develop products in faster-growing and more profitable categories, we could experience reduced demand for our products, or fail to expand margins.

We are also subject to the effect that the overall economic conditions have upon consumer sentiment and retail sales.

If we lose one or more of our major customers, or if any of our major customers experience significant business interruption or enact initiatives to improve their cost structure, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

We have several large customers that account for a significant portion of our sales. We do not have long-term supply contracts with any of our major customers. Our large customers may choose to purchase products from us based on a combination of factors such as price, consumer demand, customer service performance, their desired inventory levels, and other factors. Changes in any of our major customers’ strategies, including a reduction in the number of brands they carry, initiatives to improve their cost structure, or a shift of shelf space to private label products, may adversely affect sales.

The loss of one or more major customers, a material reduction in sales to these customers as a result of competition from other food manufacturers, or the occurrence of a significant business interruption of our customers’ operations would result in a decrease in our revenues, operating results, and earnings and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

In addition, as the retail grocery trade continues to consolidate and our retail customers grow larger and become more sophisticated, our retail customers may demand lower pricing and increased promotional programs. If we fail to use our sales and marketing expertise to maintain our category leadership positions to respond to these trends, or if we lower our prices or increase promotional support of our products and are unable to increase the volume of our products sold, our profitability and financial condition may be adversely affected.

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For the manufacturing, co-packing and distribution of many of our products, we primarily rely on single source providers where a significant disruption in a facility or loss of arrangements could affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

With the exception of our Birds Eye frozen vegetable products which are produced in two facilities (Waseca, Minnesota and Darien, Wisconsin, which has approximately three times the production capacity of the Waseca location), none of our products are produced in significant amounts at multiple manufacturing facilities or co-packers. Significant unscheduled downtime at any of our facilities or co-packers due to equipment breakdowns, power failures, natural disasters, or any other cause could materially adversely affect our ability to provide products to our customers, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely upon co-packers for our Duncan Hines frosting products and a limited portion of our other manufacturing needs. We believe that there are a limited number of competent, high-quality co-packers in the industry, and if we were required to obtain additional or alternative co-packing agreements or arrangements in the future, we may not be able to do so on satisfactory terms or in a timely manner.

We sell a majority of our products in the United States and Canada through a combination of a direct and broker network. Our business could suffer disruption if either of our major United States or Canada brokers were to default in the performance of their obligations to perform brokerage services or fail to effectively represent us to the retail grocery trade.

We are vulnerable to fluctuations in the price and supply of food ingredients, packaging materials, and freight.

The prices of the food ingredients, packaging materials and freight are subject to fluctuations in price attributable to, among other things, changes in supply and demand of crops or other commodities, fuel prices and government-sponsored agricultural and livestock programs. The sales prices to our customers are a delivered price. Therefore, changes in our input costs could impact our gross margins. Our ability to pass along higher costs through price increases to our customers is dependent upon competitive conditions and pricing methodologies employed in the various markets in which we compete. To the extent competitors do not also increase their prices, customers and consumers may choose to purchase competing products or may shift purchases to lower-priced private label or other value offerings which may adversely affect our results of operations.

We use significant quantities of food ingredients and other agricultural products as well as aluminum, glass jars, plastic trays, corrugated fiberboard and plastic packaging materials provided by third-party suppliers. We buy from a variety of producers and manufacturers, and alternate sources of supply are generally available. However, the supply and price are subject to market conditions and are influenced by other factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, unanticipated demand, problems in production or distribution, natural disasters, weather conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons, insects, plant diseases, and fungi.

Adverse weather conditions may occur more frequently as a result of climate change and other factors. There is concern that greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. Long-term climate changes may negatively impact the price or availability of key raw materials. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters can reduce crop size and crop quality, which in turn could reduce our supplies of raw materials, lower recoveries of usable raw materials, increase the prices of our raw materials, increase our cost of transporting and storing raw materials, or disrupt our production schedules.

We do not have long-term contracts with many of our suppliers, and, as a result, they could increase prices or fail to deliver. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could increase our costs and disrupt our operations.

If our assessments and assumptions about commodity prices, as well as ingredient and other prices and currency exchange rates, prove to be incorrect in connection with our hedging or forward-buy efforts or planning cycles, our costs may be greater than anticipated and our financial results could be adversely affected. Volatility in commodity prices will impact our results of operations.

From time to time, we enter into commodity forward contracts to fix the price of diesel fuel, natural gas, soybean oil and other commodity purchases at a future delivery date. However, such strategies do not fully address commodity price risk. Adverse movements in commodity prices over the terms of the contracts or instruments could decrease the economic benefits we derive from these strategies. Additionally, changes in the value of our commodities derivatives are recorded in the Cost of products sold line in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accordingly, volatility in commodities could result in volatility in our results of operations. As of December 27, 2015, the potential change in fair value of commodity derivative instruments, assuming a 10% adverse movement in the underlying commodity prices, would have resulted in an unrealized net loss of $3.5 million.

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In addition, certain parts of our foreign operations in Canada expose us to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Net sales in Canada accounted for 4.5% of Consolidated Net Sales for fiscal 2015. We also seek to reduce our exposure to such foreign exchange risks primarily through the use of foreign exchange-related derivative financial instruments. We enter into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of our functional currency. As of December 27, 2015, a 10% decline in the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would have decreased the fair value of our foreign exchange forward contracts by $1.0 million.

We may cease any of our current programs or use other hedging or derivative programs in the future. The extent of our hedges at any given time depends on our assessment of the markets for these commodities, diesel fuel and natural gas, including our assumptions about future prices and currency exchange rates. For example, if we believe market prices for the commodities we use are unusually high, we may choose to hedge less, or even none, of our upcoming requirements. If we fail to hedge and prices or currency exchange rates subsequently increase, or if we institute a hedge and prices or currency exchange rates subsequently decrease, our costs may be greater than anticipated or greater than our competitors’ costs and our financial results could be adversely affected. See “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for a discussion of our current hedging and derivatives programs.

We may not be able to successfully identify, evaluate and integrate businesses we may acquire in the future and we may not be able to realize anticipated cost savings, revenue enhancements, or other synergies from such acquisitions.

We may not be able to identify and complete acquisitions in the future, and our failure to do so could limit our ability to grow our business beyond our existing brands. If we do acquire businesses in the future, the process of integrating such businesses involves risks. Some of these risks include, but are not limited to, demands on management related to the potential significant increase in the size of our business, the diversion of management’s attention from the management of daily operations and difficulties in the assimilation of different corporate cultures and business practices. Failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses may result in reduced levels of revenue, earnings or operating efficiency than might have been achieved if we had not acquired such businesses.

Litigation or claims regarding our trademarks and any other proprietary rights or termination of our material licenses may have a significant, negative impact on our business.

We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of trademark, patent, copyright and trade secret laws. We consider our trademarks to be of significant importance to our business and devote resources to the establishment and protection of our trademarks and other intellectual property rights. However, our trademark or other intellectual property applications are not always approved. Third parties may also oppose our intellectual property applications, or otherwise challenge our use of our trademark or other intellectual property. The actions we have taken or will take in the future may not be adequate to prevent violation of our trademark or other proprietary rights by others or prevent others from seeking to block sales of our products as an alleged violation of their trademark or other proprietary rights. We may need to initiate future claims or litigation or defend claims or litigation against us to enforce our trademark or other proprietary rights or to defend ourselves against claimed infringement of the trademark or other proprietary rights of others. Any future claims or litigation of this type, even without merit, could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any such future claims or litigation may: (a) be expensive and time consuming to defend; (b) cause us to cease making, licensing or using products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property; (c) require us to rebrand our products or redesign our packaging, if feasible; (d) divert management’s attention and resources; or (e) require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use a third party’s intellectual property, which, if required, may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. Any inability to use our trademarks or other proprietary rights could harm our business and sales through reduced demand for our products and reduced revenues.

Additionally, we manufacture certain brands under license agreements from various third parties. The loss of these licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We may be unable to drive revenue growth in our key product categories or add products that are in faster growing and more profitable categories.

The food and beverage industry’s overall growth is linked to population growth. Our future results will depend on our ability to drive revenue growth in our key product categories. Because our operations are concentrated in North America, where growth in the food and beverage industry has been moderate, our success also depends in part on our ability to enhance our portfolio by adding innovative new products in faster growing and more profitable categories. Our failure to drive revenue growth in our key product categories or develop innovative products for new and existing categories could materially and adversely affect our profitability, financial condition and results of operations.

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We may be subject to product liability claims should the consumption of any of our products cause injury, illness, or death.

We sell food products for human consumption, which involves risks such as product contamination or spoilage, misbranding, product tampering, and other adulteration of food products. Consumption of a misbranded, adulterated, contaminated, or spoiled product may result in personal illness or injury. We could be subject to claims or lawsuits relating to an actual or alleged illness or injury, and we could incur liabilities that are not insured or exceed our insurance coverage. Even if product liability claims against us are not successful or fully pursued, these claims could be costly and time consuming and may require our management to spend time defending the claims rather than operating our business.

A product that has been actually or allegedly misbranded or becomes adulterated could result in product withdrawals or recalls, destruction of product inventory, negative publicity, temporary plant closings, and substantial costs of compliance or remediation. Any of these events, including a significant product liability judgment against us, could result in a loss of demand for our food products, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Due to the seasonality of the business, our revenue and operating results may vary from quarter to quarter.

Our sales and cash flows are affected by seasonal cyclicality. Sales of frozen foods, including frozen vegetables and frozen complete bagged meals, tend to be marginally higher during the winter months. Seafood sales peak during Lent, in advance of the Easter holiday. Sales of pickles, relishes, barbecue sauces, potato chips and salad dressings tend to be higher in the spring and summer months, and demand for Duncan Hines products, Birds Eye vegetables and our pie and pastry fruit fillings tend to be higher around the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays. Since many of the raw materials we process under the Birds Eye and Vlasic brands are agricultural crops, production of these products is predominantly seasonal, occurring during and immediately following the purchase of such crops. We also increase our Duncan Hines inventories in advance of the peak fall selling season. As a result, our inventory levels tend to be higher during August, September, and October, and thus we require more working capital during these months. We are typically a seasonal net user of cash in the third quarter of the calendar year.

For these reasons, sequential quarterly comparisons are not a good indication of our performance or how we may perform in the future. If we are unable to obtain access to working capital or if seasonal fluctuations are greater than anticipated, there could be a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We face risks associated with certain pension obligations.

We hold investments in equity and debt securities in our qualified defined benefit pension plan. Deterioration in the value of plan assets, resulting from a general financial downturn or otherwise, could cause an increase in the underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plan, thereby increasing our obligation to make contributions to the plan. The underfunding in our pension plan totaled $61.3 million as of December 27, 2015. The decrease in discount rates from approximately 6.00% in 2008 to approximately 4.20% as of December 27, 2015 has had a significant impact on our funding status. Changes in interest rates in the future could have a significant effect on our funded status.

Our obligation to make contributions to the pension plan could reduce the cash available for working capital and other corporate uses and may have a material adverse impact on our operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Our financial well-being could be jeopardized by unforeseen changes in our employees’ collective bargaining agreements or shifts in union policy.

We employed approximately 4,300 people as of December 27, 2015, with approximately 61% of our hourly employees unionized. Failure to extend or renew our collective bargaining agreements or a prolonged work stoppage or strike at any facility with union employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to reach new agreements upon the expiration of our existing collective bargaining agreements and if we do reach new agreements, such agreements may not be on terms that we consider favorable. Furthermore, labor organizing activities could result in additional employees becoming unionized.

We and our third-party co-packers and suppliers are subject to laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment, worker health, and workplace safety. Costs to comply with these laws and regulations, or claims with respect to environmental, health and safety matters, could have a significant negative impact on our business.

Our operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of solid and hazardous materials and wastes, employee exposure to hazards in the workplace and the cleanup of contaminated sites. We are required to obtain and comply with environmental permits for many of our operations, and sometimes we are required to install pollution control equipment or to implement operational changes to limit air emissions or wastewater discharges and/or decrease the

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likelihood of accidental releases of hazardous materials. We could incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, civil or criminal fines or penalties, and third-party claims for property damage or personal injury as a result of any violations of environmental laws and regulations, noncompliance with environmental permit conditions or contamination for which we may be responsible that is identified or that may occur in the future. Such costs may be material.

Under federal and state environmental laws, we may be liable for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances, as well as related costs of investigation and damage to natural resources, at various properties, including our current and former properties and the former properties of our predecessors, as well as offsite waste handling or disposal sites that we or our predecessors have used. Liability may be imposed upon us without regard to whether we knew of or caused the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. Any such locations, or locations that we may acquire in the future, may result in liability to us under such laws or expose us to third party actions such as tort suits based on alleged conduct or environmental conditions. In addition, we may be liable if hazardous or toxic substances migrate from properties for which we may be responsible to other properties.

In addition to regulations applicable to our operations, failure by any of our co-packers or other suppliers to comply with regulations, or allegations of compliance failure, may disrupt their operations and could result in potential liability. Even if we were able to obtain insurance coverage or compensation for any losses or damages resulting from the non-compliance of a co-packer or supplier with applicable regulations, our brands and reputation may be adversely affected by negative perceptions of our brands stemming from such compliance failures.

We cannot predict what environmental or health and safety legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future or how existing or future laws or regulations will be enforced, administered or interpreted. We also cannot predict the amount of future expenditures that may be required in order to comply with such environmental or health and safety laws or regulations or to respond to environmental claims.

Our operations are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and other governmental entities and such regulations are subject to change from time to time which could impact how we manage our production and sale of products. Federal budget cuts could result in furloughs for government employees, including inspectors and reviewers for our plants and products and for our suppliers’ plants and products, which could materially impact our ability to manufacture regulated products.

Our operations are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA, the USDA and other national, state, and local authorities. For example, we are subject to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated thereunder by the FDA. This comprehensive regulatory program governs, among other things, the manufacturing, composition and ingredients, packaging, and safety of food. Under this program, the FDA regulates manufacturing practices for foods through, among other things, its current “good manufacturing practices” regulations, or cGMPs, and specifies the recipes for certain foods. Our processing facilities and products are subject to periodic inspection by federal, state, and local authorities. In addition, we must comply with similar laws in Canada. The FTC and other authorities regulate how we market and advertise our products, and we could be the target of claims relating to alleged false or deceptive advertising under federal, state, and foreign laws and regulations. Changes in these laws or regulations or the introduction of new laws or regulations could increase the costs of doing business for us or our customers or suppliers or restrict our actions, causing our results of operations to be adversely affected.

We seek to comply with applicable regulations through a combination of employing internal personnel to ensure quality-assurance compliance (for example, assuring that food packages contain only ingredients as specified on the package labeling) and contracting with third-party laboratories that conduct analysis of products for the nutritional-labeling requirements. Compliance with federal, state and local regulations is costly and time-consuming. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations or maintain permits and licenses relating to our operations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, which could result in increased operating costs resulting in a material adverse effect on our operating results and business.

Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately.

The efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology systems, some of which are managed by third-party service providers. We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business data, digital marketing activities, communications, supply chain, order entry and fulfillment, and other business processes. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, and the loss of sales and customers, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. In addition, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond our control, including

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fire, natural disasters, power outages, systems failures, security breaches, cyber-attacks and viruses. Any such damage or interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Computer viruses, hackers and employee or vendor misconduct, and other external hazards, could expose our data systems to security breaches, cyber-attacks or other disruptions. In addition, we routinely transmit and receive personal, confidential and proprietary information by e-mail and other electronic means. While we attempt to develop secure transmission capabilities with third-party vendors and others with whom we do business, we may be unable to put in place secure capabilities with all of such vendors and third parties and, in addition, these third parties may not have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of the information.

Like other global companies, our computer systems are regularly subject to and will continue to be the target of computer viruses, malware or other malicious codes, unauthorized access, cyber-attacks or other computer-related penetrations. While we have experienced threats to our data and systems, to date, we are not aware that we have experienced a material breach of cyber-security. However, over time, and particularly recently, the sophistication of these threats continues to increase. Our administrative and technical controls as well as other preventative actions we take to reduce the risk of cyber incidents and protect our information may be insufficient to detect or prevent unauthorized access, other physical and electronic break-ins, cyber-attacks or other security breaches to our computer systems or those of third parties with whom we do business. In addition, new technology that could result in greater operational efficiency may further expose our computer systems to the risk of cyber-attacks.

The increased risks identified above could expose us to data loss, disruption of service, monetary and reputational damages and significant increases in compliance costs and costs to improve the security and resiliency of our computer systems. The compromise of personal, confidential or proprietary information could also subject us to legal liability or regulatory action under evolving cyber-security, data protection and privacy laws and regulations enacted by the U.S. federal and state governments or other jurisdictions or by various regulatory organizations or exchanges. As a result, our ability to conduct our business and our results of operations might be materially and adversely affected.

We have a significant amount of goodwill and intangible assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets that are subject to impairment based upon future adverse changes in our business and the overall economic environment.

At December 27, 2015, the carrying value of goodwill and tradenames was $1,714.0 million and $2,001.0 million, respectively. We evaluate the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis, in the third quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value below its carrying amount. The value of goodwill and intangible assets will be derived from our business operating plans and is susceptible to an adverse change in demand, input costs, general changes in the business, or changes in the overall economic environment and could require an impairment charge in the future.

If we are unable to retain our key management personnel, our future performance may be impaired and our financial condition could suffer as a result.

Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of senior management, certain of whom would be difficult to replace. Departure by certain of our executive officers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on any of our executive officers. The services of such personnel may not continue to be available to us.

We may not be able to utilize all of our net operating loss carryovers.

If there is an unfavorable adjustment from an United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examination (whether as a result of a change in law, IRS policy or otherwise) that reduces any of our NOLs, cash taxes may increase and impact our ability to pay dividends or make interest payments on our indebtedness. As of December 27, 2015, we had gross NOLs for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $443.7 million. In general, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” is subject to annual limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOLs to offset future taxable income. Our existing NOLs are subject to annual limitations under Section 382 of the Code.For further detail on our NOLs, see Note 16 “Provision for Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements.

Maintaining, extending and expanding our reputation and brand image is essential to our business success.

Our success depends on our ability to maintain brand image for our existing products, extend our brands into new geographies and to new distribution platforms, including online, and expand our brand image with new product offerings.

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We seek to maintain, extend and expand our brand image through marketing investments, including advertising and consumer promotions, and product innovation. Continuing global focus on health and wellness, including weight management, and increasing attention from the media, shareholders, consumers, activists and other stakeholders on the role of food marketing could adversely affect our brand image. It could also lead to stricter regulations and increased focus on food and snacking marketing practices. Increased legal or regulatory restrictions on our advertising, consumer promotions and marketing, or our response to those restrictions, could limit our efforts to maintain, extend and expand our brands. Moreover, adverse publicity about regulatory or legal action against us, product quality and safety, or environmental and human rights risks in our supply chain could damage our reputation and brand image, undermine our customers’ confidence and reduce demand for our products, even if the regulatory or legal action is unfounded or these matters are immaterial to our operations.

In addition, our success in maintaining, extending and expanding our brand image depends on our ability to adapt to a rapidly changing marketing and media environment, including our increasing reliance on social media and online dissemination of marketing and advertising campaigns. We are subject to a variety of legal and regulatory restrictions on how and to whom we market our products. These restrictions may limit our ability to maintain, extend and expand our brand image, particularly as social media and the communications environment continue to evolve. Negative posts or comments about us on social networking web sites (whether factual or not) or security breaches related to use of our social media and failure to respond effectively to these posts, comments or activities could seriously damage our reputation and brand image across the various regions in which we operate. In addition, we might fail to invest sufficiently in maintaining, extending and expanding our brand image. As a result, we might be required to recognize impairment charges on our intangible assets or goodwill. If we do not successfully maintain, extend and expand our reputation and brand image, then our brands, product sales, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

Our leverage could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to rising interest rate risk and prevent us from meeting our obligations under our indebtedness.

As of December 27, 2015, our total indebtedness was $2.3 billion. As of the closing of the Boulder acquisition on January 15, 2016 the Company incurred approximately $900.0 million of additional indebtedness to finance the transaction. This leverage could have important consequences, including:

• requiring a portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures, and future business opportunities or to pay dividends;

• exposing us to the risk of rising interest rates to the extent of borrowings under our senior secured credit facility that are not hedged;

• making it more difficult for us to make payments on our indebtedness;

• increasing our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions;

• restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

• subjecting us to restrictive covenants that may limit our flexibility in operating our business;

• limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions, and general corporate or other purposes; and

• placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less highly leveraged.

In the future, we may be able to incur significant additional amounts of debt, which could increase the risks associated with our leverage.

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that will limit our flexibility in operating our business.

Our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing our existing notes contain various covenants that limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

• incur additional indebtedness and make guarantees;

• create liens on assets;

• engage in mergers or consolidations;

• sell assets;

• pay dividends and distributions or repurchase our capital stock;

• make investments, loans and advances, including acquisitions; and

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• engage in certain transactions with affiliates.

The senior secured credit facilities require us to maintain a net first lien leverage ratio not to exceed 5.75 to 1.00. Our ability to comply with this ratio can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will continue to comply with this ratio. Our senior secured credit facilities also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

A breach of any of these covenants or failure to maintain or satisfy this financial ratio could result in a default under our senior secured credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our senior secured credit facilities, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. Any such acceleration would also result in an event of default under the indenture governing our notes. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. If the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient assets to repay our senior secured credit facilities as well as our unsecured indebtedness, including the notes.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock and the Securities Market

Our stock price may be subject to significant volatility, and you may not be able to resell shares of our common stock at or above the price you paid or at all, and you could lose all or part of your investment as a result.

The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including reasons not specifically related to our performance, such as industry or market trends, reports by industry analysts and other third parties, investor perceptions, actions by credit rating agencies, negative announcements by our customers or competitors regarding their own performance or actions taken by our competitors, as well as general economic and industry conditions. Our common stock price is also affected by announcements we make about our business, market data that is available to subscribers, analyst reports related to our Company, changes in financial estimates by analysts, whether or not we meet the financial estimates of analysts who follow our Company, rating agency announcements about our business, variations in our quarterly results of operations and those of our competitors, general economic and stock market conditions, future sales of our common stock, perceptions of the investment opportunity associated with our common stock relative to other investment alternatives, the public’s reaction to our public announcements and filings with the SEC, actual or anticipated growth rates relative to our competitors, and speculation by the investment community regarding our business, among other factors.

As a result of these factors, investors in our common stock may not be able to resell their shares at or above the price at which they purchase our common stock. In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies like us. These broad market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In addition, in the past, some companies that have had volatile market prices for their securities have been subject to class action or derivative lawsuits. The filing of a lawsuit against us, regardless of the outcome, could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as it could result in substantial legal costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

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ITEM 2.PROPERTIES

We own and operate the following 12 manufacturing and warehouse facilities:

Facility location	Principal products	Principal segment (1)	Facility size
Darien, Wisconsin	Frozen vegetables and complete bagged meals	Birds Eye Frozen	748,000 square feet
Ft. Madison, Iowa	Canned meat	Duncan Hines Grocery	475,000 square feet
Imlay City, Michigan	Pickles, peppers, relish	Duncan Hines Grocery	467,500 square feet
Fayetteville, Arkansas	Frozen dinners and entrées	Birds Eye Frozen	360,000 square feet
Waseca, Minnesota	Frozen vegetables	Birds Eye Frozen	348,000 square feet
Centralia, Illinois	Cake and Brownie Mixes	Duncan Hines Grocery	342,000 square feet
Fennville, Michigan	Fruit toppings and fillings	Duncan Hines Grocery	328,000 square feet
Jackson, Tennessee	Frozen breakfast, frozen pizza, frozen prepared seafood	Birds Eye Frozen	324,300 square feet
St. Elmo, Illinois	Syrup, barbecue sauce, salad dressing	Duncan Hines Grocery	292,000 square feet
Mattoon, Illinois	Frozen and refrigerated bagels, frozen breakfast	Birds Eye Frozen	244,000 square feet
Berlin, Pennsylvania	Snack foods - Snyder of Berlin	Specialty Foods	180,000 square feet
Hagerstown, Maryland (2)	Plant based proteins	Birds Eye Frozen	142,000 square feet

(1)We manufacture private label and foodservice products which are included in the Specialty Foods segment, in many of our plants.

(2)The Hagerstown location is expected to begin production in late 2016.

All of our properties are mortgaged to secure our obligations under our Senior Secured Credit Facility. Our Senior Secured Credit Facility is described in more detail in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We also lease manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centers in Algona, Washington (Snack foods - Tim's Cascade)and Richmond, British Columbia (gardein). In addition, we lease warehouses in Darien, Wisconsin, Waseca, Minnesota and Effingham, Illinois.

We have entered into co-packing (third-party manufacturing) agreements with several manufacturers for certain of our finished products. We believe that our manufacturing facilities, together with our co-packing agreements, provide us with sufficient capacity to accommodate our planned internal growth.

We also lease office space under operating leases (expiring) in Parsippany, New Jersey (April 2023); Cherry Hill, New Jersey (October 2021); Fayetteville, Arkansas (Month to Month); Mississauga, Ontario (June 2026); and Richmond, British Columbia (July 2022).

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

General

From time to time, we and our operations are parties to, or targets of, lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of such items cannot be determined with certainty, our general counsel and management are of the opinion that the final outcome of these matters individually or in the aggregate will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES    

The Company's common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "PF". The number of holders of record, including individual owners, of the Company's common stock was 36 as of February 22, 2016. This is not the actual number of beneficial owners of the Company's common stock, as shares are held in "street name" by brokers and others on behalf of individual owners. The closing price of the common stock on the NYSE on February 22, 2016 was $41.60. The following graph compares the cumulative total return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s ("S&P" ) 500 Index and the S&P 500 Packaged Foods and Meats index, which represents our peer group. This graph covers the period from March 28, 2013 (the first day our common stock began trading on the NYSE) through December 25, 2015 (the last trading day of our fiscal year). The graph shows total shareholder return assuming $100 was invested on March 28, 2013 and dividends were reinvested.

Date		Pinnacle Foods, Inc		S&P 500 Index		S&P 500 Packaged Foods & Meats Index
March 28, 2013	*	$	100.00	$	100.00	$	100.00
December 27, 2013		125.30		119.23		107.95
December 26, 2014		168.38		138.01		124.04
December 25, 2015		207.30		139.07		143.60

* Using the closing market price at the end of the first trading day of $22.21 in accordance with SEC guidance. The IPO price was $20.00 per share.

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Information regarding our common stock high and low sales prices as reported on NYSE and dividends declared during the last fiscal year are included in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

This performance graph and other information furnished under this Item of this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

The Company does not have a share repurchase program currently in place but may seek authorization from our Board of Directors to implement one in the future.

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ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial and other operating data for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012, and December 25, 2011.

The selected financial data as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 and for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected financial data as of December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and December 25, 2011 and for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 and December 25, 2011 have been derived from audited financial statements not included in this Form 10-K.

The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes to those statements and “Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

($ in millions, other than per share and share data)	Fiscal Year ended			Fiscal Year ended			Fiscal Year ended			Fiscal Year ended			Fiscal Year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013			December 30, 2012			December 25, 2011
	52 weeks			52 weeks			52 weeks			53 weeks			52 weeks
Statement of operations data:
Net sales	$	2,655.8		$	2,591.2		$	2,463.8		$	2,478.5		$	2,469.6
Gross profit	740.5			681.2			654.2			584.5			614.9
Earnings before interest and taxes	424.7			512.3			293.0			283.6			183.3
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	336.4			416.2			160.8			85.2			(24.8		)
Provision for income taxes	123.9			167.8			71.5			32.7			22.1
Net earnings (loss)	$	212.5		$	248.4		$	89.3		$	52.5		$	(46.9	)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	1.83		$	2.15		$	0.84		$	0.65		$	(0.58	)
Diluted	$	1.81		$	2.13		$	0.82		$	0.61		$	(0.58	)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	116,031,648			115,697,621			106,841,198			81,230,630			81,315,848
Diluted	117,322,526			116,885,222			108,618,740			86,494,546			81,315,848
Dividends declared per share	$	0.98		$	0.89		$	0.57		$	—		$	—
Cash flow:
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	372.9		$	550.7		$	262.2		$	202.9		$	204.2
Investing activities	(105.8		)	(270.0		)	(652.4		)	(77.7		)	(109.4		)
Financing activities	(124.2		)	(358.0		)	414.4			(184.1		)	(59.0		)
Balance sheet data (at end of period):
Cash and cash equivalents	$	180.5		$	38.5		$	116.7		$	92.3		$	151.0
Working capital (1)	469.1			346.6			488.0			404.1			408.7
Total assets	5,340.1			5,200.9			5,081.2			4,400.0			4,451.6
Total debt (2)	2,290.0			2,300.3			2,503.2			2,608.9			2,756.0
Total liabilities	3,534.6			3,487.0			3,483.2			3,511.3			3,606.3
Shareholders' equity	1,805.5			1,714.0			1,598.0			888.7			845.4

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($ in millions, other than per share and share data)	Fiscal Year ended		Fiscal Year ended		Fiscal Year ended		Fiscal Year ended		Fiscal Year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013		December 30, 2012		December 25, 2011
	52 weeks		52 weeks		52 weeks		53 weeks		52 weeks
Other financial data:
Net Sales - North America Retail	$	2,319.6	$	2,246.6	$	2,101.9	$	2,081.7	$	2,066.9
Adjusted gross profit (3)	749.8		711.3		664.4		622.8		643.0
Adjusted EBITDA (4)	531.6		504.0		452.4		425.2		448.5
Capital expenditures	108.5		103.0		84.1		78.3		117.3

(1) Working capital excludes notes payable, revolving debt facility and current portion of long term debt.

(2) Total debt includes notes payable, revolving debt facility and current portion of long term debt.

(3) Adjusted gross profit is defined and explained in more detail in the section titled "Adjusted Gross Profit" in "Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Our management uses Adjusted gross profit as an operating performance measure. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted gross profit is useful to investors because it is consistent with our definition of Adjusted EBITDA (defined below), a measure frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies in industries similar to ours. In addition, we also use targets based on Adjusted gross profit as one of the components used to evaluate our management’s performance. Adjusted gross profit is not defined under GAAP, should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for measures of our performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and is not indicative of gross profit as determined under GAAP.

(4) Adjusted EBITDA is defined and explained in more detail in the section titled "Covenant Compliance" in "Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies in industries similar to ours. In addition, targets for Adjusted EBITDA are among the measures we use to evaluate our management’s performance for purposes of determining their compensation under our incentive plans.

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ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(dollars in millions, except where noted)

You should read the following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition with the “Selected Financial Data” and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in the “Item 1A - Risk Factors” section of this Form 10-K. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See "Disclosure Regarding Forward Looking Statements".

Overview

We are a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high quality, branded food products in North America. The business is comprised of three segments: Birds Eye Frozen, Duncan Hines Grocery and Specialty Foods. Our Birds Eye Frozen segment manages our Leadership Brands in the United States retail frozen vegetables (Birds Eye), frozen complete bagged meals (Birds Eye Voila!), and frozen prepared seafood (Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s) categories, plant based protein frozen products (gardein), as well as our Foundation Brands in the full-calorie single-serve frozen dinners and entrées (Hungry-Man), frozen pancakes / waffles / French toast (Aunt Jemima), frozen and refrigerated bagels (Lender’s) and frozen pizza for one (Celeste) categories. Our Duncan Hines Grocery segment manages our Leadership Brands in the baking mixes and frostings (Duncan Hines), shelf-stable pickles (Vlasic), liquid and dry-mix salad dressings (Wish-Bone and Western), and table syrups (Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin) categories, and our Foundation Brands in the canned meat (Armour, Nalley and Brooks), pie and pastry fillings (Duncan Hines Comstock and Wilderness), and barbecue sauces (Open Pit) categories as well as all Canadian operations. We refer to the sum of our Birds Eye Frozen segment and our Duncan Hines Grocery segment as our North America Retail business. Our Specialty Foods segment consists of snack products (Tim’s Cascade and Snyder of Berlin) and our Foodservice and Private Label businesses.

Segment performance is evaluated by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker and is based on earnings before interest and taxes. Transfers between segments and geographic areas are recorded at cost plus markup or at market. Identifiable assets are those assets, including goodwill, which are identified with the operations in each segment or geographic region. Corporate assets consist of prepaid and deferred tax assets. Unallocated corporate expenses consist of corporate overhead such as executive management and finance and legal functions. Unallocated corporate income in 2014 includes the termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement (see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details). Product contribution is defined as gross profit less direct to consumer advertising and marketing expenses, selling commission and direct brand marketing overhead expenses.

Business Drivers and Measures

In operating our business and monitoring its performance, we pay attention to trends in the food manufacturing industry and a number of performance measures and operational factors. The industry experiences volatility in overall commodity prices from time to time, which has historically been managed by increasing retail prices.  However, over the past several years, significant macroeconomic weakness and ongoing pressures on the consumer have resulted in shifting consumer buying patterns for grocery products.  As a result, industry volumes have come under pressure, hampering the ability of the industry to pass along higher input costs.

Industry Trends

Growth in our industry is driven primarily by population growth, changes in product selling prices and changes in consumption between out-of-home and in-home eating. In the current economic environment, consumers are looking for value alternatives, which has caused an increase in the percentage of products sold on promotion and a shift from traditional retail grocery to mass merchandisers, club stores and dollar store channels. We believe we are well positioned in each of these retail channels, maintaining strong customer relationships across key retailers in each segment.

In order to maintain and grow our business, we must successfully react to, and offer products that respond to, evolving consumer trends, such as changing health trends, the focus on convenience and the growth of smaller households. Incremental growth in the industry is principally driven by product and packaging innovation.

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Revenue Factors

Our net sales are driven principally by the following factors:

• Gross sales, which change as a function of changes in volume and list price; and

• the costs that we deduct from gross sales to arrive at net sales, which consist of:

• Cash discounts,returns and other allowances.

• Trade marketing expenses, which include the cost of temporary price reductions (“on sale” prices), promotional displays and advertising space in store circulars.

• New product distribution (slotting) expenses, which are the costs of having certain retailers stock a new product, including amounts retailers charge for updating their warehousing systems, allocating shelf space and in-store systems set-up, among other things.

• Consumer coupon redemption expenses, which are costs from the redemption of coupons we circulate as part of our marketing efforts.

Cost Factors

• Costs recorded in Cost of products sold in the consolidated statement of operations include:

• Raw materials, such as vegetables and fruits, proteins, grains and oils, sugars, seafood and other agricultural products, among others, are available from numerous independent suppliers but are subject to price fluctuations due to a number of factors, including changes in crop size, federal and state agricultural programs, export demand, weather conditions and insects, among others.

• Packaging costs. Our broad array of products entails significant costs for packaging and is subject to fluctuations in the price of steel, aluminum, glass jars, plastic bottles, corrugated fiberboard, and various poly-films.

• Conversion costs, which include all costs necessary to convert raw materials into finished product. Key components of this cost include direct labor, and plant overhead such as salaries, benefits, utilities and depreciation.

• Freight and distribution. We use a combination of common carriers and inter-modal rail to transport our products from our manufacturing facilities to distribution centers and to deliver products to our customers from both those centers and directly from our manufacturing plants. Our freight and distribution costs are influenced by fuel costs as well as capacity within the industry.

• Costs recorded in marketing and selling expenses in the consolidated statement of operations include:

• Advertising and other marketing expenses. These expenses represent advertising and other consumer and trade-oriented marketing programs. A key strategy is to continue to invest in marketing and public relations that build brand affinity for our Leadership Brands.

• Brokerage commissions and other overhead expenses.

• Costs recorded in administrative and research and development expenses in the consolidated statement of operations include:

• Administrative expenses. These expenses consist of personnel and facility charges and also include third party professional and other services.

• Research and Development. These expenses consist of personnel and facility charges and include expenditures on new products and the improvement and maintenance of existing products and processes.

• Our lean, nimble structure and efficient internal processes has enabled us to consistently hold our overhead costs (i.e., selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding one-time items) to approximately 9% of net sales.

Working Capital

Our working capital is primarily driven by accounts receivable and inventories, which fluctuate throughout the year due to seasonality in both sales and production. See “Seasonality” below. We continually focus on reducing our working capital requirements while simultaneously maintaining our customer service levels and fulfilling our production requirements. We have historically relied on internally generated cash flows and temporary borrowings under our revolving credit facility to satisfy our working capital requirements.

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Other Factors

Other factors that have influenced our results of operations and may do so in the future include:

• Interest Expense. Our IPO and debt refinancings have improved our debt profile and significantly reduced our leverage. See Note 1 and Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this 10-K for further details. However, as a result of our previous acquisitions and the recent Boulder transaction, we still have significant indebtedness. Although we expect to continue to reduce our leverage over time, we expect interest expense to continue to be a significant component of our expenses.

• Cash Taxes. We had significant tax-deductible intangible asset amortization and federal and state Net Operating Loss carryforwards, ("NOLs"), which resulted in minimal federal and state cash taxes through 2015. Continued amortization and utilization of our remaining NOLs will generate modest annual cash savings for 2016 and thereafter.

• Acquisitions and Consolidations. We believe we have the expertise to identify and integrate value-enhancing acquisitions to grow our business and we have done so successfully in the past. On November 14, 2014, we acquired Garden Protein for $156.5 million, the rapidly growing manufacturer of the plant-based protein brand gardein. On August 20, 2015 we acquired a manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland for approximately $8.0 million. The site will be used to expand production capabilities for the gardein brand and provide an east coast footprint to supplement the existing Richmond, British Columbia manufacturing location. We expect to incur approximately $30.0 million in capital expenditures in 2016. We also expect to incur approximately $6.0 million of additional expenditures to integrate the location in 2016. As previously mentioned, on January 15, 2016, the Company acquired Boulder for a cost of approximately $982.0 million (net of cash acquired), which included the repayment of debt. Total acquisition costs of approximately $34.0 million are expected to be incurred, of which $2.1 million was incurred in the fourth quarter of 2015. Included in this total is approximately $25.0 million of debt acquisition costs, including original issue discount. During 2016, we also expect to incur approximately $10.0 to $15.0 million of additional expenditures to integrate the business.

Seasonality

Our sales and cash flows are affected by seasonal cyclicality. Sales of frozen foods, including frozen vegetables and frozen complete bagged meals, tend to be marginally higher during the winter months. Seafood sales peak during Lent, in advance of the Easter holiday. Sales of pickles, relishes, barbecue sauces, potato chips and salad dressings tend to be higher in the spring and summer months, and demand for Duncan Hines products, Birds Eye vegetables and our pie and pastry fruit fillings tend to be higher around the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays. Since many of the raw materials we process under the Birds Eye, Vlasic, Duncan Hines, Comstock and Wilderness brands are agricultural crops, production of these products is predominantly seasonal, occurring during and immediately following the purchase of such crops. We also increase our Duncan Hines inventories in advance of the peak fall selling season. As a result, our inventory levels tend to be higher during August, September, and October, and thus we require more working capital during these months. Typically, we are a seasonal net user of cash in the third quarter of the calendar year.

Inflation

To the extent possible, we strive to offset the effects of inflation with cost reduction and productivity programs. However, we spend approximately $1.9 billion annually on Cost of products sold, therefore each 1% change in our weighted average cost of inputs would increase our Cost of products sold by approximately $19 million. If we experience significant inflation, price increases may be necessary in order to preserve our margins and returns. However, over the past several years, significant macroeconomic weakness and ongoing pressures on the consumer have resulted in shifting consumer buying patterns for grocery products.  As a result, industry volumes have come under pressure, hampering our ability to pass along higher input costs with limited exceptions in select categories. Severe increases in inflation could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Items Affecting Year Over Year Results

During fiscal 2015, our earnings before interest and taxes were impacted by certain items. These items included:

• We recorded $8.6 million of manufacturing integration costs related to the Wish-Bone and Garden Protein acquisitions which were recorded in Cost of products sold.

• As more fully described in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Boulder acquisition was completed on January 15, 2016. Acquisition costs, primarily legal, accounting and other professional fees of $1.7 million were incurred in the fourth quarter of 2015.

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• As more fully described in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we recorded $4.7 million of foreign exchange losses, which represents foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition.

During fiscal 2014, our earnings before interest and taxes were impacted by certain items. These items included:

• As more fully described in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Hillshire merger agreement was terminated on June 30, 2014. As a result, Pinnacle received a $163.0 million cash termination fee in the third quarter of 2014. One-time fees and expenses associated with the merger agreement, comprising external advisors' fees and employee retention incentives, including equity awards, totaled $19.2 million, of which $17.4 million was incurred in fiscal 2014, with the remainder in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The impact on earnings for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, was a pre-tax gain of $145.6 million, $89.1 million net of tax, or $0.76 per diluted share.

• We recorded $36.0 million of equity based compensation expense, an increase of $28.1 million from fiscal year 2013. On November 21, 2014, Blackstone sold approximately 19.7 million shares of the Company's common stock. Blackstone's ownership level after the sale resulted in a liquidity event and in conjunction with them obtaining an annual internal rate of return in excess of 12% on their initial investment resulted in the immediate vesting of approximately 1.1 million non-vested shares and 0.2 million options and the recognition of approximately $23.7 million of equity based compensation expense (the "Liquidity event"). Additionally, $3.5 million of equity based compensation was recognized related to employee incentives and retention awards granted as a result of the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement. Both of these are explained in greater detail in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and are primarily recorded in Administration expense.

• We recorded $11.5 million of manufacturing integration costs related to the acquisitions of Wish-Bone and the Duncan Hines manufacturing business located in Centralia, Illinois which were recorded in Cost of products sold.

During fiscal 2013, our earnings before interest and taxes were impacted by certain items. These items included:

• We recorded a redemption premium of $34.2 million related to the early extinguishment of our debt. This is explained in greater detail in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is recorded in Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

• We recorded $18.5 million in charges from the termination at the IPO date of the advisory agreement previously in place with Blackstone. This is explained in greater detail in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is recorded in Administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

• We recorded $13.8 million of Wish-Bone acquisition and integration costs, which included the $6.3 million of charges recorded in Cost of products sold, resulting from the step-up of inventories acquired and sold during 2013, $6.1 million of merger, acquisition and advisory fees recorded in Other expense (income), net and $1.4 million of integration costs recorded primarily in Administrative expense. This is explained in greater detail in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

• We recorded $7.9 million of equity based compensation expense, an increase of $7.2 million from fiscal year 2012. This is explained in greater detail in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is primarily recorded in Administration expense.

During fiscal 2013, our net earnings were also impacted by certain items which included the following:

• Our 2013 Refinancing resulted in the recognition of approximately $22.5 million of charges to interest expense during fiscal 2013 primarily related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and original issue discount. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

• Third party interest expense was $102.3 million in 2013, a decrease of $56.3 million from the prior year, as a result of our IPO and 2013 Refinancing, which reduced debt balances and lowered interest rates.

• Our 2013 IPO and subsequent refinancing resulted in discontinuation of hedge accounting for certain interest rate swaps in place at the time resulting in a $2.8 million charge to interest expense ($1.7 million, net of tax benefits) and a $9.1 million non-cash charge to the provision for income tax expenses. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

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Results of Operations:

Consolidated Statements of Operations

The following tables set forth our statement of operations data expressed in dollars and as a percentage of net sales.

	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015				December 28, 2014					December 29, 2013
	52 Weeks				52 Weeks					52 Weeks
Net sales	$	2,655.8	100.0	%	$	2,591.2		100.0	%	$	2,463.8	100.0	%
Cost of products sold	1,915.3		72.1	%	1,910.0			73.7	%	1,809.6		73.4	%
Gross profit	740.5		27.9	%	681.2			26.3	%	654.2		26.6	%
Marketing and selling expenses	176.7		6.7	%	177.4			6.8	%	175.7		7.1	%
Administrative expenses	107.0		4.0	%	117.3			4.5	%	119.8		4.9	%
Research and development expenses	13.0		0.5	%	11.3			0.4	%	10.5		0.4	%
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement	—		—	%	(153.0		)	(5.9	)%	—		—	%
Other expense (income), net	19.1		0.7	%	16.0			0.6	%	55.2		2.2	%
	315.8		11.9	%	168.9			6.5	%	361.2		14.7	%
Earnings before interest and taxes	$	424.7	16.0	%	$	512.3		19.8	%	$	293.0	11.9	%

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	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
	52 Weeks			52 Weeks		52 Weeks
Net sales
Birds Eye Frozen	$	1,227.2		$	1,115.2	$	1,096.9
Duncan Hines Grocery	1,092.4			1,131.4		1,005.0
North America Retail	2,319.6			2,246.6		2,101.9
Specialty Foods	336.1			344.6		361.9
Total	$	2,655.8		$	2,591.2	$	2,463.8
Earnings before interest and taxes
Birds Eye Frozen	$	211.5		$	182.4	$	198.6
Duncan Hines Grocery	206.7			184.1		144.4
Specialty Foods	32.3			30.9		30.0
Unallocated corporate income (expense)	(25.9		)	114.9		(80.0		)
Total	$	424.7		$	512.3	$	293.0
Depreciation and amortization
Birds Eye Frozen	$	44.4		$	40.4	$	38.4
Duncan Hines Grocery	30.7			26.3		22.8
Specialty Foods	14.6			13.9		17.1
Total	$	89.7		$	80.6	$	78.2

Adjustments to Earnings (loss) before Interest and Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization used in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA as described below in the "Covenant Compliance" section, by Segment, are as follows:

	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
	52 Weeks		52 Weeks			53 Weeks
Adjustments to Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes
Birds Eye Frozen	$	9.1	$	20.7		$	6.0
Duncan Hines Grocery	7.5		27.2			20.5
Specialty Foods	—		2.5			0.4
Unallocated corporate (income) expenses	1.7		(139.2		)	54.2
Adjustments to Depreciation and amortization
Birds Eye Frozen	$	—	$	—		$	—
Duncan Hines Grocery	1.1		—			—
Specialty Foods	—		—			—

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Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 compared to the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014

Net sales

Net sales were $2.66 billion for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, an increase of 2.5% compared to net sales of $2.59 billion in the comparable prior-year period, reflecting a 2.3% benefit from the Garden Protein acquisition and higher net price realization of 1.3% partially offset by a 0.7% decrease from volume/mix. The year was also impacted by unfavorable foreign currency translation of 0.4%.

Net sales in our North America Retail businesses increased $73.0 million, or 3.3% from the prior year. This performance reflected a 2.6% benefit from the Garden Protein acquisition and higher net price realization of 1.3% partially offset by a 0.2% decrease from volume/mix and unfavorable foreign currency translation of 0.4%. In an industry generally marked by no growth and heavier promotional spending, we continue to outpace the performance of our composite categories, with market share growth of 0.5 percentage points in fiscal 2015.

Birds Eye Frozen Segment:

Net sales in the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 were $1.23 billion, an increase of $112.0 million, or 10.0%, from the prior year reflecting a 5.3% increase from the Garden Protein acquisition, a 3.3% increase from volume/mix and higher net price realization of 1.4%. The period was positively impacted by gains in sales of our Birds Eye frozen vegetables and Birds Eye Voila! complete bagged meals, reflecting distribution expansion and the benefit of newly launched products in 2015 such as Birds Eye Steamfresh Flavor Full, Protein Blends, Disney-themed side dishes for kids and Birds Eye Voila! non-chicken varieties. These increases were partially offset by lower sales of Hungry-Man, Lender's, Aunt Jemima and Celeste products.

Duncan Hines Grocery Segment:

Net sales in the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 were $1.09 billion, a decline of $39.0 million, or 3.4%, from the prior year reflecting a 3.7% decrease from volume/mix and unfavorable foreign currency of 0.9%, partially offset by higher net price realization of 1.2%. Positively impacting the period were increased sales of our Log Cabin syrups and Vlasic pickles. More than offsetting this increase were lower sales of our Duncan Hines baking products due to category weakness, and lower sales of Wish-Bone products, reflecting a highly competitive category environment. The decline in Duncan Hines was partially offset by the 2015 introduction of Duncan Hines Perfect Size baking kits designed specifically for smaller households.

Specialty Foods Segment:

Net sales in the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 were $336.1 million, a decline of $8.4 million, or 2.4%, from the prior year, reflecting a 3.6% decrease from volume/mix, partially offset by higher net price realization of 1.2%. The volume decrease was primarily attributable to lower sales of private label canned meat.

Gross profit

Gross profit for the year ended December 27, 2015 was $740.5 million, or 27.9% of net sales, compared to $681.2 million, or 26.3% of net sales, in the comparable prior-year period. Impacting gross profit in fiscal 2015 were lower mark to market losses on financial instruments and lower acquisition integration and restructuring costs. Excluding these and other items affecting comparability, gross profit advanced 5.4% and gross margin percentage increased approximately 80 basis points largely due to productivity, higher net price realization and favorable product mix partially offset by inflation, higher depreciation expense and unfavorable currency impact.

The following table outlines the factors resulting in the year on year change in gross profit and gross margin percentage in fiscal 2015.

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	$			% net sales
Productivity	$	69.0		2.4	%
Higher net price realization, including slotting	33.1			0.9
Favorable product mix	20.1			0.4
Lower mark-to-market losses on financial instruments	15.2			0.6
Employee incentives resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and the fourth quarter 2014 Liquidity event (a)	4.5			0.2
Lower acquisition integration and restructuring costs	2.1			0.1
Inflation	(59.0		)	(2.2	)
Higher depreciation expense (b)	(7.2		)	(0.3	)
Unfavorable currency impact	(6.9		)	(0.1	)
Other (c)	(12.5		)	(0.4	)
Subtotal	58.4			1.6	%
Higher sales volume	0.9
	$	59.3

(a) For further details on the 2014 Liquidity event see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(b) The increase primarily relates to insourcing of the manufacturing of Wish-Bone into our St. Elmo, Illinois location and the impact from the Garden Protein acquisition.

(c) Consists primarily of higher levels of inventory obsolescence, business improvement initiatives, packaging investments and comparison against the impact of our prior year vacation policy change (In the fourth quarter of 2014, our salaried vacation policy was amended to change the period in which vacation pay vests.) partially offset by synergies realized from the Wish-Bone acquisition.

Marketing and selling expenses

Marketing and selling expenses were $176.7 million, or 6.7% of net sales, for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, compared to $177.4 million, or 6.8% of net sales, for fiscal 2014. Items affecting comparability were charges of $0.4 million and $6.8 million in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. The variance in these items was largely driven by 2014 employee incentives resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event. Excluding items affecting comparability from both years, Marketing and selling expenses increased $5.7 million, or 3.4%, compared to fiscal year 2014 largely reflecting the impact of the Garden Protein acquisition and increased investment for consumer marketing for the Birds Eye brandpartially offset by lower consumer marketing in other brands.

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses were $107.0 million, or 4.0% of net sales, for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, compared to $117.3 million, or 4.5% of net sales, for the comparable prior-year period. The fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 was impacted by $1.8 million of charges, primarily related to acquisition integration costs and expenses related to secondary offerings of common stock. The fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 was impacted by $23.1 million of additional charges, primarily related to employee incentives resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event. Excluding items affecting comparability from both years, Administrative expense increased $11.0 million, or 11.7%, compared to fiscal year 2014 largely due to higher personnel expenses, partially as a result of the Garden Protein acquisition, higher non-cash equity based compensation expense, higher depreciation expense and comparison against the impact of the 2014 vacation policy change.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses were $13.0 million, or 0.5% of net sales, for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 compared to $11.3 million, or 0.4% of net sales, for the comparable prior-year period. This increase primarily reflected innovation related expenses and higher personnel expenses as a result of the Garden Protein acquisition.

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Other Income and Expense:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Other expense (income), net consists of:
Amortization of intangibles/other assets	$	13.6		$	13.9
Boulder brands acquisition costs (Note 19)	1.7			—
Garden Protein acquisition costs (Note 3)	—			3.1
Foreign exchange losses	4.7			0.7
Royalty income and other	(0.9		)	(1.7		)
Total other expense (income), net	$	19.1		$	16.0

Foreign exchange losses. Represents foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.

Earnings before interest and taxes

Earnings before interest and taxes declined $87.6 million, or 17.1%, to $424.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015. Items affecting comparability in fiscal years 2015 and 2014 were $18.3 million of charges and $88.9 million of credits, respectively. The variance in these items was largely driven by the 2014 benefit of the Hillshire merger termination fee, net of costs incurred, associated employee incentives and retention expenses incurred in the year ago period and incremental equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event. Excluding items affecting comparability from both years, Earnings before interest and taxes increased $19.7 million, or 4.6%, primarily resulting from increased gross profit, partially offset by higher administrative expenses and higher marketing and selling expenses.

Birds Eye Frozen Segment:

Earnings before interest and taxes for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 were $211.5 million, an increase of 16.0%, or $29.1 million as compared to the previous year. Excluding items affecting comparability, Earnings before interest and taxes increased $17.5 million, or 8.6%, primarily reflecting net sales growth, which included both the full year benefit of the Garden Protein acquisition and higher net price realization as well as productivity savings. Also impacting the year were newly launched margin accretive products described earlier. These increases were partially offset by input cost inflation and increased investment for consumer marketing for Birds Eye in support of new products.

Duncan Hines Grocery Segment:

Earnings before interest and taxes increased $22.6 million, or 12.3%, to $206.7 million as compared to the previous year. Excluding items affecting comparability, Earnings before interest and taxes increased $2.9 million or 1.4% largely reflecting productivity savings, higher net price realization, lower consumer marketing expense and synergies realized from the Wish-Bone acquisition, partially offset by the impacts of lower sales volume and input cost inflation.

Specialty Foods Segment:

Earnings before interest and taxes increased $1.4 million, or 4.6%, to $32.3 million, primarily reflecting productivity savings and lower intangible amortization, partially offset by the decline in net sales and input cost inflation.

Unallocated corporate income (expenses):

Unallocated corporate expense for fiscal 2015 was $25.9 million, as compared to unallocated income of $114.9 million in the comparable prior year period. The change primarily reflected the impact in 2014 of the receipt of the Hillshire merger termination fee payment, net of costs and partially offset by incremental employee incentives and retention expenses, resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and the higher equity based compensation

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expense resulting from the Liquidity event. Excluding these and other items affecting comparability, Unallocated Corporate expenses were $24.1 million for fiscal 2015, compared to $24.3 million for fiscal 2014.

Interest Expense, net

Net interest expense declined 8.1%, or $7.7 million, from $96.1 million in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 to $88.3 million in the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015. The decrease primarily resulted from lower outstanding debt balances, a 25 basis step-down on our term loans due to the benefit of our improved net leverage ratio and comparison against $1.9 million of year ago charges associated with our July 2014 principal payment (see Note 10). Partially impacting these benefits was higher interest rate swap losses described below.

We utilize interest rate swap agreements to reduce the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. Any gains or losses realized on the interest rate swap agreements, excluding the Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) earnings ("AOCL") portion, are recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. Included in net interest expense was $3.7 million and $0.9 million for the fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively, recorded from losses on interest rate swap agreements.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

The effective tax rate was 36.8% for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 compared to 40.3% for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014. The effective rate for the year ended December 27, 2015 includes benefits of approximately 0.6% related to foreign earnings, including recognition of a foreign tax credit, and 0.3% related to the domestic production activities deduction. The foreign tax credit benefit is attributable to a fiscal year 2015 dividend repatriation from the Company’s Canadian subsidiary to its U.S. parent. The Company was not eligible for the production activities deduction in prior years due its net operating losses offsetting federal taxable income. The 2015 tax rate also includes a charge of 0.3% for non-deductible transaction expenditures related to acquisition activity (Note 19) and our Secondary Offerings (Note 1). The effective rate for the year ended December 28, 2014, was primarily driven by approximately $22.6 million of non-deductible, equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity Event (Note 1). Excluding the impact of this and other items affecting comparability, the effective rate for fiscal 2014 would have been 37.9%.

Under Internal Revenue Code (“the Code”) Section 382, the Company is a loss corporation. Section 382 of the Code places limitations on our ability to use our Net Operating Loss carryovers (NOL's) to offset taxable income. As described in Note 16, an ownership change in the third quarter of 2014 placed an annual limitation of approximately $94.0 million on approximately $230.8 million of our federal NOL carryovers which previously were not subject to an annual limitation. During 2015 the Company fully utilized the federal NOL’s which became subject to the 2014 limitation. Our remaining NOLs remain subject to an annual limitation of approximately $17.1 million. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We have significant tax-deductible intangible asset amortization and federal and state NOLs, which resulted in minimal federal and state cash taxes through 2015. We expect continued amortization and utilization of our NOLs will generate modest annual cash tax savings in 2016 and thereafter.

Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 compared to fiscal year ended December 29, 2013

Net sales

Net sales were $2.59 billion for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, an increase of 5.2% compared to net sales of $2.46 billion in the comparable prior-year period, reflecting 5.9% and 0.3% benefits from the Wish-Bone and Garden Protein acquisitions, respectively and a 0.3% increase from volume/mix, partially offset by lower net pricing of 1.1% and unfavorable foreign currency translation of 0.2%.

Net sales in our North America Retail businesses increased $144.7 million, or 6.9% from the prior year. This performance reflected 6.8% and 0.3% benefits from the Wish-Bone and Garden Protein acquisitions, respectively and a 1.2% increase from volume/mix partially offset by lower net pricing of 1.1% and a 0.3% decrease from foreign exchange. In an industry generally marked by no growth and heavier promotional spending, we continue to outpace the performance of our composite categories, with market share growth of 0.2 percentage points in fiscal 2014.

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Birds Eye Frozen Segment:

Net sales in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 were $1.12 billion, an increase of $18.3 million, or 1.7%, from the prior year reflecting a 2.3% increase from volume/mix and a 0.6% benefit from the Garden Protein acquisition which were partially offset by lower net pricing of 1.2%. During the year we realized strong sales of our Birds Eye Voila! complete bagged meals reflecting distribution gains driven by new varieties such as Fajitas chicken and Chicken stir fry and more family size options. Also positively impacting net sales for the year was the continued strength of our Birds Eye frozen vegetables and increased sales of our Hungry-Man entrées, driven by the successful expansion of our HungryMan Selects line. These increases were partially offset by lower sales in our Aunt Jemima breakfast products and

Celeste pizza.

Duncan Hines Grocery Segment:

Net sales in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 were $1.13 billion, an increase of $126.4 million, or 12.6%, from

the prior year reflecting a 14.3% increase in sales from the Wish-Bone acquisition partially offset by lower net pricing

of 1.2% and unfavorable foreign currency translation of 0.5%. In addition to Wish-Bone, the fiscal year benefited from

higher sales of Vlasic pickles and Armour canned meats. These increases were partially offset by lower sales of Duncan

Hines baking productsdue to category weakness, lower sales of our Mrs. Buttterworth's and Log Cabin syrups and a decline in our Canadian business.

Specialty Foods Segment:

Net sales in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 were $344.6 million, a decline of $17.3 million, or 4.8%, from the

prior year, reflecting a 0.7% benefit from the Wish-Bone foodservice business more than offset by a 4.9% decrease from

volume/mix and lower net pricing of 0.6%. The volume decrease was primarily attributable to expected lower sales of private label canned meat.

Gross profit

Gross profit for the year ended December 28, 2014 was $681.2 million, or 26.3% of net sales, compared to $654.2 million, or 26.6% of net sales, in the comparable prior-year period. Impacting gross profit in fiscal 2014 was higher mark to market losses on financial instruments and acquisition integration and restructuring costs. Excluding these and other items affecting comparability, gross profit advanced 7.1% and gross margin percentage increased 50 basis points largely due to productivity and favorable product

mix partially offset by inflation and lower net price realization.

The following table outlines the factors resulting in the year on year change in gross profit and gross margin percentage in fiscal

2014.

	$			% net sales
Productivity	$	64.0		2.5	%
Favorable product mix	31.0			1.1
Inflation	(46.0		)	(1.8	)
Lower net price realization, net of slotting	(24.5		)	(0.7	)
Higher mark to market losses on financial instruments	(13.2		)	(0.5	)
Acquisition integration and restructuring costs	(6.9		)	(0.3	)
Employee incentives resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and the fourth quarter 2014 Liquidity event (a)	(5.5		)	(0.2	)
Higher depreciation expense	(2.1		)	(0.1	)
Other (b)	(8.6		)	(0.3	)
Subtotal	(11.8		)	(0.3	)%
Higher sales volume	38.8
	$	27.0

38

(a) For further details on the Liquidity event see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(b) Includes packaging investments ($6.0) (primarily for Birds Eye vegetables and Aunt Jemima products), impact of prior year

insurance recovery ($2.3), other of ($3.0) and $2.7 vacation policy change (In the fourth quarter of 2014, our salaried vacation

policy was amended to change the period in which vacation pay vests.)

Marketing and selling expenses

Marketing and selling expenses were $177.4 million, or 6.8% of net sales, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, compared

to $175.7 million, or 7.1% of net sales, for fiscal 2013. The increase primarily reflected higher consumer marketing investment, most notably behind our Wish-Bone brand partially offset by lower personnel costs, primarily resulting from the change in vacation policy. The fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 was also impacted by $6.8 million of items affecting comparability, primarily employee incentives resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and equity based compensation resulting from the Liquidity event. The fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 was impacted by $6.1 million of items affecting comparability, primarily restructuring charges related to the expansion of headquarter direct sales coverage.

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses were $117.3 million, or 4.5% of net sales, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, compared to $119.8 million, or 4.9% of net sales, for the comparable prior-year period. The fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 was impacted by $23.1 million of additional charges, primarily related to employee incentives resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and and equity based compensation resulting from the Liquidity event. The fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 was impacted by $24.5 million of restructuring and IPO-related charges, including $18.5 million from the termination of the advisory agreement previously in place with Blackstone. Excluding items affecting comparability from both years, Administrative expense decreased $1.1 million compared to fiscal year 2013 largely due to lower personnel costs, primarily resulting from the change in vacation policy and lower insurance premiums partially offset by higher depreciation expense.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses were $11.3 million, or 0.4% of net sales, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 compared

to $10.5 million, or 0.4% of net sales, for the comparable prior-year period. This increase primarily reflected higher personnel costs from the integration of the Wish-Bone business, employee incentives resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and equity based compensation resulting from the Liquidity event.

Termination fee received, net of costs

Represents the $163.0 million termination fee received from Tyson on behalf of Hillshire, net of transaction costs primarily consisting of professional fees incurred related to the terminated merger agreement. See Note 7, Other Expense (income), net for further details.

Other Income and Expense:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Other expense (income), net consists of:
Amortization of intangibles/other assets	$	13.9		$	15.9
Wish-Bone acquisition costs (Note 3)	—			6.1
Garden Protein acquisition costs (Note 3)	3.1			—
Foreign exchange losses	0.7			—
Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt	—			34.2
Royalty income and other	(1.7		)	(0.9		)
Total other expense (income), net	$	16.0		$	55.2

39

Foreign exchange losses. Represents foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.

Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt. On May 10, 2013, as part of a debt refinancing (the "2013 Refinancing") the Company redeemed all $400.0 million of its outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 108.5% of the aggregate principal amount at a premium of $34.2 million.

Earnings before interest and taxes

Earnings before interest and taxes increased $219.2 million, or 74.8%, to $512.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014. The primary drivers of the increase were the $145.6 million impact of the Hillshire merger termination fee, net of costs and associated employee incentives and retention expenses incurred as well as $53.4 million of charges in the comparable prior year period related to the early extinguishment of debt and the IPO related termination of the advisory agreement with Blackstone. Also impacting fiscal 2014, was $29.2 million of additional charges affecting comparability as compared to 2013, primarily $23.7 million of incremental equity based compensation resulting from the Liquidity event. Excluding these items, Earnings before interest and taxes increased $49.3 million, or 13.2%, primarily resulting from increased gross profit and the $6.5 million benefit from the change in the vacation policy.

Birds Eye Frozen Segment:

Earnings before interest and taxes for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 were $182.4 million, a decline of 8.2%, or $16.3 million primarily reflecting higher mark to market losses on financial instruments and incremental employee incentives and retention expenses, resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement, higher equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event and charges incurred resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition, including unrealized foreign exchange losses. Excluding these and other items affecting comparability, Earnings before interest and taxes were $203.1 million, a decline of 0.8% compared to the year-ago period, primarily reflecting productivity in excess of inflation, lower marketing expense and the benefit of the change in vacation policy, more than offset by lower net price realization and higher logistics costs and packaging investments.

Duncan Hines Grocery Segment:

Earnings before interest and taxes increased $39.7 million, or 27.5%, to $184.1 million primarily reflecting improved gross profit, driven by the benefit of the Wish-Bone acquisition, as well as productivity, lower commodity prices and the benefit of the change in vacation policy. These were partially offset by lower net price realization, lower earnings from our Canadian operations, higher mark to market losses on financial instruments and incremental employee incentives and retention expenses, resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and higher equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event.

Specialty Foods Segment:

Earnings before interest and taxes increased $0.9 million, or 3.1%, to $30.9 million, primarily reflecting productivity savings, lower commodity costs and the benefits of the acquired Wish-Bone foodservice business and the change in vacation policy.

Unallocated corporate income (expenses):

Unallocated corporate income for fiscal 2014 was $114.9 million, as compared to unallocated expense of $80.0 million

in the comparable prior year period. The change primarily reflected the impact of the receipt of the Hillshire merger termination fee payment, net of costs and partially offset by incremental employee incentives and retention expenses, resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and the higher equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event. Also impacting the comparison were charges incurred in the comparable prior year period of $34.2 million related to the early extinguishment of debt and $18.5 million related to the termination at the IPO date of the advisory agreement previously in place with Blackstone.

Interest Expense, net

Net interest expense declined 27.3% or $36.2 million from $132.2 million in the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 to $96.1

million in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014. Included in net interest expense in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 are charges associated with our July 2014, principal payment and 2013 Refinancing (see Note 10) respectively. These items which total $1.9

40

million and $22.5 million in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively, are described below. Excluding these items, net interest expense declined by $15.5 million largely resulting from lower outstanding debt balances driven by IPO-related debt reduction and our July 2014 $200.0 million principal payment as well as lower interest rates due to the benefit of our 2013 Refinancing. Also, fiscal 2014 was slightly favorably impacted by lower interest rates beginning mid November as a result of our improved leverage ratio. These decreases were partially offset by incremental debt driven by the Wish-Bone acquisition.

Our July 8, 2014, $200.0 million principal payment of the Tranche G Term Loans resulted in the recognition of approximately $1.9 million of charges to interest expense in fiscal 2014 for write-offs of existing debt acquisition costs and original issue discounts.

The 2013 Refinancing included using the net proceeds of $623.9 million ($667.0 million of gross proceeds net of $43.1 million of underwriting discounts) from our April 3, 2013 IPO along with cash on hand to pay down $667.0 million of debt, which included all $465.0 million of our 9.25% Senior Notes on April 15, 2013 and $202.0 million of Tranche B Term Loans. In addition, on April 29, 2013, the Company entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which provided for the issuance of $1.63 billion of Tranche G Term Loans due 2020 and the extension of the due date of our revolving credit facility to 2018. The proceeds were used to repay all previously outstanding borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. The 2013 Refinancing resulted in our recognizing approximately $22.5 million of charges to interest expense during the second quarter of 2013. The charges recognized consisted of $14.9 million of existing deferred financing costs and original issue discounts as well as $4.8 million of new costs incurred in connection with the transaction that were recorded directly to interest expense and a $2.8 million charge resulting from the dedesignation and termination of interest rate swaps.

We utilize interest rate swap agreements to reduce the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. Any gains or losses realized on the interest rate swap agreements, excluding the Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) earnings ("AOCL") portion, are recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. Included in net interest expense was $0.9 million and $4.1 million for the fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively, recorded from losses on interest rate swap agreements.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

The effective tax rate was 40.3% for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 compared to 44.4% for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013. The effective rate for the year ended December 28, 2014, is primarily driven by approximately $22.6 million of non-deductible equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event (Note 5). Excluding the impact of this and other items affecting comparability, the effective rate for fiscal 2014 would have been 37.9%. The effective rate for the year ended December 29, 2013, was primarily driven by the Company discontinuing hedge accounting at the time of the 2013 Refinancing for interest rate swaps in effect at that time (Note 12). Accordingly, changes to the fair value and associated tax effects accumulated in other comprehensive income were recognized to the statement of operations during the second quarter of 2013, resulting in a $9.1 million non-cash deferred tax charge to the provision for income taxes. Excluding the impact of this and other items affecting comparability, the effective rate for 2013 would have been 38.9%.

Under Internal Revenue Code ("the Code") Section 382, the Company is a loss corporation. Section 382 of the Code places limitations on our ability to use our Net Operating Loss carryovers (NOLs) to offset taxable income. As described in Note 16, an ownership change in the third quarter of 2014 placed an annual limitation of approximately $94.0 million on $230.8 million of our federal NOL carryovers which previously were not subject to an annual limitation. The annual Federal NOL limitation that applies to our NOLs before the ownership change is approximately $17.0 million to $23.0 million. We do not anticipate that this new limitation will impact the realization of our NOL carryovers. Each of the NOL limitations is subject to adjustment for certain built in gain recognition items (as defined in IRC Section 382), subject to other rules and restrictions. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We have significant tax-deductible intangible asset amortization and federal and state NOLs, which resulted in minimal federal and state cash taxes in recent years. We expect continued amortization and utilization of our NOLs will significantly reduce our federal and state income tax payments through 2015 and generate modest annual cash tax savings thereafter.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historical

Our cash flows are seasonal. Typically we are a net user of cash in the third quarter of the calendar year (i.e., the quarter ending in September) and a net generator of cash over the balance of the year.

Our principal liquidity requirements have been, and we expect will be, for working capital and general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and debt service. In addition, subsequent to the IPO, the Company initiated a quarterly dividend program. Currently, the quarterly payment is $0.255 per share or approximately $30.0 million. The Company repurchased 1.0 million shares of common stock at a cost of $32.1 million during fiscal 2014 to offset shares issued under the Liquidity event. We do not have a share repurchase program currently in place but may seek authorization from our Board of Directors to implement one in the future. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $135.0 to $145.0 million in 2016, which include approximately $20.0 million related to Boulder Brands and approximately $30.0 million related to our Garden Protein acquisition integration projects. We have historically satisfied our liquidity requirements with internally generated cash flows and availability under our revolving credit facility. We expect that our ability to generate cash from our operations and ability to borrow from our credit facilities should be sufficient to support working capital needs, planned growth and capital expenditures for the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future. We keep an insignificant amount of cash in foreign accounts, primarily related to the operations of our Canadian business.

Statements of cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 compared to the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014

Net cash provided by operating activities was $372.9 million for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 and was the result of net earnings, excluding non-cash charges and credits of $441.8 million and an increase in working capital of $68.9 million. The increase in working capital was primarily the result of a $49.2 million increase in inventories resulting from favorable agricultural crop yields and innovation related inventory build, a $30.9 million increase in accounts receivable resulting from the timing of sales within the month of December 2015 compared to the previous year, a $8.1 million decrease in accrued liabilities driven primarily by lower accrued income taxes, and a $6.4 million increase in other current assets driven primarily by prepaid income taxes. This was partially offset by a $15.1 million increase in accounts payable driven by our inventory purchases and the timing of vendor payments and a $10.5 million increase in accrued trade marketing expense driven by higher sales for December 2015 compared to the previous year.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $550.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, which included $151.4

million of cash inflows related to the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement. In addition, net earnings, exclusive of the aforementioned termination inflow and non-cash charges and credits, were $387.8 million. Also impacting the period was a decrease in working capital of $11.5 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily the result of a $24.9 million increase in accounts payable driven principally by improved vendor terms, and a $21.6 million decrease in inventory principally resulting from lower crop yields. The decrease in working capital was partially offset by a $11.5 million decrease in accrued liabilities primarily attributable to the change in the vacation policy and lower accrued interest and a $21.6 million increase in accounts receivable resulting from the timing of sales within the month of December in 2014 compared to the previous year. All other working capital accounts were a net $1.8 million cash outflow.

Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 totaled $105.8 million and included $108.5 million for capital expenditures as well as $1.1 million of cash inflows from a Garden Protein acquisition post closing working capital adjustment. Capital expenditures included approximately $25.5 million of costs related to our acquisition integration projects. Investing activities also included $1.6 million of proceeds from the sale of assets.

Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 totaled $270.0 million and included $169.4 million for the Garden Protein and Gilster acquisitions as well as $103.0 million for capital expenditures, which included approximately $41.5 million of capital related to the Wish-Bone and Gilster acquisitions. Net cash used in investing activities also included $2.3 million of proceeds from the sale of assets.

Net cash used in financing activities for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 was $124.2 million and consisted of $111.8 million of dividends paid, $8.9 million of term loan repayments, $3.8 million of net capital leases and notes payable activity and $0.3 million of cash inflows related to our equity based compensation plans.

Net cash used in financing activities for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 was $358.0 million and consisted of $220.0 million of term loan repayments, $101.6 million of dividends paid, $32.1 million for the purchase of treasury stock, $2.4 million

of net capital leases and notes payable activity and $1.7 million of cash outflows related to our equity based compensation plans.

All other financing activities generated a net $0.3 million outflow.

42

The net of all activities resulted in an increase in cash of $142.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, compared to a decrease in cash of $78.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014.

Statements of cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013

Net cash provided by operating activities was $550.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, which included $151.4

million of cash inflows related to the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement. In addition, net earnings, exclusive of the aforementioned termination inflow and non-cash charges and credits, were $387.8 million. Also impacting the period was a decrease in working capital of $11.5 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily the result of a $24.9 million increase in accounts payable driven principally by improved vendor terms, and a $21.6 million decrease in inventory principally resulting from lower crop yields. The decrease in working capital was partially offset by a $11.5 million decrease in accrued liabilities primarily attributable to the change in the vacation policy and lower accrued interest and a $21.6 million increase in accounts receivable resulting from the timing of sales within the month of December in 2014 compared to the previous year. All other working capital accounts were a net $1.8 million cash outflow.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $262.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 and was the result of net earnings, excluding non-cash charges and credits of $287.8 million and an increase in working capital of $25.5 million. The increase in working capital was primarily the result of a $21.3 million increase in accounts receivable resulting from the timing of sales within the month of December in 2013 compared to the previous year. Also contributing to the increase in working capital was a $17.1 million decrease in accrued liabilities primarily attributable to lower interest payable resulting from the 2013 Refinancing and pay downs as well, and a $7.3 million decrease in accrued trade marketing expense driven by lower sales for December of 2013 compared to the previous year as a result of the impact of the 53rd week. The increase in working capital was partially offset by a $16.1 million decrease in inventory principally resulting from inventory built in 2012 related to our pickle supply chain consolidation and a $4.1 million decrease in accounts payable driven principally by the timing of production. All other working capital accounts generated a net $0.1 million cash outflow.

Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 totaled $270.0 million and included $169.4 million for the Garden Protein and Gilster acquisitions as well as $103.0 million for capital expenditures, which included approximately $41.5 million of capital related to the Wish-Bone and Gilster acquisitions. Net cash used in investing activities also included $2.3 million of proceeds from the sale of assets.

Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 totaled $652.4 million and included $575.2 million for the acquisition of Wish-Bone as well as $84.1 million for capital expenditures which included approximately $6.3 million of costs related to our facility consolidation projects. Net cash used in investing activities also included $6.9 million of proceeds from the sale of assets.

Net cash used in financing activities for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 was $358.0 million and consisted of $220.0 million of term loan repayments, $101.6 million of dividends paid, $32.1 million for the purchase of treasury stock, $2.4 million of net capital leases and notes payable activity and $1.7 million of cash outflows related to our equity based compensation plans. All other financing activities generated a net $0.3 million outflow.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 was impacted by our IPO, the 2013 Refinancing and the addition of Term Loan H, which are explained in greater detail in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 was $414.4 million and consisted of $625.0 million of proceeds, primarily from our IPO ($667.0 million of gross proceeds net of $43.1 million of underwriting discounts and other fees), $2,142.4 million of proceeds from our new Term Loan G and H Loans and $350.0 million of proceeds from our notes offering which were partially offset by $1,736.1 million of Term Loan repayments, $899.2 million of repurchases of outstanding notes, $41.7 million of dividends paid, $23.1 million of debt acquisition costs and $2.8 million of net capital lease and notes payable activity.

The net of all activities resulted in a decrease in cash of $78.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, compared to

an increase in cash of $24.5 million for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

Debt

For more information on our debt, see Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements "Debt and Interest Expense".

43

Covenant Compliance

The following is a discussion of the financial covenants contained in our debt agreements.

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Our Amended Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to:

• incur additional indebtedness and make guarantees;

• create liens on assets;

• engage in mergers or consolidations;

• sell assets;

• pay dividends and distributions or repurchase our capital stock;

• make investments, loans and advances, including acquisitions; and

• engage in certain transactions with affiliates.

The Amended Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

4.875% Senior Notes

The 4.875% Senior Notes are general senior unsecured obligations, effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior secured indebtedness, and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee our other indebtedness.

The indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes limits our (and our restricted subsidiaries’) ability to, subject to certain exceptions:

• incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares;

• pay dividends on or make other distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments;

• make certain investments;

• sell certain assets;

• create liens on certain assets to secure debt;

• consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

• enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

• designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

Subject to certain exceptions, the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes permits us and our restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness.

Covenant Compliance EBITDA

The Company's metric of Adjusted EBITDA, which is used in creating targets for the bonus portion of our compensation plan, is substantially equivalent to Covenant Compliance EBITDA under our debt agreements.

Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, Pinnacle Foods Finance is required to maintain a ratio of Net First Lien Secured Debt to Covenant Compliance EBITDA of no greater than 5.75 to 1.00. Net First Lien Secured Debt is defined as Pinnacle Foods Finance's aggregate consolidated secured indebtedness secured on a first lien basis, less the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.

In addition, under the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments and paying dividends is tied to the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (which is currently the same as the ratio of Net First Lien Secured Debt to Covenant Compliance EBITDA described above), in the case of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, or to the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to fixed charges for the most recently concluded four consecutive fiscal quarters, in the case of the Senior Notes. We believe that these covenants are material terms of these agreements and that information about the covenants is material to an investor's understanding our financial performance. As of December 27, 2015, we were in compliance with all covenants and other obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes.

Covenant Compliance EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), further adjusted to exclude non-cash items, extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items and other adjustment items permitted in calculating Covenant Compliance EBITDA under the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the 4.875%

44

Senior Notes. We believe that the inclusion of supplementary adjustments to EBITDA applied in presenting Covenant Compliance EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information to investors to demonstrate compliance with our financial covenants.

EBITDA and Covenant Compliance EBITDA do not represent net earnings or loss or cash flow from operations as those terms are defined by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and do not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund cash needs. In particular, the definitions of Covenant Compliance EBITDA in the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture allow us to add back certain non-cash, extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring charges that are deducted in calculating net earnings or loss. However, these are expenses that vary greatly and are difficult to predict. While EBITDA and Covenant Compliance EBITDA and similar measures are frequently used as measures of operations and the ability to meet debt service requirements, they are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation.

Our ability to meet the covenants specified above in future periods will depend on events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet those ratios. A breach of any of these covenants in the future could result in a default under, or an inability to undertake certain activities in compliance with, the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes, at which time the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable. Any such acceleration would also result in a default under the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes.

The following table provides a reconciliation from our net earnings to EBITDA and Covenant Compliance EBITDA for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014. The terms and related calculations are defined in the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes.

(thousands of dollars)	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Net earnings	$	212,508	$	248,418
Interest expense, net	88,315		96,053
Income tax expense	123,879		167,800
Depreciation and amortization expense	89,660		80,627
EBITDA	$	514,362	$	592,898
Non-cash items (a)	4,315		41,022
Acquisition, merger and other restructuring charges (b)	12,926		(130,050		)
Other adjustment items	—		169
Adjusted EBITDA	$	531,603	$	504,039
Wish-Bone and Garden Protein acquisition adjustments (1)	10,544		25,260
Non-cash equity based compensation charges (2)	13,555		8,762
Covenant Compliance EBITDA	$	555,702	$	538,061

(1) For fiscal 2015, represents the net cost savings projected to be realized from acquisition synergies from both the Garden Protein and Wish-Bone acquisitions, calculated consistent with the definition of Covenant Compliance EBITDA. For fiscal 2014, represents proforma additional EBITDA from Garden Protein for the period of fiscal 2014 prior to the acquisition and the net cost savings projected to be realized from acquisition synergies from both the Garden Protein and Wish-Bone acquisitions, calculated consistent with the definition of Covenant Compliance EBITDA.

(2) Represents non-cash compensation charges related to the granting of equity awards that occur in the normal course of business. Awards that were issued as a result of the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and awards that vested as a result of the 2014 Liquidity event are being treated as an adjustment in the determination of Adjusted EBITDA. See Non-cash items below for details.

45

(a) Non-cash items are comprised of the following:

(thousands of dollars)	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Unrealized (gains) losses resulting from hedging activities (1)	$	(1,983	)	$	12,542
Effects of adjustments related to the application of purchase accounting (2)	—			636
Non-cash compensation charges (3)	1,567			27,189
Foreign exchange losses (4)	4,731			655
Total non-cash items	$	4,315		$	41,022

 _________________

(1) Represents non-cash (gains) losses resulting from mark-to-market adjustments of obligations under derivative contracts.

(2) For fiscal 2014, represents expense related to the write-up to fair market value of inventories acquired as a result of the Garden Protein acquisition.

(3) For fiscal 2015, represents non-cash employee incentives and retention charges resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement. For fiscal 2014, represents non-cash employee incentives and retention charges resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement ($3,458) and equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event ($23,731).

(4) Represents foreign exchange losses resulting from intra-entity loans that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.

(b) Acquisition, merger and other restructuring charges are comprised of the following:

(thousands of dollars)	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Expenses in connection with an acquisition or other non-recurring merger costs (1)	$	2,735	$	(144,526	)
Restructuring charges, integration costs and other business optimization expenses (2)	9,504		11,011
Employee severance (3)	687		3,465
Total other adjustments	$	12,926	$	(130,050	)

_________________

(1) For fiscal 2015, represents Boulder acquisition costs and expenses related to the secondary offerings of common stock. For fiscal 2014, primarily represents receipt of Hillshire merger termination fee, net of professional fees and employee incentives incurred related to the terminated agreement with Hillshire. Also, includes Garden Protein acquisition costs, primarily foreign exchange losses in addition to legal, accounting and other professional fees and expenses related to the secondary offerings of common stock. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

(2) For fiscal 2015, primarily represents integration costs of the Garden Protein and Wish-Bone acquisitions. For fiscal 2014, represents integration costs of the Wish-Bone and Gilster acquisitions and a gain from the sale of our Millsboro, DE facility in September 2014.

(3) Represents severance costs paid, or to be paid, to terminated employees.

46

Our covenant requirements and actual ratios for the year ended December 27, 2015 are as follows:

	Covenant Requirement	Actual Ratio
Amended Credit Agreement
Net First Lien Leverage Ratio (1)	5.75 to 1.00	3.16
Total Leverage Ratio (2)	Not applicable	3.81
Senior Notes (3)
Minimum Covenant Compliance EBITDA to fixed charges ratio required to incur additional debt pursuant to ratio provisions (4)	2.00 to 1.00	6.59

 _________________

(1) Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, Pinnacle Foods Finance is required to maintain a ratio of Net First Lien Secured Debt to Covenant Compliance EBITDA of no greater than 5.75 to 1.00. Net First Lien Secured Debt is defined as Pinnacle Foods Finance's aggregate consolidated secured indebtedness secured on a first lien priority basis, less the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.

(2) The Total Leverage Ratio is not a financial covenant but is used to determine the applicable margin rate under the Amended Credit Agreement. As of September 28, 2014, we achieved a total net leverage ratio of less than 4.25:1.0, and maintained it at December 27, 2015, which resulted in a 25 basis point reduction on the margin on our Amended Credit Agreement. The Total Leverage Ratio is calculated by dividing consolidated total debt less the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and cash equivalents by Covenant Compliance EBITDA.

(3) Our ability to incur additional debt and make certain restricted payments under the indenture governing the Senior Notes, subject to specified exceptions, is tied to an Covenant Compliance EBITDA to fixed charges ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00.

(4) Fixed charges is defined in the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes as (i) consolidated interest expense (excluding specified items) plus consolidated capitalized interest less consolidated interest income, plus (ii) cash dividends and distributions paid on preferred stock or disqualified stock.

Adjusted Gross Profit

Our management uses Adjusted Gross Profit as an operating performance measure. Adjusted Gross Profit is defined as gross profit before accelerated depreciation expense, certain non-cash items, acquisition, merger and other restructuring charges and other adjustments noted in the table below. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted Gross Profit is useful to investors because it is consistent with our definition of Adjusted EBITDA (defined above), a measure frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies in industries similar to ours. In addition, we also use targets based on Adjusted Gross Profit as one of the components used to evaluate our management’s performance. Adjusted Gross Profit is not defined under GAAP, should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for measures of our performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and is not indicative of gross profit as determined under GAAP.

The following table provides a reconciliation from our gross profit to Adjusted Gross Profit for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

(thousands of dollars)	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Gross profit	$	740,506		$	681,198
Accelerated depreciation expense (a)	1,131			—
Non-cash items (b)	(1,029		)	17,856
Acquisition, merger or other restructuring charges (c)	9,217			12,247
Adjusted gross profit	$	749,825		$	711,301
% of Net sales	28.2		%	27.5		%

 _________________

(a) Reflects accelerated depreciation related to in-sourcing of Wish-Bone production.

47

(b) Non-cash items are comprised of the following:

(thousands of dollars)	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Unrealized (gains) losses resulting from hedging activities (1)	$	(1,983	)	$	12,542
Effects of adjustments related to the application of purchase accounting (2)	—			636
Non-cash compensation charges (3)	954			4,678
Non-cash items	$	(1,029	)	$	17,856

 _________________

(1) Represents non-cash (gains) losses resulting from mark-to-market obligations under derivative contracts.

(2) For fiscal 2014, represents expense related to the write-up to fair market value of inventories acquired as a result of the Garden Protein acquisition.

(3) For fiscal 2015, represents non-cash employee incentives and retention charges resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement. For fiscal 2014, represents non-cash employee incentives and retention charges resulting from the termination of the Hillshire merger agreement and equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event.

(c) Acquisition, merger and other restructuring charges are comprised of the following:

(thousands of dollars)	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Expenses in connection with an acquisition or other non-recurring merger costs (1)	$	130	$	855
Restructuring charges, integration costs and other business optimization expenses (2)	8,625		10,697
Employee severance and recruiting (3)	462		695
Total acquisition, merger and other restructuring charges	$	9,217	$	12,247

 _________________

(1) Represents expenses incurred related to the terminated agreement with Hillshire.

(2) For fiscal 2015, primarily represents integration costs of the Garden Protein and Wish-Bone acquisitions. For fiscal 2014, represents integration costs of the Wish-Bone and Gilster acquisitions and a gain from the sale of our Millsboro, DE facility in September 2014.

(3) Represents severance costs paid or accrued to terminated employees.

Contractual Commitments

The table below provides information on our contractual commitments as of December 27, 2015:

	Total		Less Than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		More than 5 Years
	(in thousands)
Total debt at face value (1)	$	2,283,003	$	9,194	$	15,431	$	5,250	$	2,253,128
Projected interest payments on long term debt (2)	452,515		93,071		204,727		154,717		—
Operating lease obligations	64,020		12,548		21,939		14,292		15,241
Capital lease obligations	20,740		6,739		3,997		1,821		8,183
Purchase obligations (3)	748,005		638,720		49,685		14,671		44,929
Pension (4)	63,917		—		7,068		14,850		41,999
Total (5)	$	3,632,200	$	760,272	$	302,847	$	205,601	$	2,363,480

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(1) Total debt at face value includes scheduled principal repayments and excludes interest payments.

(2) The total projected interest payments on long-term debt are based upon borrowings and interest rates as of December 27, 2015, including the effect of interest rate swaps in place. The interest rate on variable rate debt is subject to changes beyond our control and may result in actual interest expense and payments differing from the amounts above.

(3) The amounts indicated in this line primarily reflect future contractual payments, including certain take-or-pay arrangements entered into as part of the normal course of business. The amounts do not include obligations related to other contractual purchase obligations that are not take-or-pay arrangements. Such contractual purchase obligations are primarily purchase orders at fair value that are part of normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. Purchase obligations also include trade and consumer promotion and advertising commitments. We do not believe such purchase obligations will adversely affect our liquidity position.

(4) The funding of the defined benefit pension plan is based upon our planned 2016 cash contribution. The future years' contributions are based upon our expectations taking into consideration the funded status of the plan at December 27, 2015. Currently, under ERISA and IRS guidelines, our plan is 102% funded.

(5) The total excludes the liability for uncertain tax positions. We are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of the long-term payments or the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time. Therefore, the long-term portion of the liability is excluded from the preceding table.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 27, 2015, we did not have any off-balance sheet obligations.

Accounting Policies and Pronouncements

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires the use of judgment, estimates and assumptions. We make such subjective determinations after careful consideration of our historical performance, management's experience, current economic trends and events and information from outside sources. Inherent in this process is the possibility that actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions for any particular period.

Our significant accounting policies are detailed in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015. The following areas are the most important and require the most difficult, subjective judgments.

Trade and consumer promotion programs

The Company offers various sales incentive programs to customers and consumers, such as feature price discounts, in-store display incentives, cooperative advertising programs, new product introduction fees, and coupons. The mix between promotion programs, which are classified as reductions in revenue, and advertising or other marketing activities, which are classified as marketing and selling expenses, fluctuates between periods based on the Company's overall marketing plans, and such fluctuations have an impact on revenues. The measurement and recognition of the costs for trade and consumer promotion programs involves the use of judgment related to performance and redemption estimates. Estimates are made based on historical experience and other factors and are adjusted quarterly based upon our most recent experience and new information. Typically, programs that are offered have a very short duration. Historically, the difference between actual experience compared to estimated redemptions and performance has not been significant to the quarterly or annual financial statements and actual expense has been within 1.0% of amounts accrued. However, actual expenses may differ if the level of redemption rates and performance were to vary from estimates.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived trade names

Goodwill and trade names are tested for impairment annually and whenever events and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. The goodwill impairment review consists of a two-step process. We perform quantitative testing by calculating the fair value of each reporting unit. We then compare the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If this fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further analysis or goodwill impairment charge is required. If the fair value is below the carrying value, we proceed to the next step, which is to measure the amount of the impairment loss. The impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying value and implied fair value of goodwill. To measure the implied fair value of goodwill we make a hypothetical allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the tangible and intangible assets (other than goodwill) within the respective reporting unit using the same rules for determining fair value and allocation under the authoritative guidance for business combinations as we would use if it were an original purchase price allocation. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is less than its carrying amount, the shortfall is charged to earnings.

49

In estimating the fair value of our reporting units we primarily use the income approach, which utilizes forecasted discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value for each reporting unit. We believe that the use of the discounted cash flow model results in the most accurate estimate of the reporting unit's fair value since market values for our reporting units are not readily available. The income approach utilizes management's business plans and projections as the basis for expected future cash flows for five years plus a terminal year. We make significant assumptions including projected sales growth rates and operating margins and the weighted average cost of capital. In our recent impairment tests, we forecasted cash flows for five years plus a terminal year and assumed a weighted average cost of capital of 6.75%. Our projections assume sales growth rates for the next five years and the terminal year that generally average between 1.0% and 3.0% and operating margins which increase moderately from historical levels over time as a result of planned capital improvements in our plants and manufacturing efficiency projects. These assumptions are determined based upon our expectations for each of the individual reporting units and in our judgment are consistent with other companies in the packaged food industry.

In fiscal 2015, all reporting units tested had a fair value that exceeded their carrying value by at least 87%. We performed a sensitivity analysis on our weighted average cost of capital and we determined that a 50 basis point increase in the weighted average cost of capital would not have resulted in any of our reporting units implied fair value being less than their carrying value. Additionally, a 50 basis point decrease in the terminal growth rate used for each reporting unit would also not have resulted in any of our reporting units implied fair value being less than their carrying value

We also evaluate the carrying amount of our trade names for impairment on an annual basis, in conjunction with our Goodwill testing, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of an intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of a trade name exceeds its fair value at the time of the evaluation, we would charge the shortfall to earnings.

To estimate the fair value of our trade names we primarily use the relief from royalty method, which utilizes forecasted discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value. The utilization of the relief from royalty method requires us to make significant assumptions including sales growth rates, implied royalty rates and discount rates. In fiscal 2015, all trade names tested had a fair value that exceeded their carrying value.

In the course of our testing, we identified 3 trade names which do not have a fair value that exceeded their carrying value by at least 15%. The total carrying value of these trade names as of December 27, 2015 is $54.6 million. We performed a sensitivity analysis on our weighted average cost of capital and we determined that a 50 basis point increase in the weighted average cost of capital would not have resulted in any of our tradenames implied fair value being less than their carrying value. Additionally, a 50 basis point decrease in the terminal growth rate used for each tradename would also not have resulted in any of our trade names implied fair value being less than their carrying value

Pension Benefits

The Company had provided pension benefits to certain employees and retirees. All pension benefits which existed are frozen. Determining the cost associated with such benefits is dependent on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, turnover rates and mortality rates. Independent actuaries, in accordance with GAAP, perform the required calculations to determine pension expense. Actual results that differ from the actuarial assumptions are generally accumulated and amortized over future periods.

The discount rate is established as of the Company's fiscal year-end measurement date. In establishing the discount rate, the Company reviews published market indices of high-quality debt securities, adjusted as appropriate for duration. In addition, independent actuaries apply high-quality bond yield curves to the expected benefit payments of the plan. The expected return on plan assets is a long-term assumption based upon historical experience and expected future performance, considering our current and projected investment mix. This estimate is based on an estimate of future inflation, long-term projected real returns for each asset class, and a premium for active management. Within any given fiscal period, significant differences may arise between the actual return and the expected return on plan assets. The value of plan assets, used in the calculation of pension expense, is the fair market value. Gains and losses resulting from differences between actual experience and the assumptions are determined at each measurement date. If the net gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of plan assets or liabilities, a portion is amortized into earnings in the following year.

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Net periodic pension benefit was $1.8 million in fiscal 2015, $1.6 million in fiscal 2014 and $0.9 million in fiscal 2013. Significant weighted-average assumptions for all plans used in the calculation are:  

Pension Benefits	2015		2014		2013
Pension
Discount rate	3.9	%	4.8	%	3.9	%
Expected return on plan assets	6.3	%	6.5	%	7.0	%

Estimated sensitivities to annual net periodic pension cost are as follows: a 50-basis-point reduction in the discount rate would have a minimal effect on pension expense by decreasing it by $0.1 million; a 50-basis-point reduction in the estimated return on assets assumption would increase pension expense by approximately $1.0 million.

Net periodic pension expense is expected to be approximately $0.4 million in 2016. In fiscal 2016, the Company does not expect to make any significant contributions. We made contributions to our plans of $3.1 million in fiscal 2015, $7.8 million in fiscal 2014 and $8.3 million in fiscal 2013.

See also Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements "Pension and Retirement Plans" for additional information on pension expenses.

Income taxes

We record income taxes based on the amounts that are refundable or payable in the current year, and we include results of any difference between GAAP and U.S. tax reporting that we record as deferred tax assets or liabilities. We review our deferred tax assets for recovery. A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in our tax provision in the period of change. Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and realization of deferred income tax assets and the timing of income tax payments. Actual collections and payments may differ from these estimates as a result of changes in tax laws as well as unanticipated future transactions impacting related income tax balances.

Equity based compensation expense

Equity based compensation expense is measured based on the estimated grant date fair value and recognized over the requisite service period for awards that we ultimately expect to vest. We estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on our actual experience to date and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

We use a Monte Carlo simulation to value non-vested performance shares ("PS's") and performance share units ("PSU's") granted and the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value stock options granted. In terms of the assumptions used in the models, we:

• use the simplified method to estimate the number of periods to exercise date in the Black-Scholes model. While we had plans in place as a private company, our broader post IPO plans have not been in place for a sufficient amount of time to understand their post vesting behavior. As such, we will continue to use this methodology until such time we have sufficient history to provide a reasonable basis on which to estimate the expected term.

• base the expected volatilities on the average historical volatility of a basket of competitor companies. At such time that we have sufficient history, we will base this assumption on the volatility of our share price.

• base the expected dividend yield assumption on our expected dividend rate during the expected term of the award, and

• base the risk free rate for the expected term of the option on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

We estimate the fair value of non-vested shares and restricted stock units ("RSU's") based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of the grant.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For more information on recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies".

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ITEM 7A:     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Risk Management Strategy

We are exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage our exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core business activities. We manage economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of our debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk. Specifically, we enter into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodity prices. Please refer to Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements "Financial Instruments" for additional details regarding our derivatives and refer to Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements "Debt and Interest Expense" for additional details regarding our debt instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

We manage interest rate risk based on the varying circumstances of anticipated borrowings and existing variable and fixed rate debt, including our revolving line of credit. Examples of interest rate management strategies include capping interest rates using targeted interest cost benchmarks, hedging portions of the total amount of debt, hedging a period of months and not always hedging to maturity, and at other times locking in rates to fix interests costs.

Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with the authoritative guidance for derivative and hedge accounting involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

As discussed above, our variable rate financing arrangements subject us to interest rate risk. If the benchmark LIBOR interest rate were to increase by 50 basis points this would have no impact on the interest payments on our variable rate facilities or payments made on our interest rate swap contracts The base rate on our credit facilities are subject to a floor of 0.75%, while the floor for our interest rate contracts are 0.76%. An increase of 50 basis points on LIBOR interest rates would not have placed rates above the floor for our variable rate facilities or our interest rate contracts. As of December 27, 2015, a 50 basis point decrease in the benchmark LIBOR interest rate would have decreased the fair value of our interest rate swap assets by $12.7 million.

Foreign Currency Risk

Certain parts of our foreign operations in Canada expose us to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Our goal is to reduce our exposure to such foreign exchange risks on our foreign currency cash flows and fair value fluctuations on recognized foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities and unrecognized firm commitments to acceptable levels primarily through the use of foreign exchange-related derivative financial instruments. We enter into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of our functional currency. As of December 27, 2015, a 10% appreciation in the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would have decreased the fair value of our foreign exchange forward contracts by $1.0 million.

Commodity Price Risk

We purchase raw materials in quantities expected to be used in a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. We generally enter into agreements for either spot market delivery or forward delivery. The prices paid in the forward delivery contracts are generally fixed, but may also be variable within a capped or collared price range. The outstanding purchase commitment for these commodities at any point in time typically ranges from 6 to 12 months of anticipated requirements, depending on the commodity. These contracts are considered normal purchases and sales.

In addition, we may also purchase forward derivative contracts on certain commodities to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of materials used in our manufacturing process. Generally, these derivatives are not designated as hedges as they do not meet the authoritative guidance for derivative and hedge accounting but they are not speculative. From time to time, we enter into commodity forward contracts to fix the price of diesel fuel, natural gas, soybean oil and other commodity purchases at a future delivery date. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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As of December 27, 2015, the potential change in fair value of commodity derivative instruments, assuming a 10% adverse movement in the underlying commodity prices, would have resulted in an unrealized net loss of $3.5 million.

Although we may utilize forward purchase contracts and other instruments to mitigate the risks related to commodity price fluctuation, such strategies do not fully mitigate commodity price risk. Adverse movements in commodity prices over the terms of the contracts or instruments could decrease the economic benefits we derive from these strategies.

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ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial statements begin on the following page

54

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Pinnacle Foods Inc.

Parsippany, New Jersey

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Pinnacle Foods Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 27, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pinnacle Foods Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 27, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control- Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Parsippany, New Jersey

February 25, 2016

55

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Pinnacle Foods Inc.

Parsippany, New Jersey

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Pinnacle Foods Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 27, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 27, 2015 of the Company and our report dated February 25, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Parsippany, New Jersey

February 25, 2016

56

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(thousands, except per share amounts)

	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
	52 weeks		52 weeks			52 weeks
Net sales	$	2,655,792	$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802
Cost of products sold	1,915,286		1,909,985			1,809,553
Gross profit	740,506		681,198			654,249
Marketing and selling expenses	176,702		177,372			175,702
Administrative expenses	107,004		117,275			119,790
Research and development expenses	12,992		11,281			10,516
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement	—		(152,982		)	—
Other expense (income), net	19,106		15,981			55,204
	315,804		168,927			361,212
Earnings before interest and taxes	424,702		512,271			293,037
Interest expense	88,513		96,174			132,354
Interest income	198		121			141
Earnings before income taxes	336,387		416,218			160,824
Provision for income taxes	123,879		167,800			71,475
Net earnings	$	212,508	$	248,418		$	89,349
Net earnings per share
Basic	$	1.83	$	2.15		$	0.84
Weighted average shares outstanding- basic	116,032		115,698			106,841
Diluted	$	1.81	$	2.13		$	0.82
Weighted average shares outstanding- diluted	117,323		116,885			108,619
Dividends declared	$	0.98	$	0.89		$	0.57

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

57

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

(thousands)

	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015									December 28, 2014									December 29, 2013
	52 Weeks									52 Weeks									52 Weeks
	Pre-tax amount			Tax (expense) benefit			After-tax amount			Pre-tax amount			Tax (expense) benefit			After-tax amount			Pre-tax amount			Tax (expense) benefit			After-tax amount
Net earnings							$	212,508								$	248,418								$	89,349
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)
Foreign currency translation:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(4,364	)	$	—		(4,364		)	$	(2,588	)	$	1,000		(1,588		)	$	(176	)	$	135		(41		)
Cash-flow hedges:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	(22,078		)	8,519			(13,559		)	(24,841		)	9,538			(15,303		)	29,260			(2,682		)	26,578
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings	526			(323		)	203			(625		)	471			(154		)	2,229			(608		)	1,621
Pension:
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period	(7,305		)	2,763			(4,542		)	(21,347		)	8,114			(13,233		)	40,276			(15,398		)	24,878
Reclassification of net actuarial loss included in net earnings	981			(373		)	608			67			(26		)	41			1,663			(643		)	1,020
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)	$	(32,240	)	$	10,586		(21,654		)	$	(49,334	)	$	19,097		(30,237		)	$	73,252		$	(19,196	)	54,056
Total comprehensive earnings							$	190,854								$	218,181								$	143,405

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

58

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	180,549		$	38,477
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $7,902 and $6,801, respectively	219,736			190,754
Inventories	403,101			356,467
Other current assets	13,677			8,223
Deferred tax assets	40,571			121,788
Total current assets	857,634			715,709
Plant assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $408,294 and $349,639, respectively	631,109			605,906
Tradenames	2,001,048			2,001,874
Other assets, net	136,284			157,896
Goodwill	1,714,008			1,719,560
Total assets	$	5,340,083		$	5,200,945
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	2,225		$	2,396
Current portion of long-term obligations	14,847			11,916
Accounts payable	211,039			198,579
Accrued trade marketing expense	46,228			36,210
Accrued liabilities	100,510			106,488
Dividends payable	30,798			27,847
Total current liabilities	405,647			383,436
Long-term debt (includes $27,716 and $47,315 owed to related parties, respectively)	2,272,932			2,285,984
Pension and other postretirement benefits	63,454			61,830
Other long-term liabilities	54,506			34,305
Deferred tax liabilities	738,015			721,401
Total liabilities	3,534,554			3,486,956
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholders' equity:
Pinnacle preferred stock: $.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	—			—
Pinnacle common stock: par value $.01 per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized; issued 117,619,695 and 117,293,745, respectively	1,176			1,173
Additional paid-in-capital	1,378,521			1,363,129
Retained earnings	517,330			419,531
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(59,388		)	(37,734		)
Capital stock in treasury, at cost, 1,000,000 common shares	(32,110		)	(32,110		)
Total shareholders' equity	1,805,529			1,713,989
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	5,340,083		$	5,200,945

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

59

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(thousands)

	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
	52 weeks			52 weeks			52 weeks
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$	212,508		$	248,418		$	89,349
Non-cash charges (credits) to net earnings
Depreciation and amortization	89,660			80,627			78,225
Amortization of discount on term loan	2,381			2,461			1,354
Amortization of debt acquisition costs	3,972			4,046			4,395
Call premium on note redemptions	—			—			34,180
Refinancing costs and write off of debt issuance costs	—			1,879			19,668
Change in value of financial instruments	(1,942		)	12,537			(535		)
Equity based compensation expense	15,122			35,951			7,933
Pension expense, net of contributions	(4,700		)	(9,300		)	(9,131		)
Gain on sale of assets held for sale	—			(1,541		)	(3,627		)
Other long-term liabilities	4,506			1,962			(1,872		)
Foreign exchange losses	4,731			2,620			—
Deferred income taxes	115,584			159,537			67,852
Changes in working capital
Accounts receivable	(30,882		)	(21,630		)	(21,347		)
Inventories	(49,210		)	21,557			16,129
Accrued trade marketing expense	10,534			(516		)	(7,290		)
Accounts payable	15,050			24,910			4,112
Accrued liabilities	(8,051		)	(11,525		)	(17,052		)
Other current assets	(6,352		)	(1,283		)	(101		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	372,911			550,710			262,242
Cash flows from investing activities
Business acquisition activity	1,102			(169,373		)	(575,164		)
Capital expenditures	(108,477		)	(102,967		)	(84,055		)
Proceeds from sale of plant assets	1,618			2,328			6,853
Net cash used in investing activities	(105,757		)	(270,012		)	(652,366		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,231			489			624,953
Repurchases of equity	—			—			(191		)
Dividends paid	(111,758		)	(101,606		)	(41,664		)
Proceeds from bank term loans	—			—			2,142,394
Proceeds from notes offerings	—			—			350,000
Repayments of long-term obligations	(8,870		)	(219,967		)	(1,736,146		)
Repurchase of notes	—			—			(899,180		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	4,261			4,757			5,078
Repayments of short-term borrowings	(4,480		)	(4,799		)	(4,779		)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	—			65,000			—
Repayments of revolving credit facility	—			(65,000		)	—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	(3,585		)	(2,373		)	(2,943		)
Purchase of stock for treasury	—			(32,110		)	—
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	1,442			905			—
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(2,401		)	(3,061		)	—
Debt acquisition costs	—			(258		)	(23,142		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(124,160		)	(358,023		)	414,380
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(922		)	(937		)	202
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	142,072			(78,262		)	24,458
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	38,477			116,739			92,281
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	180,549		$	38,477		$	116,739
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	78,926		$	88,783		$	120,310
Interest received	198			121			141
Income taxes paid	18,885			7,802			3,425
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
New capital leases	—			1,288			2,030
Note payable issued in connection with acquisitions	—			14,850			—
Dividends payable	30,798			27,847			25,119
Accrued additions to Plant assets at December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 were $23,878 and $25,763, respectively. As of December 29, 2013 they were not significant.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

60

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	Common Stock			Treasury Stock					Additional Paid In Capital		Retained earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Total Shareholder's Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares		Amount
Balance, December 30, 2012	81,210,672	$	812	—		$	—		$	696,512	$	252,955		$	(61,553	)	$	888,726
Equity contributions:
Share issuance	35,968,042	360							623,564								623,924
Equity based compensation plans	53,139								8,771								8,771
Dividends ($0.57 per share)(1)											(66,785		)				(66,785		)
Comprehensive earnings											89,349			54,056			143,405
Balance, December 29, 2013	117,231,853	$	1,172	—		$	—		$	1,328,847	$	275,519		$	(7,497	)	$	1,598,041
Equity contributions:
Equity based compensation plans	61,892	1							34,282								34,283
Treasury stock purchased				(1,000,000	)	(32,110		)									(32,110		)
Dividends ($0.89 per share)(2)											(104,406		)				(104,406		)
Comprehensive earnings (loss)											248,418			(30,237		)	218,181
Balance, December 28, 2014	117,293,745	$	1,173	(1,000,000	)	$	(32,110	)	$	1,363,129	$	419,531		$	(37,734	)	$	1,713,989
Equity contributions:
Equity based compensation plans	325,950	3							15,392								15,395
Dividends ($0.98 per share)(3)											(114,709		)				(114,709		)
Comprehensive earnings (loss)											212,508			(21,654		)	190,854
Balance, December 27, 2015	117,619,695	$	1,176	(1,000,000	)	$	(32,110	)	$	1,378,521	$	517,330		$	(59,388	)	$	1,805,529

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)$0.18 per share declared May 2013, $0.18 per share declared September 2013 and $0.21 per share declared December 2013.

(2)$0.21 per share declared February 2014 and May 2014, $0.235 per share declared August 2014 and December 2014.

(3) $0.235 per share declared February 2015 and June 2015, $0.255 per share declared September 2015 and December 2015.

61

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

1. Summary of Business Activities

Business Overview

The Company is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high quality, branded convenience food products, the products and operations of which are managed and reported in three operating segments: (i) Birds Eye Frozen, (ii) Duncan Hines Grocery and (iii) Specialty Foods. The Company’s United States retail frozen vegetables (Birds Eye), frozen complete bagged meals (Birds Eye Voila!), frozen seafood (Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s), plant based protein frozen products (gardein), full-calorie single-serve frozen dinners and entrées (Hungry-Man), frozen breakfast (Aunt Jemima), frozen and refrigerated bagels (Lender’s), and frozen pizza for one (Celeste) are reported in the Birds Eye Frozen segment. The Company’s baking mixes and frostings (Duncan Hines), shelf-stable pickles (Vlasic), liquid and dry-mix salad dressings (Wish-Bone and Western), table syrups (Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin), canned meat (Armour, Nalley and Brooks), pie and pastry fillings (Duncan Hines Comstock and Wilderness), barbecue sauces (Open Pit) and Canadian operations other than gardein are reported in the Duncan Hines Grocery segment. The Specialty Foods segment consists of snack products (Tim’s Cascade and Snyder of Berlin) and the Company’s food service and private label businesses.

History and Current Ownership

On April 2, 2007, the Company was acquired by, and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings LLC ("Peak Holdings"), an entity controlled by investment funds affiliated with The Blackstone Group L.P ("Blackstone"). We refer to this merger transaction and related financing transactions as the Blackstone Transaction. As a result of the Blackstone Transaction, Blackstone owned, through Peak Holdings, approximately 98% of the common stock of the Company.

On March 27, 2013, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") declared effective the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 related to the initial public offering of its common stock (the "IPO"). The Company's common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), under the ticker symbol "PF", on March 28, 2013. In connection with the IPO, 2,618,307 additional shares were issued through the exercise of a warrant agreement by Peak Holdings LLC ("Peak Holdings"), which was the majority owner of the Company and Pinnacle Foods Finance prior to the IPO. Immediately thereafter, the warrant agreement was terminated and Peak Holdings was dissolved. On April 3, 2013, the IPO closed in which the Company issued and sold 33,350,000 shares of common stock for cash consideration of $20.00 per share ($18.80 per share net of underwriting discounts).

On September 12, 2014, Blackstone sold additional shares, in an underwritten public offering. In connection therewith, the Company no longer qualified as a "controlled company" under applicable NYSE listing standards.

On November 21, 2014, Blackstone sold additional shares, in an underwritten public offering. Blackstone's reduced ownership level after the transaction resulted in a liquidity event. This caused the immediate vesting of approximately 1.1 million non-vested shares and 0.2 million equity options and the recognition of approximately $23.7 million of equity based compensation expense (the "Liquidity event").

On March 13, 2015, Blackstone sold an additional 14,224,145 shares in an underwritten public offering, which reduced their ownership to 5,000,000 shares or 4.3% of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale.

On May 8, 2015, Blackstone sold their final 5,000,000 shares in an underwritten public offering. Upon completion of the offering, Blackstone no longer beneficially owned any of the Company's outstanding common stock. As of December 27, 2015, the Company's board of directors no longer included any Blackstone employees.

62

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pinnacle and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The results of companies acquired during the year are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the effective date of the acquisition. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Foreign Currency Translation. Foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholder's equity. The Company translates the results of operations of its foreign subsidiaries at the average exchange rates during the respective periods. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are normally included in Cost of products sold on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and include the mark to market and realized gains and losses on our foreign currency swaps as discussed in Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, the Company recorded $4,731 and $2,620 of foreign exchange loss in the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively. These amounts represent foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future and are recorded in Other expense (income), net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fiscal Year. The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers investments in all highly liquid instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are measured at fair value and are Level 1 assets.

Inventories. Substantially all inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. The type of costs included in inventory are ingredients, containers, packaging, other raw materials, direct manufacturing labor and fully absorbed manufacturing overheads. When necessary, the Company provides allowances to adjust the carrying value of its inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose and consideration for obsolescence, excessive inventory levels, product deterioration and other factors in evaluating net realizable value.

Plant Assets. Plant assets are stated at historical cost, and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the lives of the assets. Buildings and machinery and equipment are depreciated over periods not exceeding 45 years and 15 years, respectively. The weighted average estimated remaining useful lives are approximately 16 years for buildings and 9 years for machinery and equipment. When assets are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, their gross carrying value and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and included in determining gain or loss on such disposals. Costs of assets acquired in a business combination are based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets. The Company evaluates the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames for impairment on at least an annual basis and when events occur or circumstances change that an impairment might exist. The Company performs goodwill impairment testing for each business which constitutes a component of the Company's operating segments, known as reporting units. The Company performs quantitative testing by calculating the fair value of each reporting unit. The Company compares the fair value of these reporting units with their carrying values inclusive of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying amount and any shortfall is charged to earnings. In estimating the implied fair value of the goodwill, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit's tangible and intangible assets (other than goodwill). In estimating the fair value of our reporting units, the Company primarily uses the income approach, which utilizes forecasted discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value for each reporting unit. The income approach utilizes management's business plans and projections as the basis for expected future cash flows for five years plus a terminal year. It requires significant assumptions including projected sales growth rates and operating margins and the weighted average cost of capital. In the most recent impairment tests, the Company forecasted cash flows for five years plus a terminal year and assumed a weighted average cost of capital of 6.75%. These projections assume sales growth rates for the next five years and the terminal year that generally average between 1.0% and 3.0% and operating margins which increase moderately from historical levels over time as a result of planned capital improvements in our plants and manufacturing efficiency projects. These assumptions are determined based upon management's expectations for each of the individual reporting units.

For indefinite-lived tradename intangible assets, the Company determines recoverability by comparing the carrying value to its fair value estimated based on discounted cash flows attributable to the tradename and charges the shortfall, if any, to earnings. In estimating the fair value of trade names, the Company primarily uses the relief from royalty method. The relief from royalty

63

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

method involves discounted cash flow techniques, which require management to make significant assumptions regarding the weighted average cost of capital, sales growth trends and representative royalty rates.

Assumptions underlying fair value estimates referred to above are subject to risks and uncertainties. These measurements are considered level 3 under the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For more information on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, please refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. The carrying value of long-lived assets held and used, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles, is evaluated at the asset group level when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using the projected cash flows from the asset group discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived asset groups held for sale, other than goodwill, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for disposal costs.

Revenue Recognition and Trade Marketing. Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment to the customers as terms are free on board ("FOB") shipping point, at which point title and risk of loss is transferred and the selling price is fixed or determinable. This completes the revenue-earning process specifically that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, ownership has transferred, the price is fixed and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts and product return allowances, which is estimated based upon the Company's historical performance, management's experience and current economic trends, is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.

Trade promotions, consisting primarily of customer pricing allowances and merchandising funds, and consumer coupons are offered through various programs to customers and consumers. Sales are recorded net of estimated trade promotion spending, which is recognized as incurred at the time of sale. Certain retailers require the payment of slotting fees in order to obtain space for the Company's products on the retailer's store shelves. The fees are recognized as reductions of revenue on the date a liability to the retailer is created. These amounts are included in the determination of net sales. Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included as accrued trade marketing expense in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when the coupons are issued. Estimates of trade promotion expense and coupon redemption costs are based upon programs offered, timing of those offers, estimated redemption/usage rates from historical performance, management's experience and current economic trends.

Trade marketing expense is comprised of amounts paid to retailers for programs designed to promote our products. These costs include standard introductory allowances for new products (slotting fees). They also include the cost of in-store product displays, feature pricing in retailers' advertisements and other temporary price reductions. These programs are offered to our customers both in fixed and variable (rate per case) amounts. The ultimate cost of these programs depends on retailer performance and is the subject of significant management estimates. The Company records as expense the estimated ultimate cost of the program in the period during which the program occurs. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition, these trade marketing expenses are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a reduction of net sales. Also, in accordance with the guidance, coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when issued.

Advertising. Advertising costs include the cost of working media (advertising on television, radio or in print), the cost of producing advertising, and the cost of coupon insertion and distribution. Working media and coupon insertion and distribution costs are expensed in the period the advertising is run or the coupons are distributed. The cost of producing advertising is expensed as of the first date the advertisement takes place. Advertising included in the Company's marketing and selling expenses were $28,205 for fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, $35,917 for fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 and $34,031 for fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

Shipping and Handling Costs. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition, costs related to shipping and handling of products shipped to customers are classified as Cost of products sold.

Pension benefits. The Company provides pension benefits to certain employees and retirees. Pension benefits are no longer offered to salaried employees. All pension benefits are frozen. Determining the cost associated with such benefits is dependent on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, turnover rates and mortality rates. Independent actuaries, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), perform the required

64

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

calculations to determine pension expense. Actual results that differ from the actuarial assumptions are generally accumulated and amortized over future periods.

Equity Based Compensation expense. Grant-date fair value of PSU's and PS's are estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Grant-date fair value of stock options are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes using the simplified method to estimate the number of periods to exercise date. While we had equity compensation plans in place as a private company, our broader post-IPO equity compensation plans have not been in place for a sufficient amount of time to understand their post vesting behavior. As such, we will continue to use this methodology until such time we have sufficient history to provide a reasonable basis on which to estimate the expected term. Compensation expense is reduced based on estimated forfeitures with adjustments to actual expense recorded at the time of vesting. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. The majority of our equity options have a three-year vesting period. For those awards that have a performance condition, compensation expense is based upon the number of shares expected to vest after assessing the probability that the performance criteria will be met. We recognize compensation cost for awards over the vesting period, adjusted for any changes in our probability assessment.

Insurance reserves. The Company is self-insured under its worker's compensation insurance policy. The Company utilizes a stop loss policy issued by an insurance company to fund claims in excess of $350. The Company estimates the outstanding retained-insurance liabilities by projecting incurred losses to their ultimate liability and subtracting amounts paid-to-date to obtain the remaining liabilities. The Company bases actuarial estimates of ultimate liability on actual incurred losses, estimates of incurred but not yet reported losses and the projected costs to resolve these losses.

Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for income taxes under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  The Company continually reviews its deferred tax assets for recovery.  A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company's tax provision in the period of change.

Financial Instruments. The Company uses financial instruments to manage its exposure to movements in interest rates, certain commodity prices and foreign currencies. The use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the intent to reduce the risk or cost to the Company. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged derivatives. The authoritative guidance for derivative and hedge accounting requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in earnings. The cash flows associated with the financial instruments are included in the cash flow from operating activities.

Deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the life of the related debt using the effective interest rate method. If debt is prepaid or retired early, the related unamortized deferred financing costs are written off in the period the debt is retired.

Capitalized Internal Use Software Costs. The Company capitalizes the cost of internal-use software that has a useful life in excess of one year. These costs consist of payments made to third parties and the salaries of employees working on such software development. Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use software are capitalized only to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Capitalized internal use software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally 2 ½ to 3 years. The Company amortized $9,628 for fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, $7,681 for fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 and $6,229 for fiscal year ended December 29, 2013. Additionally, as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the net book value of capitalized internal use software totaled $19,054 and $14,298, respectively and is included in Plant assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"). Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes loss on financial instruments, foreign currency translation adjustments, net gains or (losses) on pension actuarial assumptions and the related tax provisions or benefits that are currently presented as a component of shareholder's equity. For more information on accumulated other comprehensive loss, please refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

65

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No.

2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”. The new guidance eliminates the requirement to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts. The amendments will require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The updated guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. The new guidance eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. Under the ASU, the adjustments to the provisional amounts will be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The updated guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, and the ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and net realizable value,” thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The ASU will not apply to inventories that are measured by using either the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method or the retail inventory method (RIM). The updated guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs". The new guidance changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the ASU, an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. The updated guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15,

2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets". The new guidance gives an employer whose fiscal year-end does not coincide with a calendar month-end (e.g., an entity that has a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, as the Company does) the ability, as a practical expedient, to measure defined benefit retirement obligations and related plan assets as of the month- end that is closest to its fiscal year-end. The updated guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted, and the ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company implemented this guidance in 2015 without material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued revised guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and jurisdictions. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures. The guidance was originally effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. In April 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year. The updated guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities will be permitted to adopt the new revenue standard early, but not before the original effective date. The guidance permits the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements, as well as which transition method it will use.

66

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

3. Acquisitions

Acquisition of the Wish-Bone and Western Salad Dressings Business (the 'Wish-Bone acquisition").

On October 1, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of the Wish-Bone and Western Salad Dressings Business ("Wish-Bone") from Conopco Inc. and affiliates (“Unilever”), which are subsidiaries of Unilever PLC. The acquired portfolio includes a broad range of liquid and dry-mix salad dressing flavors under the Wish-Bone and Western brand names that are highly complementary to the Company's existing product offerings.

The cost of the Wish-Bone acquisition was $575,164. The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired:

Assets acquired:
Inventories	$	20,029
Plant assets	5,871
Tradenames	347,400
Distributor relationships and other agreements	14,700
Deferred tax assets	564
Goodwill	186,600
	$	575,164

Based upon the allocation, the value assigned to intangible assets and goodwill totaled $548.7 million at the valuation date. The goodwill was generated primarily as a result of expected synergies to be achieved in the acquisition. Distributor relationships are being amortized on an accelerated basis over 30 years. This useful life was based on an attrition rate based on industry experience, which management believes is appropriate in the Company's circumstances. The Company has also assigned $347.4 million to the value of the tradenames acquired, which are not subject to amortization but are reviewed annually for impairment. Goodwill, which is also not subject to amortization, totaled $186.6 million (tax deductible goodwill of $185.7 million existed as of the closing of the acquisition). The entire acquisition was allocated to the Duncan Hines Grocery segment.

During the year ended December 29, 2013, the acquisition resulted in an additional $38.2 million of net sales and a net loss of $4.7 million, related to Wish-Bone operations from October 1, 2013 to December 29, 2013, which included a $3.8 million after-tax ($6.3 million pre-tax) charge related to the fair value step-up of inventories acquired and sold during 2013 and $3.7 million after-tax ($6.1 million pre-tax) of transaction costs described below.

In accordance with the requirements of the acquisition method of accounting for acquisitions, inventories obtained in the Acquisition were required to be valued at fair value (net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity), which is $6.3 million higher than historical manufacturing cost. Cost of products sold for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 includes pre-tax charges of $6.3 million related to the inventory acquired, which were subsequently sold.

The acquisition was financed through borrowings of $525.0 million in term loans (“the Tranche H Term Loans”), $75.3 million of cash on hand, less transaction costs of $6.1 million in the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 and debt acquisition costs of $10.5 million. Included in the transaction costs of $6.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 are: $4.3 million in merger, acquisition and advisory fees and $1.8 million in legal, accounting and other professional fees. The transaction costs are recorded in Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company also incurred $8.5 million in original issue discount in connection with the Tranche H Term Loans. This was recorded in Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is being amortized over the life of the loan using the effective interest method. For more information, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Debt and Interest Expense.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Pro forma Information

The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the Company's consolidated results of operations as if Wish-Bone had been acquired on December 26, 2011. These amounts adjusted Wish-Bone's historical results to reflect the additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to plant assets and intangible assets had been applied from December 26, 2011, together with the consequential tax effects. These adjustments also reflect the additional interest expense incurred on the debt to finance the purchase. The 2013 pro forma earnings were adjusted to exclude the acquisition related costs incurred in 2013 and the nonrecurring expense related to the fair value inventory step-up adjustment. The pro forma financial information presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition and borrowings undertaken to finance the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2012.

Amounts in millions:

	Year ended December 29, 2013 (unaudited)
Net sales	$	2,612.7
Net earnings	$	110.1

Acquisition of the Duncan Hines manufacturing business (the "Gilster acquisition")

On March 31, 2014, the Company acquired the Duncan Hines manufacturing business located in Centralia, Illinois, from Gilster Mary Lee Corporation (“Gilster”), the Company's primary co-packer of Duncan Hines products. The cost of the acquisition was $26.6 million, $11.7 million of which was paid in cash, with the balance due under a $14.9 millionfour-year note. For more information, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Debt and Interest Expense. Goodwill, which is not subject to amortization, totaled $9.6 million (tax deductible goodwill of $7.5 million). The entire acquisition was allocated to the Duncan Hines Grocery segment. Other operating costs of approximately $0.3 million incurred in connection with the transaction were expensed as incurred and recorded in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Assets acquired:
Inventories	$	10,188
Building and land	3,480
Plant assets	2,302
Deferred tax assets	1,278
Goodwill	9,550
Fair value of assets acquired	26,798
Liabilities assumed
Accrued liabilities	178
Total cost of acquisition	$	26,620

Unaudited pro forma revenue and net earnings related to the acquisition are not presented because the pro forma impact is not material.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Acquisition of Garden Protein (the "Garden Protein acquisition")

On November 14, 2014, the Company acquired Garden Protein International Inc., a Canadian corporation, the manufacturer of the plant-based protein brand gardein. The brand has a line of frozen products that serve as alternatives for traditional animal based protein formats such as chicken strips and tenders, ground beef and fish fillets.

The cost of the Garden Protein acquisition was $156,502, which included a first quarter 2015 post closing working capital adjustment that reduced the preliminary purchase price by $1,102. This adjustment to the purchase price allocation did not significantly impact previously reported amounts or results. The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	5,226
Inventories	6,798
Prepaid expenses and other assets	572
Property and equipment	13,895
Tradenames	51,950
Distributor relationships	3,098
Private label customer relationships	1,328
Formulations	7,611
Goodwill	82,970
Fair value of assets acquired	173,448
Liabilities assumed
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	5,007
Income tax payable	7,878
Long term deferred tax liability	1,347
Other long-term liabilities	2,714
Total cost of acquisition	$	156,502

Based upon the allocation, the value assigned to intangible assets and goodwill totaled $147.0 million at the valuation date. The goodwill was generated primarily as a result of expected synergies to be achieved in the acquisition. Distributor relationships and private label customer relationships are being amortized on an accelerated basis over 30 and 7 years, respectively. Formulations are being amortized on a straight line basis over 10 years. These useful lives are based on an attrition rate based on industry experience, which management believes is appropriate in the Company's circumstances. The Company has also assigned $51.9 million to the value of the tradename acquired, which is not subject to amortization but is reviewed annually for impairment. Goodwill, which is also not subject to amortization, totaled $83.0 million (tax deductible goodwill of $53.6 million will result from the acquisition). The entire acquisition was allocated to the Birds Eye frozen segment.

During the year ended December 28, 2014, the acquisition resulted in an additional $6.8 million of net sales and a net loss of $3.1 million, related to Garden Protein operations from November 14, 2014 to December 28, 2014, which included a $0.6 million charge related to the fair value step-up of inventories acquired and sold during 2014 and $3.1 million of transaction costs, primarily foreign exchange losses in addition to legal, accounting and other professional fees. The inventory-step up and transactions costs are recorded in Cost of products sold and Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, respectively.

The acquisition was financed through cash on hand and borrowings of $40.0 million under our revolving credit facility which were repaid in full as of December 28, 2014.

Unaudited pro forma revenue and net earnings related to the acquisition are not presented because the pro forma impact is not material.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

4. Fair Value Measurements

The authoritative guidance for financial assets and liabilities discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The guidance utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions.

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities subject to recurring fair value measurements and the required disclosures are as follows:

	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy						Fair Value as of December 28, 2014		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Interest rate derivatives	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,420	$	—	$	6,420	$	—
Foreign currency derivatives	471		—		471		—		1,294		—		1,294		—
Total assets at fair value	$	471	$	—	$	471	$	—	$	7,714	$	—	$	7,714	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate derivatives	$	18,868	$	—	$	18,868	$	—	$	4,543	$	—	$	4,543	$	—
Commodity derivatives	10,013		—		10,013		—		12,011		—		12,011		—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	28,881	$	—	$	28,881	$	—	$	16,554	$	—	$	16,554	$	—

The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk.

The valuations of these instruments are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate, commodity, and foreign exchange forward curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments). The variable cash receipts (or payments) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. To comply with the provisions of the authoritative guidance for fair value disclosure, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own non-performance risk and the respective counterparty’s non-performance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of non-performance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. The Company had no fair value measurements based upon significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 27, 2015 or December 28, 2014.

In addition to the instruments named above, the Company also makes fair value measurements in connection with its annual goodwill and trade name impairment testing. These measurements fall into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

5. Shareholders' Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share

Equity based Compensation Expense

The Company has two long-term incentive programs: The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (as defined below) and the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as defined below). Equity based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of equity based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. As equity based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The authoritative guidance for equity compensation requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Expense Information

The following table summarizes equity based compensation expense which was allocated as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Cost of products sold	$	3,647	$	5,565	$	633
Marketing and selling expenses	3,642		5,836		1,399
Administrative expenses	7,461		23,977		5,792
Research and development expenses	372		573		109
Pre-Tax Equity Based Compensation Expense	15,122		35,951		7,933
Income Tax Benefit	5,638		4,738		2,083
Net Equity Based Compensation Expense	$	9,484	$	31,213	$	5,850

As of December 27, 2015, cumulative unrecognized equity compensation expense of the unvested portion of shares and options for the Company's two long-term incentive programs was $28,991. The weighted average period over which vesting will occur is approximately 0.9 years for the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and 0.8 years for the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

2007 Stock Incentive Plan

The Company adopted an equity option plan (the “2007 Stock Incentive Plan”) providing for the issuance of up to 1,104,888 shares of the Company's common stock through the granting of nonqualified stock options. As of December 27, 2015 any unvested awards vest ratably over five years from the date of grant. Subsequent to the adoption of the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as further described below), there will be no more grants under this plan.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

The following table summarizes the equity option transactions under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan:

		Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Weighted Average Remaining Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		247,430		$	10.11	$	6.13	4.47	$	6,306
	Granted	—		—		—
	Exercised	(102,577	)	10.27		6.40
	Forfeitures	(2,210	)	13.12		4.24
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		142,643		$	9.96	$	5.97	3.42	$	4,687
Exercisable and Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		141,237		$	9.90	$	5.99	3.39	$	4,649
Exercisable, December 27, 2015		139,135		$	9.81	$	6.02	3.34	$	4,593

2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan

In connection with the IPO, the Company adopted an equity incentive plan (the “2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) providing for the issuance of up to 11,300,000 shares of common stock. Awards granted under this plan include equity options, non-vested shares and restricted stock units ("RSU's"). The Company also granted non-vested performance shares ("PS's") and performance share units ("PSU's") both of which vest based on achievement of total shareholder return performance goals. Under the program, awards of PS's and PSU's will be earned by comparing the company's total shareholder return during a three-year period to the respective total shareholder returns of companies in a performance peer group. Based upon the company's ranking in the performance peer group, a recipient of PS's or PSU's may earn a total award ranging from 0% to 200% of the initial grant.

Stock Options: During 2015, the Company granted 354,422 options under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The options vest in full after three years. The exercise price of all options granted is equal to the market value of the shares on the date of grant. Options under the plans have a termination date of 10 years from the date of issuance.

The following table summarizes the equity option transactions under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan:

		Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Weighted Average Remaining Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		3,018,056		$	22.88	$	5.81	8.55	38,399
	Granted	354,422		41.05		8.93
	Exercised	(5,937	)	29.28		8.47
	Forfeitures	(198,275	)	26.24		7.14
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		3,168,266		$	24.72	$	6.09	7.72	57,336
Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		2,848,066		$	23.78	$	5.81	7.62	$	54,219

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

None were exercisable as of December 27, 2015.

The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes pricing model as its method of valuation for equity option awards. The fair value of the options granted during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was estimated on the date of the grant with the following weighted average assumptions:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.57	%	2.18	%	1.17	%
Expected time to option exercise	6.50 years		6.50 years		6.50 years
Expected volatility	27	%	37	%	35	%
Expected dividend yield on Pinnacle Foods Inc. stock	2.29	%	2.88	%	3.54	%	*

* Dividend yield is based on the weighted average of the expected yield at the time of each grant, 3.54% is principally the result of options granted at the IPO price of $20.00 a share. No dividend was in effect prior to 2013.

Volatility was based on the average volatility of a group of publicly traded food companies. The Company estimates the annual forfeiture rates to be approximately 11% under its long-term incentive plans.

Cash received from option exercises for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was $1,231, $489 and $574, respectively.

Non-vested shares and RSU's: During 2015, the Company granted 220,291 RSU's under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The awards vest in full over a period of one to three years.

The following table summarizes the changes in non-vested shares and Restricted Stock Units ("RSU's").

		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		474,375		$	27.33	$	16,888
	Granted	220,291		41.35
	Forfeitures	(40,057	)	33.31
	Vested	(204,658	)	29.43
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		449,951		$	32.71	$	19,267
Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		345,367		$	32.59	$	14,789

PS's and PSU's: During 2015, the Company granted 106,323 PS's and 80,118 PSU's under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The awards vest in full over a period of two and a half to three years.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

The following table summarizes the changes in non-vested Performance Shares ("PS's") and Performance Share Units ("PSU's").

		Number of Instruments		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		239,147		$	37.65	$	8,514
	Granted	186,441		48.62
	Forfeitures	(34,015	)	40.01
	Vested	—		—
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		391,573		$	42.67	$	16,767
Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		273,546		$	42.67	$	11,713

The Company estimated the fair value of PSU's at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation. The fair value of the PSU's granted during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, was estimated on the date of the grant with the following assumptions:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Risk-free interest rate	1.3	%	0.9	%
Expected term	3.00 years		3.00 years
Expected volatility	22	%	35	%
Expected dividend yield	2.3	%	2.8	%

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings or loss for common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net earnings by weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive potential common shares, which are determined as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015	December 28, 2014	December 29, 2013
Weighted-average common shares	116,031,648	115,697,621	106,841,198
Effect of dilutive securities	1,290,878	1,187,601	1,777,542
Dilutive potential common shares	117,322,526	116,885,222	108,618,740

Dilutive potential common shares are calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method, which assumes that proceeds from the exercise of all warrants and options are used to repurchase common stock at market value. The amount of shares remaining after the proceeds are exhausted represents the potentially dilutive effect of the securities. For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, conversion of securities totaling 267,565, 670,889 and 186,201 respectively, into common share equivalents were excluded from this calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

6. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss consist of the following:

	Currency translation adjustments			Gains (Losses) on cash flow hedges			Change in pensions			Total
Balance at December 29, 2013	$	(466	)	$	19,581		$	(26,612	)	$	(7,497	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(1,588		)	(15,303		)	(13,233		)	(30,124		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(154		)	41			(113		)
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(1,588		)	(15,457		)	(13,192		)	(30,237		)
Balance at December 28, 2014	$	(2,054	)	$	4,124		$	(39,804	)	$	(37,734	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(4,364		)	(13,559		)	(4,542		)	(22,465		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			203			608			811
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(4,364		)	(13,356		)	(3,934		)	(21,654		)
Balance at December 27, 2015	$	(6,418	)	$	(9,232	)	$	(43,738	)	$	(59,388	)

Other Comprehensive Earnings

The following table presents amounts reclassified out of AOCL and into Net earnings for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

Gain/(Loss)	Amounts Reclassified from AOCL
	Fiscal year ended
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings Components	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014				Reclassified from AOCL to:
Gains and losses on financial instrument contracts
Interest rate contracts	$	(3,737	)	$	(877	)		Interest expense
Foreign exchange contracts	3,211			1,502				Cost of products sold
Total before tax	(526		)	625
Tax (expense) benefit	323			(471		)		Provision for income taxes
Net of tax	(203		)	154
Pension actuarial assumption adjustments
Amortization of actuarial loss	(981		)	(67		)	(a)	Cost of products sold
Tax benefit	373			26				Provision for income taxes
Net of tax	(608		)	(41		)
Net reclassifications into net earnings	$	(811	)	$	113

(a) This is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 11 for additional details).

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

7. Other Expense (Income), net and Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs

Other Expense (Income), net

	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Other expense (income), net consists of:
Amortization of intangibles/other assets	$	13,554		$	13,917		$	15,875
Boulder Brands acquisition costs (Note 19)	1,713			—			—
Wish-Bone acquisition costs (Note 3)	—			—			6,067
Garden Protein acquisition costs (Note 3)	—			3,121			—
Foreign exchange losses	4,731			655			—
Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt	—			—			34,180
Royalty income and other	(892		)	(1,712		)	(918		)
Total other expense (income), net	$	19,106		$	15,981		$	55,204

Foreign exchange losses. Represents foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.

Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt. On May 10, 2013, as part of the 2013 Refinancing the Company redeemed all $400.0 million of its outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 108.5% of the aggregate principal amount at a premium of $34.2 million. For more information on debt refinancings, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Debt and Interest Expense.

Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs, Associated With the Hillshire Merger Agreement

On May 12, 2014 the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement for the sale of the Company to The Hillshire Brands Company ("Hillshire"). Subsequently, Hillshire received an offer from Tyson Foods, Inc. ("Tyson") to acquire all of its outstanding common shares. On June 16, 2014, in light of the Tyson offer, Hillshire's board of directors withdrew its recommendation of the pending acquisition of the Company. Under the terms of the merger agreement, as a result of the change in recommendation, the Company had the right to terminate its merger agreement with Hillshire, which it did on June 30, 2014. As a result of the termination, on July 2, 2014, the Company received a merger termination fee payment of $163.0 million from Tyson, on behalf of Hillshire. One-time fees and expenses associated with the merger agreement, comprising external advisors' fees and employee retention incentives, including equity awards, totaled $19.2 million, of which $17.4 million was incurred in fiscal 2014, with the remainder in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The net impact on 2014 pre-tax earnings of $145.6 million is included on the various lines of the Consolidated Statement of Operations as follows: $(153.0) million in Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs, $2.9 million in Cost of products sold, $2.0 million in Marketing and selling expenses, $2.2 million in Administrative expenses and $0.3 million in Research and development expenses.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

8. Balance Sheet Information

Accounts Receivable. Customer accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for cash discounts, returns and bad debts is the Company's best estimate of the amount of uncollectible amounts in its existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical discounts taken and write-off experience. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company concludes it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. Accounts receivable are as follows:

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Customers	$	219,352		$	190,321
Allowances for cash discounts, bad debts and returns	(7,902		)	(6,801		)
Subtotal	211,450			183,520
Other receivables	8,286			7,234
Total	$	219,736		$	190,754

Following are the changes in the allowance for cash discounts, bad debts, and returns:

	Beginning							Ending
	Balance		Revenue Reductions		Deductions			Balance
Fiscal 2015	$	6,801	$	98,374	$	(97,273	)	$	7,902
Fiscal 2014	5,849		96,491		(95,539		)	6,801
Fiscal 2013	5,149		87,005		(86,305		)	5,849

Inventories. Inventories are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Raw materials, containers and supplies	$	57,145	$	60,828
Finished product (1)	345,956		295,639
Total	$	403,101	$	356,467

(1) Included in Finished products was $61,527 and $45,421 of crop related inventory as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 respectively.

The Company has various purchase commitments for raw materials, containers, supplies and certain finished products incident to the ordinary course of business. Such commitments are not at prices in excess of current market.

Other Current Assets. Other Current Assets are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Prepaid expenses and other	$	8,166	$	8,139
Prepaid income taxes	5,511		84
Total	$	13,677	$	8,223

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Plant Assets. Plant assets are as follows:

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Land	$	14,948		$	14,211
Buildings	246,988			208,341
Machinery and equipment	716,314			641,818
Projects in progress (a)	61,153			91,175
Subtotal	1,039,403			955,545
Accumulated depreciation	(408,294		)	(349,639		)
Total	$	631,109		$	605,906

Depreciation was $76,106, $66,710 and $62,350 during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, Machinery and equipment included assets under capital lease with a book value of $16,372 and $18,127 (net of accumulated depreciation of $11,018 and $9,935), respectively.

(a) The significant decrease in Projects in process as of December 27, 2015 as compared to December 28, 2014 primarily relates to the 2015 transition of Wish-Bone manufacturing into our St. Elmo, Illinois location.

Accrued Liabilities. Accrued liabilities are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Employee compensation and benefits	$	55,416	$	52,404
Interest payable	12,127		12,239
Consumer coupons	2,035		1,912
Accrued financial instrument contracts (see note 12)	5,957		10,276
Accrued broker commissions	4,651		3,526
Other	20,324		26,131
Total	$	100,510	$	106,488

Other Long-Term Liabilities. Other long-term liabilities are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Employee compensation and benefits	$	9,806	$	9,506
Long-term rent liability and deferred rent allowances	7,774		8,431
Liability for uncertain tax positions	7,712		2,064
Accrued financial instrument contracts (see note 12)	22,924		6,280
Other	6,290		8,024
Total	$	54,506	$	34,305

78

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

9. Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill by segment is as follows:

	Birds Eye Frozen			Duncan Hines Grocery		Specialty Foods		Total
Balance, December 29, 2013	$	527,069		$	927,065	$	173,961	$	1,628,095
Gilster acquisition (Note 3)	—			9,550		—		9,550
Garden Protein acquisition (Note 3)	84,257			—		—		84,257
Foreign currency adjustment	(2,342		)	—		—		(2,342		)
Balance, December 28, 2014	$	608,984		$	936,615	$	173,961	$	1,719,560
Foreign currency adjustment	(4,265		)	—		—		(4,265		)
Purchase price adjustment (1)	(1,287		)	—		—		(1,287		)
Balance, December 27, 2015	$	603,432		$	936,615	$	173,961	$	1,714,008

(1) Primarily relates to a 2015 post close working capital adjustment of the preliminary purchase price related to the Garden Protein acquisition.

The authoritative guidance for business combinations requires that all business combinations be accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting. The authoritative guidance for goodwill provides that goodwill will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis or more often when events indicate. The Company completed its annual testing in the third quarter of 2015, resulting in no impairment.

All of the Company's acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for business combinations. The Gilster and Garden Protein acquisitions resulted in $9,550 and $84,257 of goodwill being recorded in the second quarter of 2014 and fourth quarter of 2014, respectively.

Tradenames

Tradenames by segment are as follows:

	Birds Eye			Duncan Hines		Specialty
	Frozen			Grocery		Foods		Total
Balance, December 29, 2013	$	796,680		$	1,118,712	$	36,000	$	1,951,392
Garden Protein acquisition (Note 3)	51,950			—		—		51,950
Foreign currency adjustment	(1,468		)	—		—		(1,468		)
Balance, December 28, 2014	$	847,162		$	1,118,712	$	36,000	$	2,001,874
Foreign currency adjustment	(826		)	—		—		(826		)
Balance, December 27, 2015	$	846,336		$	1,118,712	$	36,000	$	2,001,048

The authoritative guidance for indefinite-lived assets provides that indefinite-lived assets will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis or more often when events indicate. The Company completed its annual testing in the third quarter of 2015, resulting in no impairment.

The allocation of the Garden Protein acquisition purchase price resulted in $51,950 of indefinite-lived tradename intangible assets being recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014.

79

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Other Assets

	December 27, 2015
	Weighted Avg Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Amortizable intangibles
Recipes	10	$	60,094	$	(47,077	)	$	13,017
Customer relationships - Distributors	35	142,129		(46,507		)	95,622
Customer relationships - Private Label	7	1,290		(399		)	891
License	7	6,175		(5,800		)	375
Total amortizable intangibles		$	209,688	$	(99,783	)	$	109,905
Debt acquisition costs		46,313		(29,216		)	17,097
Other (1)		9,282		—			9,282
Total other assets, net							$	136,284
	Amortizable intangibles by segment
	Birds Eye Frozen						$	60,510
	Duncan Hines Grocery						45,503
	Specialty Foods						3,892
							$	109,905

	December 28, 2014
	Weighted Avg Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Amortizable intangibles
Recipes	10	$	60,206	$	(41,027	)	$	19,179
Customer relationships - Distributors	35	142,156		(40,616		)	101,540
Customer relationships - Private Label	7	1,290		(43		)	1,247
License	7	6,175		(4,563		)	1,612
Total amortizable intangibles		$	209,827	$	(86,249	)	$	123,578
Debt acquisition costs		45,913		(25,244		)	20,669
Financial instruments (see note 12)		6,420		—			6,420
Other (1)		7,229		—			7,229
Total other assets, net							$	157,896
	Amortizable intangibles by segment
	Birds Eye Frozen						$	67,525
	Duncan Hines Grocery						51,637
	Specialty Foods						4,416
							$	123,578

(1) As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, Other primarily consists of security deposits and supplemental savings plan investments.

Amortization of intangible assets was $13,554, $13,917 and $15,875 during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows: 2016 -$12,200 ; 2017 - $7,400; 2018 - $5,800; 2019 - $5,500; 2020 - $5,200 and thereafter - $74,000.

80

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Debt Acquisition Costs

All debt acquisition costs, which relate to the Amended Credit Agreement and Senior Notes (as defined below) are amortized into interest expense over the life of the related debt using the effective interest method. Amortization of debt acquisition costs was $3,972, $4,046 and $4,395 during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.

The following summarizes debt acquisition cost activity:

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Balance, December 28, 2014	$	45,913	$	(25,244	)	$	20,669
2015 - Additions	400		—			400
- Amortization	—		(3,972		)	(3,972		)
Balance, December 27, 2015	$	46,313	$	(29,216	)	$	17,097

10. Debt and Interest Expense

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Short-term borrowings
- Notes payable	$	2,225		$	2,396
Total short-term borrowings	$	2,225		$	2,396
Long-term debt
- Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche G Term Loans due 2020	$	1,409,625		$	1,409,625
- Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche H Term Loans due 2020	514,500			519,750
- 4.875% Senior Notes due 2021	350,000			350,000
- 3.0% Note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation due 2018	8,878			12,497
- Unamortized discount on long term debt	(10,347		)	(12,728		)
- Capital lease obligations	15,123			18,756
	2,287,779			2,297,900
Less: current portion of long-term obligations	14,847			11,916
Total long-term debt	$	2,272,932		$	2,285,984

Interest expense	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Interest expense, third party	$	79,771	$	87,765	$	102,286
Related party interest expense (Note 14)	1,033		1,602		1,880
Amortization of debt acquisition costs (Note 9)	3,972		4,046		4,395
Write-off of debt acquisition costs	—		983		12,725
Write-off of original issue discount	—		896		2,182
Financing costs	—		—		4,762
Interest rate swap losses (Note 12)	3,737		882		4,124
Total interest expense	$	88,513	$	96,174	$	132,354

81

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Amended Credit Agreement

On July 8, 2014, the Company repaid $200.0 million of the Tranche G Term Loans (defined below) with a combination of the Hillshire merger termination fee received and cash on hand. As part of the pay down, the Company wrote off $0.9 million existing original issue discount and $1.0 million of debt acquisition costs.

As of September 28, 2014, Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC ("Pinnacle Foods Finance") achieved a total net leverage ratio of less than 4.25:1.0, which resulted in a 25 basis point reduction on the interest rate on our Amended Credit Agreement. The lower rate took effect in the fourth quarter of 2014 and will remain in effect as long as the total net leverage ratio is maintained below 4.25:1.0. As of December 27, 2015, the total net leverage ratio was 3.81:1.0.

On April 3, 2013, the Company completed its IPO which is further described in Note 1. A portion of the net proceeds of the IPO was used to redeem the entire $465.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Pinnacle Foods Finance's 9.25% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 100.0%. This is explained in greater detail under the section titled, “Senior and Other Notes.” The remaining net proceeds, together with cash on hand, were used to repay $202.0 million of term loans under the then existing credit agreement.

On April 29, 2013, (the "2013 Refinancing"), Pinnacle Foods Finance, entered into the Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), which provided for a seven year term loan facility in the amount of $1,630.0 million (the "Tranche G Term Loans"). Pursuant to the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Company replaced its previous credit agreement (the “Existing Senior Secured Credit Agreement”) with a five year $150.0 million revolving credit facility. Additionally, Pinnacle Foods Finance issued 4.875% Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million (the "4.875% Senior Notes") due 2021.

In accordance with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, Pinnacle Foods Finance used a portion of the proceeds from the Tranche G Term Loans and the 4.875% Senior Notes issuance to (i) repay all existing indebtedness outstanding under the Existing Senior Secured Credit Agreement, consisting of (a) $38.1 million of Tranche B Non-Extended Term Loans, (b) $634.7 million of Tranche B Extended Term Loans, (c) $396.0 million of Tranche E Term Loans and (d) $446.6 million of Tranche F Term Loans and (ii) redeem the entire $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Pinnacle Foods Finance's 8.25% Senior Notes due 2017 at a redemption price of 108.5%.

In connection with the 2013 Refinancing, Pinnacle Foods Finance incurred deferred financing fees which are detailed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets”. Also, Pinnacle Foods Finance incurred $4.1 million of original issue discount on the new Tranche G Term Loans, and wrote off $2.2 million of existing original issue discount.

To partially fund the Wish-Bone acquisition, on October 1, 2013 as described in Note 3, Pinnacle Foods Finance entered into an amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”) in the form of incremental term loans in the amount of $525.0 million (the “Tranche H Term Loans”). The Tranche H Term Loans have consistent terms with the Tranche G Term Loans. In connection with the Tranche H Term Loans, Pinnacle Foods Finance incurred $8.5 million of original issue discount and deferred financing fees of $10.5 million. The stated maturity dates are: April 29, 2020 for the Tranche G Loans and Tranche H Term Loans, and April 29, 2018 for the revolving credit facility.

Pinnacle Foods Finance's borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement, bear interest at a floating rate and are maintained as base rate loans or as eurocurrency rate loans. Base rate loans bear interest at the base rate plus the applicable base rate margin, as described in the Amended Credit Agreement. The base rate is defined as the highest of (i) the administrative agent's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (iii) the eurocurrency rate that would be payable on such day for a eurocurrency rate loan with a one-month interest period plus 1%. Eurocurrency rate loans bear interest at the adjusted eurocurrency rate plus the applicable eurocurrency rate margin, as described in the Amended Credit Agreement. The eurocurrency rate is determined by reference to the British Bankers Association "BBA" LIBOR rate for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. With respect to Tranche G Term Loans and Tranche H Term Loans, the eurocurrency rate shall be no less than 0.75% per annum and the base rate shall be no less than 1.75%  per annum. The interest rate margin for Tranche G Term Loans and the Tranche H Term Loans under the Amended Credit Agreement is 1.25%, in the case of the base rate loans and 2.25%, in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans. As previously mentioned the margin is subject to a 25 basis point step down upon achievement by Pinnacle Foods Finance of a total net leverage ratio of less than 4.25:1.0 which was achieved as of September 28, 2014 and maintained as of December 27, 2015. In line with the Amended Credit Agreement the lower rate took effect in the fourth quarter of 2014.

82

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

The obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Peak Finance Holdings LLC, any subsidiary of Peak Finance Holdings LLC that directly or indirectly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Pinnacle Foods Finance, subject to certain exceptions, each of Pinnacle Foods Finance’s direct or indirect material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and by the Company effective with the 2013 Refinancing. In addition, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are secured by first priority or equivalent security interests in (i) all the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct or indirect domestic material subsidiary of Pinnacle Foods Finance and 65% of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct material "first tier" foreign subsidiary of Pinnacle Foods Finance and (ii) certain tangible and intangible assets of Pinnacle Foods Finance and those of the Guarantors (subject to certain exceptions and qualifications).

The total combined amount of the Amended Credit Agreement loans that were owed to affiliates of Blackstone as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, was $27.7 million and $47.3 million, respectively.

A commitment fee of 0.375% per annum based on current leverage ratios is applied to the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. There were no revolver borrowings outstanding as of December 27, 2015. There were no revolver borrowings made during the fiscal 2015, however, the weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility would have been 2.5% calculated on the Eurocurrency rate or 4.5% calculated on the base rate. There were revolver borrowings made during the fiscal years ending December 28, 2014 and the weighted average interest rates on the revolving credit facility were 2.95%. There were no revolver borrowings made during fiscal 2013, however, the weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility would have been 2.67% calculated on the Eurocurrency rate or 4.75% calculated on the base rate.

For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013, the weighted average interest rate on the term loan components of the Senior Secured Credit Facility were 3.00%, 3.20% and 3.52%, respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 the Eurocurrency interest rate on the term loan facilities was 3.00% and 3.00%, respectively.

Pinnacle Foods Finance pays a fee for all outstanding letters of credit drawn against the revolving credit facility at an annual rate equivalent to the applicable eurocurrency rate margin then in effect under the revolving credit facility, plus the fronting fee payable in respect of the applicable letter of credit. The fronting fee is equal to 0.125% per annum of the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such letter of credit. The fronting fees are computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Total letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility cannot exceed $50.0 million. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, Pinnacle Foods Finance had utilized $29.6 million and $32.2 million, respectively of the revolving credit facility for letters of credit. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively, there was $120.4 million and $117.8 million of borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility, of which $20.4 million and $17.8 million was available to be used for letters of credit.

Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, Pinnacle Foods Finance is required to use 50% of its “Excess Cash Flow” to prepay the term loans under the Amended Credit Agreement (which percentage will be reduced to 25% at a total net leverage ratio of between 4.50 and 5.49 and to 0% at a total net leverage ratio below 4.50). As of December 27, 2015, Pinnacle Foods Finance had a total net leverage ratio of 3.81:1.0. Excess Cash Flow is defined as consolidated net income (as defined), as adjusted for certain items, including (1) all non-cash charges and credits included in arriving at consolidated net income, (2) changes in working capital, (3) capital expenditures (to the extent they were not financed with debt), (4) the aggregate amount of principal payments on indebtedness and (5) certain other items defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. For the 2015 reporting year, Pinnacle Foods Finance determined that there were no amounts due under the Excess Cash Flow requirements of the Senior Secured Credit Facility.

The term loans under the Amended Credit Agreement amortize in quarterly installments of 0.25% of their aggregate funded total principal amount. As a result of the July 8, 2014 prepayment, there are no scheduled principal payments of the Tranche G Term Loans until April 2020, when the balance is due in full. The scheduled principal payments of the Tranche H Term Loans outstanding as of December 27, 2015 are $5.3 million in 2016, $6.6 million in 2017, $3.9 million in 2018, $5.3 million in 2019, and $493.4 million in 2020.

Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, Pinnacle Foods Finance is required to maintain a ratio of Net First Lien Secured Debt to Covenant Compliance EBITDA of no greater than 5.75 to 1.00. Net First Lien Secured Debt is defined as aggregate consolidated secured indebtedness, less the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. In addition, under the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the Senior Notes, Pinnacle Foods Finance's ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments and paying dividends is tied to the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (which is currently the same as the ratio of Net First Lien Secured Debt to Covenant Compliance EBITDA described above), in the case of the Amended Credit Agreement, or to the ratio of Covenant Compliance EBITDA to fixed charges for the most recently

83

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

concluded four consecutive fiscal quarters, in the case of the Senior Notes. The Amended Credit Agreement also permits restricted payments up to an aggregate amount of (together with certain other amounts) the greater of $50 million and 2% of Pinnacle Foods Finance's consolidated total assets, so long as no default has occurred and is continuing and its pro forma Senior Secured Leverage Ratio would be no greater than 4.25 to 1.00. As of December 27, 2015 the Company is in compliance with all covenants and other obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the Senior Notes.

Senior and Other Notes

To partially fund the Gilster acquisition, on March 31, 2014 as described in Note 3, the Company entered into a $14.9 million note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation. The note has a four-year term with a maturity date of March 31, 2018 and bears interest at 3.0% per annum.

On April 3, 2013, the Company completed its IPO which is further described in Note 1. A portion of the net proceeds from the IPO was used to redeem the entire $465.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Pinnacle Foods Finance's 9.25% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 100.0%.

On April 29, 2013, as part of the 2013 Refinancing, Pinnacle Foods Finance, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Senior Notes (the "4.875% Senior Notes") due 2021.

As a result of the 2013 Refinancing, Pinnacle Foods Finance used a portion of the proceeds from the Tranche G Term Loans and the 4.875% Senior Notes issuance to redeem the entire $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Pinnacle Foods Finance's 8.25% Senior Notes due 2017 at a redemption price of 108.5%.

The 4.875% Senior Notes are general senior unsecured obligations of Pinnacle Foods Finance, effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior secured indebtedness of Pinnacle Foods Finance and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by Pinnacle Foods Finance’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of Pinnacle Foods Finance and by the Company. See Note 18 for the condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for Guarantor and Nonguarantor Financial Statements.

Pinnacle Foods Finance may redeem some or all of the 4.875% Senior Notes at any time prior to May 1, 2016 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the redemption date, subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. The “Applicable Premium” is defined as the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such note and (2) the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of such 4.875% Senior Notes at May 1, 2016, plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such 4.875% Senior Notes through May 1, 2016 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the treasury rate plus 50 basis points over (b) the principal amount of such note.

Pinnacle Foods Finance may redeem the 4.875% Senior Notes at the redemption prices listed below, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1^st of each of the years indicated below:

Year	Percentage
2016	103.656%
2017	102.438%
2018	101.219%
2019 and thereafter	100.000%

In addition, until May 1, 2016, Pinnacle Foods Finance may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 104.875% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, subject to the right of holders of the 4.875% Senior Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, with the net cash proceeds received by Pinnacle Foods Finance from one or more equity offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% Senior Notes originally issued under the indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 120 days of the date of closing of each such equity offering.

84

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

As market conditions warrant, Pinnacle Foods Finance and its subsidiaries, affiliates or significant equity holders may from time to time, in its or their sole discretion, purchase, repay, redeem or retire any of Pinnacle Foods Finance’s outstanding debt or equity securities (including any publicly issued debt or equity securities), in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer, exchange offer or otherwise.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, as of December 27, 2015, is as follows:

	December 27, 2015
Issue	Face Value		Fair Value
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche G Term Loans	$	1,409,625	$	1,384,957
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche H Term Loans	514,500		505,496
3.0% Note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation	8,878		8,878
4.875% Senior Notes	350,000		337,750
	$	2,283,003	$	2,237,081

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, as of December 28, 2014, is as follows:

	December 28, 2014
Issue	Face Value		Fair Value
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche G Term Loans	$	1,409,625	$	1,367,336
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche H Term Loans	519,750		504,158
3.0% Note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation	12,497		12,497
4.875% Senior Notes	350,000		346,500
	$	2,291,872	$	2,230,491

The estimated fair values of the Company's long-term debt are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is based on the quoted market price for such notes and borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and maturities.

85

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

11. Pension and Retirement Plans

The Company accounts for pension and retirement plans in accordance with the authoritative guidance for retirement benefit compensation. This guidance requires recognition of the funded status of a benefit plan in the statement of financial position. The guidance also requires recognition in accumulated other comprehensive earnings of certain gains and losses that arise during the period but are deferred under pension accounting rules.

On December 31, 2013, the Pinnacle Foods Pension Plan merged into the Birds Eye Foods Pension Plan in order to achieve administrative, operational and cost efficiencies. The merged plan was renamed the Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan is frozen for future benefit accruals. The Company also has two qualified 401(k) plans, two non-qualified supplemental savings plans and participates in a multi-employer defined benefit plan.

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan

The Plan covers eligible union employees and provides benefits generally based on years of service and employees’ compensation. The Plan is frozen for future benefits. The Plan is funded in conformity with the funding requirements of applicable government regulations. The Plan assets consist principally of cash equivalents, equity and fixed income common collective trusts. The Plan assets do not include any of the Company’s own equity or debt securities.

86

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

The following table reconciles the changes in our benefit obligation:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Change in Benefit Obligation
Net benefit obligation at beginning of the period	$	277,253		$	251,557		$	292,290
Service cost	—			—			69
Interest cost	10,474			11,517			10,961
Actuarial loss (gain)	(12,264		)	31,878			(33,919		)
Gross benefits paid	(17,179		)	(17,699		)	(17,844		)
Net benefit obligation at end of the period	258,284			277,253			251,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the period	218,127			204,349			194,165
Employer contributions	3,123			7,793			8,278
Actual return on plan assets	(7,049		)	23,684			19,750
Gross benefits paid	(17,179		)	(17,699		)	(17,844		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the period	197,022			218,127			204,349
Funded status at end of the year	$	(61,262	)	$	(59,126	)	$	(47,208	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued pension benefits	$	(60,996	)	$	(58,799	)	$	(46,861	)
Accrued pension benefits (part of accrued liabilities)	(266		)	(327		)	(347		)
Net amount recognized at end of the period	$	(61,262	)	$	(59,126	)	$	(47,208	)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Net loss	$	56,762		$	49,779		$	28,512
Net amount recognized at end of the period	$	56,762		$	49,779		$	28,512
Accumulated benefit obligation	258,284			277,253			251,557
Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate	4.20		%	3.85		%	4.76		%

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

The following represents the components of net periodic (benefit) cost:

Pension Benefits
	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	69
Interest cost	10,474			11,517			10,961
Expected return on assets	(13,233		)	(13,150		)	(13,386		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,005			76			1,413
Net periodic benefit	$	(1,754	)	$	(1,557	)	$	(943	)
Weighted average assumptions:
Discount rate	3.85		%	4.76		%	3.88		%
Expected return on plan assets	6.25		%	6.50		%	7.00		%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A

To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption.

Plan Assets

The following table sets forth the weighted-average asset allocations of the Company's pension plans by asset category:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Asset category
Equity securities	41	%	40	%
Debt securities	58	%	59	%
Cash	1	%	1	%
Total	100	%	100	%

The Plan's investments in equity or debt securities is based on a glide path strategy where the investment in debt securities increases as the Plan's funded status becomes smaller. Based on the current funded status, the policy is to invest approximately 41% of plan assets in equity securities and 59% in fixed income securities. Periodically, the plan assets are rebalanced to maintain these allocation percentages and the investment policy is reviewed. Within each investment category, assets are allocated to various investment styles. Professional managers manage all assets and a consultant is engaged to assist in evaluating these activities. The expected long-term rate of return on assets was determined by assessing the rates of return on each targeted asset class, return premiums generated by portfolio management and by comparison of rates utilized by other companies.

88

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

The following table summarizes the Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan's investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions. There are no Level 3 assets.

	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Short-term investments:
Short-term Investment Fund	$	1,851	$	—	$	1,851	$	—
Equity Common/collective trusts:
Small/ Mid Capitalization Fund	10,757		—		10,757		—
Large Capitalization Equity Fund	43,541		—		43,541		—
International Fund	25,837		—		25,837		—
Fixed Income Common/collective trusts:
Fixed Income Fund	115,036		—		115,036		—
Total assets at fair value	$	197,022	$	—	$	197,022	$	—
	Fair Value as of December 28, 2014		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Short-term investments:
Short-term Investment Fund	$	1,652	$	—	$	1,652	$	—
Equity Common/collective trusts:
Small/ Mid Capitalization Fund	11,574		—		11,574		—
Large Capitalization Equity Fund	49,149		—		49,149		—
International Fund	27,429		—		27,429		—
Fixed Income Common/collective trusts:
Fixed Income Fund	128,323		—		128,323		—
Total assets at fair value	$	218,127	$	—	$	218,127	$	—

Cash Flows

Contributions. The Company made contributions to the Plan totaling $3.1 million in fiscal 2015, $7.8 million in fiscal 2014 and $8.3 million in fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2016, the Company does not expect to make any significant contributions.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Estimated Future Benefit Payments for all Plans

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

Year	Benefit Payment ($)
2016	15,952
2017	15,216
2018	15,400
2019	15,870
2020	15,586
2021-2025	77,378

Savings Plans

The Company's employees participate in 401(k) plans. Pinnacle matches 50% of employee contributions up to five percent of compensation for union employees after one year of continuous service and six percent of compensation for salaried employees and it is our current intent to continue the match at these levels. Employer contributions made by the Company relating to these plans were $5.6 million for fiscal 2015, $5.1 million for fiscal 2014 and $4.6 million for fiscal 2013.

In addition, the Company sponsors two non-qualified Plans. One is the Birds Eye Foods non-qualified plan which was closed to new contributions on April 1, 2010. The second plan is the Pinnacle Foods Supplemental Savings Plan which was approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on September 11, 2012 to become effective in 2013 and was adopted for the purpose of allowing all Company employees, regardless of compensation level, the opportunity to receive the same 3% match on total compensation (base salary plus bonus).

Multi-employer Plan

Pinnacle contributes to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Industry Pension Fund (EIN 51-6055922) (the "UFCW Plan") under the terms of the collective-bargaining agreement with its Fort Madison employees.

For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 contributions to the UFCW Plan were $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The contributions to this plan are paid monthly based upon the number of employees. They represent less than 5% of the total contributions received by this plan during the most recent plan year.

The risks of participating in multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: (a) assets contributed to a multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers, (b) if a participating employer stops contributing to the multi-employer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers and (c) if the Company chooses to stop participating in the plan, the Company may be required to pay a withdrawal liability based on the underfunded status of the plan.

The UFCW Plan received a Pension Protection Act “green” zone status for the plan year ending June 30, 2015. The zone status is based on information the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan's actuary. Among other factors, plans in the "green" zone are at least 80 percent funded. The UFCW Plan did not utilize any extended amortization provisions that effect its placement in the "green" zone. The UFCW Plan has never been required to implement a funding improvement plan nor is one pending at this time.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

12. Financial Instruments

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodity prices.

The Company manages interest rate risk based on the varying circumstances of anticipated borrowings and existing variable and fixed rate debt, including the Company’s revolving credit facility. Examples of interest rate management strategies include capping interest rates using targeted interest cost benchmarks, hedging portions of the total amount of debt, or hedging a period of months and not always hedging to maturity, and at other times locking in rates to fix interests costs.

Certain parts of the Company’s foreign operations in Canada expose the Company to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company’s goal is to reduce its exposure to such foreign exchange risks on its foreign currency cash flows and fair value fluctuations on recognized foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities and unrecognized firm commitments to acceptable levels primarily through the use of foreign exchange-related derivative financial instruments. The Company enters into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of its functional currency. The Company does not enter into these transactions for non-hedging purposes.

The Company purchases raw materials in quantities expected to be used in a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. The Company generally enters into agreements for either spot market delivery or forward delivery. The prices paid in the forward delivery contracts are generally fixed, but may also be variable subject to fluctuations in underlying commodity prices. Forward derivative contracts on certain commodities are entered into to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of materials used in the Company’s manufacturing processes.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. During the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt.

The second quarter 2013 IPO (Note 1) and 2013 Refinancing (Note 10) resulted in significant changes to the Company's debt profile. For the two$650 million interest rate swaps in place at the time that were scheduled to mature April 2014, it became probable that the associated original forecasted transactions would not occur. As such, the Company discontinued hedge accounting and accelerated the reclassification of amounts in AOCL to earnings as a result of the hedged forecasted transactions becoming probable not to occur. In the second quarter 2013, these accelerated amounts resulted in a $2.8 million charge to interest expense ($1.7 million, net of tax benefits) and a $9.1 million non-cash charge to the provision for income tax expenses related to the release of deferred tax charges recorded in Other comprehensive income (see Note 16 for additional details). Prospective changes in the fair value of these derivatives no longer designated in hedging relationships were recorded directly in earnings prior to their maturity in April 2014. As of December 27, 2015, all of the Company's interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges.

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had the following interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:

91

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Product	Number of Instruments	Current Notional Amount Hedged		Fixed Rate Range	Index	Trade Dates	Maturity Dates
Interest Rate Swaps	12	$	1,318,050	1.05% - 2.97%	USD-LIBOR-BBA	Apr 2013 - Oct 2013	Apr 2016 - Apr 2020

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in AOCL in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts reported in AOCL related to derivatives will be reclassified to Interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $6,967 will be reclassified as an increase to Interest expense.

Cash Flow Hedges of Foreign Exchange Risk

The Company’s operations in Canada expose the Company to changes in the U.S. Dollar – Canadian Dollar ("USD-CAD") foreign exchange rate. From time to time, the Company’s Canadian subsidiary purchases inventory denominated in U.S. Dollars ("USD"), a currency other than its functional currency. The subsidiary sells that inventory in Canadian dollars ("CAD"). The subsidiary uses currency forward and collar agreements to manage its exposure to fluctuations in the USD-CAD exchange rate. Currency forward agreements involve fixing the USD-CAD exchange rate for delivery of a specified amount of foreign currency on a specified date. Currency collar agreements involve the sale of CAD currency in exchange for receiving USD if exchange rates rise above an agreed upon rate and purchase of USD currency in exchange for paying CAD currency if exchange rates fall below an agreed upon rate at specified dates.

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had the following foreign currency exchange contracts (in aggregate) that were designated as cash flow hedges of foreign exchange risk:

Product	Number of Instruments	Notional Sold in Aggregate in ("CAD")		Notional Purchased in Aggregate in ("USD")		USD to CAD Exchange Rates	Trade Date	Maturity Dates
Canadian $ contracts	12	$	12,000	$	9,144	1.312 - 1.313	Oct 2015	Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated that qualify as cash flow hedges of foreign exchange risk is recorded in AOCL in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portions of the change in fair value of the derivative, as well as amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are recognized directly in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Non-designated Hedges of Commodity Risk

Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk but do not meet the authoritative guidance for hedge accounting. From time to time, the Company enters into commodity forward contracts to fix the price of diesel fuel, natural gas, soybean oil purchases and other commodities at a future delivery date. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had the following derivative instruments that were not designated in qualifying hedging relationships:

92

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Commodity Contracts	Number of Instruments	Notional Purchased in Aggregate	Price/Index	Trade Dates	Maturity Dates
Diesel Fuel Contracts	3	9,309,557 Gallons	3.68 - 3.80 per Gallon	Sept 2014 - Nov 2014	Jan 2016 - Jan 2017
Heating Oil Contracts	2	3,871,100 Gallons	1.80 - 1.82 per Gallon	Jan 2015 - July 2015	Dec 2016
Natural Gas Contracts	2	773,000 MMBTU's	2.81 - 3.20 per MMBTU	July 2015 - Oct 2015	June 2016 - Aug 2016
Soybean Oil Contracts	3	62,688,173 Pounds	0.31 - 0.35 per Pound	Dec 2014 - July 2015	Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

	Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest Rate Contracts				Accrued liabilities	$	3,921
				Other long-term liabilities	14,947
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Other current assets	471
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	471		$	18,868
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Commodity Contracts				Accrued liabilities	2,036
				Other long-term liabilities	7,977
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	—		$	10,013
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 28, 2014		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 28, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest Rate Contracts	Other assets, net	$	6,420	Accrued liabilities	$	1,280
				Other long-term liabilities	3,263
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Other current assets	1,294
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	7,714		$	4,543
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Interest Rate Contracts				Accrued liabilities	$	8,995
Commodity Contracts				Other long- term liabilities	3,016
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	—		$	12,011

93

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

The Company has elected not to offset the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities executed with the same counterparty that are generally subject to enforceable netting agreements. However, if the company were to offset and record the asset and liability balances of derivatives on a net basis, the amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 would be adjusted as detailed in the following table:

	December 27, 2015						December 28, 2014
Derivative Instrument	Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements		Net Amount		Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements		Net Amount
Total asset derivatives	$	471	(471	)	$	—	$	7,714	(5,039	)	$	2,675
Total liability derivatives	$	28,881	(471	)	$	28,410	$	16,554	(5,039	)	$	11,515

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and AOCL for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments

Gain/(Loss)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Recognized in AOCL on Derivative (Effective Portion)			Effective portion reclassified from AOCL to:	Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (Effective Portion)				Ineffective portion recognized in Earnings in:	Recognized in Earnings on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Interest Rate Contracts	$	(24,482	)	Interest expense	$	(3,737	)		Interest expense	$	—
Foreign Exchange Contracts	2,404			Cost of products sold	3,211				Cost of products sold	(16		)
Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015	$	(22,078	)		$	(526	)			$	(16	)
Interest Rate Contracts	$	(27,313	)	Interest expense	$	(877	)		Interest expense	$	—
Foreign Exchange Contracts	2,472			Cost of products sold	1,502				Cost of products sold	17
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014	$	(24,841	)		$	625				$	17
Interest Rate Contracts	$	27,817		Interest expense	$	(4,000	)	(a)	Interest expense	$	8
Foreign Exchange Contracts	1,443			Cost of products sold	1,771				Cost of products sold	(3		)
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013	$	29,260			$	(2,229	)			$	5
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments				Recognized in Earnings in:	Recognized in Earnings on Derivative
Commodity Contracts				Cost of products sold	$	(9,292	)
Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015					$	(9,292	)
Commodity Contracts				Cost of products sold	$	(12,928	)
Interest Rate Contracts				Interest expense	$	(5	)
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014					$	(12,933	)
Commodity Contracts				Cost of products sold	$	667
Interest Rate Contracts				Interest expense	$	(132	)
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013					$	535

(a) Includes $2.8 million of accelerated reclassifications out of AOCL.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Credit risk-related contingent features

The Company has agreements with certain counterparties that contain a provision whereby the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to the Company’s default on the indebtedness. As of December 27, 2015, the Company has not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If the Company had breached this provision at December 27, 2015, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value, which differs from the recorded fair value. The table below summarizes the aggregate fair values of those derivatives that contain credit risk-related contingent features as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

December 27, 2015

Asset/(Liability)
Counterparty	Contract Type	Termination Value			Performance Risk Adjustment		Accrued Interest			Fair Value (excluding interest)
Barclays	Interest Rate Contracts	$	(9,616	)	$	773	$	(260	)	$	(8,583	)
	Commodity Contracts	(7,035		)	116		—			(6,919		)
Bank of America	Interest Rate Contracts	(5,879		)	790		—			(5,089		)
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	470			1		—			471
	Commodity Contracts	(1,737		)	29		—			(1,709		)
Credit Suisse	Interest Rate Contracts	(2,627		)	53		(260		)	(2,314		)
Macquarie	Interest Rate Contracts	(3,137		)	47		(209		)	(2,882		)
	Commodity Contracts	(1,408		)	23		—			(1,386		)
Total		$	(30,970	)	$	1,831	$	(728	)	$	(28,410	)

December 28, 2014

Asset/(Liability)
Counterparty	Contract Type	Termination Value			Performance Risk Adjustment		Accrued Interest			Fair Value (excluding interest)
Barclays	Interest Rate Contracts	$	550		$	667	$	(90	)	$	1,307
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	1,294			—		—			1,294
	Commodity Contracts	(6,300		)	—		—			(6,300		)
Bank of America	Interest Rate Contracts	1,578			627		—			2,205
Credit Suisse	Interest Rate Contracts	322			58		(90		)	470
Macquarie	Interest Rate Contracts	(2,262		)	80		(77		)	(2,105		)
	Commodity Contracts	(5,711		)	—		—			(5,711		)
Total		$	(10,529	)	$	1,432	$	(257	)	$	(8,840	)

13. Commitments and Contingencies

General

From time to time, the Company and its operations are parties to, or targets of, lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of such items cannot be determined with certainty, the Company’s general counsel and management are of the opinion that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

95

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Product Recall

On January 27, 2012, the Company issued a voluntary product recall for certain Aunt Jemima frozen pancakes due to potential cross contamination. In order to mitigate the adverse impact of the product recall on the Aunt Jemima brand business continuity, trade promotions and other consumer marketing expenditures were increased in 2012 above normal ongoing levels (market rehabilitation expenses). In August 2013, the Company collected an insurance recovery of $3.2 million related to these market rehabilitation expenses, of which $2.3 million was recorded as a reduction of trade promotions (a component of Net Sales) and $0.9 million as a reduction to Marketing and selling expenses in the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013. The Birds Eye Frozen segment recorded $2.7 million of the recovery while $0.5 million was recorded in the Duncan Hines Grocery segment related to the Aunt Jemima business in Canada.

Minimum Contractual Payments

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had entered into non-cancellable lease and purchase contracts, with terms in excess of one year, requiring the following minimum payments:

Description	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		Thereafter
Operating leases	$	12,548	$	12,397	$	9,542	$	7,500	$	6,792	$	15,241
Capital leases	6,739		1,988		2,008		912		909		8,183
Purchase Commitments (1)	638,720		36,815		12,871		7,336		7,336		44,929

(1) The amounts indicated in this line primarily reflect future contractual payments, including certain take-or-pay arrangements entered into as part of the normal course of business. The amounts do not include obligations related to other contractual purchase obligations that are not take-or-pay arrangements. Such contractual purchase obligations are primarily purchase orders at fair value that are part of normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. Purchase obligations also include trade and consumer promotion and advertising commitments.

Rent expense under our operating leases was $15.3 million, $14.1 million and $13.0 million during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.

14. Related Party Transactions

Upon completion of the May 8, 2015 public offering described in Note 1, Blackstone no longer beneficially owns any of the Company's outstanding stock.

Expenses relating to advisory services provided by affiliates of Blackstone resulting from the Hillshire transaction were $3.8 million in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014. This transaction is explained in greater detail in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On April 3, 2013, the advisory agreement previously in place with Blackstone, was terminated in accordance with its terms for a fee paid of $15.1 million. In addition, prepaid expenses for related party management fees of $3.3 million that were recorded to Other current assets were expensed in the second quarter of 2013.

In connection with our April 2013 IPO, Blackstone acted as an underwriter and received fees and commissions of approximately $2.0 million. In December, 2013, in connection with a secondary offering, the Company engaged Blackstone to provide certain financial consulting services, for which they received approximately $0.8 million.

Customer Purchases

Performance Food Group Company, which is controlled by affiliates of Blackstone, is a foodservice supplier that purchases products from the Company. Sales to Performance Food Group Company were $6.3 million, $4.6 million and $4.1 million in the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 amounts due from Performance Food Group Company were $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and were recorded in Accounts receivable, net of allowances in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Interest Expense

For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, fees and interest expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for debt owed to affiliates of Blackstone Advisors L.P. totaled $1.0 million, $1.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, debt owed to related parties was $27.7 million and $47.3 million, respectively and was recorded on the Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, interest accrued on debt to related parties was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively and was recorded in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

15. Segments

The Company is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high quality, branded food products in North America. The Company manages the business in three operating segments: Birds Eye Frozen, Duncan Hines Grocery and Specialty Foods.

The Birds Eye Frozen segment manages its Leadership Brands in the United States retail frozen vegetables (Birds Eye), frozen complete bagged meals (Birds Eye Voila!), and frozen seafood (Van de Kamp's and Mrs. Paul's) categories, plant based protein frozen products (gardein), as well as its Foundation Brands in the frozen and refrigerated bagels (Lender's), frozen pizza for one (Celeste), full-calorie single-serve frozen dinners and entrées (Hungry-Man), and frozen breakfast (Aunt Jemima) categories.

The Duncan Hines Grocery segment manages its Leadership Brands in the baking mixes and frostings (Duncan Hines), shelf-stable pickles (Vlasic), liquid and dry-mix salad dressings (Wish-Bone and Western) and table syrups (Mrs. Butterworth's and Log Cabin) categories, and its Foundation Brands in the canned meat (Armour, Nalley and Brooks), pie and pastry fillings (Duncan HinesComstock and Wilderness), barbecue sauces (Open Pit) and salad dressing (Bernstein's) categories as well as all Canadian operations.

The Company refers to the sum of the Birds Eye Frozen segment and the Duncan Hines Grocery segment as the North America Retail businesses.

The Specialty Foods segment consists of snack products (Tim's Cascade and Snyder of Berlin), foodservice and private label businesses.

Segment performance is evaluated by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker and is based on earnings before interest and taxes. Transfers between segments and geographic areas are recorded at cost plus markup or at market. Identifiable assets are those assets, including goodwill, which are identified with the operations in each segment or geographic region. Corporate assets consist of prepaid and deferred tax assets. Unallocated corporate expenses consist of corporate overhead such as executive management, finance and legal functions, IPO and refinancing related charges. Unallocated corporate income in 2014 includes the termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement.

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PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

	Fiscal year
SEGMENT INFORMATION	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
	52 weeks			52 weeks			52 weeks
Net sales
Birds Eye Frozen	$	1,227,235		$	1,115,232		$	1,096,897
Duncan Hines Grocery	1,092,408			1,131,380			1,004,990
Specialty Foods	336,149			344,571			361,915
Total	$	2,655,792		$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802
Earnings before interest and taxes
Birds Eye Frozen	$	211,515		$	182,376		$	198,634
Duncan Hines Grocery	206,731			184,087			144,428
Specialty Foods	32,307			30,890			29,959
Unallocated corporate income (expenses)	(25,851		)	114,918			(79,984		)
Total	$	424,702		$	512,271		$	293,037
Depreciation and amortization
Birds Eye Frozen	$	44,405		$	40,390		$	38,409
Duncan Hines Grocery	30,685			26,289			22,755
Specialty Foods	14,570			13,948			17,061
Total	$	89,660		$	80,627		$	78,225
Capital expenditures (1)
Birds Eye Frozen	$	49,832		$	29,579		$	40,516
Duncan Hines Grocery	50,153			65,325			34,003
Specialty Foods	8,492			9,351			11,566
Total	$	108,477		$	104,255		$	86,085
NET SALES BY PRODUCT TYPE
Net sales
Frozen	$	1,384,587		$	1,278,147		$	1,266,217
Meals and Meal Enhancers	859,598			876,670			746,429
Desserts	309,702			331,766			346,856
Snacks	101,905			104,600			104,300
Total	$	2,655,792		$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Net sales
United States	$	2,635,141		$	2,563,730		$	2,439,888
Canada	118,194			82,722			83,551
Intercompany	(97,543		)	(55,269		)	(59,637		)
Total	$	2,655,792		$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802

 (1) Includes new capital leases.

98

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

SEGMENT INFORMATION	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Total assets
Birds Eye Frozen	$	2,267,771	$	2,123,902
Duncan Hines Grocery	2,675,110		2,612,311
Specialty Foods	352,663		343,177
Corporate	44,539		121,555
Total	$	5,340,083	$	5,200,945
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Long-lived assets
United States	$	615,123	$	592,541
Canada	15,986		13,365
Total	$	631,109	$	605,906

99

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

16. Provision for Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

Provision for income taxes	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Current
Federal	$	2,191		$	—		$	117
State	6,431			7,886			2,967
Non-U.S.	(327		)	377			539
	8,295			8,263			3,623
Deferred
Federal	106,975			147,929			65,554
State	7,452			11,680			2,151
Non-U.S.	1,157			(72		)	147
	115,584			159,537			67,852
Provision for income taxes	$	123,879		$	167,800		$	71,475
Earnings before income taxes
United States	332,020			$	415,149		$	158,190
Non-U.S.	4,367			1,069			2,634
Total	$	336,387		$	416,218		$	160,824
The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate as explained below:
Effective Income Tax Rate
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.0		%	35.0		%	35.0		%
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)	2.7		%	3.1		%	2.1		%
Tax effect resulting from international activities	(0.6		)%	0.0		%	(0.2		)%
Domestic production activities deduction	(0.3		)%	0.0		%	0.0		%
Non-deductible expenses	0.3		%	0.2		%	0.5		%
Equity based compensation	0.1		%	2.0		%	0.6		%
Uncertain tax positions	0.0		%	0.0		%	1.3		%
Swap De-designation (Note 12)	0.0		%	0.0		%	5.0		%
Other	(0.4		)%	0.0		%	0.1		%
Effective income tax rate	36.8		%	40.3		%	44.4		%

100

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Accrued liabilities	$	11,907		$	14,120
Inventories	5,974			8,328
Benefits and compensation	25,689			22,276
Hedges	7,159			—
Net operating loss carryforwards	85,742			165,045
Federal & state tax credits	3,655			4,041
Postretirement benefits	23,401			21,966
Alternative minimum tax	1,993			1,924
Other	3,129			4,225
Subtotal	168,649			241,925
Valuation allowance	(1,487		)	(1,706		)
Total net deferred tax assets	167,162			240,219
Other intangible assets	(749,498		)	(731,240		)
Partnership interest	(8,866		)	(8,887		)
Plant assets	(105,563		)	(94,147		)
Unremitted earnings	—			(3,672		)
Hedges	—			(1,050		)
Other	(679		)	(836		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(864,606		)	(839,832		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(697,444	)	$	(599,613	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current net deferred tax assets	40,571			$	121,788
Long-term net deferred tax liability	(738,015		)	(721,401		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(697,444	)	$	(599,613	)

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for income taxes under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

During the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 the Company generated sufficient federal taxable income to enable it to claim the domestic production activities deduction, resulting in a 0.3% benefit in our effective tax rate. Also during the year our Canadian subsidiary repatriated a dividend representing all accumulated earnings of our foreign operations as of December 27, 2015 to its U.S. parent. As a result of this transaction, a net benefit of $1.4 million was recorded to the 2015 provision for income taxes for the effect of the current income tax liability on the dividend, reversal of the cumulative deferred tax liability on unremitted earnings, recognition of available foreign tax credit and reversal of the associated deferred tax asset on our cumulative translation adjustment. The net effective tax rate impact of this distribution, when added to the Canadian tax rate differential on our Canadian subsidiaries earnings, was a 0.6% benefit.

As a result of the dividend from our Canadian operations discussed above, the Company does not have any undistributed foreign earnings as of December 27, 2015 for which a deferred tax liability is required or for which an assertion of permanent reinvestment can be made. Based on our plans for the use of non-U.S. funds and our U.S. cash position, subsequent to fiscal 2015, the Company does anticipate making an assertion to permanently reinvest a portion of our foreign earnings.

101

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

The Company’s fiscal 2014 earnings include $145.6 million of pre-tax earnings from the terminated Hillshire merger agreement (Note 7). Utilization of net operating loss carryovers (NOL’s) reduced our taxes currently payable on the net termination fee to approximately $3.0 million. The Company also recognized approximately $23.7 million of non-deductible, equity based compensation expense during the year, primarily associated with the Liquidity event (Note 5).

During the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, the Company refinanced all of its outstanding debt (Note 10) and the Company discontinued hedge accounting for interest rate swaps in effect at that time (Note 12). Effective with the swap termination, deferred tax expense of $9.1 million, which was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss through the swap termination date, was reclassified as a non-cash deferred tax expense in the provision for income taxes through the consolidated statement of operations.

The authoritative guidance for accounting for income taxes requires that a valuation allowance be established when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company regularly evaluates its deferred tax assets for future realization. A review of all available positive and negative evidence must be considered, including a company's performance, the market environment in which the company operates, the utilization of past tax credits, length of carryback and carryforward periods, and existing contracts or sales backlog that will result in future profits. Based on a review of both the positive and negative evidence, it was determined that the Company had sufficient positive evidence to outweigh any negative evidence and support that it was more likely that not that substantially all of the deferred tax assets would be realized.

The Company is a loss corporation as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Section 382 places an annual limitation on our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryovers (NOLs) and other attributes to reduce future taxable income. As of December 27, 2015, we have federal NOL carryovers of $443.7 million, subject to an annual limitation of $17.1 million. As a result, $237.2 million of the carryovers exceed the estimated available Section 382 limitation. The Company has reduced its deferred tax assets for this limitation.

The Company's federal NOLs have expiration periods beginning in 2020 through 2027 and we have a federal foreign tax credit carryover of $1.5 million that has an expiration period in 2025. The Company also has state tax NOLs that are limited and vary in amount by jurisdiction. State net operating losses are approximately $282.9 million with expiration periods beginning in 2016 through 2033. State tax credits total $3.1 million and expire on or before 2020.

The table below lists the changes in the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance, before federal effect. The valuation allowance increase of $0.6 million is attributable to state NOLs and credits, the realization of which is not more likely than not. The decrease of $0.6 million is primarily attributable to the write-off of a foreign net operating loss carryover of $0.5 million that was subject to a full valuation reserve, as the Company determined it will not generate future income of a certain character to realize the loss carryforward. The remaining valuation allowance is attributable to state NOLs and credits.

	Beginning									Ending
	Balance		Additions		Acquisitions		Deductions			Balance
Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015	$	2,288	$	623	$	—	$	(624	)	$	2,287
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014	3,952		—		—		(1,664		)	2,288
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013	13,354		—		—		(9,402		)	3,952

102

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax positions is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Gross unrecognized tax positions at beginning of year	$	8,242		$	6,905		$	8,507
Increase for tax positions related to prior periods	—			1,300			—
Decrease for tax positions related to prior periods	—			—			—
Increase for tax positions related to the current period	558			204			2,569
Decrease related to settlement with tax authorities	—			—			(4,122		)
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	(189		)	(167		)	(49		)
Gross unrecognized tax positions at end of year	$	8,611		$	8,242		$	6,905

The Company's liability for unrecognized tax positions as of December 27, 2015 was $8.6 million, reflecting a net increase of $0.4 million. Net expense of $0.1 million was recognized in the provision for income taxes resulting primarily from an increase in uncertainties related to current year state matters, offset by the expiration of statutes of limitations on similar uncertainties. The amount that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate as of December 27, 2015 was $2.8 million. We anticipate subsequent adjustments, if any, to not be material to our financial statements.

From time to time, various taxing authorities may audit the Company's tax returns. It is reasonably possible that a decrease in the uncertain tax positions of approximately $0.2 million may occur within the next twelve months due to the lapse of certain statutes of limitations or resolution of uncertainties.

The Company recorded a net (expense)/benefit for interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions of$(0.1) million,$0.0 million and $0.2 million,to the provision for income taxes for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. The Company's liability includes accrued interest and penalties of $0.2 millionand $0.1 millionas of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.

The Company files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state and international jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company's calendar year 1999 and subsequent federal and state tax years remain open by statute, principally relating to NOLs. With limited exception for certain states, Federal and state tax years for pre-acquisition periods (2009 and earlier) of Birds Eye Foods Inc. are either closed by statute or by completed tax examinations. As a matter of course, from time to time various taxing authorities may audit the Company's tax returns and the ultimate resolution of such audits could result in adjustments to amounts recognized by the Company.

103

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

17. Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

Summarized quarterly financial data is presented below

	Quarter Ended
	March 2015		June 2015		September 2015		December 2015		Fiscal 2015
	13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		52 weeks
Net sales	$	665,281	$	631,746	$	636,287	$	722,478	$	2,655,792
Cost of products sold	493,564		462,637		459,432		499,653		1,915,286
Gross profit	171,717		169,109		176,855		222,825		740,506
Net earnings	41,536		43,679		48,098		79,195		212,508
Net earnings per share (1)
Basic	$	0.36	$	0.38	$	0.41	$	0.68	$	1.83
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	115,906		116,031		116,085		116,105		116,032
Diluted	$	0.35	$	0.37	$	0.41	$	0.67	$	1.81
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	117,036		117,281		117,470		117,503		117,323
Dividends declared	$	0.235	$	0.235	$	0.255	$	0.255	$	0.98
Market price - high	$	40.89	$	47.35	$	47.41	$	44.75	$	47.41
Market price - low	$	34.77	$	39.79	$	43.21	$	40.27	$	34.77

	Quarter Ended
	March 2014		June 2014		September 2014		December 2014		Fiscal 2014
	13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		52 weeks
Net sales	$	644,039	$	617,800	$	624,011	$	705,333	$	2,591,183
Cost of products sold	477,378		455,583		460,109		516,915		1,909,985
Gross profit	166,661		162,217		163,902		188,418		681,198
Net earnings	40,748		35,584		135,957		36,129		248,418
Net earnings per share (1)
Basic	$	0.35	$	0.31	$	1.17	$	0.31	$	2.15
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	115,592		115,690		115,728		115,780		115,698
Diluted	$	0.35	$	0.30	$	1.16	$	0.31	$	2.13
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	116,687		116,901		117,004		116,950		116,885
Dividends declared	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.24	$	0.24	$	0.89
Market price - high	$	29.56	$	35.67	$	34.21	$	35.85	$	35.85
Market price - low	$	26.09	$	28.64	$	30.03	$	31.34	$	26.09

(1) The sum of the individual per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

104

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Net earnings during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 were affected by the following charges (credits):

	Quarter Ended
	March 2015	June 2015		September 2015	December 2015	Fiscal 2015
	13 weeks	13 weeks		13 weeks	13 weeks	52 weeks
Cost of products sold
Acquisition integration costs (a)	2,489	1,677		2,011	2,448	8,625
Other expense (income), net
Boulder Brands acquisition costs (b)	—	—		—	1,713	1,713
Foreign exchange losses (gains) (c)	2,278	(700	)	2,102	1,051	4,731

	Quarter Ended
	March 2014		June 2014		September 2014			December 2014		Fiscal 2014
	13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks			13 weeks		52 weeks
Cost of products sold
Stock compensation expense (d)	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	2,644	$	2,644
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement related costs (e)	—		—		1,452			1,438		2,890
Garden Protein acquisition costs (f)	—		—		—			636		636
Marketing and selling expenses
Stock compensation expense (d)	—		—		—			3,317		3,317
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement related costs (e)	—		—		975			988		1,963
Administrative expenses
Stock compensation expense (d)	—		—		—			17,676		17,676
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement related costs (e)	—		—		1,121			1,108		2,229
Research and development expenses
Stock compensation expense (d)	—		—		—			94		94
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement, net of costs (e)	—		—		165			162		327
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement, net of costs (e)	—		2,085		(155,073		)	6		(152,982		)
Other expense (income), net
Garden Protein acquisition costs (f)	—		—		—			3,776		3,776

(a) The Company recorded integration costs related to the Garden Protein and Wish-Bone acquisitions.

(b) Boulder Brands acquisition costs primarily consist of legal, accounting and other professional fees. This is explained in greater detail in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(c) The Company recorded foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.

(d) The Company recorded approximately $23.7 million of equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event. This is explained in greater detail in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is primarily recorded in Administration expense.

105

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

(e) The Company recorded a merger termination fee payment, net of costs incurred related to the terminated merger agreement for the sale of the Company to The Hillshire Brands Company ("Hillshire"). This is explained in greater detail in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(f) Garden Protein acquisition costs include $0.6 million of charges recorded in Cost of products sold, primarily resulting from the step-up of inventories acquired and sold during 2014, $3.1 million of transaction costs recorded in Other expense (income), net and $0.7 million of foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future recorded in Other expense (income), net.

18. Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements

The 4.875% Senior Notes are general senior unsecured obligations of Pinnacle Foods Finance, effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior secured indebtedness of Pinnacle Foods Finance and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by the Company and Pinnacle Foods Finance's 100% owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of the Company. The indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes contains customary exceptions under which a guarantee of a guarantor subsidiary will terminate, including (1) the sale, exchange or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of the capital stock or all of the assets of such guarantor subsidiary, (2) the release or discharge of the guarantee by such guarantor subsidiary of the Amended Credit Agreement or other guarantee that resulted in the creation of the guarantee, (3) the designation of such guarantor subsidiary as an “unrestricted subsidiary” in accordance with the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes and (4) upon the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance or discharge of the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes.

The following condensed consolidating financial information presents:

(1) (a) Condensed consolidating balance sheets as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

(b) The related condensed consolidating statements of operations and comprehensive earnings for the Company, Pinnacle Foods Finance, all guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries for the following:

i. Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015;

ii. Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014; and

iii. Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

(c) The related condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the Company, Pinnacle Foods Finance, all guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries for the following:

i. Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015;

ii. Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014; and

iii. Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

(2) Elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Company, Pinnacle Foods Finance with its guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the parent using the equity method of accounting. The guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented on a combined basis. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions and include a reclassification entry of net non-current deferred tax assets to non-current deferred tax liabilities.

106

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 27, 2015
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	177,669		$	2,880		$	—		$	180,549
Accounts receivable, net	—			—			214,690			5,046			—			219,736
Intercompany accounts receivable	92,475			—			725,074			—			(817,549		)	—
Inventories, net	—			—			392,404			10,697			—			403,101
Other current assets	—			470			11,860			1,347			—			13,677
Deferred tax assets	—			1,670			38,516			385			—			40,571
Total current assets	92,475			2,140			1,560,213			20,355			(817,549		)	857,634
Plant assets, net	—			—			615,123			15,986			—			631,109
Investment in subsidiaries	1,744,015			2,428,472			26,433			—			(4,198,920		)	—
Intercompany note receivable	—			2,084,130			8,398			9,800			(2,102,328		)	—
Tradenames	—			—			1,996,800			4,248			—			2,001,048
Other assets, net	—			16,855			118,621			808			—			136,284
Deferred tax assets	—			332,372			—			—			(332,372		)	—
Goodwill	—			—			1,692,715			21,293			—			1,714,008
Total assets	$	1,836,490		$	4,863,969		$	6,018,303		$	72,490		$	(7,451,169	)	$	5,340,083
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	—		$	—		$	2,225		$	—		$	—		$	2,225
Current portion of long-term obligations	—			5,250			9,515			82			—			14,847
Accounts payable	—			—			206,082			4,957			—			211,039
Intercompany accounts payable	—			815,100			—			2,449			(817,549		)	—
Accrued trade marketing expense	—			—			44,096			2,132			—			46,228
Accrued liabilities	163			18,152			79,468			2,727			—			100,510
Dividends payable	30,798			—			—						—			30,798
Total current liabilities	30,961			838,502			341,386			12,347			(817,549		)	405,647
Long-term debt	—			2,258,528			14,055			349			—			2,272,932
Intercompany note payable	—			—			2,075,113			27,215			(2,102,328		)	—
Pension and other postretirement benefits	—			—			63,454			—			—			63,454
Other long-term liabilities	—			22,924			28,195			3,387			—			54,506
Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			1,067,628			2,759			(332,372		)	738,015
Total liabilities	30,961			3,119,954			3,589,831			46,057			(3,252,249		)	3,534,554
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$	1,176		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		1,176
Additional paid-in-capital	1,378,521			1,379,697			1,301,642			20,476			(2,701,815		)	1,378,521
Retained earnings	517,330			423,706			1,169,032			14,212			(1,606,950		)	517,330
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(59,388		)	(59,388		)	(42,202		)	(8,255		)	109,845			(59,388		)
Capital stock in treasury	(32,110		)	—			—			—			—			(32,110		)
Total shareholders' equity	1,805,529			1,744,015			2,428,472			26,433			(4,198,920		)	1,805,529
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,836,490		$	4,863,969		$	6,018,303		$	72,490		$	(7,451,169	)	$	5,340,083

107

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 28, 2014
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	32,942		$	5,535		$	—		$	38,477
Accounts receivable, net	—			—			176,822			13,932			—			190,754
Intercompany accounts receivable	89,361			—			575,842			—			(665,203		)	—
Inventories, net	—			—			344,589			11,878			—			356,467
Other current assets	—			1,294			6,756			173			—			8,223
Deferred tax assets	—			1,015			120,488			285			—			121,788
Total current assets	89,361			2,309			1,257,439			31,803			(665,203		)	715,709
Plant assets, net	—			—			592,541			13,365			—			605,906
Investment in subsidiaries	1,652,475			2,188,789			75,740			—			(3,917,004		)	—
Intercompany note receivable	—			2,086,775			7,270			9,800			(2,103,845		)	—
Tradenames	—			—			1,951,392			50,482			—			2,001,874
Other assets, net	—			26,757			119,336			11,803			—			157,896
Deferred tax assets	—			307,584			—			—			(307,584		)	—
Goodwill	—			—			1,638,946			80,614			—			1,719,560
Total assets	$	1,741,836		$	4,612,214		$	5,642,664		$	197,867		$	(6,993,636	)	$	5,200,945
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	—		$	—		$	2,396		$	—		$	—		$	2,396
Current portion of long-term obligations	—			5,250			6,746			(80		)	—			11,916
Accounts payable	—			—			194,671			3,908			—			198,579
Intercompany accounts payable	—			664,675			—			528			(665,203		)	—
Accrued trade marketing expense	—			—			33,039			3,171			—			36,210
Accrued liabilities	—			22,137			73,911			10,440			—			106,488
Dividends payable	27,847			—			—			—			—			27,847
Total current liabilities	27,847			692,062			310,763			17,967			(665,203		)	383,436
Long-term debt	—			2,261,397			24,142			445			—			2,285,984
Intercompany note payable	—			—			2,005,593			98,252			(2,103,845		)	—
Pension and other postretirement benefits	—			—			61,830			—			—			61,830
Other long-term liabilities	—			6,280			24,368			3,657			—			34,305
Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			1,027,179			1,806			(307,584		)	721,401
Total liabilities	27,847			2,959,739			3,453,875			122,127			(3,076,632		)	3,486,956
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$	1,173		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		1,173
Additional paid-in-capital	1,363,129			1,364,302			1,285,084			67,181			(2,716,567		)	1,363,129
Retained earnings	419,531			325,907			942,185			10,977			(1,279,069		)	419,531
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(37,734		)	(37,734		)	(38,480		)	(2,418		)	78,632			(37,734		)
Capital stock in treasury	(32,110		)	—			—			—			—			(32,110		)
Total shareholders' equity	1,713,989			1,652,475			2,188,789			75,740			(3,917,004		)	1,713,989
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,741,836		$	4,612,214		$	5,642,664		$	197,867		$	(6,993,636	)	$	5,200,945

108

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	2,635,141		$	118,194		$	(97,543	)	$	2,655,792
Cost of products sold	—			—			1,915,267			96,545			(96,526		)	1,915,286
Gross profit	—			—			719,874			21,649			(1,017		)	740,506
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses	—			—			168,239			8,463			—			176,702
Administrative expenses	—			—			100,556			6,448			—			107,004
Research and development expenses	—			—			12,492			500			—			12,992
Intercompany royalties	—			—			—			20			(20		)	—
Intercompany technical service fees	—			—			—			997			(997		)	—
Other expense (income), net	—			3,663			15,338			105			—			19,106
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees	(212,508		)	(226,847		)	(3,235		)	—			442,590			—
Total operating (income) expenses	(212,508		)	(223,184		)	293,390			16,533			441,573			315,804
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes	212,508			223,184			426,484			5,116			(442,590		)	424,702
Intercompany interest (income) expense	—			(68,701		)	67,657			1,044			—			—
Interest expense	—			86,745			1,727			41			—			88,513
Interest income	—			—			163			35			—			198
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	212,508			205,140			357,263			4,066			(442,590		)	336,387
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(7,368		)	130,416			831			—			123,879
Net earnings (loss)	$	212,508		$	212,508		$	226,847		$	3,235		$	(442,590	)	$	212,508
Total comprehensive earnings (loss)	$	190,854		$	190,854		$	217,931		$	(1,747	)	$	(407,038	)	$	190,854

109

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	2,563,730		$	82,722		$	(55,269	)	$	2,591,183
Cost of products sold	—			—			1,894,503			69,655			(54,173		)	1,909,985
Gross profit	—			—			669,227			13,067			(1,096		)	681,198
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses	—			—			171,267			6,105			—			177,372
Administrative expenses	—			742			112,180			4,353			—			117,275
Research and development expenses	—			—			11,209			72			—			11,281
Intercompany royalties	—			—			—			37			(37		)	—
Intercompany technical service fees	—			—			—			1,059			(1,059		)	—
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement	(152,982		)	—			—			—			—			(152,982		)
Other expense (income), net	—			2,620			13,177			184			—			15,981
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees	(154,793		)	(173,467		)	(473		)	—			328,733			—
Total operating expenses	(307,775		)	(170,105		)	307,360			11,810			327,637			168,927
Earnings before interest and taxes	307,775			170,105			361,867			1,257			(328,733		)	512,271
Intercompany interest (income) expense	—			(66,993		)	66,486			507			—			—
Interest expense	—			94,144			1,999			31			—			96,174
Interest income	—			—			62			59			—			121
Earnings before income taxes	307,775			142,954			293,444			778			(328,733		)	416,218
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	59,357			(11,839		)	119,977			305			—			167,800
Net earnings	$	248,418		$	154,793		$	173,467		$	473		$	(328,733	)	$	248,418
Total comprehensive earnings	$	218,181		$	124,556		$	159,409		$	(390	)	$	(283,575	)	$	218,181

110

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	2,439,888		$	83,551	$	(59,637	)	$	2,463,802
Cost of products sold	—			636			1,797,345			70,167		(58,595		)	1,809,553
Gross profit	—			(636		)	642,543			13,384		(1,042		)	654,249
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses	—			1,399			168,092			6,211		—			175,702
Administrative expenses	—			18,114			98,020			3,656		—			119,790
Research and development expenses	—			109			10,407			—		—			10,516
Intercompany royalties	—			—			—			47		(47		)	—
Intercompany technical service fees	—			—			—			995		(995		)	—
Goodwill impairment charge	—			—			—			—		—			—
Other expense (income), net	—			34,180			21,024			—		—			55,204
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees	(89,349		)	(159,930		)	(1,662		)	—		250,941			—
Total operating expenses	(89,349		)	(106,128		)	295,881			10,909		249,899			361,212
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes	89,349			105,492			346,662			2,475		(250,941		)	293,037
Intercompany interest (income) expense	—			(68,983		)	68,850			133		—			—
Interest expense	—			130,386			1,939			29		—			132,354
Interest income	—			—			105			36		—			141
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	89,349			44,089			275,978			2,349		(250,941		)	160,824
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(45,260		)	116,048			687		—			71,475
Net earnings (loss)	$	89,349		$	89,349		$	159,930		$	1,662	$	(250,941	)	$	89,349
Total comprehensive earnings (loss)	$	143,405		$	143,405		$	185,544		$	1,379	$	(330,328	)	$	143,405

111

PINNACLE FOODS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(12,155	)	$	394,876		$	(9,810	)	$	—		$	372,911
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			128,891			(14,400		)	—			(114,491		)	—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			—			(801		)	—			801			—
Payments for business acquisition	—			—			1,102			—			—			1,102
Investment in subsidiary	111,486			—			—			—			(111,486		)	—
Capital expenditures	—			—			(101,353		)	(7,124		)	—			(108,477		)
Sale of plant assets	—			—			1,618			—			—			1,618
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	111,486			128,891			(113,834		)	(7,124		)	(225,176		)	(105,757		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,231			—			—			—			—			1,231
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	1,442			—			—			—			—			1,442
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(2,401		)	—			—			—			—			(2,401		)
Dividends paid	(111,758		)	—			—			—			—			(111,758		)
Repayments of long-term obligations	—			(5,250		)	(3,620		)	—			—			(8,870		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	—			—			4,261			—			—			4,261
Repayments of short-term borrowing	—			—			(4,480		)	—			—			(4,480		)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			—			(128,891		)	14,400			114,491			—
Return of capital	—			(111,486		)	—			—			111,486			—
Intercompany loans	—			—			—			801			(801		)	—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			—			(3,585		)	—			—			(3,585		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(111,486		)	(116,736		)	(136,315		)	15,201			225,176			(124,160		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(922		)	—			(922		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			144,727			(2,655		)	—			142,072
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			32,942			5,535			—			38,477
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	177,669		$	2,880		$	—		$	180,549

112

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	149,982		$	(65,834	)	$	472,484		$	(5,922	)	$	—		$	550,710
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	(14,599		)	—			(333,136		)	—			347,735			—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			119,814			—						(119,814		)	—
Payments for business acquisition	—			—			(169,373		)	—			—			(169,373		)
Investment in subsidiary	—			(169,373		)	—			—			169,373			—
Capital expenditures	—			—			(102,967		)	—			—			(102,967		)
Sale of plant assets	—			—			2,328			—			—			2,328
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(14,599		)	(49,559		)	(603,148		)	—			397,294			(270,012		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	489			—			—			—			—			489
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	905			—			—			—			—			905
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(3,061		)	—			—			—			—			(3,061		)
Dividends paid	(101,606		)	—			—			—			—			(101,606		)
Repayments of long-term obligations	—			(217,392		)	(2,575		)	—			—			(219,967		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	—			—			4,757			—			—			4,757
Repayments of short-term borrowing	—			—			(4,799		)	—			—			(4,799		)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	—			65,000			—			—			—			65,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility	—			(65,000		)	—			—			—			(65,000		)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			333,043			14,692						(347,735		)	—
Parent investment	—			—			169,373			—			(169,373		)	—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			—			(119,814		)	—			119,814			—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			—			(2,373		)	—			—			(2,373		)
Purchase of stock for treasury	(32,110		)	—			—			—			—			(32,110		)
Debt acquisition costs	—			(258		)	—			—			—			(258		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(135,383		)	115,393			59,261			—			(397,294		)	(358,023		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(937		)	—			(937		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(71,403		)	(6,859		)	—			(78,262		)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			104,345			12,394			—			116,739
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	32,942		$	5,535		$	—		$	38,477

113

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(26,559	)	$	285,767		$	3,034	$	—		$	262,242
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			(452,268		)	—			—		452,268			—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			59,827			—					(59,827		)	—
Payments for business acquisition	—			—			(575,164		)	—		—			(575,164		)
Investment in subsidiary	(582,957		)	—			—			—		582,957			—
Capital expenditures	—			—			(84,055		)	—		—			(84,055		)
Sale of plant assets held for sale	—			—			6,853			—		—			6,853
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(582,957		)	(392,441		)	(652,366		)	—		975,398			(652,366		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	624,621			—			332			—		—			624,953
Dividends paid	(41,664		)	—			—			—		—			(41,664		)
Proceeds from notes offering	—			350,000			—			—		—			350,000
Proceeds from bank term loans	—			2,142,394			—			—		—			2,142,394
Repayments of long-term obligations	—			(1,733,838		)	(2,308		)	—		—			(1,736,146		)
Repurchase of notes	—			(899,180		)	—			—		—			(899,180		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	—			—			5,078			—		—			5,078
Repayments of short-term borrowing	—			—			(4,779		)	—		—			(4,779		)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			—			452,268					(452,268		)	—
Parent investment	—			582,957			—			—		(582,957		)	—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			—			(59,827		)	—		59,827			—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			—			(2,943		)	—		—			(2,943		)
Debt acquisition costs	—			(23,142		)	—			—		—			(23,142		)
Parent reduction in investment in subsidiary	191			(191		)	—			—		—			—
Repurchases of equity	(191		)	—			—			—		—			(191		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	582,957			419,000			387,821			—		(975,398		)	414,380
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			202		—			202
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			21,222			3,236		—			24,458
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			83,123			9,158		—			92,281
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	104,345		$	12,394	$	—		$	116,739

114

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted in millions)

19. Subsequent Events

Boulder Brands acquisition

On January 15, 2016, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of Boulder Brands Inc. ("Boulder") which manufactures a portfolio of health and wellness brands, including Udi's and Glutino gluten-free products, EVOL natural frozen meal offerings, and Smart Balance refrigerated and shelf-stable spreads and Earth Balance plant based refrigerated and shelf-stable spreads. The acquisition expands Pinnacle's presence in growing and complementary health and wellness categories and in the natural and organic retail channels. Annual net sales of Boulder were $517 million in 2014 and the cost of the acquisition, net of cash acquired, was approximately $982.0 million, which included the repayment of Boulder's existing debt.

The acquisition was financed through borrowings of $550.0 million in new term loans due 2023, $350.0 million of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 and cash on hand. Total acquisition costs of approximately $34.0 million are expected to be incurred, of which $2.1 million was incurred in the fourth quarter of 2015. Included in this total is approximately $25.0 million of debt acquisition costs, including original issue discount. As a result of the acquisition, the Company's net leverage ratio is expected to increase above 4.25:1.0 which will result in a 25 basis point interest rate step-up on existing term loans. The step-up will take effect in the second quarter of 2016.

The initial accounting for the business combination in accordance with the authoritative guidance is incomplete at this time. As a result, we are unable to provide pro forma information or amounts recognized as of the acquisition date for major classes of assets and liabilities acquired and resulting from the transaction, including the information required for identified intangible assets.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objective of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. The design of any controls and procedures also is based on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 27, 2015. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a level of reasonable assurance.

(b) Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

The management of Pinnacle Foods Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). The Company's internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and board of directors regarding the reliability

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of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 27, 2015, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

/s/ Robert J. Gamgort

Robert J. Gamgort

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Craig Steeneck

Craig Steeneck

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm.

The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2015 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

(d) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 27, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B:    OTHER INFORMATION

Rule 10b5-1 Plans

Our policy governing transactions in our securities by our directors, officers and employees permits such persons to adopt stock trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our directors, officers and employees have in the past and may from time to time establish such stock trading plans. We do not undertake any obligation to disclose, or to update or revise any disclosure regarding, any such plans and specifically do not undertake to disclose the adoption, amendment, termination or explanation of any such plans.

Annual Meeting Date

The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the date of the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for May 25, 2016.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information required by this Item 10 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

See information on executive officers in Part I.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required by this Item 11 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Information required by this Item 12 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information required by this Item 13 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this Item 14 will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV

ITEM 15:     EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

Financial Statements: the information required by this Item is contained in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form

10-K.

Financial Statement Schedules: Schedule I - Condensed Financial Statements (Parent Company)

Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description	Filed Herewith	Incorporated by Reference from Form	Exhibit	Filing Date
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Pinnacle Foods Inc.		8-K	3.1	4/3/13
3.2	Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Pinnacle Foods Inc.		8-K	3.1	2/16/16
4.1	Form of Stock Certificate for Common Stock		S-1/A	4.1	3/7/13
4.2	Senior Notes Indenture dated as of April 29, 2013 among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., the Guarantors listed therein and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee		8-K	4.1	4/30/13
10.1	Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 29, 2013 among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, Peak Finance Holdings, LLC, Barclays Banks PLC and the Other Lenders Party thereto		8-K	10.1	4/30/13
10.2	First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 1, 2013 among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, Peak Finance Holdings LLC, the Guarantors Party thereto, Barclays Bank Plc and the Other Lenders Party thereto		8-K	10.1	10/1/13
10.3	Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 29, 2013 among Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, Peak Finance Holdings LLC, the Guarantors Party hereto, Barclays Bank Plc, Bank of America, NA and the Other Lenders Party thereto		8-K	10.2	4/30/13
10.4	Guaranty, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance Holdings LLC, certain Subsidiaries of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC and Holdings identified therein and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		S-4	4.10	12/21/07
10.5	Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2007, among Peak Finance LLC (to be merged with and into Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC) as Borrower, Peak Finance Holdings, LLC as Holdings, certain Subsidiaries of Borrower and Holdings identified therein and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		S-4	4.11	12/21/07
10.6	Parent Guaranty, dated as of April 29, 2013, between Pinnacle Foods Inc. and Barclays Bank PLC		S-1	10.7	11/26/13
10.7	Parent Security Agreement dated as of April 29, 2013, between Pinnacle Foods Inc. and Barclays Bank PLC		S-1	10.8	11/26/13
10.8	Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2014, between Pinnacle Foods Inc. and Garden Protein International, Inc.		8-K	2.1	11/14/14
10.9	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 24, 2015, by and among Pinnacle Foods Inc., Slope Acquisition Inc. and Boulder Brands, Inc.		8-K	2.1	11/24/15
10.10	Modification of the Pinnacle Foods Inc. (formerly Crunch Holding Corp.) 2007 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		10-K	10.42	3/5/13
10.11	Pinnacle Foods Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan		8-K	10.3	4/3/13
10.12	Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan		10-Q	10.7	5/15/13
10.13	Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Conversion Replacement Award)		S-1/A	10.45	3/7/13

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10.14	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan		S-1/A	10.46	3/7/13
10.15	Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003 and amended as of December 23, 2009 and March 25, 2011, by and among Pinnacle Foods Inc. (formerly Crunch Holding Corp.), Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation, PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp., PF Sales, LLC, PF Distribution, LLC, PF Standards Corporation, Pinnacle Foods International Corp., Peak Finance Holdings LLC, Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp., Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, Pinnacle Foods Fort Madison, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC, BEMSA Holding, Inc., Birds Eye Foods, Inc., Birds Eye Holdings, Inc., Birds Eye Group, Inc., GLK Holdings, Inc., Kennedy Endeavors, Incorporated, Rochester Holdco LLC, and Seasonal Employers, Inc. (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		10-Q	10.10	5/11/11
10.16	Trademark License Agreement by and between The Dial Corporation and Conagra, Inc., dated July 1, 1995 (filed under Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.)		10-K	10.33	12/25/05
10.17	Swanson Trademark License Agreement (U.S.) by and between CSC Brands, Inc. and Vlasic International Brands Inc., dated as of March 24, 1998 (filed under Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.)		S-4	10.27	8/20/04
10.18	Swanson Trademark License Agreement (Non-U.S.) by and between Campbell Soup Company and Vlasic International Brands Inc., dated as of March 26, 1998 (filed under Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.)		S-4	10.28	8/20/04
10.19	Trademark License Agreement, dated as of July 9, 1996, by and between The Quaker Oats Company, The Quaker Oats Company of Canada Limited and Van de Kamp’s Inc. (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		S-4	10.21	12/21/07
10.20	Trademark License Agreement, dated August 19, 2002, by and between Voila Bakeries, Inc. and Agrilink Food Foods, Inc.		10-Q	10.1	5/9/12
10.21	Technology Sharing Agreement by and between Campbell Soup Company and Vlasic Foods International Inc., dated as of March 26, 1998 (filed under Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.)		S-4	10.29	8/20/04
10.22*	Pinnacle Foods Inc. (formerly Crunch Holding Corp.) 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, effective as of August 8, 2007 (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		S-4	10.19	12/21/07
10.23*	Pinnacle Foods Inc. (formerly Crunch Holding Corp.) 2007 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		S-4	10.20	12/21/07
10.24*	Modification of the Pinnacle Foods Inc. (formerly Crunch Holding Corp.) 2007 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		10-K	10.27	3/3/09
10.25	Lease, dated April 15, 2010, between Woodcrest Road Associates, L.P. and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC (Cherry Hill, New Jersey) (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		10-Q	10.40	8/9/10
10.26	Lease, dated December 14, 2010 between Jeffroad Green, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC (Parsippany, New Jersey) (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		10-Q	10.45	5/11/11
10.27	First Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated July 28, 2011, by and between Jeffroad Green, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC	X
10.28	Second Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated February 2, 2012, by and between Jeffroad Green, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC	X
10.29	Third Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated May 2, 2012, by and between Jeffroad Green, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Group LLC	X
10.30*	Terms of Employment letter dated February 7, 2011 (Antonio F. Fernandez) (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		10-K	10.43	3/10/11
10.31*	Modification of the Pinnacle Foods Inc. (formerly Crunch Holding Corp.) 2007 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (filed under Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC)		10-K	10.42	3/5/13
10.32*	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan		10-Q	10.2	11/13/13

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10.33*	Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan		10-Q	10.1	11/13/13
10.34*	Form of 2014 Performance Share Unit Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan		10-Q	10.3	5/14/2014
10.35*	Form of 2015 Performance Restricted Share Agreement under 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan		10-Q	10.1	4/30/15
10.36	Form of Restricted Sock Award Agreement (Directors)		10-K	10.40	3/6/14
12.1	Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges	X
21.1	List of Subsidiaries	X
23.1	Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP	X
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer	X
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	X
32.1**	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	X
32.2**	Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	X
101.1	The following materials are formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Member’s Equity, (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vii) document and entity information.	X

*Identifies exhibits that consist of a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**This certification will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

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PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

PINNACLE FOODS INC

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands of dollars)

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement	$	—	$	152,982	$	—
Equity in earnings of investees	212,508		154,793		89,349
Earnings before interest and taxes	212,508		307,775		89,349
Provision for income taxes	—		59,357		—
Net earnings	$	212,508	$	248,418	$	89,349
Comprehensive earnings	$	190,854	$	218,181	$	143,405

BALANCE SHEETS

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Current Assets:
Due from subsidiaries	92,475		89,361
Total current assets	92,475		89,361
Non current assets:
Investment in subsidiaries	1,744,015		1,652,475
Total assets	$	1,836,490	$	1,741,836
Current liabilities:
Accrued liabilities	163		—
Dividends payable	30,798		27,847
Total liabilities	$	30,961	$	27,847
Commitment and contingencies:
Shareholders' equity	1,805,529		1,713,989
Total liabilities and shareholders’s equity	$	1,836,490	$	1,741,836

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STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$	212,508		$	248,418		$	89,349
Non-cash credits to net earnings
Deferred taxes	—			56,357			—
Equity in (earnings) of investees	(212,508		)	(154,793		)	(89,349		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	—			149,982			—
Cash flows from investing activities
Reduction (increase) in investment in subsidiaries	111,486			(14,599		)	(583,098		)
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	111,486			(14,599		)	(583,098		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Equity contributions	1,231			489			624,953
Dividends paid	(111,758		)	(101,606		)	(41,664		)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	1,442			905			—
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(2,401		)	(3,061		)	—
Purchase of stock for treasury	—			(32,110		)	—
Repurchase of equity	—			—			(191		)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(111,486		)	(135,383		)	583,098
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			—
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	—

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Pinnacle Foods Inc.

PINNACLE FOODS INC.

SCHEDULE I - NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Pinnacle Foods Inc. (the “Company”) is a holding company whose sole asset is 100% ownership of Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“PFH”). PFH is a holding company whose sole asset is 100% ownership of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (“PFF”). As specified in PFF’s debt agreements, there are restrictions on the Company’s ability to obtain funds from its subsidiary through dividends, loans or advances. Accordingly, these condensed financial statements have been prepared on a “parent-only” basis. Under a parent-only presentation, the Company’s investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. The Company has no material contingencies, long-term obligations or guarantees, except as described in Note 18. This parent-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with Pinnacle Foods Inc.’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in the City of Parsippany, New Jersey, on February 25, 2016 the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

PINNACLE FOODS INC.

By:	/s/ Craig Steeneck
Name:	Craig Steeneck
Title:	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Date:	February 25, 2016

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Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name	Title	Date
/s/ Robert J. Gamgort	Chief Executive Officer and Director	February 25, 2016
By: Robert J. Gamgort	(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Craig Steeneck	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	February 25, 2016
By: Craig Steeneck	(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Roger Deromedi	Chairman of the Board and Director	February 25, 2016
By: Roger Deromedi
/s/ Ann Fandozzi	Director	February 25, 2016
By: Ann Fandozzi
/s/ Yannis Skoufalos	Director	February 25, 2016
By: Yannis Skoufalos
/s/ Mark A. Jung	Director	February 25, 2016
By: Mark A. Jung
/s/ Jane Nielsen	Director	February 25, 2016
By: Jane Nielsen
/s/ Muktesh Pant	Director	February 25, 2016
By: Muktesh Pant
/s/ Raymond P. Silcock	Director	February 25, 2016
By: Raymond P. Silcock

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EX-10.27

Exhibit 10.27

FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT (the “Amendment”) made as of July 28, 2011, by and between JEFFROAD GREEN, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Landlord”), having an address c/o Prism Capital Partners, LLC, at 50 Grand Avenue, Englewood, New Jersey 07631-3506, Attn: Eugene Diaz, and PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Tenant”), having an address at 399 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054-3707.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant entered into that certain Lease Agreement dated December 14, 2010 (the “Lease”) for 82,552 rentable square feet in the building (the “Premises”) located at 399 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (the “Building”);

WHEREAS, the Premises is comprised of the Phase 1 Premises, consisting of 45,865 rentable square feet, and the Phase 2 Premises, consisting of 36,687 rentable square feet;

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant each wish to, among other things: (i) increase the square footage of the Phase 2 Premises by 11,977 rentable square feet; (ii) revise the rent schedule contained in the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease such that it reflects the increase in the size of the Phase 2 Premises; and (iii) reduce the square footage of the Expansion Space by 11,977 rentable square feet for a remaining Expansion Space square footage equal to 9,403 rentable square feet;

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant each wish to amend the Lease as of the date hereof in accordance with, and subject to, the provisions of this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration exchanged by Landlord and Tenant, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, it is AGREED as of the date hereof:

1.Definitions. For the purposes of this Amendment, words and phrases used herein with initial capital case letters and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Lease.

2.Amendments to Lease.

(a) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (3) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

1

“(3) Premises: 94,528 rentable square feet in the Building, comprised of 45,865 rentable square feet designated as Suite 100 (the “Phase 1 Premises”) and 48,663 rentable square feet designated as Suite 110 (the “Phase 2 Premises”), as shown on Schedule B attached hereto.”

(b) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (6) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(6) Basic Rent:	From the Commencement Date until November 30, 2011, Tenant shall not be obligated to pay any Basic Rent. From December 1, 2011 (the “Phase 1 Premises Rent Commencement Date”) until March 31, 2012, Basic Rent hereunder shall be $1,009,030.00 per annum ($22.00 per rentable square foot for the Phase 1 Premises) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month in equal monthly installments of $84,085.83 per month. From April 1, 2012 (the “Phase 2 Premises Rent Commencement Date”) through March 31, 2016, Basic Rent hereunder shall be $2,079,616.00 per annum ($22.00 per rentable square foot for the entire Premises) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month in equal monthly installments of $173,301.33 per month. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Tenant commences its business operations in the Phase 2 Premises prior to January 1, 2012 (the “Phase 2 Accelerated Use Date”), then from and after the Phase 2 Accelerated Use Date until March 31, 2012, in addition to any Basic Rent payable for the Phase 1 Premises as provided above, Tenant shall pay Landlord Basic Rent for such period in an amount equal to $31,630.95 per month ($0.65 per rentable square foot for the Phase 2 Premises) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month with the Basic Rent payable above for the Phase 1 Premises.
	From April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2021, Basic Rent hereunder shall be $2,221,408.00 per annum ($23.50 per rentable square foot) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month in equal monthly installments of $185,117.33 per month.
	From April 1, 2021 through the Termination Date, Basic Rent hereunder shall be $2,363,200.00 per annum ($25.00 per rentable square foot) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month in equal monthly installments of $196,933.33 per month.”

(c) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (8) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

2

“(8) Rentable Size           of Premises: 94,528 square feet.”

(d) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (9) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(9) Tenant’s Proportionate Share: 52.99%”

(e) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (11) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(11) Parking Spaces: 378 parking spaces, of which 94 shall be marked for the exclusive use of Tenant as near to Tenant’s main entrance to the Premises as possible and as shown on Schedule B-1.”

(f) As of the date hereof, Section 2.1 of the Lease shall be amended by deleting the reference to clause “(10)” of the Basic Lease Provisions in the fourth (4^th) line thereof and substituting clause “(8)” therefor.

(g) As of the date hereof, Schedule B of the Lease, which depicts the Premises, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule B attached hereto.

(h) As of the date hereof, Schedule B-1 of the Lease, which depicts the assigned parking spaces, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule B-1 attached hereto.

(i) As of the date hereof, Paragraph 3(a) of Schedule D of the Lease shall be amended by deleting the number “$2,436,548.43” on the fourth (4^th) line thereof and substituting the number “$3,232,196.46” therefor.

(j) As of the date hereof, Paragraph 4 of Schedule D of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety.

(k) As of the date hereof, Schedule F of the Lease, which depicts the Expansion Space, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule F attached hereto.

3.Brokers. Landlord and Tenant each represents and warrants to the other that such party has not dealt with any broker in bringing about this Amendment other than Jones Lang LaSalle

3

Brokerage, Inc. Tenant and Landlord each agrees to hold the other harmless and indemnify and defend the other from and against any and all loss, cost, liability, damage and expense arising out of the inaccuracy of the representation contained in the preceding sentence and each party represents to the other that, other than Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage, Inc., it has not engaged and is not responsible for the payment of a fee, commission or other compensation to any other person in connection with this Amendment.

4.Defaults. Tenant and Landlord each represents, warrants and covenants to the other that to its actual knowledge it is not in default under any of its obligations under the Lease and that, to the best of its actual knowledge, the other is not in default of its obligations under the Lease and to its actual knowledge no event has occurred nor do any circumstances exist which, with lapse of time or notice or both, would constitute a default by Landlord or Tenant under the Lease as modified by this Amendment.

5.Ratification of Lease. Except as modified by this Amendment, the Lease and all of the covenants, agreements, terms, provisions and conditions thereof shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and affirmed. The covenants, agreements, terms, provisions and conditions contained in this Amendment shall bind the parties hereto and their respective successor and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Amendment and the Lease, the provisions contained in this Amendment shall prevail and be paramount.

6.Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and together a single instrument, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

7.Binding Effect.    This Amendment shall become binding and effective only upon execution and delivery of this Amendment by Landlord and Tenant to the other.

8.Authority.    Tenant represents and warrants that: (i) the execution and delivery of, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by and the performance of all its obligations under, this Amendment by Tenant have been duly and validly authorized by its general partners, to the extent required by its partnership agreement and applicable law, if Tenant is a partnership or, if Tenant is a limited liability company, by its manager, representative(s) or members to the extent required by its operating agreement and applicable law or, if Tenant is a corporation, by its board of directors, if necessary, and by its stockholders, if necessary, at meetings duly called and held on proper notice for that purpose at which there were respective quorums present and voting throughout; (ii) no other approval, partnership, corporate, governmental or otherwise, is required to authorize any of the foregoing or to give effect to Tenant’s execution and delivery of this Amendment; (iii) the individual (or individuals) who executes and delivers this Amendment on behalf of Tenant is authorized to do so; and (iv) Landlord represents and warrants that Landlord owns the Premises and the Building and has the authority to lease the Premises and that the individual (or individuals) who executes and delivers this Amendment on behalf of Landlord is authorized to do so.

4

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Amendment the day and year first above written.

Landlord:

JEFFROAD GREEN, LLC

By:         /s/ Eugene R. Diaz

Name:         Eugene R. Diaz

Title:        Senior Vice President

Tenant:

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC

By: /s/ John F. Kroeger

Name: John F. Kroeger

Title:Vice President

5

EX-10.28

Exhibit 10.28

SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT (the “Amendment”) made as of February 2, 2012, by and between JEFFROAD GREEN, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Landlord”), having an address c/o Prism Capital Partners, LLC, at 200 Broadacres Drive, Suite 180, Bloomfield, New Jersey 07003, Attn: Eugene Diaz, and PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Tenant”), having an address at 399 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054-3707.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant entered into that certain Lease Agreement dated December 14, 2010, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Lease dated July 28, 2011 (collectively, the “Lease”) for 94,528 rentable square feet in the building (the “Premises”) located at 399 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (the “Building”);

WHEREAS, the Premises is comprised of the Phase 1 Premises, consisting of 45,865 rentable square feet, and the Phase 2 Premises, consisting of 48,663 rentable square feet (the “Current Phase 2 Premises”);

WHEREAS, Tenant timely exercised the Right of First Refusal Expansion Option to lease the Right of First Refusal Space (also referred to in the Lease as the Expansion Space), consisting of 9,403 rentable square feet;

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant each wish to amend the Lease to reflect the addition of the Right of First Refusal Space to the Phase 2 Premises by, among other things: (i) increasing the square footage of the Phase 2 Premises by 9,403 rentable square feet; and (ii) revising the rent schedule contained in the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease such that it reflects the increase in the size of the Phase 2 Premises;

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant each wish to amend the Lease as of the date hereof in accordance with, and subject to, the provisions of this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration exchanged by Landlord and Tenant, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, it is AGREED as of the date hereof:

1.Definitions. For the purposes of this Amendment, words and phrases used herein with initial capital case letters and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Lease.

2.Amendments to Lease.

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(a) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (3) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(3) Premises: 103,931 rentable square feet in the Building, comprised of 45,865 rentable square feet designated as Suite 100 (the “Phase 1 Premises”) and 58,066 rentable square feet designated as Suite 110 (the “Phase 2 Premises”), as shown on Schedule B attached hereto.”

(b) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (6) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

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“(6) Basic Rent:	From the Commencement Date until November 30, 2011, Tenant shall not be obligated to pay any Basic Rent. From December 1, 2011 (the “Phase 1 Premises Rent Commencement Date”) until March 31, 2012, Basic Rent hereunder shall be $1,009,030.00 per annum ($22.00 per rentable square foot for the Phase 1 Premises) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month in equal monthly installments of $84,085.83 per month. From April 1, 2012 (the “Phase 2 Premises Rent Commencement Date”) through March 31, 2016, Basic Rent hereunder shall be $2,286,482.00 per annum ($22.00 per rentable square foot for the entire Premises) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month in equal monthly installments of $190,540.17 per month. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Tenant commences its business operations in the Phase 2 Premises prior to January 1, 2012 (the “Phase 2 Accelerated Use Date”), then from and after the Phase 2 Accelerated Use Date until March 31, 2012, in addition to any Basic Rent payable for the Phase 1 Premises as provided above, Tenant shall pay Landlord Basic Rent for such period in an amount equal to $37,742.90 per month ($0.65 per rentable square foot for the Phase 2 Premises) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month with the Basic Rent payable above for the Phase 1 Premises.
	From April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2021, Basic Rent hereunder shall be $2,442,378.50 per annum ($23.50 per rentable square foot) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month in equal monthly installments of $203,531.54 per month.
	From April 1, 2021 through the Termination Date, Basic Rent hereunder shall be $2,598,275.00 per annum ($25.00 per rentable square foot) due and payable, in advance, on the first day of each month in equal monthly installments of $216,522.92 per month.”

(c) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (8) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(8) Rentable Size             of Premises: 103,931 square feet.”

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(d) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (9) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(9) Tenant’s Proportionate Share: 58.26%”

(e) As of the date hereof, Paragraph (11) of the Basic Lease Provisions of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(11) Parking Spaces: 415 parking spaces, of which 103 shall be marked for the exclusive use of Tenant as near to Tenant’s main entrance to the Premises as possible and as shown on Schedule B-1.”

(f) As of the date hereof, Article 34 of the Lease is amended to reflect that Tenant has exercised the Right of First Refusal Expansion Option, and Tenant has no further rights under Article 34 of the Lease.

(g) As of the date hereof, Schedule B of the Lease, which depicts the Premises, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule B attached hereto.

(h) As of the date hereof, Schedule B-1 of the Lease, which depicts the assigned parking spaces, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule B-1 attached hereto.

(i) As of the date hereof, Section 1 of Schedule D of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“Tenant hereby advises Landlord that Tenant desires to perform certain work (the “Finish Work”) to the Premises and to the front entrance of the Building (as further described below) in accordance with the schematic drawings attached as Schedule D-1 hereto (the “Preliminary Plans”) and the RFR Space Preliminary Plans (as defined below). Landlord hereby acknowledges that it has reviewed and approved the Preliminary Plans, subject to Landlord’s review and approval of the Working Plans (as defined below). Tenant shall construct the Finish Work in a good and workmanlike manner and in compliance with all applicable Legal Requirements. Tenant shall use all reasonable and good faith efforts to have the Finish Work with respect to the Phase 1 Premises (the “Phase 1 Finish Work”) Substantially Completed on or before July 1, 2011 and the Finish Work with respect to the Phase 2 Premises (the “Phase 2 Finish Work”) Substantially Completed on or before July 1, 2012. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the definition of the Phase 2 Finish Work throughout this Lease consists only of the Finish Work to be performed with respect to the Current Phase 2 Premises and does not include

4

any Finish Work to be performed with respect to the Right of First Refusal Space (the “RFR Space Finish Work”). Tenant shall perform the RFR Space Finish Work in a manner which is substantially similar in quality and appearance to that of the remainder of the Premises following completion of the Phase 1 Finish Work and Phase 2 Finish Work. Tenant shall commence the RFR Space Finish Work no later than July 1, 2015 and shall use all reasonable and good faith efforts to complete such work in a timely fashion. At lease sixty (60) days prior to the commencement of the RFR Space Finish Work, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord four (4) sets of preliminary plans for the RFR Space Finish Work (the “RFR Space Preliminary Plans”). Landlord shall notify Tenant whether it approves or disapproves of such RFR Space Preliminary Plans within ten (10) business days after Landlord’s receipt thereof. If Landlord notifies Tenant of any objections to such RFR Space Preliminary Plans (such notice, an “Objection Notice”), Tenant shall make necessary revisions and resubmit the same to Landlord within seven (7) days of Tenant’s receipt of the Objection Notice. Landlord shall approve or disapprove such revised RFR Space Preliminary Plans within five (5) business days after Tenant submits the same to Landlord. Landlord’s approval will be evidenced by endorsement to that effect on one set of the RFR Space Preliminary Plans and the return of such signed set to Tenant. After Landlord has approved the RFR Space Preliminary Plans, the parties shall prepare, deliver, review and approve working plans for the RFR Space Finish Work in the same manner, and subject to the same terms and conditions, set forth with respect to the Working Plans in Sections 2(a) and 2(b) of this Schedule D. In connection with its performance of the RFR Space Finish Work, Tenant hereby agrees to comply with all provisions of the Lease, including this Schedule D, which apply to the Finish Work.”

(j) As of the date hereof, Section 3(a) of Schedule D of the Lease shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“(a)    In connection with the Finish Work, Landlord agrees to pay to Tenant an amount equal to (i) $3,292,648.35($71.79per rentable square foot for the Phase 1 Premises) for the hard and soft costs of constructing the Phase 1 Finish Work (the “Phase 1 Allowance”), and (ii) $3,856,743.72($66.42 per rentable square foot for the Phase 2 Premises, including the square footage of the Right of First Refusal Space) for the hard and soft costs of constructing the Phase 2 Finish Work (the “Phase 2 Allowance”, and together with the Phase 1 Allowance, collectively the “Allowance”). If the costs of the Phase 1 Finish Work or the Phase 2 Finish Work are less than the Phase 1 Allowance or the Phase 2 Allowance, as the case may be, any remaining Allowance can be used on the other Phase or on the completion of the RFR Space Finish Work, as the case may be, provided, that the total Allowance to be paid by Landlord shall not exceed the aggregate actual costs of the Phase 1 Finish Work, the Phase 2 Finish Work and the RFR Space Finish Work. Tenant hereby acknowledges and agrees that the amount of the Phase 2 Allowance was calculated based on the square footage of the entire Phase 2 Premises, including the square footage of the Right of First Refusal Space. The portion of the Phase 2

5

Allowance allocable to the Right of First Refusal Space is $624,547.26 (the “RFR Portion”). Landlord hereby acknowledges and agrees that Tenant may use the RFR Portion to pay for the Phase 2 Finish Work, provided however, that if Tenant fails to commence the RFR Space Finish Work by July 1, 2015 and thereafter use all reasonable and good faith efforts to complete such work in a timely fashion, Tenant shall refund the entirety of the RFR Portion to Landlord within three (3) business days of Landlord’s written demand for same. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the RFR Portion is refunded to Landlord, Landlord agrees to pay the RFR Portion to Tenant as reimbursement for Tenant’s hard and soft costs of constructing the RFR Space Finish Work in the same manner, and subject to the same terms and conditions, set forth for the payment of the Phase 1 Allowance and Phase 2 Allowance in Sections 3(b), 3(c), and 3(d) of this Schedule D.”

3.Phase 1 Finish Work. Landlord and Tenant hereby acknowledge and agree that: (i) Tenant has performed the Phase 1 Finish Work to Substantial Completion; and (ii) Landlord has disbursed the entirety of the Phase 1 Allowance to Tenant, including the ten percent (10%) retainage, and Landlord has no further obligation to provide any funds to Tenant in connection with the Phase 1 Finish Work.

4.Brokers. Landlord and Tenant each represents and warrants to the other that such party has not dealt with any broker in bringing about this Amendment other than Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage, Inc. Tenant and Landlord each agrees to hold the other harmless and indemnify and defend the other from and against any and all loss, cost, liability, damage and expense arising out of the inaccuracy of the representation contained in the preceding sentence and each party represents to the other that, other than Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage, Inc., it has not engaged and is not responsible for the payment of a fee, commission or other compensation to any other person in connection with this Amendment.

5.Defaults. Tenant and Landlord each represents, warrants and covenants to the other that to its actual knowledge it is not in default under any of its obligations under the Lease and that, to the best of its actual knowledge, the other is not in default of its obligations under the Lease and to its actual knowledge no event has occurred nor do any circumstances exist which, with lapse of time or notice or both, would constitute a default by Landlord or Tenant under the Lease as modified by this Amendment.

6.Ratification of Lease. Except as modified by this Amendment, the Lease and all of the covenants, agreements, terms, provisions and conditions thereof shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and affirmed. The covenants, agreements, terms, provisions and conditions contained in this Amendment shall bind the parties hereto and their respective successor and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Amendment and the Lease, the provisions contained in this Amendment shall prevail and be paramount.

7.Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and together a single instrument, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

6

8.Binding Effect.    This Amendment shall become binding and effective only upon execution and delivery of this Amendment by Landlord and Tenant to the other.

9.Authority.Tenant represents and warrants that: (i) the execution and delivery of, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by and the performance of all its obligations under, this Amendment by Tenant have been duly and validly authorized by its general partners, to the extent required by its partnership agreement and applicable law, if Tenant is a partnership or, if Tenant is a limited liability company, by its manager, representative(s) or members to the extent required by its operating agreement and applicable law or, if Tenant is a corporation, by its board of directors, if necessary, and by its stockholders, if necessary, at meetings duly called and held on proper notice for that purpose at which there were respective quorums present and voting throughout; (ii) no other approval, partnership, corporate, governmental or otherwise, is required to authorize any of the foregoing or to give effect to Tenant’s execution and delivery of this Amendment; (iii) the individual (or individuals) who executes and delivers this Amendment on behalf of Tenant is authorized to do so; and (iv) Landlord represents and warrants that Landlord owns the Premises and the Building and has the authority to lease the Premises and that the individual (or individuals) who executes and delivers this Amendment on behalf of Landlord is authorized to do so.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Amendment the day and year first above written.

Landlord:

JEFFROAD GREEN, LLC

By:         /s/ Barry P. Marcus

Name:        Barry P. Marcus

Title:        Senior Vice President

Tenant:

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC

By:         /s/ John F. Kroeger

Name:        John F. Kroeger

Title:        Vice President

8

EX-10.29

Exhibit 10.29

THIRD AMENDMENT TO LEASE

THIS THIRD AMENDMENT (the “Amendment”) made as May 2, 2012, by and between JEFFROAD GREEN, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Landlord”), having an address c/o Prism Capital Partners, LLC, at 50 Grand Avenue, Englewood, New Jersey 07631-3506, Attn: Eugene Diaz, and PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Tenant”), having an address at 399 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant entered into that certain Lease Agreement dated December 14, 2010, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Lease dated July 28, 2011 and that certain Second Amendment to Lease dated February 2, 2012 (collectively, the “Lease”) for 103,931 rentable square feet in the building (the “Premises”) located at 399 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (the “Building”);

WHEREAS, Tenant is required to perform certain work to the Premises and the Building, which work is defined as the Phase 2 Finish Work;

WHEREAS, the Phase 2 Finish Work includes certain landscaping and masonry work to be installed and constructed in and around the front entrance of the Building (the “Landscaping and Masonry Work”) in accordance with the schematic drawing attached as Schedule A hereto;

WHEREAS, Landlord is required to pay Tenant an allowance of $3,856,743.72 for the hard and soft costs of constructing the Phase 2 Finish Work, which allowance is defined as the Phase 2 Allowance;

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant each wish to amend the Lease to provide, among other things, that: (i) Landlord shall perform the Landscaping and Masonry Work; and (ii) the Phase 2 Allowance shall be reduced by $50,000.00, from $3,856,743.72 to $3,806,743.72;

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant each wish to amend the Lease as of the date hereof in accordance with, and subject to, the provisions of this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration exchanged by Landlord and Tenant, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, it is AGREED as of the date hereof:

1.Defined Terms. For the purposes of this Amendment, words and phrases used herein with initial capital case letters and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Lease.

2.Landscaping and Masonry Work.Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Lease,Landlord and Tenant hereby acknowledge and agree that: (i) Tenant has no

1

obligation to perform the Landscaping and Masonry Work; and (ii) Landlord shall perform the Landscaping and Masonry Work in a good and workmanlike manner and in compliance with all applicable Legal Requirements. Landlord shall use all reasonable and good faith efforts to complete the Landscaping and Masonry Work in a timely manner.

3.Amendments to Lease. As of the date hereof, Section 3(a) of Schedule D of the Lease shall be amended to reflect that the Phase 2 Allowance is reduced by $50,000.00, from $3,856,743.72 ($66.42 per rentable square foot for the Phase 2 Premises, including the square footage of the Right of First Refusal Space) to $3,806,743.72 (approximately $65.56 per rentable square foot for the Phase 2 Premises, including the square footage of the Right of First Refusal Space).

4.Brokers. Landlord and Tenant each represents and warrants to the other that such party has not dealt with any broker in bringing about this Amendment other than Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage, Inc. Tenant and Landlord each agrees to hold the other harmless and indemnify and defend the other from and against any and all loss, cost, liability, damage and expense arising out of the inaccuracy of the representation contained in the preceding sentence and each party represents to the other that, other than Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage, Inc., it has not engaged and is not responsible for the payment of a fee, commission or other compensation to any other person in connection with this Amendment.

5.Defaults. Tenant and Landlord each represents, warrants and covenants to the other that to its actual knowledge it is not in default under any of its obligations under the Lease and that, to the best of its actual knowledge, the other is not in default of its obligations under the Lease and to its actual knowledge no event has occurred nor do any circumstances exist which, with lapse of time or notice or both, would constitute a default by Landlord or Tenant under the Lease as modified by this Amendment.

6.Ratification of Lease. Except as modified by this Amendment, the Lease and all of the covenants, agreements, terms, provisions and conditions thereof shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and affirmed. The covenants, agreements, terms, provisions and conditions contained in this Amendment shall bind the parties hereto and their respective successor and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Amendment and the Lease, the provisions contained in this Amendment shall prevail and be paramount.

7.Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and together a single instrument, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

8.Binding Effect.    This Amendment shall become binding and effective only upon execution and delivery of this Amendment by Landlord and Tenant to the other.

9.Authority.Tenant represents and warrants that: (i) the execution and delivery of, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by and the performance of all its obligations under, this Amendment by Tenant have been duly and validly authorized by its general partners, to

2

the extent required by its partnership agreement and applicable law, if Tenant is a partnership or, if Tenant is a limited liability company, by its manager, representative(s) or members to the extent required by its operating agreement and applicable law or, if Tenant is a corporation, by its board of directors, if necessary, and by its stockholders, if necessary, at meetings duly called and held on proper notice for that purpose at which there were respective quorums present and voting throughout; (ii) no other approval, partnership, corporate, governmental or otherwise, is required to authorize any of the foregoing or to give effect to Tenant’s execution and delivery of this Amendment; (iii) the individual (or individuals) who executes and delivers this Amendment on behalf of Tenant is authorized to do so; and (iv) Landlord represents and warrants that Landlord owns the Premises and the Building and has the authority to lease the Premises and that the individual (or individuals) who executes and delivers this Amendment on behalf of Landlord is authorized to do so.

[signature page to follow]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Amendment the day and year first above written.

Landlord:

JEFFROAD GREEN, LLC

By:         /s/ Eugene R. Diaz

Name:         Eugene R. Diaz

Title:        Senior Vice President

Tenant:

PINNACLE FOODS GROUP LLC

By:         /s/ John F. Kroeger

Name:         John F. Kroeger

Title:        Vice President

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EX-12.1

Exhibit 12.1

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

	Fiscal Year ended		Fiscal Year ended		Fiscal Year ended		Fiscal Year ended		Fiscal Year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013		December 30, 2012		December 25, 2011
Fixed charges as defined:
Interest expense	$	88,513	$	96,174	$	132,354	$	198,484	$	208,319
One-third of non-cancelable lease rent	5,101		4,699		4,317		4,620		3,771
Total fixed charges (A)	$	93,614	$	100,873	$	136,671	$	203,104	$	212,090
Eanings as defined:
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$	336,387	$	416,218	$	160,824	$	85,220	$	(24,811	)
Add fixed charges	93,614		100,873		136,671		203,104		212,090
Earnings and fixed charges (B)	$	430,001	$	517,091	$	297,495	$	288,324	$	187,279
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges: (B/A)	4.59x		5.13x		2.18x		1.42x		NM (1)

(1) The Company's earnings for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2011 were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $24.8 million.

EX-21.1

Exhibit 21.1

List of Subsidiaries (as of February 25, 2016)

Subsidiary	Jurisdiction	Owner	Percentage Owner
Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC	Delaware	Peak Finance Holdings LLC	100	%
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC	Delaware	Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC	100	%
Pinnacle Foods Finance Corp.	Delaware	Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC	100	%
Pinnacle Foods International Corp.	Delaware	Pinnacle Foods Group LLC	100	%
Pinnacle Foods Canada Corporation	Ontario	Pinnacle Foods International Corp.	100	%
Birds Eye Foods, Inc.	Delaware	Pinnacle Foods Group LLC	100	%
Avian Holdings LLC	Delaware	Birds Eye Foods, Inc.	100	%
Birds Eye Foods, LLC	Delaware	Avian Holdings LLC	100	%
Kennedy Endeavors, Incorporated	Washington	Birds Eye Foods LLC	100	%
Seasonal Employers, Inc.	New York	Birds Eye Foods LLC	100	%
Curtice Burns Foods of Canada Limited	Ontario	Birds Eye Foods LLC	100	%
GLK Holdings, Inc.	Delaware	Birds Eye Foods LLC	100	%
GLK, LLC	New York	Birds Eye Foods LLC	55.6	%
GLK, LLC	New York	GLK Holdings, Inc.	44.4	%
Rochester Holdco LLC	Delaware	Birds Eye Foods, Inc.	100	%
Pinnacle Foods Fort Madison LLC	Delaware	Pinnacle Foods Group LLC	100	%
Garden Protein International Inc.	British Columbia	Pinnacle Foods Canada Corporation	100	%
Boulder Brands, Inc.	Delaware	Pinnacle Foods Group LLC	100	%
Boulder Brands USA, Inc.	Delaware	Boulder Brands, Inc.	100	%
Boulder Brands Investment Group, LLC	Delaware	Boulder Brands USA, Inc.	80	%
Boulder Brands UK, Ltd.	England and Wales	Boulder Brands USA, Inc.	100	%
Importations DE-ROM-MA (1983) Ltee	Quebec, Canada	Boulder Brands USA, Inc.	100	%
GlucoBrands, LLC	Delaware	Boulder Brands USA, Inc.	89	%

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-187774 on Form S-8 and No. 333-198640 on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 25, 2016, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Pinnacle Foods Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”), and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 27, 2015.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Parsippany, New Jersey

February 25, 2016

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Robert J. Gamgort, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Pinnacle Foods Inc. (the “Registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	February 25, 2016
	/s/ ROBERT J. GAMGORT
	Robert J. Gamgort
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Craig Steeneck, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Pinnacle Foods Inc. (the “Registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	February 25, 2016
	/s/ CRAIG STEENECK
	Craig Steeneck
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Pinnacle Foods Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert J. Gamgort, Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

Date:	February 25, 2016
	/s/ ROBERT J. GAMGORT
	Robert J. Gamgort
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Pinnacle Foods Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Craig Steeneck, Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

Date:	February 25, 2016
	/s/ CRAIG STEENECK
	Craig Steeneck
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Feb. 22, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract] [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PINNACLE FOODS INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001564822
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 27, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		116,626,874
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 5,260

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Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended											3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015		Sep. 27, 2015		Jun. 28, 2015		Mar. 29, 2015		Dec. 28, 2014		Sep. 28, 2014		Jun. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 27, 2015		Dec. 28, 2014		Dec. 29, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales												$ 722,478		$ 636,287		$ 631,746		$ 665,281		$ 705,333		$ 624,011		$ 617,800		$ 644,039		$ 2,655,792		$ 2,591,183		$ 2,463,802
Cost of products sold												499,653		459,432		462,637		493,564		516,915		460,109		455,583		477,378		1,915,286		1,909,985		1,809,553
Gross profit												222,825		176,855		169,109		171,717		188,418		163,902		162,217		166,661		740,506		681,198		654,249
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses																												176,702		177,372		175,702
Administrative expenses																												107,004		117,275		119,790
Research and development expenses																												12,992		11,281		10,516
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement																												0		(152,982)		0
Other expense (income), net																												19,106		15,981		55,204
Total operating expenses																												315,804		168,927		361,212
Earnings before interest and taxes																												424,702		512,271		293,037
Interest expense																												88,513		96,174		132,354
Interest income																												198		121		141
Earnings before income taxes																												336,387		416,218		160,824
Provision for income taxes																												123,879		167,800		71,475
Net earnings												$ 79,195		$ 48,098		$ 43,679		$ 41,536		$ 36,129		$ 135,957		$ 35,584		$ 40,748		$ 212,508		$ 248,418		$ 89,349
Net earnings per share
Basic (in dollars per share)												$ 0.68	[1]	$ 0.41	[1]	$ 0.38	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 0.31	[1]	$ 1.17	[1]	$ 0.31	[1]	$ 0.35	[1]	$ 1.83	[1]	$ 2.15	[1]	$ 0.84
Weighted-average common shares												116,105,000	[1]	116,085,000	[1]	116,031,000	[1]	115,906,000	[1]	115,780,000	[1]	115,728,000	[1]	115,690,000	[1]	115,592,000	[1]	116,031,648		115,697,621		106,841,198
Diluted (in dollars per share)												$ 0.67	[1]	$ 0.41	[1]	$ 0.37	[1]	$ 0.35	[1]	$ 0.31	[1]	$ 1.16	[1]	$ 0.30	[1]	$ 0.35	[1]	$ 1.81	[1]	$ 2.13	[1]	$ 0.82
Weighted average shares outstanding- diluted												117,503,000	[1]	117,470,000	[1]	117,281,000	[1]	117,036,000	[1]	116,950,000	[1]	117,004,000	[1]	116,901,000	[1]	116,687,000	[1]	117,322,526		116,885,222		108,618,740
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.255	$ 0.255	$ 0.235	$ 0.235	$ 0.235	$ 0.235	$ 0.21	$ 0.21	$ 0.21	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.255	[1]	$ 0.255	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.21	[1]	$ 0.21	[1]	$ 0.98	[1]	$ 0.89	[1]	$ 0.57

[1] The sum of the individual per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 212,508	$ 248,418	$ 89,349
Foreign currency translation:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Pre-tax amount	(4,364)	(2,588)	(176)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax (expense) benefit	0	1,000	135
Foreign currency translation adjustments, After-tax amount	(4,364)	(1,588)	(41)
Cash-flow hedges:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Pre-tax amount	(22,078)	(24,841)	29,260
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, Tax (expense) benefit	8,519	9,538	(2,682)
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, After-tax amount	(13,559)	(15,303)	26,578
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings, Pre-tax amount	526	(625)	2,229
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings, Tax (expense) benefit	(323)	471	(608)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings, After-tax amount	203	(154)	1,621
Pension:
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period, Pre-tax amount	(7,305)	(21,347)	40,276
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period, Tax (expense) benefit	2,763	8,114	(15,398)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period, After-tax amount	(4,542)	(13,233)	24,878
Reclassification of net actuarial loss included in net earnings, Pre-tax amount	981	67	1,663
Reclassification of net actuarial loss included in net earnings, Tax (expense) benefit	(373)	(26)	(643)
Reclassification of net actuarial loss included in net earnings, After-tax amount	608	41	1,020
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), Pre-tax amount	(32,240)	(49,334)	73,252
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), Tax (expense) benefit	10,586	19,097	(19,196)
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), After-tax amount	(21,654)	(30,237)	54,056
Total comprehensive earnings	$ 190,854	$ 218,181	$ 143,405

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Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 180,549	$ 38,477
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $7,902 and $6,801, respectively	219,736	190,754
Inventories	403,101	356,467
Other current assets	13,677	8,223
Deferred tax assets	40,571	121,788
Total current assets	857,634	715,709
Plant assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $408,294 and $349,639, respectively	631,109	605,906
Tradenames	2,001,048	2,001,874
Other assets, net	136,284	157,896
Goodwill	1,714,008	1,719,560
Total assets	5,340,083	5,200,945
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	2,225	2,396
Current portion of long-term obligations	14,847	11,916
Accounts payable	211,039	198,579
Accrued trade marketing expense	46,228	36,210
Accrued liabilities	100,510	106,488
Dividends payable	30,798	27,847
Total current liabilities	405,647	383,436
Long-term debt (includes $27,716 and $47,315 owed to related parties, respectively)	2,272,932	2,285,984
Pension and other postretirement benefits	63,454	61,830
Other long-term liabilities	54,506	34,305
Deferred tax liabilities	738,015	721,401
Total liabilities	$ 3,534,554	$ 3,486,956
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Pinnacle preferred stock: $.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	$ 0	$ 0
Pinnacle common stock: par value $.01 per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized; issued 117,619,695 and 117,293,745, respectively	1,176	1,173
Additional paid-in-capital	1,378,521	1,363,129
Retained earnings	517,330	419,531
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(59,388)	(37,734)
Capital stock in treasury, at cost, 1,000,000 common shares	(32,110)	(32,110)
Total shareholders' equity	1,805,529	1,713,989
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 5,340,083	$ 5,200,945

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 7,902	$ 6,801
Accumulated depreciation	408,294	349,639
Debt owed to related parties	$ 27,716	$ 47,315
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	117,619,695	117,293,745
Treasury shares	1,000,000	1,000,000

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$ 212,508	$ 248,418	$ 89,349
Non-cash charges (credits) to net earnings
Depreciation and amortization	89,660	80,627	78,225
Amortization of discount on term loan	2,381	2,461	1,354
Amortization of debt acquisition costs	3,972	4,046	4,395
Call premium on note redemptions	0	0	34,180
Refinancing costs and write off of debt issuance costs	0	1,879	19,668
Change in value of financial instruments	(1,942)	12,537	(535)
Equity based compensation expense	15,122	35,951	7,933
Pension expense, net of contributions	(4,700)	(9,300)	(9,131)
Gain on sale of assets held for sale	0	(1,541)	(3,627)
Other long-term liabilities	4,506	1,962	(1,872)
Foreign exchange losses	4,731	2,620	0
Deferred income taxes	115,584	159,537	67,852
Changes in working capital
Accounts receivable	(30,882)	(21,630)	(21,347)
Inventories	(49,210)	21,557	16,129
Accrued trade marketing expense	10,534	(516)	(7,290)
Accounts payable	15,050	24,910	4,112
Accrued liabilities	(8,051)	(11,525)	(17,052)
Other current assets	(6,352)	(1,283)	(101)
Net cash provided by operating activities	372,911	550,710	262,242
Cash flows from investing activities
Business acquisition activity	1,102	(169,373)	(575,164)
Capital expenditures	(108,477)	(102,967)	(84,055)
Proceeds from sale of plant assets	1,618	2,328	6,853
Net cash used in investing activities	(105,757)	(270,012)	(652,366)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,231	489	624,953
Repurchases of equity	0	0	(191)
Dividends paid	(111,758)	(101,606)	(41,664)
Proceeds from bank term loans	0	0	2,142,394
Proceeds from notes offerings	0	0	350,000
Repayments of long-term obligations	(8,870)	(219,967)	(1,736,146)
Repurchase of notes	0	0	(899,180)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	4,261	4,757	5,078
Repayments of short-term borrowings	(4,480)	(4,799)	(4,779)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	65,000	0
Repayments of revolving credit facility	0	(65,000)	0
Repayment of capital lease obligations	(3,585)	(2,373)	(2,943)
Purchase of stock for treasury	0	(32,110)	0
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	1,442	905	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(2,401)	(3,061)	0
Debt acquisition costs	0	(258)	(23,142)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(124,160)	(358,023)	414,380
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(922)	(937)	202
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	142,072	(78,262)	24,458
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	38,477	116,739	92,281
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	180,549	38,477	116,739
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	78,926	88,783	120,310
Interest received	198	121	141
Income taxes paid	18,885	7,802	3,425
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
New capital leases	0	1,288	2,030
Note payable issued in connection with acquisitions	0	14,850	0
Dividends payable	$ 30,798	$ 27,847	$ 25,119

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Accrued plant asset additions	$ 23,878	$ 25,763

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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2012			81,210,672	0
Beginning balance at Dec. 30, 2012		$ 888,726	$ 812	$ 0	$ 696,512	$ 252,955	$ (61,553)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share issuance (shares)			35,968,042
Share issuance		623,924	$ 360		623,564
Equity based compensation plans (shares)			53,139
Equity based compensation plans		8,771			8,771
Dividends ($0.98, $0.89 and $0.57 for fiscal year 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	[1]	(66,785)				(66,785)
Comprehensive earnings (loss)		143,405				89,349	54,056
Ending balance at Dec. 29, 2013		1,598,041	$ 1,172	$ 0	1,328,847	275,519	(7,497)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2013			117,231,853	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity based compensation plans (shares)			61,892
Equity based compensation plans		34,283	$ 1		34,282
Treasury stock purchased (shares)				(1,000,000)
Treasury stock purchased				$ (32,110)
Dividends ($0.98, $0.89 and $0.57 for fiscal year 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	[2]	(104,406)				(104,406)
Comprehensive earnings (loss)		218,181				248,418	(30,237)
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2014		1,713,989	$ 1,173	$ (32,110)	1,363,129	419,531	(37,734)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2014			117,293,745	(1,000,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity based compensation plans (shares)			325,950
Equity based compensation plans		15,395	$ 3		15,392
Dividends ($0.98, $0.89 and $0.57 for fiscal year 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	[3]	(114,709)				(114,709)
Comprehensive earnings (loss)		190,854				212,508	(21,654)
Ending balance at Dec. 27, 2015		$ 1,805,529	$ 1,176	$ (32,110)	$ 1,378,521	$ 517,330	$ (59,388)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2015			117,619,695	(1,000,000)

[1] $0.18 per share declared May 2013, $0.18 per share declared September 2013 and $0.21 per share declared December 2013.

[2] $0.21 per share declared February 2014 and May 2014, $0.235 per share declared August 2014 and December 2014.

[3] per share declared February 2015 and June 2015, $0.255 per share declared September 2015 and December 2015.

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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	1 Months Ended											3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015		Sep. 27, 2015		Jun. 28, 2015		Mar. 29, 2015		Dec. 28, 2014		Sep. 28, 2014		Jun. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 27, 2015		Dec. 28, 2014		Dec. 29, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.255	$ 0.255	$ 0.235	$ 0.235	$ 0.235	$ 0.235	$ 0.21	$ 0.21	$ 0.21	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.255	[1]	$ 0.255	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.21	[1]	$ 0.21	[1]	$ 0.98	[1]	$ 0.89	[1]	$ 0.57

[1] The sum of the individual per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

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Summary of Business Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Summary of Business Activities

Summary of Business Activities

Business Overview

The Company is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high quality, branded convenience food products, the products and operations of which are managed and reported in three operating segments: (i) Birds Eye Frozen, (ii) Duncan Hines Grocery and (iii) Specialty Foods. The Company’s United States retail frozen vegetables (Birds Eye), frozen complete bagged meals (Birds Eye Voila!), frozen seafood (Van de Kamp’s and Mrs. Paul’s), plant based protein frozen products (gardein), full-calorie single-serve frozen dinners and entrées (Hungry-Man), frozen breakfast (Aunt Jemima), frozen and refrigerated bagels (Lender’s), and frozen pizza for one (Celeste) are reported in the Birds Eye Frozen segment. The Company’s baking mixes and frostings (Duncan Hines), shelf-stable pickles (Vlasic), liquid and dry-mix salad dressings (Wish-Bone and Western), table syrups (Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin), canned meat (Armour, Nalley and Brooks), pie and pastry fillings (Duncan Hines Comstock and Wilderness), barbecue sauces (Open Pit) and Canadian operations other than gardein are reported in the Duncan Hines Grocery segment. The Specialty Foods segment consists of snack products (Tim’s Cascade and Snyder of Berlin) and the Company’s food service and private label businesses.

History and Current Ownership

On April 2, 2007, the Company was acquired by, and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Holdings LLC ("Peak Holdings"), an entity controlled by investment funds affiliated with The Blackstone Group L.P ("Blackstone"). We refer to this merger transaction and related financing transactions as the Blackstone Transaction. As a result of the Blackstone Transaction, Blackstone owned, through Peak Holdings, approximately 98% of the common stock of the Company.

On March 27, 2013, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") declared effective the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 related to the initial public offering of its common stock (the "IPO"). The Company's common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), under the ticker symbol "PF", on March 28, 2013. In connection with the IPO, 2,618,307 additional shares were issued through the exercise of a warrant agreement by Peak Holdings LLC ("Peak Holdings"), which was the majority owner of the Company and Pinnacle Foods Finance prior to the IPO. Immediately thereafter, the warrant agreement was terminated and Peak Holdings was dissolved. On April 3, 2013, the IPO closed in which the Company issued and sold 33,350,000 shares of common stock for cash consideration of $20.00 per share ($18.80 per share net of underwriting discounts).

On September 12, 2014, Blackstone sold additional shares, in an underwritten public offering. In connection therewith, the Company no longer qualified as a "controlled company" under applicable NYSE listing standards.

On November 21, 2014, Blackstone sold additional shares, in an underwritten public offering. Blackstone's reduced ownership level after the transaction resulted in a liquidity event. This caused the immediate vesting of approximately 1.1 million non-vested shares and 0.2 million equity options and the recognition of approximately $23.7 million of equity based compensation expense (the "Liquidity event").

On March 13, 2015, Blackstone sold an additional 14,224,145 shares in an underwritten public offering, which reduced their ownership to 5,000,000 shares or 4.3% of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale.

On May 8, 2015, Blackstone sold their final 5,000,000 shares in an underwritten public offering. Upon completion of the offering, Blackstone no longer beneficially owned any of the Company's outstanding common stock. As of December 27, 2015, the Company's board of directors no longer included any Blackstone employees.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pinnacle and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The results of companies acquired during the year are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the effective date of the acquisition. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Foreign Currency Translation. Foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholder's equity. The Company translates the results of operations of its foreign subsidiaries at the average exchange rates during the respective periods. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are normally included in Cost of products sold on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and include the mark to market and realized gains and losses on our foreign currency swaps as discussed in Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, the Company recorded $4,731 and $2,620 of foreign exchange loss in the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively. These amounts represent foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future and are recorded in Other expense (income), net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fiscal Year. The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers investments in all highly liquid instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are measured at fair value and are Level 1 assets.

Inventories. Substantially all inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. The type of costs included in inventory are ingredients, containers, packaging, other raw materials, direct manufacturing labor and fully absorbed manufacturing overheads. When necessary, the Company provides allowances to adjust the carrying value of its inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose and consideration for obsolescence, excessive inventory levels, product deterioration and other factors in evaluating net realizable value.

Plant Assets. Plant assets are stated at historical cost, and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the lives of the assets. Buildings and machinery and equipment are depreciated over periods not exceeding 45 years and 15 years, respectively. The weighted average estimated remaining useful lives are approximately 16 years for buildings and 9 years for machinery and equipment. When assets are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, their gross carrying value and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and included in determining gain or loss on such disposals. Costs of assets acquired in a business combination are based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets. The Company evaluates the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames for impairment on at least an annual basis and when events occur or circumstances change that an impairment might exist. The Company performs goodwill impairment testing for each business which constitutes a component of the Company's operating segments, known as reporting units. The Company performs quantitative testing by calculating the fair value of each reporting unit. The Company compares the fair value of these reporting units with their carrying values inclusive of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying amount and any shortfall is charged to earnings. In estimating the implied fair value of the goodwill, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit's tangible and intangible assets (other than goodwill). In estimating the fair value of our reporting units, the Company primarily uses the income approach, which utilizes forecasted discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value for each reporting unit. The income approach utilizes management's business plans and projections as the basis for expected future cash flows for five years plus a terminal year. It requires significant assumptions including projected sales growth rates and operating margins and the weighted average cost of capital. In the most recent impairment tests, the Company forecasted cash flows for five years plus a terminal year and assumed a weighted average cost of capital of 6.75%. These projections assume sales growth rates for the next five years and the terminal year that generally average between 1.0% and 3.0% and operating margins which increase moderately from historical levels over time as a result of planned capital improvements in our plants and manufacturing efficiency projects. These assumptions are determined based upon management's expectations for each of the individual reporting units.

For indefinite-lived tradename intangible assets, the Company determines recoverability by comparing the carrying value to its fair value estimated based on discounted cash flows attributable to the tradename and charges the shortfall, if any, to earnings. In estimating the fair value of trade names, the Company primarily uses the relief from royalty method. The relief from royalty method involves discounted cash flow techniques, which require management to make significant assumptions regarding the weighted average cost of capital, sales growth trends and representative royalty rates.

Assumptions underlying fair value estimates referred to above are subject to risks and uncertainties. These measurements are considered level 3 under the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For more information on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, please refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. The carrying value of long-lived assets held and used, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles, is evaluated at the asset group level when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using the projected cash flows from the asset group discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived asset groups held for sale, other than goodwill, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for disposal costs.

Revenue Recognition and Trade Marketing. Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment to the customers as terms are free on board ("FOB") shipping point, at which point title and risk of loss is transferred and the selling price is fixed or determinable. This completes the revenue-earning process specifically that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, ownership has transferred, the price is fixed and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts and product return allowances, which is estimated based upon the Company's historical performance, management's experience and current economic trends, is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.

Trade promotions, consisting primarily of customer pricing allowances and merchandising funds, and consumer coupons are offered through various programs to customers and consumers. Sales are recorded net of estimated trade promotion spending, which is recognized as incurred at the time of sale. Certain retailers require the payment of slotting fees in order to obtain space for the Company's products on the retailer's store shelves. The fees are recognized as reductions of revenue on the date a liability to the retailer is created. These amounts are included in the determination of net sales. Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included as accrued trade marketing expense in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when the coupons are issued. Estimates of trade promotion expense and coupon redemption costs are based upon programs offered, timing of those offers, estimated redemption/usage rates from historical performance, management's experience and current economic trends.

Trade marketing expense is comprised of amounts paid to retailers for programs designed to promote our products. These costs include standard introductory allowances for new products (slotting fees). They also include the cost of in-store product displays, feature pricing in retailers' advertisements and other temporary price reductions. These programs are offered to our customers both in fixed and variable (rate per case) amounts. The ultimate cost of these programs depends on retailer performance and is the subject of significant management estimates. The Company records as expense the estimated ultimate cost of the program in the period during which the program occurs. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition, these trade marketing expenses are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a reduction of net sales. Also, in accordance with the guidance, coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when issued.

Advertising. Advertising costs include the cost of working media (advertising on television, radio or in print), the cost of producing advertising, and the cost of coupon insertion and distribution. Working media and coupon insertion and distribution costs are expensed in the period the advertising is run or the coupons are distributed. The cost of producing advertising is expensed as of the first date the advertisement takes place. Advertising included in the Company's marketing and selling expenses were $28,205 for fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, $35,917 for fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 and $34,031 for fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

Shipping and Handling Costs. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition, costs related to shipping and handling of products shipped to customers are classified as Cost of products sold.

Pension benefits. The Company provides pension benefits to certain employees and retirees. Pension benefits are no longer offered to salaried employees. All pension benefits are frozen. Determining the cost associated with such benefits is dependent on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, turnover rates and mortality rates. Independent actuaries, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), perform the required calculations to determine pension expense. Actual results that differ from the actuarial assumptions are generally accumulated and amortized over future periods.

Equity Based Compensation expense. Grant-date fair value of PSU's and PS's are estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Grant-date fair value of stock options are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes using the simplified method to estimate the number of periods to exercise date. While we had equity compensation plans in place as a private company, our broader post-IPO equity compensation plans have not been in place for a sufficient amount of time to understand their post vesting behavior. As such, we will continue to use this methodology until such time we have sufficient history to provide a reasonable basis on which to estimate the expected term. Compensation expense is reduced based on estimated forfeitures with adjustments to actual expense recorded at the time of vesting. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. The majority of our equity options have a three-year vesting period. For those awards that have a performance condition, compensation expense is based upon the number of shares expected to vest after assessing the probability that the performance criteria will be met. We recognize compensation cost for awards over the vesting period, adjusted for any changes in our probability assessment.

Insurance reserves. The Company is self-insured under its worker's compensation insurance policy. The Company utilizes a stop loss policy issued by an insurance company to fund claims in excess of $350. The Company estimates the outstanding retained-insurance liabilities by projecting incurred losses to their ultimate liability and subtracting amounts paid-to-date to obtain the remaining liabilities. The Company bases actuarial estimates of ultimate liability on actual incurred losses, estimates of incurred but not yet reported losses and the projected costs to resolve these losses.

Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for income taxes under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  The Company continually reviews its deferred tax assets for recovery.  A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company's tax provision in the period of change.

Financial Instruments. The Company uses financial instruments to manage its exposure to movements in interest rates, certain commodity prices and foreign currencies. The use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the intent to reduce the risk or cost to the Company. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged derivatives. The authoritative guidance for derivative and hedge accounting requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in earnings. The cash flows associated with the financial instruments are included in the cash flow from operating activities.

Deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the life of the related debt using the effective interest rate method. If debt is prepaid or retired early, the related unamortized deferred financing costs are written off in the period the debt is retired.

Capitalized Internal Use Software Costs. The Company capitalizes the cost of internal-use software that has a useful life in excess of one year. These costs consist of payments made to third parties and the salaries of employees working on such software development. Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use software are capitalized only to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Capitalized internal use software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally 2 ½ to 3 years. The Company amortized $9,628 for fiscal year ended December 27, 2015, $7,681 for fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 and $6,229 for fiscal year ended December 29, 2013. Additionally, as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the net book value of capitalized internal use software totaled $19,054 and $14,298, respectively and is included in Plant assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"). Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes loss on financial instruments, foreign currency translation adjustments, net gains or (losses) on pension actuarial assumptions and the related tax provisions or benefits that are currently presented as a component of shareholder's equity. For more information on accumulated other comprehensive loss, please refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No.

2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”. The new guidance eliminates the requirement to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts. The amendments will require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The updated guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. The new guidance eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. Under the ASU, the adjustments to the provisional amounts will be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The updated guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, and the ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and net realizable value,” thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The ASU will not apply to inventories that are measured by using either the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method or the retail inventory method (RIM). The updated guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs". The new guidance changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the ASU, an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. The updated guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15,

2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets". The new guidance gives an employer whose fiscal year-end does not coincide with a calendar month-end (e.g., an entity that has a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, as the Company does) the ability, as a practical expedient, to measure defined benefit retirement obligations and related plan assets as of the month- end that is closest to its fiscal year-end. The updated guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted, and the ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company implemented this guidance in 2015 without material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued revised guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and jurisdictions. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures. The guidance was originally effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. In April 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year. The updated guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities will be permitted to adopt the new revenue standard early, but not before the original effective date. The guidance permits the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements, as well as which transition method it will use.

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Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

Acquisition of the Wish-Bone and Western Salad Dressings Business (the 'Wish-Bone acquisition").

On October 1, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of the Wish-Bone and Western Salad Dressings Business ("Wish-Bone") from Conopco Inc. and affiliates (“Unilever”), which are subsidiaries of Unilever PLC. The acquired portfolio includes a broad range of liquid and dry-mix salad dressing flavors under the Wish-Bone and Western brand names that are highly complementary to the Company's existing product offerings.

The cost of the Wish-Bone acquisition was $575,164. The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired:

Assets acquired:
Inventories	$	20,029
Plant assets	5,871
Tradenames	347,400
Distributor relationships and other agreements	14,700
Deferred tax assets	564
Goodwill	186,600
	$	575,164

Based upon the allocation, the value assigned to intangible assets and goodwill totaled $548.7 million at the valuation date. The goodwill was generated primarily as a result of expected synergies to be achieved in the acquisition. Distributor relationships are being amortized on an accelerated basis over 30 years. This useful life was based on an attrition rate based on industry experience, which management believes is appropriate in the Company's circumstances. The Company has also assigned $347.4 million to the value of the tradenames acquired, which are not subject to amortization but are reviewed annually for impairment. Goodwill, which is also not subject to amortization, totaled $186.6 million (tax deductible goodwill of $185.7 million existed as of the closing of the acquisition). The entire acquisition was allocated to the Duncan Hines Grocery segment.

During the year ended December 29, 2013, the acquisition resulted in an additional $38.2 million of net sales and a net loss of $4.7 million, related to Wish-Bone operations from October 1, 2013 to December 29, 2013, which included a $3.8 million after-tax ($6.3 million pre-tax) charge related to the fair value step-up of inventories acquired and sold during 2013 and $3.7 million after-tax ($6.1 million pre-tax) of transaction costs described below.

In accordance with the requirements of the acquisition method of accounting for acquisitions, inventories obtained in the Acquisition were required to be valued at fair value (net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity), which is $6.3 million higher than historical manufacturing cost. Cost of products sold for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 includes pre-tax charges of $6.3 million related to the inventory acquired, which were subsequently sold.

The acquisition was financed through borrowings of $525.0 million in term loans (“the Tranche H Term Loans”), $75.3 million of cash on hand, less transaction costs of $6.1 million in the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 and debt acquisition costs of $10.5 million. Included in the transaction costs of $6.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 are: $4.3 million in merger, acquisition and advisory fees and $1.8 million in legal, accounting and other professional fees. The transaction costs are recorded in Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company also incurred $8.5 million in original issue discount in connection with the Tranche H Term Loans. This was recorded in Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is being amortized over the life of the loan using the effective interest method. For more information, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Debt and Interest Expense.

Pro forma Information

The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the Company's consolidated results of operations as if Wish-Bone had been acquired on December 26, 2011. These amounts adjusted Wish-Bone's historical results to reflect the additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to plant assets and intangible assets had been applied from December 26, 2011, together with the consequential tax effects. These adjustments also reflect the additional interest expense incurred on the debt to finance the purchase. The 2013 pro forma earnings were adjusted to exclude the acquisition related costs incurred in 2013 and the nonrecurring expense related to the fair value inventory step-up adjustment. The pro forma financial information presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition and borrowings undertaken to finance the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2012.

Amounts in millions:

	Year ended December 29, 2013 (unaudited)
Net sales	$	2,612.7
Net earnings	$	110.1

Acquisition of the Duncan Hines manufacturing business (the "Gilster acquisition")

On March 31, 2014, the Company acquired the Duncan Hines manufacturing business located in Centralia, Illinois, from Gilster Mary Lee Corporation (“Gilster”), the Company's primary co-packer of Duncan Hines products. The cost of the acquisition was $26.6 million, $11.7 million of which was paid in cash, with the balance due under a $14.9 millionfour-year note. For more information, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Debt and Interest Expense. Goodwill, which is not subject to amortization, totaled $9.6 million (tax deductible goodwill of $7.5 million). The entire acquisition was allocated to the Duncan Hines Grocery segment. Other operating costs of approximately $0.3 million incurred in connection with the transaction were expensed as incurred and recorded in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Assets acquired:
Inventories	$	10,188
Building and land	3,480
Plant assets	2,302
Deferred tax assets	1,278
Goodwill	9,550
Fair value of assets acquired	26,798
Liabilities assumed
Accrued liabilities	178
Total cost of acquisition	$	26,620

Unaudited pro forma revenue and net earnings related to the acquisition are not presented because the pro forma impact is not material.

Acquisition of Garden Protein (the "Garden Protein acquisition")

On November 14, 2014, the Company acquired Garden Protein International Inc., a Canadian corporation, the manufacturer of the plant-based protein brand gardein. The brand has a line of frozen products that serve as alternatives for traditional animal based protein formats such as chicken strips and tenders, ground beef and fish fillets.

The cost of the Garden Protein acquisition was $156,502, which included a first quarter 2015 post closing working capital adjustment that reduced the preliminary purchase price by $1,102. This adjustment to the purchase price allocation did not significantly impact previously reported amounts or results. The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	5,226
Inventories	6,798
Prepaid expenses and other assets	572
Property and equipment	13,895
Tradenames	51,950
Distributor relationships	3,098
Private label customer relationships	1,328
Formulations	7,611
Goodwill	82,970
Fair value of assets acquired	173,448
Liabilities assumed
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	5,007
Income tax payable	7,878
Long term deferred tax liability	1,347
Other long-term liabilities	2,714
Total cost of acquisition	$	156,502

Based upon the allocation, the value assigned to intangible assets and goodwill totaled $147.0 million at the valuation date. The goodwill was generated primarily as a result of expected synergies to be achieved in the acquisition. Distributor relationships and private label customer relationships are being amortized on an accelerated basis over 30 and 7 years, respectively. Formulations are being amortized on a straight line basis over 10 years. These useful lives are based on an attrition rate based on industry experience, which management believes is appropriate in the Company's circumstances. The Company has also assigned $51.9 million to the value of the tradename acquired, which is not subject to amortization but is reviewed annually for impairment. Goodwill, which is also not subject to amortization, totaled $83.0 million (tax deductible goodwill of $53.6 million will result from the acquisition). The entire acquisition was allocated to the Birds Eye frozen segment.

During the year ended December 28, 2014, the acquisition resulted in an additional $6.8 million of net sales and a net loss of $3.1 million, related to Garden Protein operations from November 14, 2014 to December 28, 2014, which included a $0.6 million charge related to the fair value step-up of inventories acquired and sold during 2014 and $3.1 million of transaction costs, primarily foreign exchange losses in addition to legal, accounting and other professional fees. The inventory-step up and transactions costs are recorded in Cost of products sold and Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, respectively.

The acquisition was financed through cash on hand and borrowings of $40.0 million under our revolving credit facility which were repaid in full as of December 28, 2014.

Unaudited pro forma revenue and net earnings related to the acquisition are not presented because the pro forma impact is not material.

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Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

The authoritative guidance for financial assets and liabilities discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The guidance utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions.

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities subject to recurring fair value measurements and the required disclosures are as follows:

	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy						Fair Value as of December 28, 2014		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Interest rate derivatives	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,420	$	—	$	6,420	$	—
Foreign currency derivatives	471		—		471		—		1,294		—		1,294		—
Total assets at fair value	$	471	$	—	$	471	$	—	$	7,714	$	—	$	7,714	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate derivatives	$	18,868	$	—	$	18,868	$	—	$	4,543	$	—	$	4,543	$	—
Commodity derivatives	10,013		—		10,013		—		12,011		—		12,011		—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	28,881	$	—	$	28,881	$	—	$	16,554	$	—	$	16,554	$	—

The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk.

The valuations of these instruments are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate, commodity, and foreign exchange forward curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments). The variable cash receipts (or payments) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. To comply with the provisions of the authoritative guidance for fair value disclosure, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own non-performance risk and the respective counterparty’s non-performance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of non-performance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. The Company had no fair value measurements based upon significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 27, 2015 or December 28, 2014.

In addition to the instruments named above, the Company also makes fair value measurements in connection with its annual goodwill and trade name impairment testing. These measurements fall into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

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Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments and Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share

Shareholders' Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share

Equity based Compensation Expense

The Company has two long-term incentive programs: The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (as defined below) and the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as defined below). Equity based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of equity based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. As equity based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The authoritative guidance for equity compensation requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Expense Information

The following table summarizes equity based compensation expense which was allocated as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Cost of products sold	$	3,647	$	5,565	$	633
Marketing and selling expenses	3,642		5,836		1,399
Administrative expenses	7,461		23,977		5,792
Research and development expenses	372		573		109
Pre-Tax Equity Based Compensation Expense	15,122		35,951		7,933
Income Tax Benefit	5,638		4,738		2,083
Net Equity Based Compensation Expense	$	9,484	$	31,213	$	5,850

As of December 27, 2015, cumulative unrecognized equity compensation expense of the unvested portion of shares and options for the Company's two long-term incentive programs was $28,991. The weighted average period over which vesting will occur is approximately 0.9 years for the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and 0.8 years for the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

2007 Stock Incentive Plan

The Company adopted an equity option plan (the “2007 Stock Incentive Plan”) providing for the issuance of up to 1,104,888 shares of the Company's common stock through the granting of nonqualified stock options. As of December 27, 2015 any unvested awards vest ratably over five years from the date of grant. Subsequent to the adoption of the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as further described below), there will be no more grants under this plan.

The following table summarizes the equity option transactions under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan:

		Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Weighted Average Remaining Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		247,430		$	10.11	$	6.13	4.47	$	6,306
	Granted	—		—		—
	Exercised	(102,577	)	10.27		6.40
	Forfeitures	(2,210	)	13.12		4.24
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		142,643		$	9.96	$	5.97	3.42	$	4,687
Exercisable and Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		141,237		$	9.90	$	5.99	3.39	$	4,649
Exercisable, December 27, 2015		139,135		$	9.81	$	6.02	3.34	$	4,593

2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan

In connection with the IPO, the Company adopted an equity incentive plan (the “2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) providing for the issuance of up to 11,300,000 shares of common stock. Awards granted under this plan include equity options, non-vested shares and restricted stock units ("RSU's"). The Company also granted non-vested performance shares ("PS's") and performance share units ("PSU's") both of which vest based on achievement of total shareholder return performance goals. Under the program, awards of PS's and PSU's will be earned by comparing the company's total shareholder return during a three-year period to the respective total shareholder returns of companies in a performance peer group. Based upon the company's ranking in the performance peer group, a recipient of PS's or PSU's may earn a total award ranging from 0% to 200% of the initial grant.

Stock Options: During 2015, the Company granted 354,422 options under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The options vest in full after three years. The exercise price of all options granted is equal to the market value of the shares on the date of grant. Options under the plans have a termination date of 10 years from the date of issuance.

The following table summarizes the equity option transactions under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan:

		Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Weighted Average Remaining Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		3,018,056		$	22.88	$	5.81	8.55	38,399
	Granted	354,422		41.05		8.93
	Exercised	(5,937	)	29.28		8.47
	Forfeitures	(198,275	)	26.24		7.14
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		3,168,266		$	24.72	$	6.09	7.72	57,336
Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		2,848,066		$	23.78	$	5.81	7.62	$	54,219

None were exercisable as of December 27, 2015.

The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes pricing model as its method of valuation for equity option awards. The fair value of the options granted during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was estimated on the date of the grant with the following weighted average assumptions:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.57	%	2.18	%	1.17	%
Expected time to option exercise	6.50 years		6.50 years		6.50 years
Expected volatility	27	%	37	%	35	%
Expected dividend yield on Pinnacle Foods Inc. stock	2.29	%	2.88	%	3.54	%	*

* Dividend yield is based on the weighted average of the expected yield at the time of each grant, 3.54% is principally the result of options granted at the IPO price of $20.00 a share. No dividend was in effect prior to 2013.

Volatility was based on the average volatility of a group of publicly traded food companies. The Company estimates the annual forfeiture rates to be approximately 11% under its long-term incentive plans.

Cash received from option exercises for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was $1,231, $489 and $574, respectively.

Non-vested shares and RSU's: During 2015, the Company granted 220,291 RSU's under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The awards vest in full over a period of one to three years.

The following table summarizes the changes in non-vested shares and Restricted Stock Units ("RSU's").

		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		474,375		$	27.33	$	16,888
	Granted	220,291		41.35
	Forfeitures	(40,057	)	33.31
	Vested	(204,658	)	29.43
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		449,951		$	32.71	$	19,267
Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		345,367		$	32.59	$	14,789

PS's and PSU's: During 2015, the Company granted 106,323 PS's and 80,118 PSU's under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The awards vest in full over a period of two and a half to three years.

The following table summarizes the changes in non-vested Performance Shares ("PS's") and Performance Share Units ("PSU's").

		Number of Instruments		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		239,147		$	37.65	$	8,514
	Granted	186,441		48.62
	Forfeitures	(34,015	)	40.01
	Vested	—		—
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		391,573		$	42.67	$	16,767
Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		273,546		$	42.67	$	11,713

The Company estimated the fair value of PSU's at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation. The fair value of the PSU's granted during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, was estimated on the date of the grant with the following assumptions:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Risk-free interest rate	1.3	%	0.9	%
Expected term	3.00 years		3.00 years
Expected volatility	22	%	35	%
Expected dividend yield	2.3	%	2.8	%

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings or loss for common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net earnings by weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive potential common shares, which are determined as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015	December 28, 2014	December 29, 2013
Weighted-average common shares	116,031,648	115,697,621	106,841,198
Effect of dilutive securities	1,290,878	1,187,601	1,777,542
Dilutive potential common shares	117,322,526	116,885,222	108,618,740

Dilutive potential common shares are calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method, which assumes that proceeds from the exercise of all warrants and options are used to repurchase common stock at market value. The amount of shares remaining after the proceeds are exhausted represents the potentially dilutive effect of the securities. For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, conversion of securities totaling 267,565, 670,889 and 186,201 respectively, into common share equivalents were excluded from this calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss consist of the following:

	Currency translation adjustments			Gains (Losses) on cash flow hedges			Change in pensions			Total
Balance at December 29, 2013	$	(466	)	$	19,581		$	(26,612	)	$	(7,497	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(1,588		)	(15,303		)	(13,233		)	(30,124		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(154		)	41			(113		)
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(1,588		)	(15,457		)	(13,192		)	(30,237		)
Balance at December 28, 2014	$	(2,054	)	$	4,124		$	(39,804	)	$	(37,734	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(4,364		)	(13,559		)	(4,542		)	(22,465		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			203			608			811
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(4,364		)	(13,356		)	(3,934		)	(21,654		)
Balance at December 27, 2015	$	(6,418	)	$	(9,232	)	$	(43,738	)	$	(59,388	)

Other Comprehensive Earnings

The following table presents amounts reclassified out of AOCL and into Net earnings for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

Gain/(Loss)	Amounts Reclassified from AOCL
	Fiscal year ended
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings Components	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014				Reclassified from AOCL to:
Gains and losses on financial instrument contracts
Interest rate contracts	$	(3,737	)	$	(877	)		Interest expense
Foreign exchange contracts	3,211			1,502				Cost of products sold
Total before tax	(526		)	625
Tax (expense) benefit	323			(471		)		Provision for income taxes
Net of tax	(203		)	154
Pension actuarial assumption adjustments
Amortization of actuarial loss	(981		)	(67		)	(a)	Cost of products sold
Tax benefit	373			26				Provision for income taxes
Net of tax	(608		)	(41		)
Net reclassifications into net earnings	$	(811	)	$	113

(a) This is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 11 for additional details).

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Other Expense (Income), net and Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Expense (Income), net and Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs

Other Expense (Income), net and Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs

Other Expense (Income), net

	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Other expense (income), net consists of:
Amortization of intangibles/other assets	$	13,554		$	13,917		$	15,875
Boulder Brands acquisition costs (Note 19)	1,713			—			—
Wish-Bone acquisition costs (Note 3)	—			—			6,067
Garden Protein acquisition costs (Note 3)	—			3,121			—
Foreign exchange losses	4,731			655			—
Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt	—			—			34,180
Royalty income and other	(892		)	(1,712		)	(918		)
Total other expense (income), net	$	19,106		$	15,981		$	55,204

Foreign exchange losses. Represents foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.

Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt. On May 10, 2013, as part of the 2013 Refinancing the Company redeemed all $400.0 million of its outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 108.5% of the aggregate principal amount at a premium of $34.2 million. For more information on debt refinancings, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Debt and Interest Expense.

Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs, Associated With the Hillshire Merger Agreement

On May 12, 2014 the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement for the sale of the Company to The Hillshire Brands Company ("Hillshire"). Subsequently, Hillshire received an offer from Tyson Foods, Inc. ("Tyson") to acquire all of its outstanding common shares. On June 16, 2014, in light of the Tyson offer, Hillshire's board of directors withdrew its recommendation of the pending acquisition of the Company. Under the terms of the merger agreement, as a result of the change in recommendation, the Company had the right to terminate its merger agreement with Hillshire, which it did on June 30, 2014. As a result of the termination, on July 2, 2014, the Company received a merger termination fee payment of $163.0 million from Tyson, on behalf of Hillshire. One-time fees and expenses associated with the merger agreement, comprising external advisors' fees and employee retention incentives, including equity awards, totaled $19.2 million, of which $17.4 million was incurred in fiscal 2014, with the remainder in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The net impact on 2014 pre-tax earnings of $145.6 million is included on the various lines of the Consolidated Statement of Operations as follows: $(153.0) million in Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs, $2.9 million in Cost of products sold, $2.0 million in Marketing and selling expenses, $2.2 million in Administrative expenses and $0.3 million in Research and development expenses.

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Balance Sheet Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Balance Sheet Information

Balance Sheet Information

Accounts Receivable. Customer accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for cash discounts, returns and bad debts is the Company's best estimate of the amount of uncollectible amounts in its existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical discounts taken and write-off experience. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company concludes it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. Accounts receivable are as follows:

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Customers	$	219,352		$	190,321
Allowances for cash discounts, bad debts and returns	(7,902		)	(6,801		)
Subtotal	211,450			183,520
Other receivables	8,286			7,234
Total	$	219,736		$	190,754

Following are the changes in the allowance for cash discounts, bad debts, and returns:

	Beginning							Ending
	Balance		Revenue Reductions		Deductions			Balance
Fiscal 2015	$	6,801	$	98,374	$	(97,273	)	$	7,902
Fiscal 2014	5,849		96,491		(95,539		)	6,801
Fiscal 2013	5,149		87,005		(86,305		)	5,849

Inventories. Inventories are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Raw materials, containers and supplies	$	57,145	$	60,828
Finished product (1)	345,956		295,639
Total	$	403,101	$	356,467

(1) Included in Finished products was $61,527 and $45,421 of crop related inventory as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 respectively.

The Company has various purchase commitments for raw materials, containers, supplies and certain finished products incident to the ordinary course of business. Such commitments are not at prices in excess of current market.

Other Current Assets. Other Current Assets are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Prepaid expenses and other	$	8,166	$	8,139
Prepaid income taxes	5,511		84
Total	$	13,677	$	8,223

Plant Assets. Plant assets are as follows:

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Land	$	14,948		$	14,211
Buildings	246,988			208,341
Machinery and equipment	716,314			641,818
Projects in progress (a)	61,153			91,175
Subtotal	1,039,403			955,545
Accumulated depreciation	(408,294		)	(349,639		)
Total	$	631,109		$	605,906

Depreciation was $76,106, $66,710 and $62,350 during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, Machinery and equipment included assets under capital lease with a book value of $16,372 and $18,127 (net of accumulated depreciation of $11,018 and $9,935), respectively.

(a) The significant decrease in Projects in process as of December 27, 2015 as compared to December 28, 2014 primarily relates to the 2015 transition of Wish-Bone manufacturing into our St. Elmo, Illinois location.

Accrued Liabilities. Accrued liabilities are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Employee compensation and benefits	$	55,416	$	52,404
Interest payable	12,127		12,239
Consumer coupons	2,035		1,912
Accrued financial instrument contracts (see note 12)	5,957		10,276
Accrued broker commissions	4,651		3,526
Other	20,324		26,131
Total	$	100,510	$	106,488

Other Long-Term Liabilities. Other long-term liabilities are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Employee compensation and benefits	$	9,806	$	9,506
Long-term rent liability and deferred rent allowances	7,774		8,431
Liability for uncertain tax positions	7,712		2,064
Accrued financial instrument contracts (see note 12)	22,924		6,280
Other	6,290		8,024
Total	$	54,506	$	34,305

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Goodwill, Tradename and Other Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets

Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill by segment is as follows:

	Birds Eye Frozen			Duncan Hines Grocery		Specialty Foods		Total
Balance, December 29, 2013	$	527,069		$	927,065	$	173,961	$	1,628,095
Gilster acquisition (Note 3)	—			9,550		—		9,550
Garden Protein acquisition (Note 3)	84,257			—		—		84,257
Foreign currency adjustment	(2,342		)	—		—		(2,342		)
Balance, December 28, 2014	$	608,984		$	936,615	$	173,961	$	1,719,560
Foreign currency adjustment	(4,265		)	—		—		(4,265		)
Purchase price adjustment (1)	(1,287		)	—		—		(1,287		)
Balance, December 27, 2015	$	603,432		$	936,615	$	173,961	$	1,714,008

(1) Primarily relates to a 2015 post close working capital adjustment of the preliminary purchase price related to the Garden Protein acquisition.

The authoritative guidance for business combinations requires that all business combinations be accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting. The authoritative guidance for goodwill provides that goodwill will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis or more often when events indicate. The Company completed its annual testing in the third quarter of 2015, resulting in no impairment.

All of the Company's acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for business combinations. The Gilster and Garden Protein acquisitions resulted in $9,550 and $84,257 of goodwill being recorded in the second quarter of 2014 and fourth quarter of 2014, respectively.

Tradenames

Tradenames by segment are as follows:

	Birds Eye			Duncan Hines		Specialty
	Frozen			Grocery		Foods		Total
Balance, December 29, 2013	$	796,680		$	1,118,712	$	36,000	$	1,951,392
Garden Protein acquisition (Note 3)	51,950			—		—		51,950
Foreign currency adjustment	(1,468		)	—		—		(1,468		)
Balance, December 28, 2014	$	847,162		$	1,118,712	$	36,000	$	2,001,874
Foreign currency adjustment	(826		)	—		—		(826		)
Balance, December 27, 2015	$	846,336		$	1,118,712	$	36,000	$	2,001,048

The authoritative guidance for indefinite-lived assets provides that indefinite-lived assets will not be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis or more often when events indicate. The Company completed its annual testing in the third quarter of 2015, resulting in no impairment.

The allocation of the Garden Protein acquisition purchase price resulted in $51,950 of indefinite-lived tradename intangible assets being recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Other Assets

	December 27, 2015
	Weighted Avg Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Amortizable intangibles
Recipes	10	$	60,094	$	(47,077	)	$	13,017
Customer relationships - Distributors	35	142,129		(46,507		)	95,622
Customer relationships - Private Label	7	1,290		(399		)	891
License	7	6,175		(5,800		)	375
Total amortizable intangibles		$	209,688	$	(99,783	)	$	109,905
Debt acquisition costs		46,313		(29,216		)	17,097
Other (1)		9,282		—			9,282
Total other assets, net							$	136,284
	Amortizable intangibles by segment
	Birds Eye Frozen						$	60,510
	Duncan Hines Grocery						45,503
	Specialty Foods						3,892
							$	109,905

	December 28, 2014
	Weighted Avg Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Amortizable intangibles
Recipes	10	$	60,206	$	(41,027	)	$	19,179
Customer relationships - Distributors	35	142,156		(40,616		)	101,540
Customer relationships - Private Label	7	1,290		(43		)	1,247
License	7	6,175		(4,563		)	1,612
Total amortizable intangibles		$	209,827	$	(86,249	)	$	123,578
Debt acquisition costs		45,913		(25,244		)	20,669
Financial instruments (see note 12)		6,420		—			6,420
Other (1)		7,229		—			7,229
Total other assets, net							$	157,896
	Amortizable intangibles by segment
	Birds Eye Frozen						$	67,525
	Duncan Hines Grocery						51,637
	Specialty Foods						4,416
							$	123,578

(1) As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, Other primarily consists of security deposits and supplemental savings plan investments.

Amortization of intangible assets was $13,554, $13,917 and $15,875 during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows: 2016 -$12,200 ; 2017 - $7,400; 2018 - $5,800; 2019 - $5,500; 2020 - $5,200 and thereafter - $74,000.

Debt Acquisition Costs

All debt acquisition costs, which relate to the Amended Credit Agreement and Senior Notes (as defined below) are amortized into interest expense over the life of the related debt using the effective interest method. Amortization of debt acquisition costs was $3,972, $4,046 and $4,395 during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.

The following summarizes debt acquisition cost activity:

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Balance, December 28, 2014	$	45,913	$	(25,244	)	$	20,669
2015 - Additions	400		—			400
- Amortization	—		(3,972		)	(3,972		)
Balance, December 27, 2015	$	46,313	$	(29,216	)	$	17,097

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Debt and Interest Expense

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Interest Expense

Debt and Interest Expense

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Short-term borrowings
- Notes payable	$	2,225		$	2,396
Total short-term borrowings	$	2,225		$	2,396
Long-term debt
- Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche G Term Loans due 2020	$	1,409,625		$	1,409,625
- Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche H Term Loans due 2020	514,500			519,750
- 4.875% Senior Notes due 2021	350,000			350,000
- 3.0% Note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation due 2018	8,878			12,497
- Unamortized discount on long term debt	(10,347		)	(12,728		)
- Capital lease obligations	15,123			18,756
	2,287,779			2,297,900
Less: current portion of long-term obligations	14,847			11,916
Total long-term debt	$	2,272,932		$	2,285,984

Interest expense	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Interest expense, third party	$	79,771	$	87,765	$	102,286
Related party interest expense (Note 14)	1,033		1,602		1,880
Amortization of debt acquisition costs (Note 9)	3,972		4,046		4,395
Write-off of debt acquisition costs	—		983		12,725
Write-off of original issue discount	—		896		2,182
Financing costs	—		—		4,762
Interest rate swap losses (Note 12)	3,737		882		4,124
Total interest expense	$	88,513	$	96,174	$	132,354

Amended Credit Agreement

On July 8, 2014, the Company repaid $200.0 million of the Tranche G Term Loans (defined below) with a combination of the Hillshire merger termination fee received and cash on hand. As part of the pay down, the Company wrote off $0.9 million existing original issue discount and $1.0 million of debt acquisition costs.

As of September 28, 2014, Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC ("Pinnacle Foods Finance") achieved a total net leverage ratio of less than 4.25:1.0, which resulted in a 25 basis point reduction on the interest rate on our Amended Credit Agreement. The lower rate took effect in the fourth quarter of 2014 and will remain in effect as long as the total net leverage ratio is maintained below 4.25:1.0. As of December 27, 2015, the total net leverage ratio was 3.81:1.0.

On April 3, 2013, the Company completed its IPO which is further described in Note 1. A portion of the net proceeds of the IPO was used to redeem the entire $465.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Pinnacle Foods Finance's 9.25% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 100.0%. This is explained in greater detail under the section titled, “Senior and Other Notes.” The remaining net proceeds, together with cash on hand, were used to repay $202.0 million of term loans under the then existing credit agreement.

On April 29, 2013, (the "2013 Refinancing"), Pinnacle Foods Finance, entered into the Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), which provided for a seven year term loan facility in the amount of $1,630.0 million (the "Tranche G Term Loans"). Pursuant to the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Company replaced its previous credit agreement (the “Existing Senior Secured Credit Agreement”) with a five year $150.0 million revolving credit facility. Additionally, Pinnacle Foods Finance issued 4.875% Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million (the "4.875% Senior Notes") due 2021.

In accordance with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, Pinnacle Foods Finance used a portion of the proceeds from the Tranche G Term Loans and the 4.875% Senior Notes issuance to (i) repay all existing indebtedness outstanding under the Existing Senior Secured Credit Agreement, consisting of (a) $38.1 million of Tranche B Non-Extended Term Loans, (b) $634.7 million of Tranche B Extended Term Loans, (c) $396.0 million of Tranche E Term Loans and (d) $446.6 million of Tranche F Term Loans and (ii) redeem the entire $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Pinnacle Foods Finance's 8.25% Senior Notes due 2017 at a redemption price of 108.5%.

In connection with the 2013 Refinancing, Pinnacle Foods Finance incurred deferred financing fees which are detailed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets”. Also, Pinnacle Foods Finance incurred $4.1 million of original issue discount on the new Tranche G Term Loans, and wrote off $2.2 million of existing original issue discount.

To partially fund the Wish-Bone acquisition, on October 1, 2013 as described in Note 3, Pinnacle Foods Finance entered into an amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”) in the form of incremental term loans in the amount of $525.0 million (the “Tranche H Term Loans”). The Tranche H Term Loans have consistent terms with the Tranche G Term Loans. In connection with the Tranche H Term Loans, Pinnacle Foods Finance incurred $8.5 million of original issue discount and deferred financing fees of $10.5 million. The stated maturity dates are: April 29, 2020 for the Tranche G Loans and Tranche H Term Loans, and April 29, 2018 for the revolving credit facility.

Pinnacle Foods Finance's borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement, bear interest at a floating rate and are maintained as base rate loans or as eurocurrency rate loans. Base rate loans bear interest at the base rate plus the applicable base rate margin, as described in the Amended Credit Agreement. The base rate is defined as the highest of (i) the administrative agent's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (iii) the eurocurrency rate that would be payable on such day for a eurocurrency rate loan with a one-month interest period plus 1%. Eurocurrency rate loans bear interest at the adjusted eurocurrency rate plus the applicable eurocurrency rate margin, as described in the Amended Credit Agreement. The eurocurrency rate is determined by reference to the British Bankers Association "BBA" LIBOR rate for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. With respect to Tranche G Term Loans and Tranche H Term Loans, the eurocurrency rate shall be no less than 0.75% per annum and the base rate shall be no less than 1.75%  per annum. The interest rate margin for Tranche G Term Loans and the Tranche H Term Loans under the Amended Credit Agreement is 1.25%, in the case of the base rate loans and 2.25%, in the case of Eurocurrency rate loans. As previously mentioned the margin is subject to a 25 basis point step down upon achievement by Pinnacle Foods Finance of a total net leverage ratio of less than 4.25:1.0 which was achieved as of September 28, 2014 and maintained as of December 27, 2015. In line with the Amended Credit Agreement the lower rate took effect in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Peak Finance Holdings LLC, any subsidiary of Peak Finance Holdings LLC that directly or indirectly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Pinnacle Foods Finance, subject to certain exceptions, each of Pinnacle Foods Finance’s direct or indirect material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and by the Company effective with the 2013 Refinancing. In addition, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement are secured by first priority or equivalent security interests in (i) all the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct or indirect domestic material subsidiary of Pinnacle Foods Finance and 65% of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct material "first tier" foreign subsidiary of Pinnacle Foods Finance and (ii) certain tangible and intangible assets of Pinnacle Foods Finance and those of the Guarantors (subject to certain exceptions and qualifications).

The total combined amount of the Amended Credit Agreement loans that were owed to affiliates of Blackstone as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, was $27.7 million and $47.3 million, respectively.

A commitment fee of 0.375% per annum based on current leverage ratios is applied to the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. There were no revolver borrowings outstanding as of December 27, 2015. There were no revolver borrowings made during the fiscal 2015, however, the weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility would have been 2.5% calculated on the Eurocurrency rate or 4.5% calculated on the base rate. There were revolver borrowings made during the fiscal years ending December 28, 2014 and the weighted average interest rates on the revolving credit facility were 2.95%. There were no revolver borrowings made during fiscal 2013, however, the weighted average interest rate on the revolving credit facility would have been 2.67% calculated on the Eurocurrency rate or 4.75% calculated on the base rate.

For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013, the weighted average interest rate on the term loan components of the Senior Secured Credit Facility were 3.00%, 3.20% and 3.52%, respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 the Eurocurrency interest rate on the term loan facilities was 3.00% and 3.00%, respectively.

Pinnacle Foods Finance pays a fee for all outstanding letters of credit drawn against the revolving credit facility at an annual rate equivalent to the applicable eurocurrency rate margin then in effect under the revolving credit facility, plus the fronting fee payable in respect of the applicable letter of credit. The fronting fee is equal to 0.125% per annum of the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such letter of credit. The fronting fees are computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Total letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility cannot exceed $50.0 million. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, Pinnacle Foods Finance had utilized $29.6 million and $32.2 million, respectively of the revolving credit facility for letters of credit. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively, there was $120.4 million and $117.8 million of borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility, of which $20.4 million and $17.8 million was available to be used for letters of credit.

Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, Pinnacle Foods Finance is required to use 50% of its “Excess Cash Flow” to prepay the term loans under the Amended Credit Agreement (which percentage will be reduced to 25% at a total net leverage ratio of between 4.50 and 5.49 and to 0% at a total net leverage ratio below 4.50). As of December 27, 2015, Pinnacle Foods Finance had a total net leverage ratio of 3.81:1.0. Excess Cash Flow is defined as consolidated net income (as defined), as adjusted for certain items, including (1) all non-cash charges and credits included in arriving at consolidated net income, (2) changes in working capital, (3) capital expenditures (to the extent they were not financed with debt), (4) the aggregate amount of principal payments on indebtedness and (5) certain other items defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. For the 2015 reporting year, Pinnacle Foods Finance determined that there were no amounts due under the Excess Cash Flow requirements of the Senior Secured Credit Facility.

The term loans under the Amended Credit Agreement amortize in quarterly installments of 0.25% of their aggregate funded total principal amount. As a result of the July 8, 2014 prepayment, there are no scheduled principal payments of the Tranche G Term Loans until April 2020, when the balance is due in full. The scheduled principal payments of the Tranche H Term Loans outstanding as of December 27, 2015 are $5.3 million in 2016, $6.6 million in 2017, $3.9 million in 2018, $5.3 million in 2019, and $493.4 million in 2020.

Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, Pinnacle Foods Finance is required to maintain a ratio of Net First Lien Secured Debt to Covenant Compliance EBITDA of no greater than 5.75 to 1.00. Net First Lien Secured Debt is defined as aggregate consolidated secured indebtedness, less the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. In addition, under the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the Senior Notes, Pinnacle Foods Finance's ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments and paying dividends is tied to the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (which is currently the same as the ratio of Net First Lien Secured Debt to Covenant Compliance EBITDA described above), in the case of the Amended Credit Agreement, or to the ratio of Covenant Compliance EBITDA to fixed charges for the most recently concluded four consecutive fiscal quarters, in the case of the Senior Notes. The Amended Credit Agreement also permits restricted payments up to an aggregate amount of (together with certain other amounts) the greater of $50 million and 2% of Pinnacle Foods Finance's consolidated total assets, so long as no default has occurred and is continuing and its pro forma Senior Secured Leverage Ratio would be no greater than 4.25 to 1.00. As of December 27, 2015 the Company is in compliance with all covenants and other obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the Senior Notes.

Senior and Other Notes

To partially fund the Gilster acquisition, on March 31, 2014 as described in Note 3, the Company entered into a $14.9 million note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation. The note has a four-year term with a maturity date of March 31, 2018 and bears interest at 3.0% per annum.

On April 3, 2013, the Company completed its IPO which is further described in Note 1. A portion of the net proceeds from the IPO was used to redeem the entire $465.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Pinnacle Foods Finance's 9.25% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 100.0%.

On April 29, 2013, as part of the 2013 Refinancing, Pinnacle Foods Finance, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Senior Notes (the "4.875% Senior Notes") due 2021.

As a result of the 2013 Refinancing, Pinnacle Foods Finance used a portion of the proceeds from the Tranche G Term Loans and the 4.875% Senior Notes issuance to redeem the entire $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Pinnacle Foods Finance's 8.25% Senior Notes due 2017 at a redemption price of 108.5%.

The 4.875% Senior Notes are general senior unsecured obligations of Pinnacle Foods Finance, effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior secured indebtedness of Pinnacle Foods Finance and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by Pinnacle Foods Finance’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of Pinnacle Foods Finance and by the Company. See Note 18 for the condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for Guarantor and Nonguarantor Financial Statements.

Pinnacle Foods Finance may redeem some or all of the 4.875% Senior Notes at any time prior to May 1, 2016 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the redemption date, subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. The “Applicable Premium” is defined as the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such note and (2) the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of such 4.875% Senior Notes at May 1, 2016, plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such 4.875% Senior Notes through May 1, 2016 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the treasury rate plus 50 basis points over (b) the principal amount of such note.

Pinnacle Foods Finance may redeem the 4.875% Senior Notes at the redemption prices listed below, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1^st of each of the years indicated below:

Year	Percentage
2016	103.656%
2017	102.438%
2018	101.219%
2019 and thereafter	100.000%

In addition, until May 1, 2016, Pinnacle Foods Finance may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 104.875% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, subject to the right of holders of the 4.875% Senior Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, with the net cash proceeds received by Pinnacle Foods Finance from one or more equity offerings; provided that (i) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% Senior Notes originally issued under the indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 120 days of the date of closing of each such equity offering.

As market conditions warrant, Pinnacle Foods Finance and its subsidiaries, affiliates or significant equity holders may from time to time, in its or their sole discretion, purchase, repay, redeem or retire any of Pinnacle Foods Finance’s outstanding debt or equity securities (including any publicly issued debt or equity securities), in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer, exchange offer or otherwise.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, as of December 27, 2015, is as follows:

	December 27, 2015
Issue	Face Value		Fair Value
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche G Term Loans	$	1,409,625	$	1,384,957
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche H Term Loans	514,500		505,496
3.0% Note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation	8,878		8,878
4.875% Senior Notes	350,000		337,750
	$	2,283,003	$	2,237,081

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, as of December 28, 2014, is as follows:

	December 28, 2014
Issue	Face Value		Fair Value
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche G Term Loans	$	1,409,625	$	1,367,336
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche H Term Loans	519,750		504,158
3.0% Note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation	12,497		12,497
4.875% Senior Notes	350,000		346,500
	$	2,291,872	$	2,230,491

The estimated fair values of the Company's long-term debt are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is based on the quoted market price for such notes and borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and maturities.

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Pension and Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension and Retirement Plans

Pension and Retirement Plans

The Company accounts for pension and retirement plans in accordance with the authoritative guidance for retirement benefit compensation. This guidance requires recognition of the funded status of a benefit plan in the statement of financial position. The guidance also requires recognition in accumulated other comprehensive earnings of certain gains and losses that arise during the period but are deferred under pension accounting rules.

On December 31, 2013, the Pinnacle Foods Pension Plan merged into the Birds Eye Foods Pension Plan in order to achieve administrative, operational and cost efficiencies. The merged plan was renamed the Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan is frozen for future benefit accruals. The Company also has two qualified 401(k) plans, two non-qualified supplemental savings plans and participates in a multi-employer defined benefit plan.

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan

The Plan covers eligible union employees and provides benefits generally based on years of service and employees’ compensation. The Plan is frozen for future benefits. The Plan is funded in conformity with the funding requirements of applicable government regulations. The Plan assets consist principally of cash equivalents, equity and fixed income common collective trusts. The Plan assets do not include any of the Company’s own equity or debt securities.

The following table reconciles the changes in our benefit obligation:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Change in Benefit Obligation
Net benefit obligation at beginning of the period	$	277,253		$	251,557		$	292,290
Service cost	—			—			69
Interest cost	10,474			11,517			10,961
Actuarial loss (gain)	(12,264		)	31,878			(33,919		)
Gross benefits paid	(17,179		)	(17,699		)	(17,844		)
Net benefit obligation at end of the period	258,284			277,253			251,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the period	218,127			204,349			194,165
Employer contributions	3,123			7,793			8,278
Actual return on plan assets	(7,049		)	23,684			19,750
Gross benefits paid	(17,179		)	(17,699		)	(17,844		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the period	197,022			218,127			204,349
Funded status at end of the year	$	(61,262	)	$	(59,126	)	$	(47,208	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued pension benefits	$	(60,996	)	$	(58,799	)	$	(46,861	)
Accrued pension benefits (part of accrued liabilities)	(266		)	(327		)	(347		)
Net amount recognized at end of the period	$	(61,262	)	$	(59,126	)	$	(47,208	)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Net loss	$	56,762		$	49,779		$	28,512
Net amount recognized at end of the period	$	56,762		$	49,779		$	28,512
Accumulated benefit obligation	258,284			277,253			251,557
Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate	4.20		%	3.85		%	4.76		%

The following represents the components of net periodic (benefit) cost:

Pension Benefits
	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	69
Interest cost	10,474			11,517			10,961
Expected return on assets	(13,233		)	(13,150		)	(13,386		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,005			76			1,413
Net periodic benefit	$	(1,754	)	$	(1,557	)	$	(943	)
Weighted average assumptions:
Discount rate	3.85		%	4.76		%	3.88		%
Expected return on plan assets	6.25		%	6.50		%	7.00		%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A

To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption.

Plan Assets

The following table sets forth the weighted-average asset allocations of the Company's pension plans by asset category:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Asset category
Equity securities	41	%	40	%
Debt securities	58	%	59	%
Cash	1	%	1	%
Total	100	%	100	%

The Plan's investments in equity or debt securities is based on a glide path strategy where the investment in debt securities increases as the Plan's funded status becomes smaller. Based on the current funded status, the policy is to invest approximately 41% of plan assets in equity securities and 59% in fixed income securities. Periodically, the plan assets are rebalanced to maintain these allocation percentages and the investment policy is reviewed. Within each investment category, assets are allocated to various investment styles. Professional managers manage all assets and a consultant is engaged to assist in evaluating these activities. The expected long-term rate of return on assets was determined by assessing the rates of return on each targeted asset class, return premiums generated by portfolio management and by comparison of rates utilized by other companies.

The following table summarizes the Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan's investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions. There are no Level 3 assets.

	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Short-term investments:
Short-term Investment Fund	$	1,851	$	—	$	1,851	$	—
Equity Common/collective trusts:
Small/ Mid Capitalization Fund	10,757		—		10,757		—
Large Capitalization Equity Fund	43,541		—		43,541		—
International Fund	25,837		—		25,837		—
Fixed Income Common/collective trusts:
Fixed Income Fund	115,036		—		115,036		—
Total assets at fair value	$	197,022	$	—	$	197,022	$	—
	Fair Value as of December 28, 2014		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Short-term investments:
Short-term Investment Fund	$	1,652	$	—	$	1,652	$	—
Equity Common/collective trusts:
Small/ Mid Capitalization Fund	11,574		—		11,574		—
Large Capitalization Equity Fund	49,149		—		49,149		—
International Fund	27,429		—		27,429		—
Fixed Income Common/collective trusts:
Fixed Income Fund	128,323		—		128,323		—
Total assets at fair value	$	218,127	$	—	$	218,127	$	—

Cash Flows

Contributions. The Company made contributions to the Plan totaling $3.1 million in fiscal 2015, $7.8 million in fiscal 2014 and $8.3 million in fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2016, the Company does not expect to make any significant contributions.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments for all Plans

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

Year	Benefit Payment ($)
2016	15,952
2017	15,216
2018	15,400
2019	15,870
2020	15,586
2021-2025	77,378

Savings Plans

The Company's employees participate in 401(k) plans. Pinnacle matches 50% of employee contributions up to five percent of compensation for union employees after one year of continuous service and six percent of compensation for salaried employees and it is our current intent to continue the match at these levels. Employer contributions made by the Company relating to these plans were $5.6 million for fiscal 2015, $5.1 million for fiscal 2014 and $4.6 million for fiscal 2013.

In addition, the Company sponsors two non-qualified Plans. One is the Birds Eye Foods non-qualified plan which was closed to new contributions on April 1, 2010. The second plan is the Pinnacle Foods Supplemental Savings Plan which was approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on September 11, 2012 to become effective in 2013 and was adopted for the purpose of allowing all Company employees, regardless of compensation level, the opportunity to receive the same 3% match on total compensation (base salary plus bonus).

Multi-employer Plan

Pinnacle contributes to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Industry Pension Fund (EIN 51-6055922) (the "UFCW Plan") under the terms of the collective-bargaining agreement with its Fort Madison employees.

For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 contributions to the UFCW Plan were $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The contributions to this plan are paid monthly based upon the number of employees. They represent less than 5% of the total contributions received by this plan during the most recent plan year.

The risks of participating in multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: (a) assets contributed to a multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers, (b) if a participating employer stops contributing to the multi-employer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers and (c) if the Company chooses to stop participating in the plan, the Company may be required to pay a withdrawal liability based on the underfunded status of the plan.

The UFCW Plan received a Pension Protection Act “green” zone status for the plan year ending June 30, 2015. The zone status is based on information the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan's actuary. Among other factors, plans in the "green" zone are at least 80 percent funded. The UFCW Plan did not utilize any extended amortization provisions that effect its placement in the "green" zone. The UFCW Plan has never been required to implement a funding improvement plan nor is one pending at this time.

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Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodity prices.

The Company manages interest rate risk based on the varying circumstances of anticipated borrowings and existing variable and fixed rate debt, including the Company’s revolving credit facility. Examples of interest rate management strategies include capping interest rates using targeted interest cost benchmarks, hedging portions of the total amount of debt, or hedging a period of months and not always hedging to maturity, and at other times locking in rates to fix interests costs.

Certain parts of the Company’s foreign operations in Canada expose the Company to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company’s goal is to reduce its exposure to such foreign exchange risks on its foreign currency cash flows and fair value fluctuations on recognized foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities and unrecognized firm commitments to acceptable levels primarily through the use of foreign exchange-related derivative financial instruments. The Company enters into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of its functional currency. The Company does not enter into these transactions for non-hedging purposes.

The Company purchases raw materials in quantities expected to be used in a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. The Company generally enters into agreements for either spot market delivery or forward delivery. The prices paid in the forward delivery contracts are generally fixed, but may also be variable subject to fluctuations in underlying commodity prices. Forward derivative contracts on certain commodities are entered into to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of materials used in the Company’s manufacturing processes.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. During the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt.

The second quarter 2013 IPO (Note 1) and 2013 Refinancing (Note 10) resulted in significant changes to the Company's debt profile. For the two$650 million interest rate swaps in place at the time that were scheduled to mature April 2014, it became probable that the associated original forecasted transactions would not occur. As such, the Company discontinued hedge accounting and accelerated the reclassification of amounts in AOCL to earnings as a result of the hedged forecasted transactions becoming probable not to occur. In the second quarter 2013, these accelerated amounts resulted in a $2.8 million charge to interest expense ($1.7 million, net of tax benefits) and a $9.1 million non-cash charge to the provision for income tax expenses related to the release of deferred tax charges recorded in Other comprehensive income (see Note 16 for additional details). Prospective changes in the fair value of these derivatives no longer designated in hedging relationships were recorded directly in earnings prior to their maturity in April 2014. As of December 27, 2015, all of the Company's interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges.

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had the following interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:

Product	Number of Instruments	Current Notional Amount Hedged		Fixed Rate Range	Index	Trade Dates	Maturity Dates
Interest Rate Swaps	12	$	1,318,050	1.05% - 2.97%	USD-LIBOR-BBA	Apr 2013 - Oct 2013	Apr 2016 - Apr 2020

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in AOCL in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts reported in AOCL related to derivatives will be reclassified to Interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $6,967 will be reclassified as an increase to Interest expense.

Cash Flow Hedges of Foreign Exchange Risk

The Company’s operations in Canada expose the Company to changes in the U.S. Dollar – Canadian Dollar ("USD-CAD") foreign exchange rate. From time to time, the Company’s Canadian subsidiary purchases inventory denominated in U.S. Dollars ("USD"), a currency other than its functional currency. The subsidiary sells that inventory in Canadian dollars ("CAD"). The subsidiary uses currency forward and collar agreements to manage its exposure to fluctuations in the USD-CAD exchange rate. Currency forward agreements involve fixing the USD-CAD exchange rate for delivery of a specified amount of foreign currency on a specified date. Currency collar agreements involve the sale of CAD currency in exchange for receiving USD if exchange rates rise above an agreed upon rate and purchase of USD currency in exchange for paying CAD currency if exchange rates fall below an agreed upon rate at specified dates.

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had the following foreign currency exchange contracts (in aggregate) that were designated as cash flow hedges of foreign exchange risk:

Product	Number of Instruments	Notional Sold in Aggregate in ("CAD")		Notional Purchased in Aggregate in ("USD")		USD to CAD Exchange Rates	Trade Date	Maturity Dates
Canadian $ contracts	12	$	12,000	$	9,144	1.312 - 1.313	Oct 2015	Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated that qualify as cash flow hedges of foreign exchange risk is recorded in AOCL in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portions of the change in fair value of the derivative, as well as amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are recognized directly in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Non-designated Hedges of Commodity Risk

Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk but do not meet the authoritative guidance for hedge accounting. From time to time, the Company enters into commodity forward contracts to fix the price of diesel fuel, natural gas, soybean oil purchases and other commodities at a future delivery date. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had the following derivative instruments that were not designated in qualifying hedging relationships:

Commodity Contracts	Number of Instruments	Notional Purchased in Aggregate	Price/Index	Trade Dates	Maturity Dates
Diesel Fuel Contracts	3	9,309,557 Gallons	3.68 - 3.80 per Gallon	Sept 2014 - Nov 2014	Jan 2016 - Jan 2017
Heating Oil Contracts	2	3,871,100 Gallons	1.80 - 1.82 per Gallon	Jan 2015 - July 2015	Dec 2016
Natural Gas Contracts	2	773,000 MMBTU's	2.81 - 3.20 per MMBTU	July 2015 - Oct 2015	June 2016 - Aug 2016
Soybean Oil Contracts	3	62,688,173 Pounds	0.31 - 0.35 per Pound	Dec 2014 - July 2015	Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

	Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest Rate Contracts				Accrued liabilities	$	3,921
				Other long-term liabilities	14,947
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Other current assets	471
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	471		$	18,868
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Commodity Contracts				Accrued liabilities	2,036
				Other long-term liabilities	7,977
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	—		$	10,013
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 28, 2014		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 28, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest Rate Contracts	Other assets, net	$	6,420	Accrued liabilities	$	1,280
				Other long-term liabilities	3,263
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Other current assets	1,294
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	7,714		$	4,543
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Interest Rate Contracts				Accrued liabilities	$	8,995
Commodity Contracts				Other long- term liabilities	3,016
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	—		$	12,011

The Company has elected not to offset the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities executed with the same counterparty that are generally subject to enforceable netting agreements. However, if the company were to offset and record the asset and liability balances of derivatives on a net basis, the amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 would be adjusted as detailed in the following table:

	December 27, 2015						December 28, 2014
Derivative Instrument	Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements		Net Amount		Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements		Net Amount
Total asset derivatives	$	471	(471	)	$	—	$	7,714	(5,039	)	$	2,675
Total liability derivatives	$	28,881	(471	)	$	28,410	$	16,554	(5,039	)	$	11,515

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and AOCL for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments

Gain/(Loss)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Recognized in AOCL on Derivative (Effective Portion)			Effective portion reclassified from AOCL to:	Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (Effective Portion)				Ineffective portion recognized in Earnings in:	Recognized in Earnings on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Interest Rate Contracts	$	(24,482	)	Interest expense	$	(3,737	)		Interest expense	$	—
Foreign Exchange Contracts	2,404			Cost of products sold	3,211				Cost of products sold	(16		)
Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015	$	(22,078	)		$	(526	)			$	(16	)
Interest Rate Contracts	$	(27,313	)	Interest expense	$	(877	)		Interest expense	$	—
Foreign Exchange Contracts	2,472			Cost of products sold	1,502				Cost of products sold	17
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014	$	(24,841	)		$	625				$	17
Interest Rate Contracts	$	27,817		Interest expense	$	(4,000	)	(a)	Interest expense	$	8
Foreign Exchange Contracts	1,443			Cost of products sold	1,771				Cost of products sold	(3		)
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013	$	29,260			$	(2,229	)			$	5
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments				Recognized in Earnings in:	Recognized in Earnings on Derivative
Commodity Contracts				Cost of products sold	$	(9,292	)
Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015					$	(9,292	)
Commodity Contracts				Cost of products sold	$	(12,928	)
Interest Rate Contracts				Interest expense	$	(5	)
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014					$	(12,933	)
Commodity Contracts				Cost of products sold	$	667
Interest Rate Contracts				Interest expense	$	(132	)
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013					$	535

(a) Includes $2.8 million of accelerated reclassifications out of AOCL.

Credit risk-related contingent features

The Company has agreements with certain counterparties that contain a provision whereby the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to the Company’s default on the indebtedness. As of December 27, 2015, the Company has not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If the Company had breached this provision at December 27, 2015, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value, which differs from the recorded fair value. The table below summarizes the aggregate fair values of those derivatives that contain credit risk-related contingent features as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

December 27, 2015

Asset/(Liability)
Counterparty	Contract Type	Termination Value			Performance Risk Adjustment		Accrued Interest			Fair Value (excluding interest)
Barclays	Interest Rate Contracts	$	(9,616	)	$	773	$	(260	)	$	(8,583	)
	Commodity Contracts	(7,035		)	116		—			(6,919		)
Bank of America	Interest Rate Contracts	(5,879		)	790		—			(5,089		)
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	470			1		—			471
	Commodity Contracts	(1,737		)	29		—			(1,709		)
Credit Suisse	Interest Rate Contracts	(2,627		)	53		(260		)	(2,314		)
Macquarie	Interest Rate Contracts	(3,137		)	47		(209		)	(2,882		)
	Commodity Contracts	(1,408		)	23		—			(1,386		)
Total		$	(30,970	)	$	1,831	$	(728	)	$	(28,410	)

December 28, 2014

Asset/(Liability)
Counterparty	Contract Type	Termination Value			Performance Risk Adjustment		Accrued Interest			Fair Value (excluding interest)
Barclays	Interest Rate Contracts	$	550		$	667	$	(90	)	$	1,307
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	1,294			—		—			1,294
	Commodity Contracts	(6,300		)	—		—			(6,300		)
Bank of America	Interest Rate Contracts	1,578			627		—			2,205
Credit Suisse	Interest Rate Contracts	322			58		(90		)	470
Macquarie	Interest Rate Contracts	(2,262		)	80		(77		)	(2,105		)
	Commodity Contracts	(5,711		)	—		—			(5,711		)
Total		$	(10,529	)	$	1,432	$	(257	)	$	(8,840	)

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

General

From time to time, the Company and its operations are parties to, or targets of, lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of such items cannot be determined with certainty, the Company’s general counsel and management are of the opinion that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Product Recall

On January 27, 2012, the Company issued a voluntary product recall for certain Aunt Jemima frozen pancakes due to potential cross contamination. In order to mitigate the adverse impact of the product recall on the Aunt Jemima brand business continuity, trade promotions and other consumer marketing expenditures were increased in 2012 above normal ongoing levels (market rehabilitation expenses). In August 2013, the Company collected an insurance recovery of $3.2 million related to these market rehabilitation expenses, of which $2.3 million was recorded as a reduction of trade promotions (a component of Net Sales) and $0.9 million as a reduction to Marketing and selling expenses in the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013. The Birds Eye Frozen segment recorded $2.7 million of the recovery while $0.5 million was recorded in the Duncan Hines Grocery segment related to the Aunt Jemima business in Canada.

Minimum Contractual Payments

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had entered into non-cancellable lease and purchase contracts, with terms in excess of one year, requiring the following minimum payments:

Description	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		Thereafter
Operating leases	$	12,548	$	12,397	$	9,542	$	7,500	$	6,792	$	15,241
Capital leases	6,739		1,988		2,008		912		909		8,183
Purchase Commitments (1)	638,720		36,815		12,871		7,336		7,336		44,929

(1) The amounts indicated in this line primarily reflect future contractual payments, including certain take-or-pay arrangements entered into as part of the normal course of business. The amounts do not include obligations related to other contractual purchase obligations that are not take-or-pay arrangements. Such contractual purchase obligations are primarily purchase orders at fair value that are part of normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. Purchase obligations also include trade and consumer promotion and advertising commitments.

Rent expense under our operating leases was $15.3 million, $14.1 million and $13.0 million during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.

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Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions

Upon completion of the May 8, 2015 public offering described in Note 1, Blackstone no longer beneficially owns any of the Company's outstanding stock.

Expenses relating to advisory services provided by affiliates of Blackstone resulting from the Hillshire transaction were $3.8 million in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014. This transaction is explained in greater detail in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On April 3, 2013, the advisory agreement previously in place with Blackstone, was terminated in accordance with its terms for a fee paid of $15.1 million. In addition, prepaid expenses for related party management fees of $3.3 million that were recorded to Other current assets were expensed in the second quarter of 2013.

In connection with our April 2013 IPO, Blackstone acted as an underwriter and received fees and commissions of approximately $2.0 million. In December, 2013, in connection with a secondary offering, the Company engaged Blackstone to provide certain financial consulting services, for which they received approximately $0.8 million.

Customer Purchases

Performance Food Group Company, which is controlled by affiliates of Blackstone, is a foodservice supplier that purchases products from the Company. Sales to Performance Food Group Company were $6.3 million, $4.6 million and $4.1 million in the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 amounts due from Performance Food Group Company were $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and were recorded in Accounts receivable, net of allowances in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Interest Expense

For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, fees and interest expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for debt owed to affiliates of Blackstone Advisors L.P. totaled $1.0 million, $1.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, debt owed to related parties was $27.7 million and $47.3 million, respectively and was recorded on the Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, interest accrued on debt to related parties was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively and was recorded in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segments

Segments

The Company is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high quality, branded food products in North America. The Company manages the business in three operating segments: Birds Eye Frozen, Duncan Hines Grocery and Specialty Foods.

The Birds Eye Frozen segment manages its Leadership Brands in the United States retail frozen vegetables (Birds Eye), frozen complete bagged meals (Birds Eye Voila!), and frozen seafood (Van de Kamp's and Mrs. Paul's) categories, plant based protein frozen products (gardein), as well as its Foundation Brands in the frozen and refrigerated bagels (Lender's), frozen pizza for one (Celeste), full-calorie single-serve frozen dinners and entrées (Hungry-Man), and frozen breakfast (Aunt Jemima) categories.

The Duncan Hines Grocery segment manages its Leadership Brands in the baking mixes and frostings (Duncan Hines), shelf-stable pickles (Vlasic), liquid and dry-mix salad dressings (Wish-Bone and Western) and table syrups (Mrs. Butterworth's and Log Cabin) categories, and its Foundation Brands in the canned meat (Armour, Nalley and Brooks), pie and pastry fillings (Duncan HinesComstock and Wilderness), barbecue sauces (Open Pit) and salad dressing (Bernstein's) categories as well as all Canadian operations.

The Company refers to the sum of the Birds Eye Frozen segment and the Duncan Hines Grocery segment as the North America Retail businesses.

The Specialty Foods segment consists of snack products (Tim's Cascade and Snyder of Berlin), foodservice and private label businesses.

Segment performance is evaluated by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker and is based on earnings before interest and taxes. Transfers between segments and geographic areas are recorded at cost plus markup or at market. Identifiable assets are those assets, including goodwill, which are identified with the operations in each segment or geographic region. Corporate assets consist of prepaid and deferred tax assets. Unallocated corporate expenses consist of corporate overhead such as executive management, finance and legal functions, IPO and refinancing related charges. Unallocated corporate income in 2014 includes the termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement.

	Fiscal year
SEGMENT INFORMATION	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
	52 weeks			52 weeks			52 weeks
Net sales
Birds Eye Frozen	$	1,227,235		$	1,115,232		$	1,096,897
Duncan Hines Grocery	1,092,408			1,131,380			1,004,990
Specialty Foods	336,149			344,571			361,915
Total	$	2,655,792		$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802
Earnings before interest and taxes
Birds Eye Frozen	$	211,515		$	182,376		$	198,634
Duncan Hines Grocery	206,731			184,087			144,428
Specialty Foods	32,307			30,890			29,959
Unallocated corporate income (expenses)	(25,851		)	114,918			(79,984		)
Total	$	424,702		$	512,271		$	293,037
Depreciation and amortization
Birds Eye Frozen	$	44,405		$	40,390		$	38,409
Duncan Hines Grocery	30,685			26,289			22,755
Specialty Foods	14,570			13,948			17,061
Total	$	89,660		$	80,627		$	78,225
Capital expenditures (1)
Birds Eye Frozen	$	49,832		$	29,579		$	40,516
Duncan Hines Grocery	50,153			65,325			34,003
Specialty Foods	8,492			9,351			11,566
Total	$	108,477		$	104,255		$	86,085
NET SALES BY PRODUCT TYPE
Net sales
Frozen	$	1,384,587		$	1,278,147		$	1,266,217
Meals and Meal Enhancers	859,598			876,670			746,429
Desserts	309,702			331,766			346,856
Snacks	101,905			104,600			104,300
Total	$	2,655,792		$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Net sales
United States	$	2,635,141		$	2,563,730		$	2,439,888
Canada	118,194			82,722			83,551
Intercompany	(97,543		)	(55,269		)	(59,637		)
Total	$	2,655,792		$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802

 (1) Includes new capital leases.

SEGMENT INFORMATION	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Total assets
Birds Eye Frozen	$	2,267,771	$	2,123,902
Duncan Hines Grocery	2,675,110		2,612,311
Specialty Foods	352,663		343,177
Corporate	44,539		121,555
Total	$	5,340,083	$	5,200,945
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Long-lived assets
United States	$	615,123	$	592,541
Canada	15,986		13,365
Total	$	631,109	$	605,906

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Provision for Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

Provision for income taxes	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Current
Federal	$	2,191		$	—		$	117
State	6,431			7,886			2,967
Non-U.S.	(327		)	377			539
	8,295			8,263			3,623
Deferred
Federal	106,975			147,929			65,554
State	7,452			11,680			2,151
Non-U.S.	1,157			(72		)	147
	115,584			159,537			67,852
Provision for income taxes	$	123,879		$	167,800		$	71,475
Earnings before income taxes
United States	332,020			$	415,149		$	158,190
Non-U.S.	4,367			1,069			2,634
Total	$	336,387		$	416,218		$	160,824
The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate as explained below:
Effective Income Tax Rate
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.0		%	35.0		%	35.0		%
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)	2.7		%	3.1		%	2.1		%
Tax effect resulting from international activities	(0.6		)%	0.0		%	(0.2		)%
Domestic production activities deduction	(0.3		)%	0.0		%	0.0		%
Non-deductible expenses	0.3		%	0.2		%	0.5		%
Equity based compensation	0.1		%	2.0		%	0.6		%
Uncertain tax positions	0.0		%	0.0		%	1.3		%
Swap De-designation (Note 12)	0.0		%	0.0		%	5.0		%
Other	(0.4		)%	0.0		%	0.1		%
Effective income tax rate	36.8		%	40.3		%	44.4		%

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Accrued liabilities	$	11,907		$	14,120
Inventories	5,974			8,328
Benefits and compensation	25,689			22,276
Hedges	7,159			—
Net operating loss carryforwards	85,742			165,045
Federal & state tax credits	3,655			4,041
Postretirement benefits	23,401			21,966
Alternative minimum tax	1,993			1,924
Other	3,129			4,225
Subtotal	168,649			241,925
Valuation allowance	(1,487		)	(1,706		)
Total net deferred tax assets	167,162			240,219
Other intangible assets	(749,498		)	(731,240		)
Partnership interest	(8,866		)	(8,887		)
Plant assets	(105,563		)	(94,147		)
Unremitted earnings	—			(3,672		)
Hedges	—			(1,050		)
Other	(679		)	(836		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(864,606		)	(839,832		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(697,444	)	$	(599,613	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current net deferred tax assets	40,571			$	121,788
Long-term net deferred tax liability	(738,015		)	(721,401		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(697,444	)	$	(599,613	)

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for income taxes under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

During the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 the Company generated sufficient federal taxable income to enable it to claim the domestic production activities deduction, resulting in a 0.3% benefit in our effective tax rate. Also during the year our Canadian subsidiary repatriated a dividend representing all accumulated earnings of our foreign operations as of December 27, 2015 to its U.S. parent. As a result of this transaction, a net benefit of $1.4 million was recorded to the 2015 provision for income taxes for the effect of the current income tax liability on the dividend, reversal of the cumulative deferred tax liability on unremitted earnings, recognition of available foreign tax credit and reversal of the associated deferred tax asset on our cumulative translation adjustment. The net effective tax rate impact of this distribution, when added to the Canadian tax rate differential on our Canadian subsidiaries earnings, was a 0.6% benefit.

As a result of the dividend from our Canadian operations discussed above, the Company does not have any undistributed foreign earnings as of December 27, 2015 for which a deferred tax liability is required or for which an assertion of permanent reinvestment can be made. Based on our plans for the use of non-U.S. funds and our U.S. cash position, subsequent to fiscal 2015, the Company does anticipate making an assertion to permanently reinvest a portion of our foreign earnings.

The Company’s fiscal 2014 earnings include $145.6 million of pre-tax earnings from the terminated Hillshire merger agreement (Note 7). Utilization of net operating loss carryovers (NOL’s) reduced our taxes currently payable on the net termination fee to approximately $3.0 million. The Company also recognized approximately $23.7 million of non-deductible, equity based compensation expense during the year, primarily associated with the Liquidity event (Note 5).

During the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, the Company refinanced all of its outstanding debt (Note 10) and the Company discontinued hedge accounting for interest rate swaps in effect at that time (Note 12). Effective with the swap termination, deferred tax expense of $9.1 million, which was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss through the swap termination date, was reclassified as a non-cash deferred tax expense in the provision for income taxes through the consolidated statement of operations.

The authoritative guidance for accounting for income taxes requires that a valuation allowance be established when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company regularly evaluates its deferred tax assets for future realization. A review of all available positive and negative evidence must be considered, including a company's performance, the market environment in which the company operates, the utilization of past tax credits, length of carryback and carryforward periods, and existing contracts or sales backlog that will result in future profits. Based on a review of both the positive and negative evidence, it was determined that the Company had sufficient positive evidence to outweigh any negative evidence and support that it was more likely that not that substantially all of the deferred tax assets would be realized.

The Company is a loss corporation as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Section 382 places an annual limitation on our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryovers (NOLs) and other attributes to reduce future taxable income. As of December 27, 2015, we have federal NOL carryovers of $443.7 million, subject to an annual limitation of $17.1 million. As a result, $237.2 million of the carryovers exceed the estimated available Section 382 limitation. The Company has reduced its deferred tax assets for this limitation.

The Company's federal NOLs have expiration periods beginning in 2020 through 2027 and we have a federal foreign tax credit carryover of $1.5 million that has an expiration period in 2025. The Company also has state tax NOLs that are limited and vary in amount by jurisdiction. State net operating losses are approximately $282.9 million with expiration periods beginning in 2016 through 2033. State tax credits total $3.1 million and expire on or before 2020.

The table below lists the changes in the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance, before federal effect. The valuation allowance increase of $0.6 million is attributable to state NOLs and credits, the realization of which is not more likely than not. The decrease of $0.6 million is primarily attributable to the write-off of a foreign net operating loss carryover of $0.5 million that was subject to a full valuation reserve, as the Company determined it will not generate future income of a certain character to realize the loss carryforward. The remaining valuation allowance is attributable to state NOLs and credits.

	Beginning									Ending
	Balance		Additions		Acquisitions		Deductions			Balance
Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015	$	2,288	$	623	$	—	$	(624	)	$	2,287
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014	3,952		—		—		(1,664		)	2,288
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013	13,354		—		—		(9,402		)	3,952

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax positions is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Gross unrecognized tax positions at beginning of year	$	8,242		$	6,905		$	8,507
Increase for tax positions related to prior periods	—			1,300			—
Decrease for tax positions related to prior periods	—			—			—
Increase for tax positions related to the current period	558			204			2,569
Decrease related to settlement with tax authorities	—			—			(4,122		)
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	(189		)	(167		)	(49		)
Gross unrecognized tax positions at end of year	$	8,611		$	8,242		$	6,905

The Company's liability for unrecognized tax positions as of December 27, 2015 was $8.6 million, reflecting a net increase of $0.4 million. Net expense of $0.1 million was recognized in the provision for income taxes resulting primarily from an increase in uncertainties related to current year state matters, offset by the expiration of statutes of limitations on similar uncertainties. The amount that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate as of December 27, 2015 was $2.8 million. We anticipate subsequent adjustments, if any, to not be material to our financial statements.

From time to time, various taxing authorities may audit the Company's tax returns. It is reasonably possible that a decrease in the uncertain tax positions of approximately $0.2 million may occur within the next twelve months due to the lapse of certain statutes of limitations or resolution of uncertainties.

The Company recorded a net (expense)/benefit for interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions of$(0.1) million,$0.0 million and $0.2 million,to the provision for income taxes for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. The Company's liability includes accrued interest and penalties of $0.2 millionand $0.1 millionas of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.

The Company files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state and international jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company's calendar year 1999 and subsequent federal and state tax years remain open by statute, principally relating to NOLs. With limited exception for certain states, Federal and state tax years for pre-acquisition periods (2009 and earlier) of Birds Eye Foods Inc. are either closed by statute or by completed tax examinations. As a matter of course, from time to time various taxing authorities may audit the Company's tax returns and the ultimate resolution of such audits could result in adjustments to amounts recognized by the Company.

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Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

Summarized quarterly financial data is presented below

	Quarter Ended
	March 2015		June 2015		September 2015		December 2015		Fiscal 2015
	13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		52 weeks
Net sales	$	665,281	$	631,746	$	636,287	$	722,478	$	2,655,792
Cost of products sold	493,564		462,637		459,432		499,653		1,915,286
Gross profit	171,717		169,109		176,855		222,825		740,506
Net earnings	41,536		43,679		48,098		79,195		212,508
Net earnings per share (1)
Basic	$	0.36	$	0.38	$	0.41	$	0.68	$	1.83
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	115,906		116,031		116,085		116,105		116,032
Diluted	$	0.35	$	0.37	$	0.41	$	0.67	$	1.81
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	117,036		117,281		117,470		117,503		117,323
Dividends declared	$	0.235	$	0.235	$	0.255	$	0.255	$	0.98
Market price - high	$	40.89	$	47.35	$	47.41	$	44.75	$	47.41
Market price - low	$	34.77	$	39.79	$	43.21	$	40.27	$	34.77

	Quarter Ended
	March 2014		June 2014		September 2014		December 2014		Fiscal 2014
	13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		52 weeks
Net sales	$	644,039	$	617,800	$	624,011	$	705,333	$	2,591,183
Cost of products sold	477,378		455,583		460,109		516,915		1,909,985
Gross profit	166,661		162,217		163,902		188,418		681,198
Net earnings	40,748		35,584		135,957		36,129		248,418
Net earnings per share (1)
Basic	$	0.35	$	0.31	$	1.17	$	0.31	$	2.15
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	115,592		115,690		115,728		115,780		115,698
Diluted	$	0.35	$	0.30	$	1.16	$	0.31	$	2.13
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	116,687		116,901		117,004		116,950		116,885
Dividends declared	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.24	$	0.24	$	0.89
Market price - high	$	29.56	$	35.67	$	34.21	$	35.85	$	35.85
Market price - low	$	26.09	$	28.64	$	30.03	$	31.34	$	26.09

(1) The sum of the individual per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

Net earnings during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 were affected by the following charges (credits):

	Quarter Ended
	March 2015	June 2015		September 2015	December 2015	Fiscal 2015
	13 weeks	13 weeks		13 weeks	13 weeks	52 weeks
Cost of products sold
Acquisition integration costs (a)	2,489	1,677		2,011	2,448	8,625
Other expense (income), net
Boulder Brands acquisition costs (b)	—	—		—	1,713	1,713
Foreign exchange losses (gains) (c)	2,278	(700	)	2,102	1,051	4,731

	Quarter Ended
	March 2014		June 2014		September 2014			December 2014		Fiscal 2014
	13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks			13 weeks		52 weeks
Cost of products sold
Stock compensation expense (d)	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	2,644	$	2,644
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement related costs (e)	—		—		1,452			1,438		2,890
Garden Protein acquisition costs (f)	—		—		—			636		636
Marketing and selling expenses
Stock compensation expense (d)	—		—		—			3,317		3,317
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement related costs (e)	—		—		975			988		1,963
Administrative expenses
Stock compensation expense (d)	—		—		—			17,676		17,676
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement related costs (e)	—		—		1,121			1,108		2,229
Research and development expenses
Stock compensation expense (d)	—		—		—			94		94
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement, net of costs (e)	—		—		165			162		327
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement, net of costs (e)	—		2,085		(155,073		)	6		(152,982		)
Other expense (income), net
Garden Protein acquisition costs (f)	—		—		—			3,776		3,776

(a) The Company recorded integration costs related to the Garden Protein and Wish-Bone acquisitions.

(b) Boulder Brands acquisition costs primarily consist of legal, accounting and other professional fees. This is explained in greater detail in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(c) The Company recorded foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.

(d) The Company recorded approximately $23.7 million of equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event. This is explained in greater detail in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is primarily recorded in Administration expense.

(e) The Company recorded a merger termination fee payment, net of costs incurred related to the terminated merger agreement for the sale of the Company to The Hillshire Brands Company ("Hillshire"). This is explained in greater detail in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(f) Garden Protein acquisition costs include $0.6 million of charges recorded in Cost of products sold, primarily resulting from the step-up of inventories acquired and sold during 2014, $3.1 million of transaction costs recorded in Other expense (income), net and $0.7 million of foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future recorded in Other expense (income), net.

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Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements

Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements

The 4.875% Senior Notes are general senior unsecured obligations of Pinnacle Foods Finance, effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior secured indebtedness of Pinnacle Foods Finance and guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by the Company and Pinnacle Foods Finance's 100% owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of the Company. The indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes contains customary exceptions under which a guarantee of a guarantor subsidiary will terminate, including (1) the sale, exchange or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of the capital stock or all of the assets of such guarantor subsidiary, (2) the release or discharge of the guarantee by such guarantor subsidiary of the Amended Credit Agreement or other guarantee that resulted in the creation of the guarantee, (3) the designation of such guarantor subsidiary as an “unrestricted subsidiary” in accordance with the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes and (4) upon the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance or discharge of the indenture governing the 4.875% Senior Notes.

The following condensed consolidating financial information presents:

(1) (a) Condensed consolidating balance sheets as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

(b) The related condensed consolidating statements of operations and comprehensive earnings for the Company, Pinnacle Foods Finance, all guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries for the following:

i. Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015;

ii. Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014; and

iii. Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

(c) The related condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the Company, Pinnacle Foods Finance, all guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries for the following:

i. Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015;

ii. Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014; and

iii. Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

(2) Elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Company, Pinnacle Foods Finance with its guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the parent using the equity method of accounting. The guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented on a combined basis. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions and include a reclassification entry of net non-current deferred tax assets to non-current deferred tax liabilities.

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 27, 2015
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	177,669		$	2,880		$	—		$	180,549
Accounts receivable, net	—			—			214,690			5,046			—			219,736
Intercompany accounts receivable	92,475			—			725,074			—			(817,549		)	—
Inventories, net	—			—			392,404			10,697			—			403,101
Other current assets	—			470			11,860			1,347			—			13,677
Deferred tax assets	—			1,670			38,516			385			—			40,571
Total current assets	92,475			2,140			1,560,213			20,355			(817,549		)	857,634
Plant assets, net	—			—			615,123			15,986			—			631,109
Investment in subsidiaries	1,744,015			2,428,472			26,433			—			(4,198,920		)	—
Intercompany note receivable	—			2,084,130			8,398			9,800			(2,102,328		)	—
Tradenames	—			—			1,996,800			4,248			—			2,001,048
Other assets, net	—			16,855			118,621			808			—			136,284
Deferred tax assets	—			332,372			—			—			(332,372		)	—
Goodwill	—			—			1,692,715			21,293			—			1,714,008
Total assets	$	1,836,490		$	4,863,969		$	6,018,303		$	72,490		$	(7,451,169	)	$	5,340,083
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	—		$	—		$	2,225		$	—		$	—		$	2,225
Current portion of long-term obligations	—			5,250			9,515			82			—			14,847
Accounts payable	—			—			206,082			4,957			—			211,039
Intercompany accounts payable	—			815,100			—			2,449			(817,549		)	—
Accrued trade marketing expense	—			—			44,096			2,132			—			46,228
Accrued liabilities	163			18,152			79,468			2,727			—			100,510
Dividends payable	30,798			—			—						—			30,798
Total current liabilities	30,961			838,502			341,386			12,347			(817,549		)	405,647
Long-term debt	—			2,258,528			14,055			349			—			2,272,932
Intercompany note payable	—			—			2,075,113			27,215			(2,102,328		)	—
Pension and other postretirement benefits	—			—			63,454			—			—			63,454
Other long-term liabilities	—			22,924			28,195			3,387			—			54,506
Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			1,067,628			2,759			(332,372		)	738,015
Total liabilities	30,961			3,119,954			3,589,831			46,057			(3,252,249		)	3,534,554
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$	1,176		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		1,176
Additional paid-in-capital	1,378,521			1,379,697			1,301,642			20,476			(2,701,815		)	1,378,521
Retained earnings	517,330			423,706			1,169,032			14,212			(1,606,950		)	517,330
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(59,388		)	(59,388		)	(42,202		)	(8,255		)	109,845			(59,388		)
Capital stock in treasury	(32,110		)	—			—			—			—			(32,110		)
Total shareholders' equity	1,805,529			1,744,015			2,428,472			26,433			(4,198,920		)	1,805,529
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,836,490		$	4,863,969		$	6,018,303		$	72,490		$	(7,451,169	)	$	5,340,083

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 28, 2014
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	32,942		$	5,535		$	—		$	38,477
Accounts receivable, net	—			—			176,822			13,932			—			190,754
Intercompany accounts receivable	89,361			—			575,842			—			(665,203		)	—
Inventories, net	—			—			344,589			11,878			—			356,467
Other current assets	—			1,294			6,756			173			—			8,223
Deferred tax assets	—			1,015			120,488			285			—			121,788
Total current assets	89,361			2,309			1,257,439			31,803			(665,203		)	715,709
Plant assets, net	—			—			592,541			13,365			—			605,906
Investment in subsidiaries	1,652,475			2,188,789			75,740			—			(3,917,004		)	—
Intercompany note receivable	—			2,086,775			7,270			9,800			(2,103,845		)	—
Tradenames	—			—			1,951,392			50,482			—			2,001,874
Other assets, net	—			26,757			119,336			11,803			—			157,896
Deferred tax assets	—			307,584			—			—			(307,584		)	—
Goodwill	—			—			1,638,946			80,614			—			1,719,560
Total assets	$	1,741,836		$	4,612,214		$	5,642,664		$	197,867		$	(6,993,636	)	$	5,200,945
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	—		$	—		$	2,396		$	—		$	—		$	2,396
Current portion of long-term obligations	—			5,250			6,746			(80		)	—			11,916
Accounts payable	—			—			194,671			3,908			—			198,579
Intercompany accounts payable	—			664,675			—			528			(665,203		)	—
Accrued trade marketing expense	—			—			33,039			3,171			—			36,210
Accrued liabilities	—			22,137			73,911			10,440			—			106,488
Dividends payable	27,847			—			—			—			—			27,847
Total current liabilities	27,847			692,062			310,763			17,967			(665,203		)	383,436
Long-term debt	—			2,261,397			24,142			445			—			2,285,984
Intercompany note payable	—			—			2,005,593			98,252			(2,103,845		)	—
Pension and other postretirement benefits	—			—			61,830			—			—			61,830
Other long-term liabilities	—			6,280			24,368			3,657			—			34,305
Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			1,027,179			1,806			(307,584		)	721,401
Total liabilities	27,847			2,959,739			3,453,875			122,127			(3,076,632		)	3,486,956
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$	1,173		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		1,173
Additional paid-in-capital	1,363,129			1,364,302			1,285,084			67,181			(2,716,567		)	1,363,129
Retained earnings	419,531			325,907			942,185			10,977			(1,279,069		)	419,531
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(37,734		)	(37,734		)	(38,480		)	(2,418		)	78,632			(37,734		)
Capital stock in treasury	(32,110		)	—			—			—			—			(32,110		)
Total shareholders' equity	1,713,989			1,652,475			2,188,789			75,740			(3,917,004		)	1,713,989
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,741,836		$	4,612,214		$	5,642,664		$	197,867		$	(6,993,636	)	$	5,200,945

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	2,635,141		$	118,194		$	(97,543	)	$	2,655,792
Cost of products sold	—			—			1,915,267			96,545			(96,526		)	1,915,286
Gross profit	—			—			719,874			21,649			(1,017		)	740,506
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses	—			—			168,239			8,463			—			176,702
Administrative expenses	—			—			100,556			6,448			—			107,004
Research and development expenses	—			—			12,492			500			—			12,992
Intercompany royalties	—			—			—			20			(20		)	—
Intercompany technical service fees	—			—			—			997			(997		)	—
Other expense (income), net	—			3,663			15,338			105			—			19,106
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees	(212,508		)	(226,847		)	(3,235		)	—			442,590			—
Total operating (income) expenses	(212,508		)	(223,184		)	293,390			16,533			441,573			315,804
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes	212,508			223,184			426,484			5,116			(442,590		)	424,702
Intercompany interest (income) expense	—			(68,701		)	67,657			1,044			—			—
Interest expense	—			86,745			1,727			41			—			88,513
Interest income	—			—			163			35			—			198
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	212,508			205,140			357,263			4,066			(442,590		)	336,387
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(7,368		)	130,416			831			—			123,879
Net earnings (loss)	$	212,508		$	212,508		$	226,847		$	3,235		$	(442,590	)	$	212,508
Total comprehensive earnings (loss)	$	190,854		$	190,854		$	217,931		$	(1,747	)	$	(407,038	)	$	190,854

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	2,563,730		$	82,722		$	(55,269	)	$	2,591,183
Cost of products sold	—			—			1,894,503			69,655			(54,173		)	1,909,985
Gross profit	—			—			669,227			13,067			(1,096		)	681,198
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses	—			—			171,267			6,105			—			177,372
Administrative expenses	—			742			112,180			4,353			—			117,275
Research and development expenses	—			—			11,209			72			—			11,281
Intercompany royalties	—			—			—			37			(37		)	—
Intercompany technical service fees	—			—			—			1,059			(1,059		)	—
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement	(152,982		)	—			—			—			—			(152,982		)
Other expense (income), net	—			2,620			13,177			184			—			15,981
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees	(154,793		)	(173,467		)	(473		)	—			328,733			—
Total operating expenses	(307,775		)	(170,105		)	307,360			11,810			327,637			168,927
Earnings before interest and taxes	307,775			170,105			361,867			1,257			(328,733		)	512,271
Intercompany interest (income) expense	—			(66,993		)	66,486			507			—			—
Interest expense	—			94,144			1,999			31			—			96,174
Interest income	—			—			62			59			—			121
Earnings before income taxes	307,775			142,954			293,444			778			(328,733		)	416,218
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	59,357			(11,839		)	119,977			305			—			167,800
Net earnings	$	248,418		$	154,793		$	173,467		$	473		$	(328,733	)	$	248,418
Total comprehensive earnings	$	218,181		$	124,556		$	159,409		$	(390	)	$	(283,575	)	$	218,181

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	2,439,888		$	83,551	$	(59,637	)	$	2,463,802
Cost of products sold	—			636			1,797,345			70,167		(58,595		)	1,809,553
Gross profit	—			(636		)	642,543			13,384		(1,042		)	654,249
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses	—			1,399			168,092			6,211		—			175,702
Administrative expenses	—			18,114			98,020			3,656		—			119,790
Research and development expenses	—			109			10,407			—		—			10,516
Intercompany royalties	—			—			—			47		(47		)	—
Intercompany technical service fees	—			—			—			995		(995		)	—
Goodwill impairment charge	—			—			—			—		—			—
Other expense (income), net	—			34,180			21,024			—		—			55,204
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees	(89,349		)	(159,930		)	(1,662		)	—		250,941			—
Total operating expenses	(89,349		)	(106,128		)	295,881			10,909		249,899			361,212
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes	89,349			105,492			346,662			2,475		(250,941		)	293,037
Intercompany interest (income) expense	—			(68,983		)	68,850			133		—			—
Interest expense	—			130,386			1,939			29		—			132,354
Interest income	—			—			105			36		—			141
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	89,349			44,089			275,978			2,349		(250,941		)	160,824
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(45,260		)	116,048			687		—			71,475
Net earnings (loss)	$	89,349		$	89,349		$	159,930		$	1,662	$	(250,941	)	$	89,349
Total comprehensive earnings (loss)	$	143,405		$	143,405		$	185,544		$	1,379	$	(330,328	)	$	143,405

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(12,155	)	$	394,876		$	(9,810	)	$	—		$	372,911
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			128,891			(14,400		)	—			(114,491		)	—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			—			(801		)	—			801			—
Payments for business acquisition	—			—			1,102			—			—			1,102
Investment in subsidiary	111,486			—			—			—			(111,486		)	—
Capital expenditures	—			—			(101,353		)	(7,124		)	—			(108,477		)
Sale of plant assets	—			—			1,618			—			—			1,618
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	111,486			128,891			(113,834		)	(7,124		)	(225,176		)	(105,757		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,231			—			—			—			—			1,231
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	1,442			—			—			—			—			1,442
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(2,401		)	—			—			—			—			(2,401		)
Dividends paid	(111,758		)	—			—			—			—			(111,758		)
Repayments of long-term obligations	—			(5,250		)	(3,620		)	—			—			(8,870		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	—			—			4,261			—			—			4,261
Repayments of short-term borrowing	—			—			(4,480		)	—			—			(4,480		)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			—			(128,891		)	14,400			114,491			—
Return of capital	—			(111,486		)	—			—			111,486			—
Intercompany loans	—			—			—			801			(801		)	—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			—			(3,585		)	—			—			(3,585		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(111,486		)	(116,736		)	(136,315		)	15,201			225,176			(124,160		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(922		)	—			(922		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			144,727			(2,655		)	—			142,072
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			32,942			5,535			—			38,477
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	177,669		$	2,880		$	—		$	180,549

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	149,982		$	(65,834	)	$	472,484		$	(5,922	)	$	—		$	550,710
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	(14,599		)	—			(333,136		)	—			347,735			—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			119,814			—						(119,814		)	—
Payments for business acquisition	—			—			(169,373		)	—			—			(169,373		)
Investment in subsidiary	—			(169,373		)	—			—			169,373			—
Capital expenditures	—			—			(102,967		)	—			—			(102,967		)
Sale of plant assets	—			—			2,328			—			—			2,328
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(14,599		)	(49,559		)	(603,148		)	—			397,294			(270,012		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	489			—			—			—			—			489
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	905			—			—			—			—			905
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(3,061		)	—			—			—			—			(3,061		)
Dividends paid	(101,606		)	—			—			—			—			(101,606		)
Repayments of long-term obligations	—			(217,392		)	(2,575		)	—			—			(219,967		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	—			—			4,757			—			—			4,757
Repayments of short-term borrowing	—			—			(4,799		)	—			—			(4,799		)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	—			65,000			—			—			—			65,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility	—			(65,000		)	—			—			—			(65,000		)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			333,043			14,692						(347,735		)	—
Parent investment	—			—			169,373			—			(169,373		)	—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			—			(119,814		)	—			119,814			—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			—			(2,373		)	—			—			(2,373		)
Purchase of stock for treasury	(32,110		)	—			—			—			—			(32,110		)
Debt acquisition costs	—			(258		)	—			—			—			(258		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(135,383		)	115,393			59,261			—			(397,294		)	(358,023		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(937		)	—			(937		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(71,403		)	(6,859		)	—			(78,262		)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			104,345			12,394			—			116,739
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	32,942		$	5,535		$	—		$	38,477

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(26,559	)	$	285,767		$	3,034	$	—		$	262,242
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			(452,268		)	—			—		452,268			—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			59,827			—					(59,827		)	—
Payments for business acquisition	—			—			(575,164		)	—		—			(575,164		)
Investment in subsidiary	(582,957		)	—			—			—		582,957			—
Capital expenditures	—			—			(84,055		)	—		—			(84,055		)
Sale of plant assets held for sale	—			—			6,853			—		—			6,853
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(582,957		)	(392,441		)	(652,366		)	—		975,398			(652,366		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	624,621			—			332			—		—			624,953
Dividends paid	(41,664		)	—			—			—		—			(41,664		)
Proceeds from notes offering	—			350,000			—			—		—			350,000
Proceeds from bank term loans	—			2,142,394			—			—		—			2,142,394
Repayments of long-term obligations	—			(1,733,838		)	(2,308		)	—		—			(1,736,146		)
Repurchase of notes	—			(899,180		)	—			—		—			(899,180		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	—			—			5,078			—		—			5,078
Repayments of short-term borrowing	—			—			(4,779		)	—		—			(4,779		)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			—			452,268					(452,268		)	—
Parent investment	—			582,957			—			—		(582,957		)	—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			—			(59,827		)	—		59,827			—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			—			(2,943		)	—		—			(2,943		)
Debt acquisition costs	—			(23,142		)	—			—		—			(23,142		)
Parent reduction in investment in subsidiary	191			(191		)	—			—		—			—
Repurchases of equity	(191		)	—			—			—		—			(191		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	582,957			419,000			387,821			—		(975,398		)	414,380
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			202		—			202
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			21,222			3,236		—			24,458
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			83,123			9,158		—			92,281
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	104,345		$	12,394	$	—		$	116,739

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Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

Boulder Brands acquisition

On January 15, 2016, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of Boulder Brands Inc. ("Boulder") which manufactures a portfolio of health and wellness brands, including Udi's and Glutino gluten-free products, EVOL natural frozen meal offerings, and Smart Balance refrigerated and shelf-stable spreads and Earth Balance plant based refrigerated and shelf-stable spreads. The acquisition expands Pinnacle's presence in growing and complementary health and wellness categories and in the natural and organic retail channels. Annual net sales of Boulder were $517 million in 2014 and the cost of the acquisition, net of cash acquired, was approximately $982.0 million, which included the repayment of Boulder's existing debt.

The acquisition was financed through borrowings of $550.0 million in new term loans due 2023, $350.0 million of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 and cash on hand. Total acquisition costs of approximately $34.0 million are expected to be incurred, of which $2.1 million was incurred in the fourth quarter of 2015. Included in this total is approximately $25.0 million of debt acquisition costs, including original issue discount. As a result of the acquisition, the Company's net leverage ratio is expected to increase above 4.25:1.0 which will result in a 25 basis point interest rate step-up on existing term loans. The step-up will take effect in the second quarter of 2016.

The initial accounting for the business combination in accordance with the authoritative guidance is incomplete at this time. As a result, we are unable to provide pro forma information or amounts recognized as of the acquisition date for major classes of assets and liabilities acquired and resulting from the transaction, including the information required for identified intangible assets.

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Schedule I - Condensed Financial Statements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule I - Condensed Financial Statements

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(thousands of dollars)

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement	$	—	$	152,982	$	—
Equity in earnings of investees	212,508		154,793		89,349
Earnings before interest and taxes	212,508		307,775		89,349
Provision for income taxes	—		59,357		—
Net earnings	$	212,508	$	248,418	$	89,349
Comprehensive earnings	$	190,854	$	218,181	$	143,405

BALANCE SHEETS

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Current Assets:
Due from subsidiaries	92,475		89,361
Total current assets	92,475		89,361
Non current assets:
Investment in subsidiaries	1,744,015		1,652,475
Total assets	$	1,836,490	$	1,741,836
Current liabilities:
Accrued liabilities	163		—
Dividends payable	30,798		27,847
Total liabilities	$	30,961	$	27,847
Commitment and contingencies:
Shareholders' equity	1,805,529		1,713,989
Total liabilities and shareholders’s equity	$	1,836,490	$	1,741,836

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$	212,508		$	248,418		$	89,349
Non-cash credits to net earnings
Deferred taxes	—			56,357			—
Equity in (earnings) of investees	(212,508		)	(154,793		)	(89,349		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	—			149,982			—
Cash flows from investing activities
Reduction (increase) in investment in subsidiaries	111,486			(14,599		)	(583,098		)
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	111,486			(14,599		)	(583,098		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Equity contributions	1,231			489			624,953
Dividends paid	(111,758		)	(101,606		)	(41,664		)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	1,442			905			—
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(2,401		)	(3,061		)	—
Purchase of stock for treasury	—			(32,110		)	—
Repurchase of equity	—			—			(191		)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(111,486		)	(135,383		)	583,098
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			—
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	—

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Pinnacle Foods Inc.

PINNACLE FOODS INC.

SCHEDULE I - NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Pinnacle Foods Inc. (the “Company”) is a holding company whose sole asset is 100% ownership of Peak Finance Holdings LLC (“PFH”). PFH is a holding company whose sole asset is 100% ownership of Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC (“PFF”). As specified in PFF’s debt agreements, there are restrictions on the Company’s ability to obtain funds from its subsidiary through dividends, loans or advances. Accordingly, these condensed financial statements have been prepared on a “parent-only” basis. Under a parent-only presentation, the Company’s investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. The Company has no material contingencies, long-term obligations or guarantees, except as described in Note 18. This parent-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with Pinnacle Foods Inc.’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation

Consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pinnacle and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The results of companies acquired during the year are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the effective date of the acquisition. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Foreign Currency Transaction

Foreign Currency Translation. Foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholder's equity. The Company translates the results of operations of its foreign subsidiaries at the average exchange rates during the respective periods.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year. The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers investments in all highly liquid instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are measured at fair value and are Level 1 assets.

Inventories

Inventories. Substantially all inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. The type of costs included in inventory are ingredients, containers, packaging, other raw materials, direct manufacturing labor and fully absorbed manufacturing overheads. When necessary, the Company provides allowances to adjust the carrying value of its inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose and consideration for obsolescence, excessive inventory levels, product deterioration and other factors in evaluating net realizable value.

Plant Assets

Plant Assets. Plant assets are stated at historical cost, and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the lives of the assets. Buildings and machinery and equipment are depreciated over periods not exceeding 45 years and 15 years, respectively. The weighted average estimated remaining useful lives are approximately 16 years for buildings and 9 years for machinery and equipment. When assets are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, their gross carrying value and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and included in determining gain or loss on such disposals. Costs of assets acquired in a business combination are based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets. The Company evaluates the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames for impairment on at least an annual basis and when events occur or circumstances change that an impairment might exist. The Company performs goodwill impairment testing for each business which constitutes a component of the Company's operating segments, known as reporting units. The Company performs quantitative testing by calculating the fair value of each reporting unit. The Company compares the fair value of these reporting units with their carrying values inclusive of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying amount and any shortfall is charged to earnings. In estimating the implied fair value of the goodwill, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit's tangible and intangible assets (other than goodwill). In estimating the fair value of our reporting units, the Company primarily uses the income approach, which utilizes forecasted discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value for each reporting unit. The income approach utilizes management's business plans and projections as the basis for expected future cash flows for five years plus a terminal year. It requires significant assumptions including projected sales growth rates and operating margins and the weighted average cost of capital. In the most recent impairment tests, the Company forecasted cash flows for five years plus a terminal year and assumed a weighted average cost of capital of 6.75%. These projections assume sales growth rates for the next five years and the terminal year that generally average between 1.0% and 3.0% and operating margins which increase moderately from historical levels over time as a result of planned capital improvements in our plants and manufacturing efficiency projects. These assumptions are determined based upon management's expectations for each of the individual reporting units.

For indefinite-lived tradename intangible assets, the Company determines recoverability by comparing the carrying value to its fair value estimated based on discounted cash flows attributable to the tradename and charges the shortfall, if any, to earnings. In estimating the fair value of trade names, the Company primarily uses the relief from royalty method. The relief from royalty method involves discounted cash flow techniques, which require management to make significant assumptions regarding the weighted average cost of capital, sales growth trends and representative royalty rates.

Assumptions underlying fair value estimates referred to above are subject to risks and uncertainties. These measurements are considered level 3 under the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. The carrying value of long-lived assets held and used, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles, is evaluated at the asset group level when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using the projected cash flows from the asset group discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived asset groups held for sale, other than goodwill, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for disposal costs.

Revenue Recognition and Trade Marketing - Product Sales

Revenue Recognition and Trade Marketing. Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment to the customers as terms are free on board ("FOB") shipping point, at which point title and risk of loss is transferred and the selling price is fixed or determinable. This completes the revenue-earning process specifically that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, ownership has transferred, the price is fixed and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts and product return allowances, which is estimated based upon the Company's historical performance, management's experience and current economic trends, is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.

Revenue Recognition and Trade Marketing - Trade Promotions

Trade promotions, consisting primarily of customer pricing allowances and merchandising funds, and consumer coupons are offered through various programs to customers and consumers. Sales are recorded net of estimated trade promotion spending, which is recognized as incurred at the time of sale. Certain retailers require the payment of slotting fees in order to obtain space for the Company's products on the retailer's store shelves. The fees are recognized as reductions of revenue on the date a liability to the retailer is created. These amounts are included in the determination of net sales. Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included as accrued trade marketing expense in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when the coupons are issued. Estimates of trade promotion expense and coupon redemption costs are based upon programs offered, timing of those offers, estimated redemption/usage rates from historical performance, management's experience and current economic trends.

Trade marketing expense is comprised of amounts paid to retailers for programs designed to promote our products. These costs include standard introductory allowances for new products (slotting fees). They also include the cost of in-store product displays, feature pricing in retailers' advertisements and other temporary price reductions. These programs are offered to our customers both in fixed and variable (rate per case) amounts. The ultimate cost of these programs depends on retailer performance and is the subject of significant management estimates. The Company records as expense the estimated ultimate cost of the program in the period during which the program occurs. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition, these trade marketing expenses are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a reduction of net sales. Also, in accordance with the guidance, coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when issued.

Advertising

Advertising. Advertising costs include the cost of working media (advertising on television, radio or in print), the cost of producing advertising, and the cost of coupon insertion and distribution. Working media and coupon insertion and distribution costs are expensed in the period the advertising is run or the coupons are distributed. The cost of producing advertising is expensed as of the first date the advertisement takes place.

Shipping and Handling Cost

Shipping and Handling Costs. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition, costs related to shipping and handling of products shipped to customers are classified as Cost of products sold.

Pension benefits

Pension benefits. The Company provides pension benefits to certain employees and retirees. Pension benefits are no longer offered to salaried employees. All pension benefits are frozen. Determining the cost associated with such benefits is dependent on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, turnover rates and mortality rates. Independent actuaries, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), perform the required calculations to determine pension expense. Actual results that differ from the actuarial assumptions are generally accumulated and amortized over future periods.

Equity Based Compensation expense

Equity Based Compensation expense. Grant-date fair value of PSU's and PS's are estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Grant-date fair value of stock options are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes using the simplified method to estimate the number of periods to exercise date. While we had equity compensation plans in place as a private company, our broader post-IPO equity compensation plans have not been in place for a sufficient amount of time to understand their post vesting behavior. As such, we will continue to use this methodology until such time we have sufficient history to provide a reasonable basis on which to estimate the expected term. Compensation expense is reduced based on estimated forfeitures with adjustments to actual expense recorded at the time of vesting. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. The majority of our equity options have a three-year vesting period. For those awards that have a performance condition, compensation expense is based upon the number of shares expected to vest after assessing the probability that the performance criteria will be met. We recognize compensation cost for awards over the vesting period, adjusted for any changes in our probability assessment.

Insurance reserves

Insurance reserves. The Company is self-insured under its worker's compensation insurance policy. The Company utilizes a stop loss policy issued by an insurance company to fund claims in excess of $350. The Company estimates the outstanding retained-insurance liabilities by projecting incurred losses to their ultimate liability and subtracting amounts paid-to-date to obtain the remaining liabilities. The Company bases actuarial estimates of ultimate liability on actual incurred losses, estimates of incurred but not yet reported losses and the projected costs to resolve these losses.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for income taxes under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  The Company continually reviews its deferred tax assets for recovery.  A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company's tax provision in the period of change.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments. The Company uses financial instruments to manage its exposure to movements in interest rates, certain commodity prices and foreign currencies. The use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the intent to reduce the risk or cost to the Company. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged derivatives. The authoritative guidance for derivative and hedge accounting requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in earnings. The cash flows associated with the financial instruments are included in the cash flow from operating activities.

Deferred financing costs

Deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the life of the related debt using the effective interest rate method. If debt is prepaid or retired early, the related unamortized deferred financing costs are written off in the period the debt is retired.

Capitalized Internal Use Software Costs

Capitalized Internal Use Software Costs. The Company capitalizes the cost of internal-use software that has a useful life in excess of one year. These costs consist of payments made to third parties and the salaries of employees working on such software development. Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use software are capitalized only to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Capitalized internal use software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally 2 ½ to 3 years.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"). Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes loss on financial instruments, foreign currency translation adjustments, net gains or (losses) on pension actuarial assumptions and the related tax provisions or benefits that are currently presented as a component of shareholder's equity.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No.

2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”. The new guidance eliminates the requirement to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts. The amendments will require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The updated guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. The new guidance eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. Under the ASU, the adjustments to the provisional amounts will be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The updated guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, and the ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and net realizable value,” thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The ASU will not apply to inventories that are measured by using either the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method or the retail inventory method (RIM). The updated guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs". The new guidance changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the ASU, an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. The updated guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15,

2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets". The new guidance gives an employer whose fiscal year-end does not coincide with a calendar month-end (e.g., an entity that has a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, as the Company does) the ability, as a practical expedient, to measure defined benefit retirement obligations and related plan assets as of the month- end that is closest to its fiscal year-end. The updated guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted, and the ASU should be applied prospectively. The Company implemented this guidance in 2015 without material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued revised guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and jurisdictions. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures. The guidance was originally effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. In April 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year. The updated guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities will be permitted to adopt the new revenue standard early, but not before the original effective date. The guidance permits the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements, as well as which transition method it will use.

Fair Value Measurement

The valuations of these instruments are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate, commodity, and foreign exchange forward curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments). The variable cash receipts (or payments) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. To comply with the provisions of the authoritative guidance for fair value disclosure, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own non-performance risk and the respective counterparty’s non-performance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of non-performance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

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Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of pro forma information

Amounts in millions:

	Year ended December 29, 2013 (unaudited)
Net sales	$	2,612.7
Net earnings	$	110.1

Wish-Bone [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The cost of the Wish-Bone acquisition was $575,164. The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired:

Assets acquired:
Inventories	$	20,029
Plant assets	5,871
Tradenames	347,400
Distributor relationships and other agreements	14,700
Deferred tax assets	564
Goodwill	186,600
	$	575,164

Duncan Hines [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Assets acquired:
Inventories	$	10,188
Building and land	3,480
Plant assets	2,302
Deferred tax assets	1,278
Goodwill	9,550
Fair value of assets acquired	26,798
Liabilities assumed
Accrued liabilities	178
Total cost of acquisition	$	26,620

Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The following table summarizes the allocation of the total cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	5,226
Inventories	6,798
Prepaid expenses and other assets	572
Property and equipment	13,895
Tradenames	51,950
Distributor relationships	3,098
Private label customer relationships	1,328
Formulations	7,611
Goodwill	82,970
Fair value of assets acquired	173,448
Liabilities assumed
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	5,007
Income tax payable	7,878
Long term deferred tax liability	1,347
Other long-term liabilities	2,714
Total cost of acquisition	$	156,502

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial Assets and Liabilities Subject to Recurring Fair Value

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities subject to recurring fair value measurements and the required disclosures are as follows:

	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy						Fair Value as of December 28, 2014		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Interest rate derivatives	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,420	$	—	$	6,420	$	—
Foreign currency derivatives	471		—		471		—		1,294		—		1,294		—
Total assets at fair value	$	471	$	—	$	471	$	—	$	7,714	$	—	$	7,714	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate derivatives	$	18,868	$	—	$	18,868	$	—	$	4,543	$	—	$	4,543	$	—
Commodity derivatives	10,013		—		10,013		—		12,011		—		12,011		—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	28,881	$	—	$	28,881	$	—	$	16,554	$	—	$	16,554	$	—

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Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of Equity-based Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes equity based compensation expense which was allocated as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Cost of products sold	$	3,647	$	5,565	$	633
Marketing and selling expenses	3,642		5,836		1,399
Administrative expenses	7,461		23,977		5,792
Research and development expenses	372		573		109
Pre-Tax Equity Based Compensation Expense	15,122		35,951		7,933
Income Tax Benefit	5,638		4,738		2,083
Net Equity Based Compensation Expense	$	9,484	$	31,213	$	5,850

Summary of Equity Option Transactions

The following table summarizes the equity option transactions under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan:

		Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Weighted Average Remaining Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		247,430		$	10.11	$	6.13	4.47	$	6,306
	Granted	—		—		—
	Exercised	(102,577	)	10.27		6.40
	Forfeitures	(2,210	)	13.12		4.24
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		142,643		$	9.96	$	5.97	3.42	$	4,687
Exercisable and Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		141,237		$	9.90	$	5.99	3.39	$	4,649
Exercisable, December 27, 2015		139,135		$	9.81	$	6.02	3.34	$	4,593

Schedule of Option Activity

The following table summarizes the equity option transactions under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan:

		Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Weighted Average Remaining Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		3,018,056		$	22.88	$	5.81	8.55	38,399
	Granted	354,422		41.05		8.93
	Exercised	(5,937	)	29.28		8.47
	Forfeitures	(198,275	)	26.24		7.14
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		3,168,266		$	24.72	$	6.09	7.72	57,336
Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		2,848,066		$	23.78	$	5.81	7.62	$	54,219

Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions

The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes pricing model as its method of valuation for equity option awards. The fair value of the options granted during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015, December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was estimated on the date of the grant with the following weighted average assumptions:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.57	%	2.18	%	1.17	%
Expected time to option exercise	6.50 years		6.50 years		6.50 years
Expected volatility	27	%	37	%	35	%
Expected dividend yield on Pinnacle Foods Inc. stock	2.29	%	2.88	%	3.54	%	*

* Dividend yield is based on the weighted average of the expected yield at the time of each grant, 3.54% is principally the result of options granted at the IPO price of $20.00 a share. No dividend was in effect prior to 2013.

Summary of Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes the changes in non-vested shares and Restricted Stock Units ("RSU's").

		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		474,375		$	27.33	$	16,888
	Granted	220,291		41.35
	Forfeitures	(40,057	)	33.31
	Vested	(204,658	)	29.43
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		449,951		$	32.71	$	19,267
Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		345,367		$	32.59	$	14,789

Schedule of PSU Valuation Assumptions

The fair value of the PSU's granted during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, was estimated on the date of the grant with the following assumptions:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Risk-free interest rate	1.3	%	0.9	%
Expected term	3.00 years		3.00 years
Expected volatility	22	%	35	%
Expected dividend yield	2.3	%	2.8	%

Summary of Weighted Average Number of Shares

Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net earnings by weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive potential common shares, which are determined as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015	December 28, 2014	December 29, 2013
Weighted-average common shares	116,031,648	115,697,621	106,841,198
Effect of dilutive securities	1,290,878	1,187,601	1,777,542
Dilutive potential common shares	117,322,526	116,885,222	108,618,740

Performance Shares [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Summary of Equity Option Transactions

The following table summarizes the changes in non-vested Performance Shares ("PS's") and Performance Share Units ("PSU's").

		Number of Instruments		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding, December 28, 2014		239,147		$	37.65	$	8,514
	Granted	186,441		48.62
	Forfeitures	(34,015	)	40.01
	Vested	—		—
Outstanding, December 27, 2015		391,573		$	42.67	$	16,767
Expected to Vest, December 27, 2015		273,546		$	42.67	$	11,713

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss consist of the following:

	Currency translation adjustments			Gains (Losses) on cash flow hedges			Change in pensions			Total
Balance at December 29, 2013	$	(466	)	$	19,581		$	(26,612	)	$	(7,497	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(1,588		)	(15,303		)	(13,233		)	(30,124		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(154		)	41			(113		)
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(1,588		)	(15,457		)	(13,192		)	(30,237		)
Balance at December 28, 2014	$	(2,054	)	$	4,124		$	(39,804	)	$	(37,734	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(4,364		)	(13,559		)	(4,542		)	(22,465		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			203			608			811
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(4,364		)	(13,356		)	(3,934		)	(21,654		)
Balance at December 27, 2015	$	(6,418	)	$	(9,232	)	$	(43,738	)	$	(59,388	)

Summary of Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table presents amounts reclassified out of AOCL and into Net earnings for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

Gain/(Loss)	Amounts Reclassified from AOCL
	Fiscal year ended
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings Components	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014				Reclassified from AOCL to:
Gains and losses on financial instrument contracts
Interest rate contracts	$	(3,737	)	$	(877	)		Interest expense
Foreign exchange contracts	3,211			1,502				Cost of products sold
Total before tax	(526		)	625
Tax (expense) benefit	323			(471		)		Provision for income taxes
Net of tax	(203		)	154
Pension actuarial assumption adjustments
Amortization of actuarial loss	(981		)	(67		)	(a)	Cost of products sold
Tax benefit	373			26				Provision for income taxes
Net of tax	(608		)	(41		)
Net reclassifications into net earnings	$	(811	)	$	113

(a) This is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 11 for additional details).

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Other Expense (Income), net and Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Expense (Income), net

Other Expense (Income), net

	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Other expense (income), net consists of:
Amortization of intangibles/other assets	$	13,554		$	13,917		$	15,875
Boulder Brands acquisition costs (Note 19)	1,713			—			—
Wish-Bone acquisition costs (Note 3)	—			—			6,067
Garden Protein acquisition costs (Note 3)	—			3,121			—
Foreign exchange losses	4,731			655			—
Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt	—			—			34,180
Royalty income and other	(892		)	(1,712		)	(918		)
Total other expense (income), net	$	19,106		$	15,981		$	55,204

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Balance Sheet Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are as follows:

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Customers	$	219,352		$	190,321
Allowances for cash discounts, bad debts and returns	(7,902		)	(6,801		)
Subtotal	211,450			183,520
Other receivables	8,286			7,234
Total	$	219,736		$	190,754

Schedule of the Changes in the Allowance for Cash Discounts, Bad Debts and Returns

Following are the changes in the allowance for cash discounts, bad debts, and returns:

	Beginning							Ending
	Balance		Revenue Reductions		Deductions			Balance
Fiscal 2015	$	6,801	$	98,374	$	(97,273	)	$	7,902
Fiscal 2014	5,849		96,491		(95,539		)	6,801
Fiscal 2013	5,149		87,005		(86,305		)	5,849

Schedule of Inventories

Inventories are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Raw materials, containers and supplies	$	57,145	$	60,828
Finished product (1)	345,956		295,639
Total	$	403,101	$	356,467

(1) Included in Finished products was $61,527 and $45,421 of crop related inventory as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 respectively.

Schedule of Other Current Assets

Other Current Assets are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Prepaid expenses and other	$	8,166	$	8,139
Prepaid income taxes	5,511		84
Total	$	13,677	$	8,223

Schedule of Plant Assets

Plant assets are as follows:

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Land	$	14,948		$	14,211
Buildings	246,988			208,341
Machinery and equipment	716,314			641,818
Projects in progress (a)	61,153			91,175
Subtotal	1,039,403			955,545
Accumulated depreciation	(408,294		)	(349,639		)
Total	$	631,109		$	605,906

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Employee compensation and benefits	$	55,416	$	52,404
Interest payable	12,127		12,239
Consumer coupons	2,035		1,912
Accrued financial instrument contracts (see note 12)	5,957		10,276
Accrued broker commissions	4,651		3,526
Other	20,324		26,131
Total	$	100,510	$	106,488

Schedule Of Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities are as follows:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Employee compensation and benefits	$	9,806	$	9,506
Long-term rent liability and deferred rent allowances	7,774		8,431
Liability for uncertain tax positions	7,712		2,064
Accrued financial instrument contracts (see note 12)	22,924		6,280
Other	6,290		8,024
Total	$	54,506	$	34,305

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Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill by segment

Goodwill by segment is as follows:

	Birds Eye Frozen			Duncan Hines Grocery		Specialty Foods		Total
Balance, December 29, 2013	$	527,069		$	927,065	$	173,961	$	1,628,095
Gilster acquisition (Note 3)	—			9,550		—		9,550
Garden Protein acquisition (Note 3)	84,257			—		—		84,257
Foreign currency adjustment	(2,342		)	—		—		(2,342		)
Balance, December 28, 2014	$	608,984		$	936,615	$	173,961	$	1,719,560
Foreign currency adjustment	(4,265		)	—		—		(4,265		)
Purchase price adjustment (1)	(1,287		)	—		—		(1,287		)
Balance, December 27, 2015	$	603,432		$	936,615	$	173,961	$	1,714,008

(1) Primarily relates to a 2015 post close working capital adjustment of the preliminary purchase price related to the Garden Protein acquisition.

Schedule of Tradenames by segment

Tradenames by segment are as follows:

	Birds Eye			Duncan Hines		Specialty
	Frozen			Grocery		Foods		Total
Balance, December 29, 2013	$	796,680		$	1,118,712	$	36,000	$	1,951,392
Garden Protein acquisition (Note 3)	51,950			—		—		51,950
Foreign currency adjustment	(1,468		)	—		—		(1,468		)
Balance, December 28, 2014	$	847,162		$	1,118,712	$	36,000	$	2,001,874
Foreign currency adjustment	(826		)	—		—		(826		)
Balance, December 27, 2015	$	846,336		$	1,118,712	$	36,000	$	2,001,048

Schedule of Other Assets

Other Assets

	December 27, 2015
	Weighted Avg Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Amortizable intangibles
Recipes	10	$	60,094	$	(47,077	)	$	13,017
Customer relationships - Distributors	35	142,129		(46,507		)	95,622
Customer relationships - Private Label	7	1,290		(399		)	891
License	7	6,175		(5,800		)	375
Total amortizable intangibles		$	209,688	$	(99,783	)	$	109,905
Debt acquisition costs		46,313		(29,216		)	17,097
Other (1)		9,282		—			9,282
Total other assets, net							$	136,284
	Amortizable intangibles by segment
	Birds Eye Frozen						$	60,510
	Duncan Hines Grocery						45,503
	Specialty Foods						3,892
							$	109,905

	December 28, 2014
	Weighted Avg Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Amortizable intangibles
Recipes	10	$	60,206	$	(41,027	)	$	19,179
Customer relationships - Distributors	35	142,156		(40,616		)	101,540
Customer relationships - Private Label	7	1,290		(43		)	1,247
License	7	6,175		(4,563		)	1,612
Total amortizable intangibles		$	209,827	$	(86,249	)	$	123,578
Debt acquisition costs		45,913		(25,244		)	20,669
Financial instruments (see note 12)		6,420		—			6,420
Other (1)		7,229		—			7,229
Total other assets, net							$	157,896
	Amortizable intangibles by segment
	Birds Eye Frozen						$	67,525
	Duncan Hines Grocery						51,637
	Specialty Foods						4,416
							$	123,578

(1) As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, Other primarily consists of security deposits and supplemental savings plan investments.

Schedule of Deferred Financing Cost Activity

The following summarizes debt acquisition cost activity:

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Balance, December 28, 2014	$	45,913	$	(25,244	)	$	20,669
2015 - Additions	400		—			400
- Amortization	—		(3,972		)	(3,972		)
Balance, December 27, 2015	$	46,313	$	(29,216	)	$	17,097

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Debt and Interest Expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments

	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Short-term borrowings
- Notes payable	$	2,225		$	2,396
Total short-term borrowings	$	2,225		$	2,396
Long-term debt
- Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche G Term Loans due 2020	$	1,409,625		$	1,409,625
- Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche H Term Loans due 2020	514,500			519,750
- 4.875% Senior Notes due 2021	350,000			350,000
- 3.0% Note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation due 2018	8,878			12,497
- Unamortized discount on long term debt	(10,347		)	(12,728		)
- Capital lease obligations	15,123			18,756
	2,287,779			2,297,900
Less: current portion of long-term obligations	14,847			11,916
Total long-term debt	$	2,272,932		$	2,285,984

Schedule of Interest expense

Interest expense	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
Interest expense, third party	$	79,771	$	87,765	$	102,286
Related party interest expense (Note 14)	1,033		1,602		1,880
Amortization of debt acquisition costs (Note 9)	3,972		4,046		4,395
Write-off of debt acquisition costs	—		983		12,725
Write-off of original issue discount	—		896		2,182
Financing costs	—		—		4,762
Interest rate swap losses (Note 12)	3,737		882		4,124
Total interest expense	$	88,513	$	96,174	$	132,354

Schedule of Early Redemption Prices Of Long-term Debt Instruments

Pinnacle Foods Finance may redeem the 4.875% Senior Notes at the redemption prices listed below, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1^st of each of the years indicated below:

Year	Percentage
2016	103.656%
2017	102.438%
2018	101.219%
2019 and thereafter	100.000%

Schedule of the Estimated Fair Value of the Company's Long-term Debt, including the Current Portion

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, as of December 27, 2015, is as follows:

	December 27, 2015
Issue	Face Value		Fair Value
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche G Term Loans	$	1,409,625	$	1,384,957
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche H Term Loans	514,500		505,496
3.0% Note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation	8,878		8,878
4.875% Senior Notes	350,000		337,750
	$	2,283,003	$	2,237,081

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, as of December 28, 2014, is as follows:

	December 28, 2014
Issue	Face Value		Fair Value
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche G Term Loans	$	1,409,625	$	1,367,336
Amended Credit Agreement - Tranche H Term Loans	519,750		504,158
3.0% Note payable to Gilster Mary Lee Corporation	12,497		12,497
4.875% Senior Notes	350,000		346,500
	$	2,291,872	$	2,230,491

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Pension and Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the changes in benefit obligation

The following table reconciles the changes in our benefit obligation:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Change in Benefit Obligation
Net benefit obligation at beginning of the period	$	277,253		$	251,557		$	292,290
Service cost	—			—			69
Interest cost	10,474			11,517			10,961
Actuarial loss (gain)	(12,264		)	31,878			(33,919		)
Gross benefits paid	(17,179		)	(17,699		)	(17,844		)
Net benefit obligation at end of the period	258,284			277,253			251,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the period	218,127			204,349			194,165
Employer contributions	3,123			7,793			8,278
Actual return on plan assets	(7,049		)	23,684			19,750
Gross benefits paid	(17,179		)	(17,699		)	(17,844		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the period	197,022			218,127			204,349
Funded status at end of the year	$	(61,262	)	$	(59,126	)	$	(47,208	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued pension benefits	$	(60,996	)	$	(58,799	)	$	(46,861	)
Accrued pension benefits (part of accrued liabilities)	(266		)	(327		)	(347		)
Net amount recognized at end of the period	$	(61,262	)	$	(59,126	)	$	(47,208	)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Net loss	$	56,762		$	49,779		$	28,512
Net amount recognized at end of the period	$	56,762		$	49,779		$	28,512
Accumulated benefit obligation	258,284			277,253			251,557
Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate	4.20		%	3.85		%	4.76		%

Schedule of the components of net periodic (benefit) cost

The following represents the components of net periodic (benefit) cost:

Pension Benefits
	Fiscal year
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	69
Interest cost	10,474			11,517			10,961
Expected return on assets	(13,233		)	(13,150		)	(13,386		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,005			76			1,413
Net periodic benefit	$	(1,754	)	$	(1,557	)	$	(943	)
Weighted average assumptions:
Discount rate	3.85		%	4.76		%	3.88		%
Expected return on plan assets	6.25		%	6.50		%	7.00		%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A

Schedule of the weighted-average asset allocations and fair value hierarchy

The following table summarizes the Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan's investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions. There are no Level 3 assets.

	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Short-term investments:
Short-term Investment Fund	$	1,851	$	—	$	1,851	$	—
Equity Common/collective trusts:
Small/ Mid Capitalization Fund	10,757		—		10,757		—
Large Capitalization Equity Fund	43,541		—		43,541		—
International Fund	25,837		—		25,837		—
Fixed Income Common/collective trusts:
Fixed Income Fund	115,036		—		115,036		—
Total assets at fair value	$	197,022	$	—	$	197,022	$	—
	Fair Value as of December 28, 2014		Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Short-term investments:
Short-term Investment Fund	$	1,652	$	—	$	1,652	$	—
Equity Common/collective trusts:
Small/ Mid Capitalization Fund	11,574		—		11,574		—
Large Capitalization Equity Fund	49,149		—		49,149		—
International Fund	27,429		—		27,429		—
Fixed Income Common/collective trusts:
Fixed Income Fund	128,323		—		128,323		—
Total assets at fair value	$	218,127	$	—	$	218,127	$	—

The following table sets forth the weighted-average asset allocations of the Company's pension plans by asset category:

	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Asset category
Equity securities	41	%	40	%
Debt securities	58	%	59	%
Cash	1	%	1	%
Total	100	%	100	%

Schedule of expected benefit payments

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

Year	Benefit Payment ($)
2016	15,952
2017	15,216
2018	15,400
2019	15,870
2020	15,586
2021-2025	77,378

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Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had the following interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:

Product	Number of Instruments	Current Notional Amount Hedged		Fixed Rate Range	Index	Trade Dates	Maturity Dates
Interest Rate Swaps	12	$	1,318,050	1.05% - 2.97%	USD-LIBOR-BBA	Apr 2013 - Oct 2013	Apr 2016 - Apr 2020

Schedule of Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had the following foreign currency exchange contracts (in aggregate) that were designated as cash flow hedges of foreign exchange risk:

Product	Number of Instruments	Notional Sold in Aggregate in ("CAD")		Notional Purchased in Aggregate in ("USD")		USD to CAD Exchange Rates	Trade Date	Maturity Dates
Canadian $ contracts	12	$	12,000	$	9,144	1.312 - 1.313	Oct 2015	Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

Schedule of Derivative Instruments not Designated in Qualifying Hedging Relationships

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had the following derivative instruments that were not designated in qualifying hedging relationships:

Commodity Contracts	Number of Instruments	Notional Purchased in Aggregate	Price/Index	Trade Dates	Maturity Dates
Diesel Fuel Contracts	3	9,309,557 Gallons	3.68 - 3.80 per Gallon	Sept 2014 - Nov 2014	Jan 2016 - Jan 2017
Heating Oil Contracts	2	3,871,100 Gallons	1.80 - 1.82 per Gallon	Jan 2015 - July 2015	Dec 2016
Natural Gas Contracts	2	773,000 MMBTU's	2.81 - 3.20 per MMBTU	July 2015 - Oct 2015	June 2016 - Aug 2016
Soybean Oil Contracts	3	62,688,173 Pounds	0.31 - 0.35 per Pound	Dec 2014 - July 2015	Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

Schedule of the Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments as Well as Their Consolidated Balance Sheets Classification

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

	Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 27, 2015
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest Rate Contracts				Accrued liabilities	$	3,921
				Other long-term liabilities	14,947
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Other current assets	471
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	471		$	18,868
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Commodity Contracts				Accrued liabilities	2,036
				Other long-term liabilities	7,977
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	—		$	10,013
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 28, 2014		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of December 28, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest Rate Contracts	Other assets, net	$	6,420	Accrued liabilities	$	1,280
				Other long-term liabilities	3,263
Foreign Exchange Contracts	Other current assets	1,294
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	7,714		$	4,543
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Interest Rate Contracts				Accrued liabilities	$	8,995
Commodity Contracts				Other long- term liabilities	3,016
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	—		$	12,011

Schedule of Derivative Assets

The Company has elected not to offset the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities executed with the same counterparty that are generally subject to enforceable netting agreements. However, if the company were to offset and record the asset and liability balances of derivatives on a net basis, the amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 would be adjusted as detailed in the following table:

	December 27, 2015						December 28, 2014
Derivative Instrument	Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements		Net Amount		Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements		Net Amount
Total asset derivatives	$	471	(471	)	$	—	$	7,714	(5,039	)	$	2,675
Total liability derivatives	$	28,881	(471	)	$	28,410	$	16,554	(5,039	)	$	11,515

Schedule of Derivative Liabilities

The Company has elected not to offset the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities executed with the same counterparty that are generally subject to enforceable netting agreements. However, if the company were to offset and record the asset and liability balances of derivatives on a net basis, the amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 would be adjusted as detailed in the following table:

	December 27, 2015						December 28, 2014
Derivative Instrument	Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements		Net Amount		Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements		Net Amount
Total asset derivatives	$	471	(471	)	$	—	$	7,714	(5,039	)	$	2,675
Total liability derivatives	$	28,881	(471	)	$	28,410	$	16,554	(5,039	)	$	11,515

Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Earnings

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and AOCL for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments

Gain/(Loss)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Recognized in AOCL on Derivative (Effective Portion)			Effective portion reclassified from AOCL to:	Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (Effective Portion)				Ineffective portion recognized in Earnings in:	Recognized in Earnings on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Interest Rate Contracts	$	(24,482	)	Interest expense	$	(3,737	)		Interest expense	$	—
Foreign Exchange Contracts	2,404			Cost of products sold	3,211				Cost of products sold	(16		)
Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015	$	(22,078	)		$	(526	)			$	(16	)
Interest Rate Contracts	$	(27,313	)	Interest expense	$	(877	)		Interest expense	$	—
Foreign Exchange Contracts	2,472			Cost of products sold	1,502				Cost of products sold	17
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014	$	(24,841	)		$	625				$	17
Interest Rate Contracts	$	27,817		Interest expense	$	(4,000	)	(a)	Interest expense	$	8
Foreign Exchange Contracts	1,443			Cost of products sold	1,771				Cost of products sold	(3		)
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013	$	29,260			$	(2,229	)			$	5
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments				Recognized in Earnings in:	Recognized in Earnings on Derivative
Commodity Contracts				Cost of products sold	$	(9,292	)
Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015					$	(9,292	)
Commodity Contracts				Cost of products sold	$	(12,928	)
Interest Rate Contracts				Interest expense	$	(5	)
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014					$	(12,933	)
Commodity Contracts				Cost of products sold	$	667
Interest Rate Contracts				Interest expense	$	(132	)
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013					$	535

(a) Includes $2.8 million of accelerated reclassifications out of AOCL.

Schedule of Aggregate Fair Values of Derivatives that Contain Credit Risk-related Contingent Features

The table below summarizes the aggregate fair values of those derivatives that contain credit risk-related contingent features as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014.

December 27, 2015

Asset/(Liability)
Counterparty	Contract Type	Termination Value			Performance Risk Adjustment		Accrued Interest			Fair Value (excluding interest)
Barclays	Interest Rate Contracts	$	(9,616	)	$	773	$	(260	)	$	(8,583	)
	Commodity Contracts	(7,035		)	116		—			(6,919		)
Bank of America	Interest Rate Contracts	(5,879		)	790		—			(5,089		)
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	470			1		—			471
	Commodity Contracts	(1,737		)	29		—			(1,709		)
Credit Suisse	Interest Rate Contracts	(2,627		)	53		(260		)	(2,314		)
Macquarie	Interest Rate Contracts	(3,137		)	47		(209		)	(2,882		)
	Commodity Contracts	(1,408		)	23		—			(1,386		)
Total		$	(30,970	)	$	1,831	$	(728	)	$	(28,410	)

December 28, 2014

Asset/(Liability)
Counterparty	Contract Type	Termination Value			Performance Risk Adjustment		Accrued Interest			Fair Value (excluding interest)
Barclays	Interest Rate Contracts	$	550		$	667	$	(90	)	$	1,307
	Foreign Exchange Contracts	1,294			—		—			1,294
	Commodity Contracts	(6,300		)	—		—			(6,300		)
Bank of America	Interest Rate Contracts	1,578			627		—			2,205
Credit Suisse	Interest Rate Contracts	322			58		(90		)	470
Macquarie	Interest Rate Contracts	(2,262		)	80		(77		)	(2,105		)
	Commodity Contracts	(5,711		)	—		—			(5,711		)
Total		$	(10,529	)	$	1,432	$	(257	)	$	(8,840	)

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Operating Leases, Capital Leases and Purchase Commitments

As of December 27, 2015, the Company had entered into non-cancellable lease and purchase contracts, with terms in excess of one year, requiring the following minimum payments:

Description	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		Thereafter
Operating leases	$	12,548	$	12,397	$	9,542	$	7,500	$	6,792	$	15,241
Capital leases	6,739		1,988		2,008		912		909		8,183
Purchase Commitments (1)	638,720		36,815		12,871		7,336		7,336		44,929

(1) The amounts indicated in this line primarily reflect future contractual payments, including certain take-or-pay arrangements entered into as part of the normal course of business. The amounts do not include obligations related to other contractual purchase obligations that are not take-or-pay arrangements. Such contractual purchase obligations are primarily purchase orders at fair value that are part of normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. Purchase obligations also include trade and consumer promotion and advertising commitments.

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Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information

	Fiscal year
SEGMENT INFORMATION	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
	52 weeks			52 weeks			52 weeks
Net sales
Birds Eye Frozen	$	1,227,235		$	1,115,232		$	1,096,897
Duncan Hines Grocery	1,092,408			1,131,380			1,004,990
Specialty Foods	336,149			344,571			361,915
Total	$	2,655,792		$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802
Earnings before interest and taxes
Birds Eye Frozen	$	211,515		$	182,376		$	198,634
Duncan Hines Grocery	206,731			184,087			144,428
Specialty Foods	32,307			30,890			29,959
Unallocated corporate income (expenses)	(25,851		)	114,918			(79,984		)
Total	$	424,702		$	512,271		$	293,037
Depreciation and amortization
Birds Eye Frozen	$	44,405		$	40,390		$	38,409
Duncan Hines Grocery	30,685			26,289			22,755
Specialty Foods	14,570			13,948			17,061
Total	$	89,660		$	80,627		$	78,225
Capital expenditures (1)
Birds Eye Frozen	$	49,832		$	29,579		$	40,516
Duncan Hines Grocery	50,153			65,325			34,003
Specialty Foods	8,492			9,351			11,566
Total	$	108,477		$	104,255		$	86,085
NET SALES BY PRODUCT TYPE
Net sales
Frozen	$	1,384,587		$	1,278,147		$	1,266,217
Meals and Meal Enhancers	859,598			876,670			746,429
Desserts	309,702			331,766			346,856
Snacks	101,905			104,600			104,300
Total	$	2,655,792		$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Net sales
United States	$	2,635,141		$	2,563,730		$	2,439,888
Canada	118,194			82,722			83,551
Intercompany	(97,543		)	(55,269		)	(59,637		)
Total	$	2,655,792		$	2,591,183		$	2,463,802

 (1) Includes new capital leases.

SEGMENT INFORMATION	December 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Total assets
Birds Eye Frozen	$	2,267,771	$	2,123,902
Duncan Hines Grocery	2,675,110		2,612,311
Specialty Foods	352,663		343,177
Corporate	44,539		121,555
Total	$	5,340,083	$	5,200,945
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Long-lived assets
United States	$	615,123	$	592,541
Canada	15,986		13,365
Total	$	631,109	$	605,906

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Provision for Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of the provision for income taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

Provision for income taxes	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Current
Federal	$	2,191		$	—		$	117
State	6,431			7,886			2,967
Non-U.S.	(327		)	377			539
	8,295			8,263			3,623
Deferred
Federal	106,975			147,929			65,554
State	7,452			11,680			2,151
Non-U.S.	1,157			(72		)	147
	115,584			159,537			67,852
Provision for income taxes	$	123,879		$	167,800		$	71,475
Earnings before income taxes
United States	332,020			$	415,149		$	158,190
Non-U.S.	4,367			1,069			2,634
Total	$	336,387		$	416,218		$	160,824
The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate as explained below:
Effective Income Tax Rate
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.0		%	35.0		%	35.0		%
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)	2.7		%	3.1		%	2.1		%
Tax effect resulting from international activities	(0.6		)%	0.0		%	(0.2		)%
Domestic production activities deduction	(0.3		)%	0.0		%	0.0		%
Non-deductible expenses	0.3		%	0.2		%	0.5		%
Equity based compensation	0.1		%	2.0		%	0.6		%
Uncertain tax positions	0.0		%	0.0		%	1.3		%
Swap De-designation (Note 12)	0.0		%	0.0		%	5.0		%
Other	(0.4		)%	0.0		%	0.1		%
Effective income tax rate	36.8		%	40.3		%	44.4		%

Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014
Accrued liabilities	$	11,907		$	14,120
Inventories	5,974			8,328
Benefits and compensation	25,689			22,276
Hedges	7,159			—
Net operating loss carryforwards	85,742			165,045
Federal & state tax credits	3,655			4,041
Postretirement benefits	23,401			21,966
Alternative minimum tax	1,993			1,924
Other	3,129			4,225
Subtotal	168,649			241,925
Valuation allowance	(1,487		)	(1,706		)
Total net deferred tax assets	167,162			240,219
Other intangible assets	(749,498		)	(731,240		)
Partnership interest	(8,866		)	(8,887		)
Plant assets	(105,563		)	(94,147		)
Unremitted earnings	—			(3,672		)
Hedges	—			(1,050		)
Other	(679		)	(836		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(864,606		)	(839,832		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(697,444	)	$	(599,613	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current net deferred tax assets	40,571			$	121,788
Long-term net deferred tax liability	(738,015		)	(721,401		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(697,444	)	$	(599,613	)

Summary of Valuation Allowance

	Beginning									Ending
	Balance		Additions		Acquisitions		Deductions			Balance
Fiscal year ended December 27, 2015	$	2,288	$	623	$	—	$	(624	)	$	2,287
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014	3,952		—		—		(1,664		)	2,288
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013	13,354		—		—		(9,402		)	3,952

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax positions is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	December 27, 2015			December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
Gross unrecognized tax positions at beginning of year	$	8,242		$	6,905		$	8,507
Increase for tax positions related to prior periods	—			1,300			—
Decrease for tax positions related to prior periods	—			—			—
Increase for tax positions related to the current period	558			204			2,569
Decrease related to settlement with tax authorities	—			—			(4,122		)
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	(189		)	(167		)	(49		)
Gross unrecognized tax positions at end of year	$	8,611		$	8,242		$	6,905

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Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

Summarized quarterly financial data is presented below

	Quarter Ended
	March 2015		June 2015		September 2015		December 2015		Fiscal 2015
	13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		52 weeks
Net sales	$	665,281	$	631,746	$	636,287	$	722,478	$	2,655,792
Cost of products sold	493,564		462,637		459,432		499,653		1,915,286
Gross profit	171,717		169,109		176,855		222,825		740,506
Net earnings	41,536		43,679		48,098		79,195		212,508
Net earnings per share (1)
Basic	$	0.36	$	0.38	$	0.41	$	0.68	$	1.83
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	115,906		116,031		116,085		116,105		116,032
Diluted	$	0.35	$	0.37	$	0.41	$	0.67	$	1.81
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	117,036		117,281		117,470		117,503		117,323
Dividends declared	$	0.235	$	0.235	$	0.255	$	0.255	$	0.98
Market price - high	$	40.89	$	47.35	$	47.41	$	44.75	$	47.41
Market price - low	$	34.77	$	39.79	$	43.21	$	40.27	$	34.77

	Quarter Ended
	March 2014		June 2014		September 2014		December 2014		Fiscal 2014
	13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks		52 weeks
Net sales	$	644,039	$	617,800	$	624,011	$	705,333	$	2,591,183
Cost of products sold	477,378		455,583		460,109		516,915		1,909,985
Gross profit	166,661		162,217		163,902		188,418		681,198
Net earnings	40,748		35,584		135,957		36,129		248,418
Net earnings per share (1)
Basic	$	0.35	$	0.31	$	1.17	$	0.31	$	2.15
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	115,592		115,690		115,728		115,780		115,698
Diluted	$	0.35	$	0.30	$	1.16	$	0.31	$	2.13
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	116,687		116,901		117,004		116,950		116,885
Dividends declared	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.24	$	0.24	$	0.89
Market price - high	$	29.56	$	35.67	$	34.21	$	35.85	$	35.85
Market price - low	$	26.09	$	28.64	$	30.03	$	31.34	$	26.09

(1) The sum of the individual per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

Net earnings during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 were affected by the following charges (credits):

	Quarter Ended
	March 2015	June 2015		September 2015	December 2015	Fiscal 2015
	13 weeks	13 weeks		13 weeks	13 weeks	52 weeks
Cost of products sold
Acquisition integration costs (a)	2,489	1,677		2,011	2,448	8,625
Other expense (income), net
Boulder Brands acquisition costs (b)	—	—		—	1,713	1,713
Foreign exchange losses (gains) (c)	2,278	(700	)	2,102	1,051	4,731

	Quarter Ended
	March 2014		June 2014		September 2014			December 2014		Fiscal 2014
	13 weeks		13 weeks		13 weeks			13 weeks		52 weeks
Cost of products sold
Stock compensation expense (d)	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	2,644	$	2,644
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement related costs (e)	—		—		1,452			1,438		2,890
Garden Protein acquisition costs (f)	—		—		—			636		636
Marketing and selling expenses
Stock compensation expense (d)	—		—		—			3,317		3,317
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement related costs (e)	—		—		975			988		1,963
Administrative expenses
Stock compensation expense (d)	—		—		—			17,676		17,676
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement related costs (e)	—		—		1,121			1,108		2,229
Research and development expenses
Stock compensation expense (d)	—		—		—			94		94
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement, net of costs (e)	—		—		165			162		327
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement, net of costs (e)	—		2,085		(155,073		)	6		(152,982		)
Other expense (income), net
Garden Protein acquisition costs (f)	—		—		—			3,776		3,776

(a) The Company recorded integration costs related to the Garden Protein and Wish-Bone acquisitions.

(b) Boulder Brands acquisition costs primarily consist of legal, accounting and other professional fees. This is explained in greater detail in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(c) The Company recorded foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.

(d) The Company recorded approximately $23.7 million of equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event. This is explained in greater detail in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is primarily recorded in Administration expense.

(e) The Company recorded a merger termination fee payment, net of costs incurred related to the terminated merger agreement for the sale of the Company to The Hillshire Brands Company ("Hillshire"). This is explained in greater detail in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(f) Garden Protein acquisition costs include $0.6 million of charges recorded in Cost of products sold, primarily resulting from the step-up of inventories acquired and sold during 2014, $3.1 million of transaction costs recorded in Other expense (income), net and $0.7 million of foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future recorded in Other expense (income), net.

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Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2015

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements, Balance Sheets

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 27, 2015
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	177,669		$	2,880		$	—		$	180,549
Accounts receivable, net	—			—			214,690			5,046			—			219,736
Intercompany accounts receivable	92,475			—			725,074			—			(817,549		)	—
Inventories, net	—			—			392,404			10,697			—			403,101
Other current assets	—			470			11,860			1,347			—			13,677
Deferred tax assets	—			1,670			38,516			385			—			40,571
Total current assets	92,475			2,140			1,560,213			20,355			(817,549		)	857,634
Plant assets, net	—			—			615,123			15,986			—			631,109
Investment in subsidiaries	1,744,015			2,428,472			26,433			—			(4,198,920		)	—
Intercompany note receivable	—			2,084,130			8,398			9,800			(2,102,328		)	—
Tradenames	—			—			1,996,800			4,248			—			2,001,048
Other assets, net	—			16,855			118,621			808			—			136,284
Deferred tax assets	—			332,372			—			—			(332,372		)	—
Goodwill	—			—			1,692,715			21,293			—			1,714,008
Total assets	$	1,836,490		$	4,863,969		$	6,018,303		$	72,490		$	(7,451,169	)	$	5,340,083
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	—		$	—		$	2,225		$	—		$	—		$	2,225
Current portion of long-term obligations	—			5,250			9,515			82			—			14,847
Accounts payable	—			—			206,082			4,957			—			211,039
Intercompany accounts payable	—			815,100			—			2,449			(817,549		)	—
Accrued trade marketing expense	—			—			44,096			2,132			—			46,228
Accrued liabilities	163			18,152			79,468			2,727			—			100,510
Dividends payable	30,798			—			—						—			30,798
Total current liabilities	30,961			838,502			341,386			12,347			(817,549		)	405,647
Long-term debt	—			2,258,528			14,055			349			—			2,272,932
Intercompany note payable	—			—			2,075,113			27,215			(2,102,328		)	—
Pension and other postretirement benefits	—			—			63,454			—			—			63,454
Other long-term liabilities	—			22,924			28,195			3,387			—			54,506
Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			1,067,628			2,759			(332,372		)	738,015
Total liabilities	30,961			3,119,954			3,589,831			46,057			(3,252,249		)	3,534,554
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$	1,176		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		1,176
Additional paid-in-capital	1,378,521			1,379,697			1,301,642			20,476			(2,701,815		)	1,378,521
Retained earnings	517,330			423,706			1,169,032			14,212			(1,606,950		)	517,330
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(59,388		)	(59,388		)	(42,202		)	(8,255		)	109,845			(59,388		)
Capital stock in treasury	(32,110		)	—			—			—			—			(32,110		)
Total shareholders' equity	1,805,529			1,744,015			2,428,472			26,433			(4,198,920		)	1,805,529
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,836,490		$	4,863,969		$	6,018,303		$	72,490		$	(7,451,169	)	$	5,340,083

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 28, 2014
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	32,942		$	5,535		$	—		$	38,477
Accounts receivable, net	—			—			176,822			13,932			—			190,754
Intercompany accounts receivable	89,361			—			575,842			—			(665,203		)	—
Inventories, net	—			—			344,589			11,878			—			356,467
Other current assets	—			1,294			6,756			173			—			8,223
Deferred tax assets	—			1,015			120,488			285			—			121,788
Total current assets	89,361			2,309			1,257,439			31,803			(665,203		)	715,709
Plant assets, net	—			—			592,541			13,365			—			605,906
Investment in subsidiaries	1,652,475			2,188,789			75,740			—			(3,917,004		)	—
Intercompany note receivable	—			2,086,775			7,270			9,800			(2,103,845		)	—
Tradenames	—			—			1,951,392			50,482			—			2,001,874
Other assets, net	—			26,757			119,336			11,803			—			157,896
Deferred tax assets	—			307,584			—			—			(307,584		)	—
Goodwill	—			—			1,638,946			80,614			—			1,719,560
Total assets	$	1,741,836		$	4,612,214		$	5,642,664		$	197,867		$	(6,993,636	)	$	5,200,945
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	—		$	—		$	2,396		$	—		$	—		$	2,396
Current portion of long-term obligations	—			5,250			6,746			(80		)	—			11,916
Accounts payable	—			—			194,671			3,908			—			198,579
Intercompany accounts payable	—			664,675			—			528			(665,203		)	—
Accrued trade marketing expense	—			—			33,039			3,171			—			36,210
Accrued liabilities	—			22,137			73,911			10,440			—			106,488
Dividends payable	27,847			—			—			—			—			27,847
Total current liabilities	27,847			692,062			310,763			17,967			(665,203		)	383,436
Long-term debt	—			2,261,397			24,142			445			—			2,285,984
Intercompany note payable	—			—			2,005,593			98,252			(2,103,845		)	—
Pension and other postretirement benefits	—			—			61,830			—			—			61,830
Other long-term liabilities	—			6,280			24,368			3,657			—			34,305
Deferred tax liabilities	—			—			1,027,179			1,806			(307,584		)	721,401
Total liabilities	27,847			2,959,739			3,453,875			122,127			(3,076,632		)	3,486,956
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$	1,173		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		1,173
Additional paid-in-capital	1,363,129			1,364,302			1,285,084			67,181			(2,716,567		)	1,363,129
Retained earnings	419,531			325,907			942,185			10,977			(1,279,069		)	419,531
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(37,734		)	(37,734		)	(38,480		)	(2,418		)	78,632			(37,734		)
Capital stock in treasury	(32,110		)	—			—			—			—			(32,110		)
Total shareholders' equity	1,713,989			1,652,475			2,188,789			75,740			(3,917,004		)	1,713,989
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,741,836		$	4,612,214		$	5,642,664		$	197,867		$	(6,993,636	)	$	5,200,945

Guarantor and NonGuarantor Statements, Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	2,635,141		$	118,194		$	(97,543	)	$	2,655,792
Cost of products sold	—			—			1,915,267			96,545			(96,526		)	1,915,286
Gross profit	—			—			719,874			21,649			(1,017		)	740,506
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses	—			—			168,239			8,463			—			176,702
Administrative expenses	—			—			100,556			6,448			—			107,004
Research and development expenses	—			—			12,492			500			—			12,992
Intercompany royalties	—			—			—			20			(20		)	—
Intercompany technical service fees	—			—			—			997			(997		)	—
Other expense (income), net	—			3,663			15,338			105			—			19,106
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees	(212,508		)	(226,847		)	(3,235		)	—			442,590			—
Total operating (income) expenses	(212,508		)	(223,184		)	293,390			16,533			441,573			315,804
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes	212,508			223,184			426,484			5,116			(442,590		)	424,702
Intercompany interest (income) expense	—			(68,701		)	67,657			1,044			—			—
Interest expense	—			86,745			1,727			41			—			88,513
Interest income	—			—			163			35			—			198
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	212,508			205,140			357,263			4,066			(442,590		)	336,387
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(7,368		)	130,416			831			—			123,879
Net earnings (loss)	$	212,508		$	212,508		$	226,847		$	3,235		$	(442,590	)	$	212,508
Total comprehensive earnings (loss)	$	190,854		$	190,854		$	217,931		$	(1,747	)	$	(407,038	)	$	190,854

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	2,563,730		$	82,722		$	(55,269	)	$	2,591,183
Cost of products sold	—			—			1,894,503			69,655			(54,173		)	1,909,985
Gross profit	—			—			669,227			13,067			(1,096		)	681,198
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses	—			—			171,267			6,105			—			177,372
Administrative expenses	—			742			112,180			4,353			—			117,275
Research and development expenses	—			—			11,209			72			—			11,281
Intercompany royalties	—			—			—			37			(37		)	—
Intercompany technical service fees	—			—			—			1,059			(1,059		)	—
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement	(152,982		)	—			—			—			—			(152,982		)
Other expense (income), net	—			2,620			13,177			184			—			15,981
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees	(154,793		)	(173,467		)	(473		)	—			328,733			—
Total operating expenses	(307,775		)	(170,105		)	307,360			11,810			327,637			168,927
Earnings before interest and taxes	307,775			170,105			361,867			1,257			(328,733		)	512,271
Intercompany interest (income) expense	—			(66,993		)	66,486			507			—			—
Interest expense	—			94,144			1,999			31			—			96,174
Interest income	—			—			62			59			—			121
Earnings before income taxes	307,775			142,954			293,444			778			(328,733		)	416,218
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	59,357			(11,839		)	119,977			305			—			167,800
Net earnings	$	248,418		$	154,793		$	173,467		$	473		$	(328,733	)	$	248,418
Total comprehensive earnings	$	218,181		$	124,556		$	159,409		$	(390	)	$	(283,575	)	$	218,181

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	2,439,888		$	83,551	$	(59,637	)	$	2,463,802
Cost of products sold	—			636			1,797,345			70,167		(58,595		)	1,809,553
Gross profit	—			(636		)	642,543			13,384		(1,042		)	654,249
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses	—			1,399			168,092			6,211		—			175,702
Administrative expenses	—			18,114			98,020			3,656		—			119,790
Research and development expenses	—			109			10,407			—		—			10,516
Intercompany royalties	—			—			—			47		(47		)	—
Intercompany technical service fees	—			—			—			995		(995		)	—
Goodwill impairment charge	—			—			—			—		—			—
Other expense (income), net	—			34,180			21,024			—		—			55,204
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees	(89,349		)	(159,930		)	(1,662		)	—		250,941			—
Total operating expenses	(89,349		)	(106,128		)	295,881			10,909		249,899			361,212
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes	89,349			105,492			346,662			2,475		(250,941		)	293,037
Intercompany interest (income) expense	—			(68,983		)	68,850			133		—			—
Interest expense	—			130,386			1,939			29		—			132,354
Interest income	—			—			105			36		—			141
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	89,349			44,089			275,978			2,349		(250,941		)	160,824
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(45,260		)	116,048			687		—			71,475
Net earnings (loss)	$	89,349		$	89,349		$	159,930		$	1,662	$	(250,941	)	$	89,349
Total comprehensive earnings (loss)	$	143,405		$	143,405		$	185,544		$	1,379	$	(330,328	)	$	143,405

Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements, Statements of Cash Flows

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(12,155	)	$	394,876		$	(9,810	)	$	—		$	372,911
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			128,891			(14,400		)	—			(114,491		)	—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			—			(801		)	—			801			—
Payments for business acquisition	—			—			1,102			—			—			1,102
Investment in subsidiary	111,486			—			—			—			(111,486		)	—
Capital expenditures	—			—			(101,353		)	(7,124		)	—			(108,477		)
Sale of plant assets	—			—			1,618			—			—			1,618
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	111,486			128,891			(113,834		)	(7,124		)	(225,176		)	(105,757		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,231			—			—			—			—			1,231
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	1,442			—			—			—			—			1,442
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(2,401		)	—			—			—			—			(2,401		)
Dividends paid	(111,758		)	—			—			—			—			(111,758		)
Repayments of long-term obligations	—			(5,250		)	(3,620		)	—			—			(8,870		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	—			—			4,261			—			—			4,261
Repayments of short-term borrowing	—			—			(4,480		)	—			—			(4,480		)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			—			(128,891		)	14,400			114,491			—
Return of capital	—			(111,486		)	—			—			111,486			—
Intercompany loans	—			—			—			801			(801		)	—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			—			(3,585		)	—			—			(3,585		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(111,486		)	(116,736		)	(136,315		)	15,201			225,176			(124,160		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(922		)	—			(922		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			144,727			(2,655		)	—			142,072
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			32,942			5,535			—			38,477
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	177,669		$	2,880		$	—		$	180,549

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	149,982		$	(65,834	)	$	472,484		$	(5,922	)	$	—		$	550,710
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	(14,599		)	—			(333,136		)	—			347,735			—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			119,814			—						(119,814		)	—
Payments for business acquisition	—			—			(169,373		)	—			—			(169,373		)
Investment in subsidiary	—			(169,373		)	—			—			169,373			—
Capital expenditures	—			—			(102,967		)	—			—			(102,967		)
Sale of plant assets	—			—			2,328			—			—			2,328
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(14,599		)	(49,559		)	(603,148		)	—			397,294			(270,012		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	489			—			—			—			—			489
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	905			—			—			—			—			905
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(3,061		)	—			—			—			—			(3,061		)
Dividends paid	(101,606		)	—			—			—			—			(101,606		)
Repayments of long-term obligations	—			(217,392		)	(2,575		)	—			—			(219,967		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	—			—			4,757			—			—			4,757
Repayments of short-term borrowing	—			—			(4,799		)	—			—			(4,799		)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	—			65,000			—			—			—			65,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility	—			(65,000		)	—			—			—			(65,000		)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			333,043			14,692						(347,735		)	—
Parent investment	—			—			169,373			—			(169,373		)	—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			—			(119,814		)	—			119,814			—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			—			(2,373		)	—			—			(2,373		)
Purchase of stock for treasury	(32,110		)	—			—			—			—			(32,110		)
Debt acquisition costs	—			(258		)	—			—			—			(258		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(135,383		)	115,393			59,261			—			(397,294		)	(358,023		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(937		)	—			(937		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(71,403		)	(6,859		)	—			(78,262		)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			104,345			12,394			—			116,739
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	32,942		$	5,535		$	—		$	38,477

Pinnacle Foods Inc. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013
	Pinnacle Foods Inc.			Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations and Reclassifications			Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(26,559	)	$	285,767		$	3,034	$	—		$	262,242
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			(452,268		)	—			—		452,268			—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			59,827			—					(59,827		)	—
Payments for business acquisition	—			—			(575,164		)	—		—			(575,164		)
Investment in subsidiary	(582,957		)	—			—			—		582,957			—
Capital expenditures	—			—			(84,055		)	—		—			(84,055		)
Sale of plant assets held for sale	—			—			6,853			—		—			6,853
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(582,957		)	(392,441		)	(652,366		)	—		975,398			(652,366		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	624,621			—			332			—		—			624,953
Dividends paid	(41,664		)	—			—			—		—			(41,664		)
Proceeds from notes offering	—			350,000			—			—		—			350,000
Proceeds from bank term loans	—			2,142,394			—			—		—			2,142,394
Repayments of long-term obligations	—			(1,733,838		)	(2,308		)	—		—			(1,736,146		)
Repurchase of notes	—			(899,180		)	—			—		—			(899,180		)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	—			—			5,078			—		—			5,078
Repayments of short-term borrowing	—			—			(4,779		)	—		—			(4,779		)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	—			—			452,268					(452,268		)	—
Parent investment	—			582,957			—			—		(582,957		)	—
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			—			(59,827		)	—		59,827			—
Repayment of capital lease obligations	—			—			(2,943		)	—		—			(2,943		)
Debt acquisition costs	—			(23,142		)	—			—		—			(23,142		)
Parent reduction in investment in subsidiary	191			(191		)	—			—		—			—
Repurchases of equity	(191		)	—			—			—		—			(191		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	582,957			419,000			387,821			—		(975,398		)	414,380
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			202		—			202
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			21,222			3,236		—			24,458
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	—			—			83,123			9,158		—			92,281
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	—		$	—		$	104,345		$	12,394	$	—		$	116,739

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Summary of Business Activities Summary of Business Activities (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands					12 Months Ended
	May. 08, 2015 shares	Mar. 13, 2015 shares	Nov. 21, 2014 USD ($) shares	Mar. 27, 2013 shares	Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($) segment	Dec. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013 USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2013 $ / shares shares	Apr. 02, 2007
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment					3
Shares issued during period				2,618,307
Shares issued as result of IPO								33,350,000
Share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 20.00
Share price, net of underwriting discounts (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 18.80
Number of shares vested immediately			1,100,000
Equity-based compensation expense | $			$ 23,700		$ 15,122	$ 35,951	$ 7,933
Blackstone [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		4.30%							98.00%
Number of shares sold by entity	5,000,000	14,224,145
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		5,000,000
Stock Options [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares vested immediately			200,000

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Foreign Currency Transaction
Foreign exchange loss	$ 4,731,000	$ 2,620,000	$ 0
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Basis for expected future cash flows, period	5 years
Assumed weighted average cost of capital	6.75%
Sales growth rate projection, period	5 years
Advertising
Advertising Expense	$ 28,205,000	35,917,000	34,031,000
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Vesting period	3 years
Insurance
Insurance stop loss limit	$ 350,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Amortization	13,554,000	13,917,000	15,875,000
Capitalized internal use software net book value	$ 109,905,000	123,578,000
Minimum [Member]
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Projected sale growth rate	1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Projected sale growth rate	3.00%
Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life threshold to capitalize	1 year
Amortization	$ 9,628,000	7,681,000	$ 6,229,000
Capitalized internal use software net book value	$ 19,054,000	14,298,000
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible asset useful life	2 years 6 months
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible asset useful life	3 years
Buildings [Member]
Plant Assets
Plant assets weighted average estimated remaining useful lives	16 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Plant Assets
Plant assets useful life	45 years
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Plant Assets
Plant assets weighted average estimated remaining useful lives	9 years
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Plant Assets
Plant assets useful life	15 years
Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member] | Other expense (income) [Member]
Foreign Currency Transaction
Foreign exchange loss	$ 4,731,000	$ 2,620,000

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Acquisitions - Summary of Wish-Bone Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Oct. 01, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,714,008	$ 1,719,560	$ 1,628,095
Wish-Bone [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventories				$ 20,029
Plant assets				5,871
Tradenames				347,400
Distributor relationships and other agreements				14,700
Deferred tax assets				564
Goodwill				186,600
Fair value of assets acquired				$ 575,164

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Acquisitions - Schedule of Pro Forma Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013 USD ($)
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,612.7
Net earnings	$ 110.1

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Acquisitions - Summary of Duncan Hines Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Assets acquired:
Goodwill	$ 1,714,008	$ 1,719,560			$ 1,628,095
Duncan Hines [Member]
Assets acquired:
Inventories				$ 10,188
Building and land				3,480
Plant assets				2,302
Deferred tax assets				1,278
Goodwill			$ 9,550	9,550
Fair value of assets acquired				26,798
Liabilities assumed
Accrued liabilities				178
Total cost of acquisition				$ 26,620

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Acquisitions - Summary of Garden Protein Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Nov. 14, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Assets acquired:
Goodwill	$ 1,714,008	$ 1,719,560		$ 1,628,095
Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member]
Assets acquired:
Accounts receivable			$ 5,226
Inventories			6,798
Prepaid expenses and other assets			572
Property and equipment			13,895
Tradenames			51,950
Distributor relationships			3,098
Private label customer relationships			1,328
Formulations			7,611
Goodwill			82,970
Fair value of assets acquired			173,448
Liabilities assumed
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			5,007
Income tax payable			7,878
Long term deferred tax liability			1,347
Other long-term liabilities			2,714
Total cost of acquisition			$ 156,502

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Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)				3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Nov. 14, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Oct. 01, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 1,714,008,000				$ 1,719,560,000				$ 1,628,095,000	$ 1,714,008,000	$ 1,719,560,000	$ 1,628,095,000
Net sales				722,478,000	$ 636,287,000	$ 631,746,000	$ 665,281,000	705,333,000	$ 624,011,000	$ 617,800,000	$ 644,039,000		2,655,792,000	2,591,183,000	2,463,802,000
Net earnings (loss)				79,195,000	48,098,000	43,679,000	41,536,000	36,129,000	135,957,000	35,584,000	40,748,000		212,508,000	248,418,000	89,349,000
Earnings (loss) before income taxes													336,387,000	416,218,000	160,824,000
Cost of products sold				499,653,000	$ 459,432,000	$ 462,637,000	493,564,000	516,915,000	$ 460,109,000	455,583,000	$ 477,378,000		1,915,286,000	1,909,985,000	1,809,553,000
Discount				$ 10,347,000				12,728,000					$ 10,347,000	12,728,000
Wish-Bone [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total assets acquired			$ 575,164,000
Intangible assets and goodwill			548,700,000
Tradenames			347,400,000
Goodwill			186,600,000
Tax deductible goodwill			185,700,000
Net sales															38,200,000
Net earnings (loss)												(4,700,000)
Purchase price															75,300,000
Payments of financing costs															10,500,000
Wish-Bone [Member] | Other expense (income) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs - merger, acquisition and advisory fees												4,300,000			4,300,000
Transaction costs - accounting and other professional fees												1,800,000			1,800,000
Wish-Bone [Member] | Tranche G Term Loans [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Face amount												525,000,000.0			525,000,000.0
Discount												8,500,000			8,500,000
Wish-Bone [Member] | Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)												(3,800,000)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes												(6,300,000)			(6,300,000)
Cost of products sold															6,300,000
Wish-Bone [Member] | Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member] | Transaction Costs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)												(3,700,000)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes												$ (6,100,000)			$ (6,100,000)
Wish-Bone [Member] | Tradenames [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tradenames			$ 347,400,000
Wish-Bone [Member] | Distributor Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life			30 years
Duncan Hines [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total assets acquired		$ 26,798,000
Goodwill		9,550,000								$ 9,550,000
Tax deductible goodwill		7,500,000
Purchase price		11,700,000
Cost of acquisition		26,620,000
Transaction costs		$ 300,000
Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total assets acquired	$ 173,448,000
Intangible assets and goodwill	147,000,000
Tradenames	51,950,000
Goodwill	82,970,000
Tax deductible goodwill	53,600,000
Net sales														6,800,000
Net earnings (loss)														(3,100,000)
Cost of acquisition	156,502,000
Working capital adjustment							$ 1,102,000
Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member] | Other expense (income) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs - accounting and other professional fees								3,100,000						3,100,000
Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member] | Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member] | Cost of products sold [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)														(600,000)
Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member] | Tradenames [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tradenames	$ 51,900,000
Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member] | Distributor Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life	30 years
Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life	7 years
Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member] | Formulations [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Notes Payable [Member] | 3% Notes Payable Due 2018 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt instrument term		4 years
Notes Payable [Member] | Duncan Hines [Member] | 3% Notes Payable Due 2018 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Liabilities incurred		$ 14,900,000
Debt instrument term		4 years
Line of Credit [Member] | Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Senior Secured Credit Facility								$ 40,000,000						$ 40,000,000

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Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Subject to Recurring Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Assets
Derivative assets	$ 471	$ 7,714
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	28,881	16,554
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Total assets at fair value	471	7,714
Liabilities
Total liabilities at fair value	28,881	16,554
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate derivatives [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate derivatives [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	0	6,420
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	18,868	4,543
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	471	1,294
Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Commodity derivatives [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Commodity derivatives [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	10,013	12,011
Recurring [Member] | Commodity derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Assets
Total assets at fair value	471	7,714
Liabilities
Total liabilities at fair value	28,881	16,554
Fair Value [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Interest rate derivatives [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	0	6,420
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	18,868	4,543
Fair Value [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Assets
Derivative assets	471	1,294
Fair Value [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Commodity derivatives [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	$ 10,013	$ 12,011

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Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($) long-term_incentive_program shares	Dec. 28, 2014 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of long-term incentive programs | long-term_incentive_program	2
Unrecognized equity compensation expense | $	$ 28,991
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Vesting period	3 years
Options exercisable (shares)	0
2007 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average life	11 months 10 days
Common stock, shares authorized	1,104,888
Vesting period	5 years
2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average life	9 months 15 days

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Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Equity-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 21, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Equity Based Compensation Expense	$ 23,700	$ 15,122	$ 35,951	$ 7,933
Income Tax Benefit		5,638	4,738	2,083
Net Equity Based Compensation Expense		9,484	31,213	5,850
Cost of products sold [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Equity Based Compensation Expense		3,647	5,565	633
Marketing and selling expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Equity Based Compensation Expense		3,642	5,836	1,399
Administrative expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Equity Based Compensation Expense		7,461	23,977	5,792
Research and development expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Equity Based Compensation Expense		$ 372	$ 573	$ 109

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Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share - Summary of Equity Option Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Number of Options
Exercisable (shares)	0
2007 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Weighted Average Remaining Life, Outstanding	11 months 10 days
Stock Options [Member] | 2007 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Number of Options
Outstanding, Beginning balance (shares)	247,430
Granted (shares)	0
Exercised (shares)	(102,577)
Forfeitures (shares)	(2,210)
Outstanding, Ending balance (shares)	142,643	247,430
Exercisable and Expected to Vest (shares)	141,237
Exercisable (shares)	139,135
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 10.11
Granted (in dollars per share)	0.00
Exercised (in dollars per share)	10.27
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	13.12
Outstanding, Ending balance (in dollars per share)	9.96	$ 10.11
Exercisable and Expected to Vest (in dollars per share)	9.90
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	9.81
Exercisable and Expected to Vest (in dollars per share)	5.99
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	6.02
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Outstanding, Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	6.13
Granted (in dollars per share)	0.00
Exercised (in dollars per share)	6.40
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	4.24
Outstanding, Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 5.97	$ 6.13
Weighted Average Remaining Life, Outstanding	3 years 5 months 1 day	4 years 5 months 20 days
Weighted Average Remaining Life, Exercisable and Expected to Vest	3 years 4 months 21 days
Weighted Average Remaining Life, Exercisable	3 years 4 months 2 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 4,687	$ 6,306
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable and Expected to Vest	4,649
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 4,593
Stock Options [Member] | Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member]
Number of Options
Outstanding, Beginning balance (shares)	3,018,056
Granted (shares)	354,422
Exercised (shares)	(5,937)
Forfeitures (shares)	(198,275)
Outstanding, Ending balance (shares)	3,168,266	3,018,056
Expected to Vest (shares)	2,848,066
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 22.88
Granted (in dollars per share)	41.05
Exercised (in dollars per share)	29.28
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	26.24
Outstanding, Ending balance (in dollars per share)	24.72	$ 22.88
Expected to Vest (in dollars per share)	23.78
Expected to Vest (in dollars per share)	5.81
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Outstanding, Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	5.81
Granted (in dollars per share)	8.93
Exercised (in dollars per share)	8.47
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	7.14
Outstanding, Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 6.09	$ 5.81
Weighted Average Remaining Life, Outstanding	7 years 8 months 19 days	8 years 6 months 20 days
Weighted Average Remaining Life, Expected to Vest	7 years 7 months 13 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 57,336	$ 38,399
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Expected to Vest	$ 54,219

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Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share - 2013 Omnibus Plan Narrative (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Mar. 27, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Option life	10 years
Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized		11,300,000
Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award performance measurement period	3 years
Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	354,422
Vesting period	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total award percentage of initial grant	0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total award percentage of initial grant	200.00%

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Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share - 2013 Omnibus Plan Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (shares)	186,441
Number of Instruments/Shares
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (shares)	239,147
Granted (shares)	186,441
Forfeitures (shares)	(34,015)
Vested (shares)	0
Outstanding, Ending Balance (shares)	391,573
Expected to Vest (shares)	273,546
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in USD per share)	$ 37.65
Granted (in USD per share)	48.62
Forfeitures (in USD per share)	40.01
Vested (in USD per share)	0.00
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in USD per share)	42.67
Expected to Vest (in USD per share)	$ 42.67
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 16,767	$ 8,514
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Expected to Vest	$ 11,713
Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (shares)	220,291
Number of Instruments/Shares
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (shares)	474,375
Granted (shares)	220,291
Forfeitures (shares)	(40,057)
Vested (shares)	(204,658)
Outstanding, Ending Balance (shares)	449,951
Expected to Vest (shares)	345,367
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in USD per share)	$ 27.33
Granted (in USD per share)	41.35
Forfeitures (in USD per share)	33.31
Vested (in USD per share)	29.43
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in USD per share)	32.71
Expected to Vest (in USD per share)	$ 32.59
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 19,267	$ 16,888
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Expected to Vest	$ 14,789
Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (shares)	106,323
Number of Instruments/Shares
Granted (shares)	106,323
Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member] | Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (shares)	80,118
Number of Instruments/Shares
Granted (shares)	80,118
Minimum [Member] | Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member] | Performance Shares and Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years 6 months
Minimum [Member] | Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Maximum [Member] | Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member] | Performance Shares and Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Omnibus Plan 2013 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years

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Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	1.57%	2.18%	1.17%
Expected time to option exercise	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Expected volatility	27.00%	37.00%	35.00%
Expected dividend yield on Pinnacle Foods Inc. stock	2.29%	2.88%	3.54%	[1]
Expected forfeiture rate	11.00%
Cash received from option exercises	$ 1,231	$ 489	$ 574
IPO [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Stock price (in dollars per share)			$ 20.00
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	1.30%	0.90%
Expected time to option exercise	3 years	3 years
Expected volatility	22.00%	35.00%
Expected dividend yield on Pinnacle Foods Inc. stock	2.30%	2.80%

[1] Dividend yield is based on the weighted average of the expected yield at the time of each grant, 3.54% is principally the result of options granted at the IPO price of $20.00 a share. No dividend was in effect prior to 2013.

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Shareholder's Equity, Equity Based Compensation Expense and Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	[1]	Sep. 27, 2015	[1]	Jun. 28, 2015	[1]	Mar. 29, 2015	[1]	Dec. 28, 2014	[1]	Sep. 28, 2014	[1]	Jun. 29, 2014	[1]	Mar. 30, 2014	[1]	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares	116,105,000		116,085,000		116,031,000		115,906,000		115,780,000		115,728,000		115,690,000		115,592,000		116,031,648	115,697,621	106,841,198
Effect of dilutive securities																	1,290,878	1,187,601	1,777,542
Dilutive potential common shares	117,503,000		117,470,000		117,281,000		117,036,000		116,950,000		117,004,000		116,901,000		116,687,000		117,322,526	116,885,222	108,618,740
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share																	267,565	670,889	186,201

[1] The sum of the individual per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,713,989	$ 1,598,041	$ 888,726
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(21,654)	(30,237)	54,056
Ending balance	1,805,529	1,713,989	1,598,041
Currency translation adjustments [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,054)	(466)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(4,364)	(1,588)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(4,364)	(1,588)
Ending balance	(6,418)	(2,054)	(466)
Gains (Losses) on cash flow hedges [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,124	19,581
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(13,559)	(15,303)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	203	(154)
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(13,356)	(15,457)
Ending balance	(9,232)	4,124	19,581
Change in pensions [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(39,804)	(26,612)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(4,542)	(13,233)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	608	41
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(3,934)	(13,192)
Ending balance	(43,738)	(39,804)	(26,612)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(37,734)	(7,497)	(61,553)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(22,465)	(30,124)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	811	(113)
Net current period other comprehensive loss	(21,654)	(30,237)
Ending balance	$ (59,388)	$ (37,734)	$ (7,497)

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense										$ 88,513	$ 96,174	$ 132,354
Cost of products sold		$ (499,653)	$ (459,432)	$ (462,637)	$ (493,564)	$ (516,915)	$ (460,109)	$ (455,583)	$ (477,378)	(1,915,286)	(1,909,985)	(1,809,553)
Tax (expense) benefit										(123,879)	(167,800)	(71,475)
Net earnings		$ 79,195	$ 48,098	$ 43,679	$ 41,536	$ 36,129	$ 135,957	$ 35,584	$ 40,748	212,508	248,418	$ 89,349
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net earnings										(811)	113
Gains and losses on financial instrument contracts [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax										(526)	625
Tax (expense) benefit										(323)	(471)
Net earnings										(203)	154
Pension actuarial assumption adjustments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of products sold	[1]									(981)	(67)
Tax (expense) benefit										(373)	26
Net earnings										(608)	(41)
Interest rate contracts [Member] | Gains and losses on financial instrument contracts [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense										(3,737)	(877)
Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Gains and losses on financial instrument contracts [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of products sold										$ (3,211)	$ (1,502)

[1] This is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 11 for additional details).

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Other Expense (Income), net and Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs - Schedule of Other Expense (Income), Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles/other assets		$ 13,554	$ 13,917	$ 15,875
Foreign exchange losses		4,731	655	0
Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt		0	0	34,180
Royalty income and other		(892)	(1,712)	(918)
Total other expense (income), net		19,106	15,981	55,204
Boulder Brands Inc. [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Acquisition costs	$ 2,100	1,713	0	0
Wish-Bone [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Acquisition costs		0	0	6,067
Gardein [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Acquisition costs		$ 0	$ 3,121	$ 0

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Other Expense (Income), net and Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs - Redemption Premium on the Early Extinguishment of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	May. 10, 2013	Apr. 29, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt			$ 0	$ 0	$ 34,180
8.25% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member] | Senior [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt redeemed	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Fixed interest rate		8.25%
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal	108.50%	108.50%
10.625% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 [Member] | Senior [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	8.25%
2012 [Member] | 10.625% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 [Member] | Senior [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption premium on the early extinguishment of debt	$ 34,200

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Other Expense (Income), net and Termination Fee Received, Net of Costs - Hillshire Merger Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Merger related expenses incurred		$ 17.4
Hillshire Brands [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Termination payment received from merger agreement	$ 163.0
Expected merger agreement related expenses	$ 19.2
Net impact on pre-tax earnings		145.6
Other expense (income) [Member] | Hillshire Brands [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Net impact on pre-tax earnings		(153.0)
Cost of products sold [Member] | Hillshire Brands [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Net impact on pre-tax earnings		2.9
Marketing and selling expenses [Member] | Hillshire Brands [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Net impact on pre-tax earnings		2.0
General and Administrative Expense [Member] | Hillshire Brands [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Net impact on pre-tax earnings		2.2
Research and development expense [Member] | Hillshire Brands [Member]
Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Net impact on pre-tax earnings		$ 0.3

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Balance Sheet Information - Schedule of Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]
Customers	$ 219,352	$ 190,321
Allowances for cash discounts, bad debts and returns	(7,902)	(6,801)	$ (5,849)	$ (5,149)
Subtotal	211,450	183,520
Other receivables	8,286	7,234
Total	$ 219,736	$ 190,754

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Balance Sheet Information - Schedule of the Changes in the Allowance for Cash Discounts, Bad Debts and Returns (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Schedule of the Changes in the Allowance for Cash Discounts, Bad Debts and Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 6,801	$ 5,849	$ 5,149
Revenue Reductions	98,374	96,491	87,005
Deductions	(97,273)	(95,539)	(86,305)
Ending Balance	$ 7,902	$ 6,801	$ 5,849

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Balance Sheet Information - Schedule of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials, containers and supplies		$ 57,145	$ 60,828
Finished product	[1]	345,956	295,639
Total		403,101	356,467
Crops		$ 61,527	$ 45,421

[1] Included in Finished products was $61,527 and $45,421 of crop related inventory as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 respectively.

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Balance Sheet Information - Schedule of Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other	$ 8,166	$ 8,139
Prepaid income taxes	5,511	84
Total	$ 13,677	$ 8,223

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Balance Sheet Information - Schedule of Plant Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant Assets, Gross		$ 1,039,403	$ 955,545
Accumulated depreciation		(408,294)	(349,639)
Total		631,109	605,906
Depreciation		76,106	66,710	$ 62,350
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant Assets, Gross		14,948	14,211
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant Assets, Gross		246,988	208,341
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant Assets, Gross		716,314	641,818
Projects in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant Assets, Gross	[1]	61,153	91,175
Assets under capital lease [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation		(11,018)	(9,935)
Total		$ 16,372	$ 18,127

[1] The significant decrease in Projects in process as of December 27, 2015 as compared to December 28, 2014 primarily relates to the 2015 transition of Wish-Bone manufacturing into our St. Elmo, Illinois location.

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Balance Sheet Information - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Employee compensation and benefits	$ 55,416	$ 52,404
Interest payable	12,127	12,239
Consumer coupons	2,035	1,912
Accrued financial instrument contracts	5,957	10,276
Accrued broker commissions	4,651	3,526
Other	20,324	26,131
Total	$ 100,510	$ 106,488

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Balance Sheet Information - Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Employee compensation and benefits	$ 9,806	$ 9,506
Long-term rent liability and deferred rent allowances	7,774	8,431
Liability for uncertain tax positions	7,712	2,064
Accrued financial instrument contracts	22,924	6,280
Other	6,290	8,024
Total	$ 54,506	$ 34,305

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Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets - Schedule of Goodwill by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		$ 1,719,560	$ 1,628,095
Foreign currency adjustment		(4,265)	(2,342)
Purchase price adjustment	[1]	(1,287)
Goodwill, Ending Balance		1,714,008	1,719,560
Gilster acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions			9,550
Gardein Protein acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		84,257
Acquisitions			84,257
Goodwill, Ending Balance			84,257
Operating Segments [Member] | Birds Eye Frozen [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		608,984	527,069
Foreign currency adjustment		(4,265)	(2,342)
Purchase price adjustment	[1]	(1,287)
Goodwill, Ending Balance		603,432	608,984
Operating Segments [Member] | Duncan Hines Grocery [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		936,615	927,065
Foreign currency adjustment		0	0
Purchase price adjustment	[1]	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance		936,615	936,615
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Foods [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		173,961	173,961
Foreign currency adjustment		0	0
Purchase price adjustment	[1]	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance		$ 173,961	173,961
Operating Segments [Member] | Gilster acquisition [Member] | Birds Eye Frozen [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions			0
Operating Segments [Member] | Gilster acquisition [Member] | Duncan Hines Grocery [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions			9,550
Operating Segments [Member] | Gilster acquisition [Member] | Specialty Foods [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions			0
Operating Segments [Member] | Gardein Protein acquisition [Member] | Birds Eye Frozen [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions			84,257
Operating Segments [Member] | Gardein Protein acquisition [Member] | Duncan Hines Grocery [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions			0
Operating Segments [Member] | Gardein Protein acquisition [Member] | Specialty Foods [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions			$ 0

[1] Primarily relates to a 2015 post close working capital adjustment of the preliminary purchase price related to the Garden Protein acquisition.

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Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets - Schedule of Tradenames by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Gardein Protein acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Tradenames acquired		$ 51,950
Tradenames [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 2,001,874	1,951,392
Gardein Protein Acquisition		51,950
Foreign currency adjustment	(826)	(1,468)
Ending balance, indefinite-lived intangible assets	2,001,048	2,001,874
Operating Segments [Member] | Tradenames [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Foreign currency adjustment	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Tradenames [Member] | Birds Eye Frozen [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, indefinite-lived intangible assets	847,162	796,680
Gardein Protein Acquisition		51,950
Foreign currency adjustment	(826)	(1,468)
Ending balance, indefinite-lived intangible assets	846,336	847,162
Operating Segments [Member] | Tradenames [Member] | Duncan Hines Grocery [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,118,712	1,118,712
Gardein Protein Acquisition		0
Foreign currency adjustment		0
Ending balance, indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,118,712	1,118,712
Operating Segments [Member] | Tradenames [Member] | Specialty Foods [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, indefinite-lived intangible assets	36,000	36,000
Gardein Protein Acquisition		0
Foreign currency adjustment		0
Ending balance, indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 36,000	$ 36,000

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Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount		$ 209,688	$ 209,827
Accumulated Amortization		(99,783)	(86,249)
Net		109,905	123,578
Deferred acquisition costs, Gross Carrying Amount		46,313	45,913
Deferred acquisition costs, Accumulated Amortization		(29,216)	(25,244)
Debt acquisition costs		17,097	20,669
Financial instruments			6,420
Other	[1]	9,282	7,229
Total other assets, net		136,284	157,896
Amortization of intangible assets		13,554	$ 13,917	$ 15,875
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Estimated amortization expense, 2016		12,200
Estimated amortization expense, 2017		7,400
Estimated amortization expense, 2018		5,800
Estimated amortization expense, 2019		5,500
Estimated amortization expense, 2020		5,200
Estimated amortization expense, thereafter		$ 74,000
Recipes [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life		10 years	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount		$ 60,094	$ 60,206
Accumulated Amortization		(47,077)	(41,027)
Net		$ 13,017	$ 19,179
Customer relationships - Distributors [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life		35 years	35 years
Gross Carrying Amount		$ 142,129	$ 142,156
Accumulated Amortization		(46,507)	(40,616)
Net		$ 95,622	$ 101,540
Customer relationships - Private Label [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life		7 years	7 years
Gross Carrying Amount		$ 1,290	$ 1,290
Accumulated Amortization		(399)	(43)
Net		$ 891	$ 1,247
License [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life		7 years	7 years
Gross Carrying Amount		$ 6,175	$ 6,175
Accumulated Amortization		(5,800)	(4,563)
Net		375	1,612
Operating Segments [Member] | Birds Eye Frozen [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net		60,510	67,525
Operating Segments [Member] | Duncan Hines Grocery [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net		45,503	51,637
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Foods [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net		$ 3,892	$ 4,416

[1] As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, Other primarily consists of security deposits and supplemental savings plan investments.

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Goodwill, Tradenames and Other Assets - Schedule of Deferred Financing Cost Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Deferred Financing Cost Activity [Roll Forward]
Gross Carrying Amount, Beginning Balance	$ 45,913
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	(25,244)
Net, Beginning Balance	20,669
2015 - Additions	400
Amortization	(3,972)	$ (4,046)	$ (4,395)
Gross Carrying Amount, Ending Balance	46,313	45,913
Accumulated Amortization, Ending Balance	(29,216)	(25,244)
Net, Ending Balance	$ 17,097	$ 20,669

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Debt and Interest Expense - Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Oct. 01, 2013	Apr. 29, 2013
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	$ 2,225,000	$ 2,396,000
Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Unamortized discount on long term debt	(10,347,000)	(12,728,000)
Capital lease obligations	15,123,000	18,756,000
Long-term Debt, including capital lease obligations less unamortized discount on long term debt	2,287,779,000	2,297,900,000
Less: current portion of long-term obligations	14,847,000	11,916,000
Total long-term debt	$ 2,272,932,000	$ 2,285,984,000
Tranche H Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Unamortized discount on long term debt				$ (8,500,000)
Senior [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	4.875%	4.875%			4.875%
Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Senior Notes	$ 350,000,000	$ 350,000,000
Notes Payable [Member] | 3% Notes Payable Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate			3.00%
Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	8,878,000	12,497,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Credit facility	0
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche G Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Credit facility	1,409,625,000	1,409,625,000
Unamortized discount on long term debt					$ (4,100,000)
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche H Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Credit facility	$ 514,500,000	$ 519,750,000

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Debt and Interest Expense - Schedule of Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest expense, third party		$ 79,771	$ 87,765	$ 102,286
Related party interest expense		1,033	1,602	1,880
Amortization of debt acquisition costs		3,972	4,046	4,395
Write-off of debt acquisition costs		0	983	12,725
Write-off of original issue discount	$ 2,200	0	896	2,182
Financing costs		0	0	4,762
Interest rate swap losses		3,737	882	4,124
Total interest expense		$ 88,513	$ 96,174	$ 132,354

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Debt and Interest Expense - Senior Secured Credit Facility (Details)							12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Jul. 08, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2013 USD ($)	May. 10, 2013 USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2013 USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write-off of original issue discount					$ 2,200,000		$ 0	$ 896,000	$ 2,182,000
Write off of debt issuance costs		$ 1,000,000
Leverage ratio							3.81
Term of line of credit					5 years
Unamortized discount on long term debt							$ 10,347,000	12,728,000
Additions to deferred financing costs							$ 400,000
Ownership interest							100.00%
Borrowings under credit facility							$ 0	$ 65,000,000	0
Tranche G Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write-off of original issue discount		900,000
Tranche H Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount on long term debt			$ 8,500,000
Additions to deferred financing costs			10,500,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding amount on Revolving Credit Facility							0
Borrowings under credit facility							$ 0		$ 0
Interest rate during period								2.95%
Debt covenant, consecutive fiscal quarters							1 year
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche G And H Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis points added to the Federal Reserve overnight funds rate							0.50%
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche G Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt redeemed		$ 200,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche B Non Extended Term Loans due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total redemption price of the Term Loans					$ 38,100,000	$ 202,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche B Extended term Loans due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total redemption price of the Term Loans					634,700,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche E Term Loan Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total redemption price of the Term Loans					396,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche F Term Loan due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total redemption price of the Term Loans					446,600,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche G Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount extended as part of the refinancing					$ 1,630,000,000.0
Debt instrument term					7 years
Unamortized discount on long term debt					$ 4,100,000
Outstanding amount on Revolving Credit Facility							$ 1,409,625,000	$ 1,409,625,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche H Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount			$ 525,000,000.0
Outstanding amount on Revolving Credit Facility							514,500,000	$ 519,750,000
Aggregate maturities due in 2016							5,300,000
Aggregate maturities due in 2017							6,600,000
Aggregate maturities due in 2018							3,900,000
Aggregate maturities due in 2019							5,300,000
Aggregate maturities due in 2020							$ 493,400,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Debt Instrument, Tranche G and H Extended Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio							4.25
Percent of collateralized capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct foreign subsidiaries, or any domestic subsidiaries							65.00%
Interest rate							3.00%
Eurocurrency rate							3.00%
Percentage of Excess Cash Flow required to prepay Tranche B and Tranche D Loans							50.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility loans mature in quarterly installments, percent							0.25%
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche B Extended, B Non Extended E and F Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate								3.20%	3.52%
Eurocurrency rate								3.00%
New Revolving Credit Facility (2013) [Member] | April 2013 Refinancing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total letter of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility cannot exceed					150,000,000.0
Revolving Credit Facility and Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee per annum							0.375%
Available borrowing capacity							$ 120,400,000	$ 117,800,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total letter of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility cannot exceed							50,000,000
Outstanding amount on Revolving Credit Facility							$ 29,600,000	32,200,000
Fronting fee, per annum							0.125%
Available borrowing capacity							$ 20,400,000	17,800,000
Majority Shareholder [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount owed to affiliates							$ 27,716,000	$ 47,315,000
Net First Lien [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt to EBITDA for the most recently concluded four consecutive fiscal quarters							5.75
Restricted Payments [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Debt Instrument, Tranche G and H Extended Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt to EBITDA for the most recently concluded four consecutive fiscal quarters							4.25
Amount of restricted payments for specified activities greater of amount or percent of consolidated total assets							$ 50,000,000
Percent of restricted payments for specified activities greater of amount or percent of consolidated total assets							2.00%
Notes Payable [Member] | Amended Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Covenant terms, maximum net leverage ratio	4.25
Reduction in basis spread							0.25%
Senior [Member] | 9.25% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt redeemed						$ 465,000,000
Fixed interest rate						9.25%
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal						100.00%
Senior [Member] | 8.25% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt redeemed				$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Fixed interest rate					8.25%
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal				108.50%	108.50%
Senior [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate					4.875%		4.875%	4.875%
Total letter of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility cannot exceed					$ 350,000,000.0
Reduction Criteria 1 [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Debt Instrument, Tranche G and H Extended Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of Excess Cash Flow required to prepay Tranche B and Tranche D Loans							25.00%
Reduction Criteria 2 [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Debt Instrument, Tranche G and H Extended Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of Excess Cash Flow required to prepay Tranche B and Tranche D Loans							0.00%
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio							4.50
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio							5.49
Eurodollar [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate during period							2.50%		2.67%
Eurodollar [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Debt Instrument, Tranche G and H Extended Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate increase (decrease)							1.00%
Eurocurrency rate, minimum per annum							0.75%
Basis points added to the Federal Reserve overnight funds rate							2.25%
Base Rate [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate during period							4.50%		4.75%
Base Rate [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Debt Instrument, Tranche G and H Extended Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base rate, minimum per annum							1.75%
Basis points added to the Federal Reserve overnight funds rate							1.25%

XML

Debt and Interest Expense - Senior Notes and Other Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions					12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	May. 10, 2013	Apr. 29, 2013	Apr. 03, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Notes Payable [Member] | 3% Notes Payable Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable, face amount	$ 14.9
Debt instrument term	4 years
Fixed interest rate	3.00%
Senior [Member] | 9.25% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate				9.25%
Amount of debt redeemed				$ 465.0
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal				100.00%
Senior [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate			4.875%		4.875%	4.875%
Proceeds from unsecured debt issuance			$ 350.0
Percent of principal amount			100.00%
Applicable premium, percentage of principal amount			1.00%
Percent that may be redeemed					35.00%
Early redemption, percent of principal amount required to be outstanding					50.00%
Early redemption, redemption period following closing date of offering					120 days
Senior [Member] | 8.25% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate			8.25%
Amount of debt redeemed		$ 400.0	$ 400.0
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal		108.50%	108.50%
Early redemption, percentage of principal plus accrued and unpaid interest					104.875%
Treasury Rate [Member] | Senior [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on discount rate			0.05%

XML

Debt and Interest Expense - Schedule of Early Redemption Prices of Long-term Debt Instruments (Details) - Senior [Member] - 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	Dec. 27, 2015
2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal	103.656%
2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal	102.438%
2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal	101.219%
2019 and thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal	100.00%

XML

Debt and Interest Expense - Schedule of the Estimated Fair Value of the Company's Long-term Debt, Including the Current Portion (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Oct. 01, 2013	Apr. 29, 2013
Notes Payable [Member] | 3% Notes Payable, Gilster Mary Lee Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	3.00%	3.00%
Face amount	$ 8,878,000	$ 12,497,000
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 8,878,000	$ 12,497,000
Senior [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	4.875%	4.875%		4.875%
Senior Notes	$ 350,000,000	$ 350,000,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Secured Credit Facility	0
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche G Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Secured Credit Facility	1,409,625,000	1,409,625,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche H Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Secured Credit Facility	514,500,000	519,750,000
Face amount			$ 525,000,000.0
Face Value [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	2,283,003,000	2,291,872,000
Face Value [Member] | Senior [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	350,000,000
Face Value [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche G Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Secured Credit Facility	1,409,625,000
Face Value [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche H Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Secured Credit Facility	514,500,000
Fair Value [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	2,237,081,000	2,230,491,000
Fair Value [Member] | Senior [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable, fair value	337,750,000	346,500,000
Fair Value [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche G Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, fair value	1,384,957,000	1,367,336,000
Fair Value [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Tranche H Extended Term Loans Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, fair value	$ 505,496,000	$ 504,158,000

XML

Pension and Retirement Plans - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($) qualified_plan nonqualified_plan	Dec. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Number of qualified 401(k) plans | qualified_plan	2
Number of non-qualified 401(k) plans | nonqualified_plan	2
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer contributions | $	$ 3,123	$ 7,793	$ 8,278

XML

Pension and Retirement Plans - Reconciliation of the changes in benefit obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued pension benefits	$ (63,454)	$ (61,830)
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation
Net benefit obligation at beginning of the period	277,253	251,557	$ 292,290
Service cost	0	0	69
Interest cost	10,474	11,517	10,961
Actuarial loss (gain)	(12,264)	31,878	(33,919)
Gross benefits paid	(17,179)	(17,699)	(17,844)
Net benefit obligation at end of the period	258,284	277,253	251,557
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the period	218,127	204,349	194,165
Employer contributions	3,123	7,793	8,278
Actual return on plan assets	(7,049)	23,684	19,750
Gross benefits paid	(17,179)	(17,699)	(17,844)
Fair value of plan assets at end of the period	197,022	218,127	204,349
Funded status at end of the year	(61,262)	(59,126)	(47,208)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued pension benefits	(60,996)	(58,799)	(46,861)
Accrued pension benefits (part of accrued liabilities)	(266)	(327)	(347)
Net amount recognized at end of the period	(61,262)	(59,126)	(47,208)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Net loss	56,762	49,779	28,512
Net amount recognized at end of the period	56,762	49,779	28,512
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 258,284	$ 277,253	$ 251,557
Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate	4.20%	3.85%	4.76%

XML

Pension and Retirement Plans - Schedule of net periodic benefit cost (Details) - Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ 69
Interest cost	10,474	11,517	10,961
Expected return on assets	(13,233)	(13,150)	(13,386)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,005	76	1,413
Net periodic benefit	$ (1,754)	$ (1,557)	$ (943)
Weighted average assumptions:
Discount rate	3.85%	4.76%	3.88%
Expected return on plan assets	6.25%	6.50%	7.00%

XML

Pension and Retirement Plans - Schedule of weighted-average asset allocations (Details) - Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocations	41.00%	40.00%
Target plan assets allocations	41.00%
Debt securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocations	58.00%	59.00%
Target plan assets allocations	59.00%
Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocations	1.00%	1.00%

XML

Pension and Retirement Plans - Schedule of fair value hierarchy of plan assets (Details) - Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	$ 197,022	$ 218,127
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	197,022	218,127
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
Short-term Investment Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	1,851	1,652
Short-term Investment Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
Short-term Investment Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	1,851	1,652
Short-term Investment Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
Small/Mid Capitalization Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	10,757	11,574
Small/Mid Capitalization Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
Small/Mid Capitalization Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	10,757	11,574
Small/Mid Capitalization Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
Large Capitalization Equity Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	43,541	49,149
Large Capitalization Equity Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
Large Capitalization Equity Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	43,541	49,149
Large Capitalization Equity Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
International Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	25,837	27,429
International Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
International Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	25,837	27,429
International Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	115,036	128,323
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	0	0
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	115,036	128,323
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets, net of receivable	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Pension and Retirement Plans - Schedule of expected benefit payments (Details) - Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Pension Plan [Member] $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2016	$ 15,952
2017	15,216
2018	15,400
2019	15,870
2020	15,586
2021-2025	$ 77,378

XML

Pension and Retirement Plans - Savings Plans (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($) nonqualified_plan	Dec. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013 USD ($)
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution percent	50.00%
Employer contributions | $	$ 5.6	$ 5.1	$ 4.6
Number of non-qualified 401(k) plans | nonqualified_plan	2
Union Employee [Member]
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Maximum annual contribution per employee percent	5.00%
Employment period	1 year
Salaried Employee [Member]
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Maximum annual contribution per employee percent	6.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Employer match, percentage	3.00%

XML

Pension and Retirement Plans - Multi-employer Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer contributions	$ 0.8	$ 0.8	$ 0.8
Contributions by employer represent less than percent	5.00%
Funded status	At least 80 percent
Certified zone status	Green

XML

Financial Instruments - Schedule of interest rate swaps (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($) instrument	Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($) instrument	Dec. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument	2
Current Notional Amount Hedged	$ 650,000,000
Accelerated reclassifications out of AOCL	2,800,000		$ 2,800,000
Accelerated reclassification out of AOCL, net of tax benefits	1,700,000
Deferred income taxes	$ 9,100,000	$ 115,584,000	$ 159,537,000	$ 67,852,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument		12
Current Notional Amount Hedged		$ 1,318,050,000
Interest rate swap, lower range		1.05%
Interest rate swap, upper range		2.97%
Ineffective portion of the change in fair value recognized directly in earning, estimated for next twelve months		$ 6,967,000

XML

Financial Instruments - Schedule of foreign currency exchange contracts (Details) CAD in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($) instrument	Dec. 27, 2015 CAD instrument	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Current Notional Amount Hedged | $			$ 650,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | CAD Forward [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument	12	12
Current Notional Amount Hedged	$ 9,144,000	CAD 12,000
Derivative, Exchange Rate Floor	1.312	1.312
Derivative, Exchange Rate Cap	1.313	1.313

XML

Financial Instruments - Schedule of derivative instruments not designated in qualifying hedging relationships (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Dec. 27, 2015 MMBTU Pounds gal instrument $ / MMBTU $ / lb $ / gal
Diesel Fuel Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument	3
Notional Purchased in Aggregate | gal	9,309,557
Price/Index, Floor Price | $ / gal	3.68
Price/Index, Cap Price | $ / gal	3.80
Heating Oil Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument	2
Notional Purchased in Aggregate | gal	3,871,100
Price/Index, Floor Price | $ / gal	1.80
Price/Index, Cap Price | $ / gal	1.82
Natural Gas Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument	2
Notional Purchased in Aggregate | MMBTU	773,000
Price/Index, Floor Price | $ / MMBTU	2.81
Price/Index, Cap Price | $ / MMBTU	3.20
Soybean Oil Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Instruments | instrument	3
Notional Purchased in Aggregate | Pounds	62,688,173
Price/Index, Floor Price | $ / lb	0.31
Price/Index, Cap Price | $ / lb	0.35

XML

Financial Instruments - Schedule of the fair value of financial instrument by Balance Sheet Classification (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	$ 471	$ 7,714
Liability Derivatives	18,868	4,543
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other assets, net [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives		6,420
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	3,921	1,280
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other long-term liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	14,947	3,263
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	471	1,294
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	10,013	12,011
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives		8,995
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	2,036
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Other long-term liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	$ 7,977	$ 3,016

XML

Financial Instruments - Summary of derivative assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	$ 471	$ 7,714
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements	(471)	(5,039)
Asset derivatives, Net Amount	0	2,675
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Gross Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	28,881	16,554
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Subject to Netting Agreements	(471)	(5,039)
Liability, derivatives, Net Amount	$ 28,410	$ 11,515

XML

Financial Instruments - Schedule of derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Accelerated reclassifications out of AOCL	$ 2,800		$ 2,800
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Recognized in Earnings on Derivative		$ (9,292)	(12,933)	$ 535
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Recognized in Earnings on Derivative			(5)	(132)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of products sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Recognized in Earnings on Derivative		(9,292)	(12,928)	667
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Recognized in AOCL on Derivative (Effective Portion)		(22,078)	(24,841)	29,260
Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (Effective Portion)		(526)	625	(2,229)
Recognized in Earnings on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)		(16)	17	5
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Recognized in AOCL on Derivative (Effective Portion)		(24,482)	(27,313)	27,817
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (Effective Portion)		(3,737)	(877)	(4,000)	[1]
Recognized in Earnings on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)		0	0	8
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Recognized in AOCL on Derivative (Effective Portion)		2,404	2,472	1,443
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Cost of products sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (Effective Portion)		3,211	1,502	1,771
Recognized in Earnings on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)		$ (16)	$ 17	$ (3)

[1] Includes $2.8 million of accelerated reclassifications out of AOCL

XML

Financial Instruments - Schedule of aggregate fair values of derivatives that contain credit risk-related contingent features (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value	$ (30,970)	$ (10,529)
Performance Risk Adjustment	1,831	1,432
Accrued Interest	(728)	(257)
Fair Value (excluding interest)	(28,410)	(8,840)
Barclays [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value	(7,035)	(6,300)
Performance Risk Adjustment	116	0
Accrued Interest	0	0
Fair Value (excluding interest)	(6,919)	(6,300)
Bank of America [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value	(1,737)
Performance Risk Adjustment	29
Accrued Interest	0
Fair Value (excluding interest)	(1,709)
Macquarie Bank [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value	(1,408)	(5,711)
Performance Risk Adjustment	23	0
Accrued Interest	0	0
Fair Value (excluding interest)	(1,386)	(5,711)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Barclays [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value	(9,616)	550
Performance Risk Adjustment	773	667
Accrued Interest	(260)	(90)
Fair Value (excluding interest)	(8,583)	1,307
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Barclays [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value		1,294
Performance Risk Adjustment		0
Accrued Interest		0
Fair Value (excluding interest)		1,294
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Bank of America [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value	(5,879)	1,578
Performance Risk Adjustment	790	627
Accrued Interest	0	0
Fair Value (excluding interest)	(5,089)	2,205
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Bank of America [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value	470
Performance Risk Adjustment	1
Accrued Interest	0
Fair Value (excluding interest)	471
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Credit Suisse [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value	(2,627)	322
Performance Risk Adjustment	53	58
Accrued Interest	(260)	(90)
Fair Value (excluding interest)	(2,314)	470
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Macquarie Bank [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Termination Value	(3,137)	(2,262)
Performance Risk Adjustment	47	80
Accrued Interest	(209)	(77)
Fair Value (excluding interest)	$ (2,882)	$ (2,105)

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Commitments and Contingencies - Product Recall (Details) - Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Proceeds from insurance settlement	$ 3.2
Net Sales [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Proceeds from insurance settlement		$ 2.3
Marketing and selling expenses [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Proceeds from insurance settlement		0.9
Birds Eye Frozen [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Proceeds from insurance settlement		2.7
Duncan Hines Grocery [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Proceeds from insurance settlement		$ 0.5

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Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Operating Leases, Capital Leases and Purchase Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Operating leases
2016		$ 12,548
2017		12,397
2018		9,542
2019		7,500
2020		6,792
Thereafter		15,241
Capital leases
2016		6,739
2017		1,988
2018		2,008
2019		912
2020		909
Thereafter		8,183
Purchase Commitments
2016	[1]	638,720
2017	[1]	36,815
2018	[1]	12,871
2019	[1]	7,336
2020	[1]	7,336
Thereafter	[1]	44,929
Rent expense		$ 15,300	$ 14,100	$ 13,000

[1] The amounts indicated in this line primarily reflect future contractual payments, including certain take-or-pay arrangements entered into as part of the normal course of business. The amounts do not include obligations related to other contractual purchase obligations that are not take-or-pay arrangements. Such contractual purchase obligations are primarily purchase orders at fair value that are part of normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. Purchase obligations also include trade and consumer promotion and advertising commitments.

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Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Termination of advisory fee agreement	$ 15,100
Expenses from transactions with related party	3,300
Interest expense and fees recognized to a related party			$ 1,033	$ 1,602	$ 1,880
Majority Shareholder [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Underwriting fees paid	$ 2,000
Financial consulting fees paid		$ 800
Accrued liabilities			100	200
Performance Food Group Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to a related party			6,300	4,600	$ 4,100
Accounts receivable due from a related party			200	200
Blackstone [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Advisory services provided by related parties				3,800
Secured Debt [Member] | Majority Shareholder [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount owed to related parties			$ 27,716	$ 47,315

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Segments - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015 USD ($) segment	Dec. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment										3
Net sales		$ 722,478	$ 636,287	$ 631,746	$ 665,281	$ 705,333	$ 624,011	$ 617,800	$ 644,039	$ 2,655,792	$ 2,591,183	$ 2,463,802
Earnings before interest and taxes										424,702	512,271	293,037
Depreciation and amortization										89,660	80,627	78,225
Capital expenditures	[1]									108,477	104,255	86,085
Total assets		5,340,083				5,200,945				5,340,083	5,200,945
Long-lived assets		631,109				605,906				631,109	605,906
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										2,635,141	2,563,730	2,439,888
Long-lived assets		615,123				592,541				615,123	592,541
Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										118,194	82,722	83,551
Long-lived assets		15,986				13,365				15,986	13,365
Frozen [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										1,384,587	1,278,147	1,266,217
Meals and Meal Enhancers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										859,598	876,670	746,429
Desserts [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										309,702	331,766	346,856
Snacks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										101,905	104,600	104,300
Operating Segments [Member] | Birds Eye Frozen [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										1,227,235	1,115,232	1,096,897
Earnings before interest and taxes										211,515	182,376	198,634
Depreciation and amortization										44,405	40,390	38,409
Capital expenditures	[1]									49,832	29,579	40,516
Total assets		2,267,771				2,123,902				2,267,771	2,123,902
Operating Segments [Member] | Duncan Hines Grocery [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										1,092,408	1,131,380	1,004,990
Earnings before interest and taxes										206,731	184,087	144,428
Depreciation and amortization										30,685	26,289	22,755
Capital expenditures	[1]									50,153	65,325	34,003
Total assets		2,675,110				2,612,311				2,675,110	2,612,311
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										336,149	344,571	361,915
Earnings before interest and taxes										32,307	30,890	29,959
Depreciation and amortization										14,570	13,948	17,061
Capital expenditures	[1]									8,492	9,351	11,566
Total assets		352,663				343,177				352,663	343,177
Unallocated corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before interest and taxes										(25,851)	114,918	(79,984)
Total assets		$ 44,539				$ 121,555				44,539	121,555
Intercompany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										$ (97,543)	$ (55,269)	$ (59,637)

[1] Includes new capital leases.

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Provision for Income Taxes - Schedule of the Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Current
Federal		$ 2,191	$ 0	$ 117
State		6,431	7,886	2,967
Non-U.S.		(327)	377	539
Total Current		8,295	8,263	3,623
Deferred
Federal		106,975	147,929	65,554
State		7,452	11,680	2,151
Non-U.S.		1,157	(72)	147
Total Deferred	$ 9,100	115,584	159,537	67,852
Provision for income taxes		123,879	167,800	71,475
Earnings before income taxes
United States		332,020	415,149	158,190
Non-U.S.		4,367	1,069	2,634
Earnings before income taxes		$ 336,387	$ 416,218	$ 160,824
Effective Income Tax Rate
Federal statutory income tax rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)		2.70%	3.10%	2.10%
Tax effect resulting from international activities		(0.60%)	0.00%	(0.20%)
Domestic production activities deduction		(0.30%)	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
Non-deductible expenses		0.30%	0.20%	0.50%
Equity based compensation		0.10%	2.00%	0.60%
Uncertain tax positions		0.00%	0.00%	1.30%
Swap De-designation		0.00%	0.00%	5.00%
Other		(0.40%)	0.00%	0.10%
Effective income tax rate		36.80%	40.30%	44.40%

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Provision for Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities	$ 11,907	$ 14,120
Inventories	5,974	8,328
Benefits and compensation	25,689	22,276
Hedges	7,159	0
Net operating loss carryforwards	85,742	165,045
Federal & state tax credits	3,655	4,041
Postretirement benefits	23,401	21,966
Alternative minimum tax	1,993	1,924
Other	3,129	4,225
Subtotal	168,649	241,925
Valuation allowance	(1,487)	(1,706)
Total net deferred tax assets	167,162	240,219
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract]
Other intangible assets	(749,498)	(731,240)
Partnership interest	(8,866)	(8,887)
Plant assets	(105,563)	(94,147)
Unremitted earnings	0	(3,672)
Hedges	0	(1,050)
Other	(679)	(836)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(864,606)	(839,832)
Net deferred tax liability	(697,444)	(599,613)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current net deferred tax assets	40,571	121,788
Long-term net deferred tax liability	$ (738,015)	$ (721,401)

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Provision for Income Taxes - Schedule of Valuation Allowance (Details) - Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Deferred tax valuation allowance, Beginning balance	$ 2,288	$ 3,952	$ 13,354
Additions	623	0	0
Acquisitions	0	0	0
Deductions	(624)	(1,664)	(9,402)
Deferred tax valuation allowance, Ending balance	$ 2,287	$ 2,288	$ 3,952

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Provision for Income Taxes - Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax positions at beginning of year	$ 8,242	$ 6,905	$ 8,507
Increase for tax positions related to prior periods	0	1,300	0
Decrease for tax positions related to prior periods	0	0	0
Increase for tax positions related to the current period	558	204	2,569
Decrease related to settlement with tax authorities	0	0	(4,122)
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	(189)	(167)	(49)
Gross unrecognized tax positions at end of year	$ 8,611	$ 8,242	$ 6,905

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Provision for Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Production Activities Deduction		0.30%	0.00%	0.00%
Tax benefit of repatriated foreign earnings		$ 1,400
Tax differential on foreign subsidiaries, benefit		0.60%	(0.00%)	0.20%
Reduction in current taxes payable on net termination fee from utilization of net operating loss carryover			$ 3,000
Non-deductible, equity-based compensation expense, recognized amount			23,700
Deferred income taxes	$ 9,100	$ 115,584	159,537	$ 67,852
Net operating losses		443,700
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		8,611	8,242	6,905	$ 8,507
Increase resulting from the settlement of tax examinations		100
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate		2,800
Potential decrease in uncertain tax positions in next twelve months		200
Interest and penalty income associated with uncertain tax positions		(100)	0	200
Accrued interest and penalties		200	100
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses		1,500
Operating loss carryforwards, annual limitation		17,100
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses		282,900
Tax credits		3,100
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses		500
Domestic and Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net increase in unrecognized tax benefit		400
Exceeds Limitation [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses		237,200
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred income taxes				$ 9,100
Hillshire Merger Termination [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net income from terminated merger agreement			$ 145,600
State Net Operating Loss and Credits [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance increase (decrease)		600
Write-off of Foreign Net Operating Loss Carryover [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance increase (decrease)		$ (600)

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Quarterly Results (Unaudited) - Summary of Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended											3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015		Sep. 27, 2015		Jun. 28, 2015		Mar. 29, 2015		Dec. 28, 2014		Sep. 28, 2014		Jun. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 27, 2015		Dec. 28, 2014		Dec. 29, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales													$ 722,478		$ 636,287		$ 631,746		$ 665,281		$ 705,333		$ 624,011		$ 617,800		$ 644,039		$ 2,655,792		$ 2,591,183		$ 2,463,802
Cost of products sold													499,653		459,432		462,637		493,564		516,915		460,109		455,583		477,378		1,915,286		1,909,985		1,809,553
Gross profit													222,825		176,855		169,109		171,717		188,418		163,902		162,217		166,661		740,506		681,198		654,249
Net earnings (loss)													$ 79,195		$ 48,098		$ 43,679		$ 41,536		$ 36,129		$ 135,957		$ 35,584		$ 40,748		$ 212,508		$ 248,418		$ 89,349
Basic (in dollars per share)													$ 0.68	[1]	$ 0.41	[1]	$ 0.38	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 0.31	[1]	$ 1.17	[1]	$ 0.31	[1]	$ 0.35	[1]	$ 1.83	[1]	$ 2.15	[1]	$ 0.84
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic													116,105,000	[1]	116,085,000	[1]	116,031,000	[1]	115,906,000	[1]	115,780,000	[1]	115,728,000	[1]	115,690,000	[1]	115,592,000	[1]	116,031,648		115,697,621		106,841,198
Diluted (in dollars per share)													$ 0.67	[1]	$ 0.41	[1]	$ 0.37	[1]	$ 0.35	[1]	$ 0.31	[1]	$ 1.16	[1]	$ 0.30	[1]	$ 0.35	[1]	$ 1.81	[1]	$ 2.13	[1]	$ 0.82
Weighted average shares outstanding- diluted													117,503,000	[1]	117,470,000	[1]	117,281,000	[1]	117,036,000	[1]	116,950,000	[1]	117,004,000	[1]	116,901,000	[1]	116,687,000	[1]	117,322,526		116,885,222		108,618,740
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)		$ 0.255	$ 0.255	$ 0.235	$ 0.235	$ 0.235	$ 0.235	$ 0.21	$ 0.21	$ 0.21	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.255	[1]	$ 0.255	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.235	[1]	$ 0.21	[1]	$ 0.21	[1]	$ 0.98	[1]	$ 0.89	[1]	$ 0.57
Market price - high (in dollars per share)	[1]												44.75		47.41		47.35		40.89		35.85		34.21		35.67		29.56		47.41		35.85
Market price - low (in dollars per share)	[1]												$ 40.27		$ 43.21		$ 39.79		$ 34.77		$ 31.34		$ 30.03		$ 28.64		$ 26.09		$ 34.77		$ 26.09

[1] The sum of the individual per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

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Quarterly Results (Unaudited) - Summary of Net Earnings Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
		Nov. 21, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense		$ 23,700								$ 15,122	$ 35,951	$ 7,933
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement, net of costs										0	152,982	0
Boulder Brands Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs			$ 2,100							1,713	0	0
Cost of products sold [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	[1]		2,448	$ 2,011	$ 1,677	$ 2,489				8,625
Cost of products sold [Member] | Liquidity Event [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	[2]						$ 2,644				2,644
Cost of products sold [Member] | Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	[3]						636				636
Cost of products sold [Member] | Hillshire Merger Termination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	[4]						1,438	$ 1,452			2,890
Marketing and selling expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense										3,642	5,836	1,399
Marketing and selling expenses [Member] | Liquidity Event [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	[2]						3,317				3,317
Marketing and selling expenses [Member] | Hillshire Merger Termination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	[4]						988	975			1,963
Administrative expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense										7,461	23,977	5,792
Share-based compensation expense as result of liquidity event											23,700
Administrative expenses [Member] | Liquidity Event [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	[2]						17,676				17,676
Administrative expenses [Member] | Hillshire Merger Termination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	[4]						1,108	1,121			2,229
Research and development expense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense										372	573	$ 109
Research and development expense [Member] | Liquidity Event [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	[2]						94				94
Research and development expense [Member] | Hillshire Merger Termination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	[4]						162	165			327
Termination of Hillshire merger fee agreement, net of costs	[4]						6	$ (155,073)	$ 2,085		(152,982)
Other expense (income), net [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Foreign exchange losses/Acquisition costs	[5]		1,051	$ 2,102	$ (700)	$ 2,278				4,731
Other expense (income), net [Member] | Boulder Brands Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Foreign exchange losses/Acquisition costs	[6]		$ 1,713							$ 1,713
Other expense (income), net [Member] | Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs											3,100
Foreign exchange losses/Acquisition costs	[3]						$ 3,776				3,776
Acquisition related costs, foreign exchange loss											700
Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member] | Cost of products sold [Member] | Garden Protein International, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs											$ 600

[1] The Company recorded integration costs related to the Garden Protein and Wish-Bone acquisitions.

[2] The Company recorded approximately $23.7 million of equity based compensation expense resulting from the Liquidity event. This is explained in greater detail in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is primarily recorded in Administration expense.

[3] Garden Protein acquisition costs include $0.6 million of charges recorded in Cost of products sold, primarily resulting from the step-up of inventories acquired and sold during 2014, $3.1 million of transaction costs recorded in Other expense (income), net and $0.7 million of foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future recorded in Other expense (income), net.

[4] The Company recorded a merger termination fee payment, net of costs incurred related to the terminated merger agreement for the sale of the Company to The Hillshire Brands Company ("Hillshire"). This is explained in greater detail in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

[5] The Company recorded foreign exchange losses from intra-entity loans resulting from the Garden Protein acquisition that are anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.

[6] Boulder Brands acquisition costs primarily consist of legal, accounting and other professional fees. This is explained in greater detail in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Apr. 29, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee other indebtedness of the Company	100.00%
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	4.875%	4.875%	4.875%

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Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements - Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 180,549	$ 38,477	$ 116,739	$ 92,281
Accounts receivable, net	219,736	190,754
Intercompany accounts receivable	0	0
Inventories, net	403,101	356,467
Other current assets	13,677	8,223
Deferred tax assets	40,571	121,788
Total current assets	857,634	715,709
Plant assets, net	631,109	605,906
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany note receivable	0	0
Tradenames	2,001,048	2,001,874
Other assets, net	136,284	157,896
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Goodwill	1,714,008	1,719,560	1,628,095
Total assets	5,340,083	5,200,945
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	2,225	2,396
Current portion of long-term obligations	14,847	11,916
Accounts payable	211,039	198,579
Intercompany accounts payable	0	0
Accrued trade marketing expense	46,228	36,210
Accrued liabilities	100,510	106,488
Dividends payable	30,798	27,847
Total current liabilities	405,647	383,436
Long-term debt	2,272,932	2,285,984
Intercompany note payable	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefits	63,454	61,830
Other long-term liabilities	54,506	34,305
Deferred tax liabilities	738,015	721,401
Total liabilities	$ 3,534,554	$ 3,486,956
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$ 1,176	$ 1,173
Additional paid-in-capital	1,378,521	1,363,129
Retained earnings	517,330	419,531
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(59,388)	(37,734)
Capital stock in treasury	(32,110)	(32,110)
Total shareholders' equity	1,805,529	1,713,989	1,598,041	888,726
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	5,340,083	5,200,945
Pinnacle Foods Inc. [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Intercompany accounts receivable	92,475	89,361
Inventories, net	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Total current assets	92,475	89,361
Plant assets, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	1,744,015	1,652,475
Intercompany note receivable	0	0
Tradenames	0	0
Other assets, net	0	0
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Total assets	1,836,490	1,741,836
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Current portion of long-term obligations	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany accounts payable	0	0
Accrued trade marketing expense	0	0
Accrued liabilities	163	0
Dividends payable	30,798	27,847
Total current liabilities	30,961	27,847
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany note payable	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefits	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 30,961	$ 27,847
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$ 1,176	$ 1,173
Additional paid-in-capital	1,378,521	1,363,129
Retained earnings	517,330	419,531
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(59,388)	(37,734)
Capital stock in treasury	(32,110)	(32,110)
Total shareholders' equity	1,805,529	1,713,989
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,836,490	1,741,836
Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Intercompany accounts receivable	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Other current assets	470	1,294
Deferred tax assets	1,670	1,015
Total current assets	2,140	2,309
Plant assets, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	2,428,472	2,188,789
Intercompany note receivable	2,084,130	2,086,775
Tradenames	0	0
Other assets, net	16,855	26,757
Deferred tax assets	332,372	307,584
Goodwill	0	0
Total assets	4,863,969	4,612,214
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Current portion of long-term obligations	5,250	5,250
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany accounts payable	815,100	664,675
Accrued trade marketing expense	0	0
Accrued liabilities	18,152	22,137
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	838,502	692,062
Long-term debt	2,258,528	2,261,397
Intercompany note payable	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefits	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	22,924	6,280
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 3,119,954	$ 2,959,739
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0
Additional paid-in-capital	1,379,697	1,364,302
Retained earnings	423,706	325,907
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(59,388)	(37,734)
Capital stock in treasury	0	0
Total shareholders' equity	1,744,015	1,652,475
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	4,863,969	4,612,214
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	177,669	32,942	104,345	83,123
Accounts receivable, net	214,690	176,822
Intercompany accounts receivable	725,074	575,842
Inventories, net	392,404	344,589
Other current assets	11,860	6,756
Deferred tax assets	38,516	120,488
Total current assets	1,560,213	1,257,439
Plant assets, net	615,123	592,541
Investment in subsidiaries	26,433	75,740
Intercompany note receivable	8,398	7,270
Tradenames	1,996,800	1,951,392
Other assets, net	118,621	119,336
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Goodwill	1,692,715	1,638,946
Total assets	6,018,303	5,642,664
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	2,225	2,396
Current portion of long-term obligations	9,515	6,746
Accounts payable	206,082	194,671
Intercompany accounts payable	0	0
Accrued trade marketing expense	44,096	33,039
Accrued liabilities	79,468	73,911
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	341,386	310,763
Long-term debt	14,055	24,142
Intercompany note payable	2,075,113	2,005,593
Pension and other postretirement benefits	63,454	61,830
Other long-term liabilities	28,195	24,368
Deferred tax liabilities	1,067,628	1,027,179
Total liabilities	$ 3,589,831	$ 3,453,875
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0
Additional paid-in-capital	1,301,642	1,285,084
Retained earnings	1,169,032	942,185
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(42,202)	(38,480)
Capital stock in treasury	0	0
Total shareholders' equity	2,428,472	2,188,789
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	6,018,303	5,642,664
Nonguarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	2,880	5,535	12,394	9,158
Accounts receivable, net	5,046	13,932
Intercompany accounts receivable	0	0
Inventories, net	10,697	11,878
Other current assets	1,347	173
Deferred tax assets	385	285
Total current assets	20,355	31,803
Plant assets, net	15,986	13,365
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany note receivable	9,800	9,800
Tradenames	4,248	50,482
Other assets, net	808	11,803
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Goodwill	21,293	80,614
Total assets	72,490	197,867
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Current portion of long-term obligations	82	(80)
Accounts payable	4,957	3,908
Intercompany accounts payable	2,449	528
Accrued trade marketing expense	2,132	3,171
Accrued liabilities	$ 2,727	10,440
Dividends payable		0
Total current liabilities	$ 12,347	17,967
Long-term debt	349	445
Intercompany note payable	27,215	98,252
Pension and other postretirement benefits	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	3,387	3,657
Deferred tax liabilities	2,759	1,806
Total liabilities	$ 46,057	$ 122,127
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0
Additional paid-in-capital	20,476	67,181
Retained earnings	14,212	10,977
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,255)	(2,418)
Capital stock in treasury	0	0
Total shareholders' equity	26,433	75,740
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	72,490	197,867
Eliminations and Reclassifications [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Intercompany accounts receivable	(817,549)	(665,203)
Inventories, net	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Total current assets	(817,549)	(665,203)
Plant assets, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	(4,198,920)	(3,917,004)
Intercompany note receivable	(2,102,328)	(2,103,845)
Tradenames	0	0
Other assets, net	0	0
Deferred tax assets	(332,372)	(307,584)
Goodwill	0	0
Total assets	(7,451,169)	(6,993,636)
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Current portion of long-term obligations	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany accounts payable	(817,549)	(665,203)
Accrued trade marketing expense	0	0
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	(817,549)	(665,203)
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany note payable	(2,102,328)	(2,103,845)
Pension and other postretirement benefits	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	(332,372)	(307,584)
Total liabilities	$ (3,252,249)	$ (3,076,632)
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholder’s equity:
Pinnacle Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0
Additional paid-in-capital	(2,701,815)	(2,716,567)
Retained earnings	(1,606,950)	(1,279,069)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	109,845	78,632
Capital stock in treasury	0	0
Total shareholders' equity	(4,198,920)	(3,917,004)
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ (7,451,169)	$ (6,993,636)

XML

Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements - Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 722,478	$ 636,287	$ 631,746	$ 665,281	$ 705,333	$ 624,011	$ 617,800	$ 644,039	$ 2,655,792	$ 2,591,183	$ 2,463,802
Cost of products sold	499,653	459,432	462,637	493,564	516,915	460,109	455,583	477,378	1,915,286	1,909,985	1,809,553
Gross profit	222,825	176,855	169,109	171,717	188,418	163,902	162,217	166,661	740,506	681,198	654,249
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses									176,702	177,372	175,702
Administrative expenses									107,004	117,275	119,790
Research and development expenses									12,992	11,281	10,516
Intercompany royalties									0	0	0
Intercompany technical service fees									0	0	0
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement									0	(152,982)	0
Goodwill impairment charge											0
Other expense (income), net									19,106	15,981	55,204
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees									0	0	0
Total operating expenses									315,804	168,927	361,212
Earnings before interest and taxes									424,702	512,271	293,037
Intercompany interest (income) expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									88,513	96,174	132,354
Interest income									198	121	141
Earnings before income taxes									336,387	416,218	160,824
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									123,879	167,800	71,475
Net earnings	$ 79,195	$ 48,098	$ 43,679	$ 41,536	$ 36,129	$ 135,957	$ 35,584	$ 40,748	212,508	248,418	89,349
Comprehensive earnings (loss)									190,854	218,181	143,405
Pinnacle Foods Inc. [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Cost of products sold									0	0	0
Gross profit									0	0	0
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses									0	0	0
Administrative expenses									0	0	0
Research and development expenses									0	0	0
Intercompany royalties									0	0	0
Intercompany technical service fees									0	0	0
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement									0	(152,982)	0
Goodwill impairment charge											0
Other expense (income), net									0	0	0
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees									(212,508)	(154,793)	(89,349)
Total operating expenses									(212,508)	(307,775)	(89,349)
Earnings before interest and taxes									212,508	307,775	89,349
Intercompany interest (income) expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Interest income									0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes									212,508	307,775	89,349
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									0	59,357	0
Net earnings									212,508	248,418	89,349
Comprehensive earnings (loss)									190,854	218,181	143,405
Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Cost of products sold									0	0	636
Gross profit									0	0	(636)
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses									0	0	1,399
Administrative expenses									0	742	18,114
Research and development expenses									0	0	109
Intercompany royalties									0	0	0
Intercompany technical service fees									0	0	0
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement										0
Goodwill impairment charge											0
Other expense (income), net									3,663	2,620	34,180
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees									(226,847)	(173,467)	(159,930)
Total operating expenses									(223,184)	(170,105)	(106,128)
Earnings before interest and taxes									223,184	170,105	105,492
Intercompany interest (income) expense									(68,701)	(66,993)	(68,983)
Interest expense									86,745	94,144	130,386
Interest income									0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes									205,140	142,954	44,089
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									(7,368)	(11,839)	(45,260)
Net earnings									212,508	154,793	89,349
Comprehensive earnings (loss)									190,854	124,556	143,405
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									2,635,141	2,563,730	2,439,888
Cost of products sold									1,915,267	1,894,503	1,797,345
Gross profit									719,874	669,227	642,543
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses									168,239	171,267	168,092
Administrative expenses									100,556	112,180	98,020
Research and development expenses									12,492	11,209	10,407
Intercompany royalties									0	0	0
Intercompany technical service fees									0	0	0
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement										0
Goodwill impairment charge											0
Other expense (income), net									15,338	13,177	21,024
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees									(3,235)	(473)	(1,662)
Total operating expenses									293,390	307,360	295,881
Earnings before interest and taxes									426,484	361,867	346,662
Intercompany interest (income) expense									67,657	66,486	68,850
Interest expense									1,727	1,999	1,939
Interest income									163	62	105
Earnings before income taxes									357,263	293,444	275,978
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									130,416	119,977	116,048
Net earnings									226,847	173,467	159,930
Comprehensive earnings (loss)									217,931	159,409	185,544
Nonguarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									118,194	82,722	83,551
Cost of products sold									96,545	69,655	70,167
Gross profit									21,649	13,067	13,384
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses									8,463	6,105	6,211
Administrative expenses									6,448	4,353	3,656
Research and development expenses									500	72	0
Intercompany royalties									20	37	47
Intercompany technical service fees									997	1,059	995
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement										0
Goodwill impairment charge											0
Other expense (income), net									105	184	0
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees									0	0	0
Total operating expenses									16,533	11,810	10,909
Earnings before interest and taxes									5,116	1,257	2,475
Intercompany interest (income) expense									1,044	507	133
Interest expense									41	31	29
Interest income									35	59	36
Earnings before income taxes									4,066	778	2,349
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									831	305	687
Net earnings									3,235	473	1,662
Comprehensive earnings (loss)									(1,747)	(390)	1,379
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									(97,543)	(55,269)	(59,637)
Cost of products sold									(96,526)	(54,173)	(58,595)
Gross profit									(1,017)	(1,096)	(1,042)
Operating expenses
Marketing and selling expenses									0	0	0
Administrative expenses									0	0	0
Research and development expenses									0	0	0
Intercompany royalties									(20)	(37)	(47)
Intercompany technical service fees									(997)	(1,059)	(995)
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement										0
Goodwill impairment charge											0
Other expense (income), net									0	0	0
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees									442,590	328,733	250,941
Total operating expenses									441,573	327,637	249,899
Earnings before interest and taxes									(442,590)	(328,733)	(250,941)
Intercompany interest (income) expense									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Interest income									0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes									(442,590)	(328,733)	(250,941)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									0	0	0
Net earnings									(442,590)	(328,733)	(250,941)
Comprehensive earnings (loss)									$ (407,038)	$ (283,575)	$ (330,328)

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Guarantor and Nonguarantor Statements - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 372,911	$ 550,710	$ 262,242
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	0	0	0
Repayments of intercompany loans	0	0	0
Payments for business acquisition	1,102	(169,373)	(575,164)
Investment in subsidiary	0	0	0
Capital expenditures	(108,477)	(102,967)	(84,055)
Sale of plant assets	1,618	2,328	6,853
Net cash used in investing activities	(105,757)	(270,012)	(652,366)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,231	489	624,953
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	1,442	905	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(2,401)	(3,061)	0
Dividends paid	(111,758)	(101,606)	(41,664)
Proceeds from notes offerings	0	0	350,000
Proceeds from bank term loans	0	0	2,142,394
Repayments of long-term obligations	(8,870)	(219,967)	(1,736,146)
Repurchase of notes	0	0	(899,180)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	4,261	4,757	5,078
Repayments of short-term borrowing	(4,480)	(4,799)	(4,779)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	65,000	0
Repayments of revolving credit facility	0	(65,000)	0
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	0	0	0
Return of capital	0	0	0
Intercompany loans	0	0	0
Repayment of capital lease obligations	(3,585)	(2,373)	(2,943)
Purchase of stock for treasury	0	(32,110)	0
Debt acquisition costs	0	(258)	(23,142)
Parent reduction in investment in subsidiary			0
Repurchases of equity	0	0	(191)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(124,160)	(358,023)	414,380
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(922)	(937)	202
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	142,072	(78,262)	24,458
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	38,477	116,739	92,281
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	180,549	38,477	116,739
Pinnacle Foods Inc. [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	149,982	0
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	0	(14,599)	0
Repayments of intercompany loans	0	0	0
Payments for business acquisition	0	0	0
Investment in subsidiary	111,486	0	(582,957)
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Sale of plant assets	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	111,486	(14,599)	(582,957)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,231	489	624,621
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	1,442	905	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(2,401)	(3,061)	0
Dividends paid	(111,758)	(101,606)	(41,664)
Proceeds from notes offerings			0
Proceeds from bank term loans			0
Repayments of long-term obligations	0	0	0
Repurchase of notes			0
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	0	0	0
Repayments of short-term borrowing	0	0	0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility		0
Repayments of revolving credit facility		0
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	0	0	0
Return of capital	0	0	0
Intercompany loans	0	0	0
Repayment of capital lease obligations	0	0	0
Purchase of stock for treasury	0	(32,110)	0
Debt acquisition costs		0	0
Parent reduction in investment in subsidiary			191
Repurchases of equity	0	0	(191)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(111,486)	(135,383)	582,957
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	0	0	0
Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(12,155)	(65,834)	(26,559)
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	128,891	0	(452,268)
Repayments of intercompany loans	0	119,814	59,827
Payments for business acquisition	0	0	0
Investment in subsidiary	0	(169,373)	0
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Sale of plant assets	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	128,891	(49,559)	(392,441)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	0	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Proceeds from notes offerings			350,000
Proceeds from bank term loans			2,142,394
Repayments of long-term obligations	(5,250)	(217,392)	(1,733,838)
Repurchase of notes			(899,180)
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	0	0	0
Repayments of short-term borrowing	0	0	0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility		65,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility		(65,000)
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	0	333,043	0
Return of capital	(111,486)	0	582,957
Intercompany loans	0	0	0
Repayment of capital lease obligations	0	0	0
Purchase of stock for treasury		0
Debt acquisition costs		(258)	(23,142)
Parent reduction in investment in subsidiary			(191)
Repurchases of equity			0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(116,736)	115,393	419,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	0	0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	394,876	472,484	285,767
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	(14,400)	(333,136)	0
Repayments of intercompany loans	(801)	0	0
Payments for business acquisition	1,102	(169,373)	(575,164)
Investment in subsidiary	0	0	0
Capital expenditures	(101,353)	(102,967)	(84,055)
Sale of plant assets	1,618	2,328	6,853
Net cash used in investing activities	(113,834)	(603,148)	(652,366)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	332
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	0	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Proceeds from notes offerings			0
Proceeds from bank term loans			0
Repayments of long-term obligations	(3,620)	(2,575)	(2,308)
Repurchase of notes			0
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	4,261	4,757	5,078
Repayments of short-term borrowing	(4,480)	(4,799)	(4,779)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility		0
Repayments of revolving credit facility		0
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	(128,891)	14,692	452,268
Return of capital	0	169,373	0
Intercompany loans	0	(119,814)	(59,827)
Repayment of capital lease obligations	(3,585)	(2,373)	(2,943)
Purchase of stock for treasury		0
Debt acquisition costs		0	0
Parent reduction in investment in subsidiary			0
Repurchases of equity			0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(136,315)	59,261	387,821
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	144,727	(71,403)	21,222
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	32,942	104,345	83,123
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	177,669	32,942	104,345
Nonguarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(9,810)	(5,922)	3,034
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	0	$ 0	$ 0
Repayments of intercompany loans	0
Payments for business acquisition	0	$ 0	$ 0
Investment in subsidiary	0	0	0
Capital expenditures	(7,124)	0	0
Sale of plant assets	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,124)	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	0	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Proceeds from notes offerings			0
Proceeds from bank term loans			0
Repayments of long-term obligations	0	0	0
Repurchase of notes			0
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	0	0	0
Repayments of short-term borrowing	0	0	$ 0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility		0
Repayments of revolving credit facility		$ 0
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	14,400
Return of capital	0	$ 0	$ 0
Intercompany loans	801	0	0
Repayment of capital lease obligations	0	0	0
Purchase of stock for treasury		0
Debt acquisition costs		0	0
Parent reduction in investment in subsidiary			0
Repurchases of equity			0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	15,201	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(922)	(937)	202
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(2,655)	(6,859)	3,236
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	5,535	12,394	9,158
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	2,880	5,535	12,394
Eliminations and Reclassifications [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	(114,491)	347,735	452,268
Repayments of intercompany loans	801	(119,814)	(59,827)
Payments for business acquisition	0	0	0
Investment in subsidiary	(111,486)	169,373	582,957
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Sale of plant assets	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(225,176)	397,294	975,398
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	0	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Proceeds from notes offerings			0
Proceeds from bank term loans			0
Repayments of long-term obligations	0	0	0
Repurchase of notes			0
Proceeds from short-term borrowing	0	0	0
Repayments of short-term borrowing	0	0	0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility		0
Repayments of revolving credit facility		0
Intercompany accounts receivable/payable	114,491	(347,735)	(452,268)
Return of capital	111,486	(169,373)	(582,957)
Intercompany loans	(801)	119,814	59,827
Repayment of capital lease obligations	0	0	0
Purchase of stock for treasury		0
Debt acquisition costs		0	0
Parent reduction in investment in subsidiary			0
Repurchases of equity			0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	225,176	(397,294)	(975,398)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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Subsequent Events (Details) - Boulder Brands Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Annual net sales from prior year of acquiree (in excess of)					$ 517,000
Acquisition related costs			$ 2,100	$ 1,713	$ 0	$ 0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage acquired	100.00%
Total cost of acquisition	$ 982,000
Forecast [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs		$ 34,000
Debt acquisition costs and original issue discount		$ 25,000
Net leverage ratio	4.25
Expected interest rate increase	0.25%
Term loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
New borrowings	$ 550,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
New borrowings	$ 350,000
Stated interest rate	5.875%

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Schedule I - Condensed Financial Statements - Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement									$ 0	$ 152,982	$ 0
Equity in earnings of investees									0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes									336,387	416,218	160,824
Provision for income taxes									123,879	167,800	71,475
Net earnings	$ 79,195	$ 48,098	$ 43,679	$ 41,536	$ 36,129	$ 135,957	$ 35,584	$ 40,748	212,508	248,418	89,349
Comprehensive earnings									190,854	218,181	143,405
Pinnacle Foods Inc. [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Termination fee received, net of costs, associated with the Hillshire merger agreement									0	152,982	0
Equity in earnings of investees									212,508	154,793	89,349
Earnings before income taxes									212,508	307,775	89,349
Provision for income taxes									0	59,357	0
Net earnings									212,508	248,418	89,349
Comprehensive earnings									$ 190,854	$ 218,181	$ 143,405

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Schedule I - Condensed Financial Statements - Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Current assets:
Total current assets	$ 857,634	$ 715,709
Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Total assets	5,340,083	5,200,945
Current liabilities:
Accrued liabilities	100,510	106,488
Dividends payable	30,798	27,847
Total liabilities	$ 3,534,554	$ 3,486,956
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity	$ 1,805,529	$ 1,713,989	$ 1,598,041	$ 888,726
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	5,340,083	5,200,945
Pinnacle Foods Inc. [Member]
Current assets:
Due from subsidiaries	92,475	89,361
Total current assets	92,475	89,361
Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Investment in subsidiaries	1,744,015	1,652,475
Total assets	1,836,490	1,741,836
Current liabilities:
Accrued liabilities	163	0
Dividends payable	30,798	27,847
Total liabilities	$ 30,961	$ 27,847
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity	$ 1,805,529	$ 1,713,989
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,836,490	$ 1,741,836

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Schedule I - Condensed Financial Statements - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$ 79,195	$ 48,098	$ 43,679	$ 41,536	$ 36,129	$ 135,957	$ 35,584	$ 40,748		$ 212,508	$ 248,418	$ 89,349
Non-cash charges (credits) to net earnings
Deferred taxes									$ 9,100	115,584	159,537	67,852
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees										0	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities										372,911	550,710	262,242
Cash flows from investing activities
Reduction (increase) in investment in subsidiaries										1,102	(169,373)	(575,164)
Net cash used in investing activities										(105,757)	(270,012)	(652,366)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid										(111,758)	(101,606)	(41,664)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation										1,442	905	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards										(2,401)	(3,061)	0
Purchase of stock for treasury										0	(32,110)	0
Repurchases of equity										0	0	(191)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities										(124,160)	(358,023)	414,380
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period				38,477				116,739		38,477	116,739	92,281
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	180,549				38,477					180,549	38,477	116,739
Pinnacle Foods Inc. [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings										212,508	248,418	89,349
Non-cash charges (credits) to net earnings
Deferred taxes										0	56,357	0
Equity in (earnings) loss of investees										(212,508)	(154,793)	(89,349)
Net cash provided by operating activities										0	149,982	0
Cash flows from investing activities
Reduction (increase) in investment in subsidiaries										(111,486)	(14,599)	(583,098)
Net cash used in investing activities										111,486	(14,599)	(582,957)
Cash flows from financing activities
Equity contributions										1,231	489	624,953
Dividends paid										(111,758)	(101,606)	(41,664)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation										1,442	905	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards										(2,401)	(3,061)	0
Purchase of stock for treasury										0	(32,110)	0
Repurchases of equity										0	0	(191)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities										(111,486)	(135,383)	582,957
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period				$ 0				$ 0		0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$ 0				$ 0					$ 0	$ 0	0
Peak Finance Holdings LLC [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities
Ownership percentage	100.00%									100.00%
PInnacle Foods Finance LLC [Member] | Peak Finance Holdings LLC [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities
Ownership percentage	100.00%									100.00%
Previously reported | Pinnacle Foods Inc. [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities												(583,098)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities												$ 583,098