Ruddick Corporation · Charlotte, NC United States ·(NYSE: RDK)

Bread and thread are two of Ruddick's biggest sellers. Through subsidiary Harris Teeter (more than 90% of sales), the company operates a chain of about 175 supermarkets in eight southeastern states and the District of Columbia. About two-thirds of the stores house pharmacies. Most of the markets feature niceties such as sushi bars, gourmet delis, and cafes. Subsidiary American & Efird (A&E) makes industrial thread mainly for apparel, but also for the automotive, medical, and footwear industries. A&E manufactures the Signature line of sewing thread for consumers and distributes other companies' sewing supplies. It runs about a half -dozen North Carolina plants and has operations in nearly 20 other countries. To read the full description, subscribe now.