10-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

	(Mark one)
	[ X ]	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
		For the Fiscal Year Ended: September 28, 2008
OR
	[    ]	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:  1-6905

RUDDICK CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

North Carolina	56-0905940
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification Number)

301 S. Tryon St., Suite 1800, Charlotte, North Carolina	28202
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (704) 372-5404

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

Title of each class:	Name of exchange on which registered:
Common Stock	New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Rights to Purchase Series A Junior
Participating Additional Preferred Stock	New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

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     X     No          

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

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     X     No           

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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. [  ]

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

Large accelerated filer    X _	Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer	Smaller reporting company
(Do not check if a 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     X

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, March 30, 2008, was $1,478,681,000. The registrant has no non-voting stock.

As of November 14, 2008, the registrant had outstanding 48,314,827 shares of Common Stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Part III: Portions of the Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company’s 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on February 19, 2009 are incorporated by reference into Part III. (With the exception of those portions which are specifically incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, the Proxy Statement is not deemed to be filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report.)

RUDDICK CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
		Page
Item 1.	Business	1
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	3
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	6
Item 2.	Properties	6
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	7
Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	7
Item 4A.	Executive Officers of the Registrant	7
PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder
	Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	8
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	10
Item 7.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
	and Results of Operations	10
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	22
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	23
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
	and Financial Disclosure	47
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	47
Item 9B.	Other Information	48
PART III
Item 10.	Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant	49
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	49
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
	Management and Related Shareholder Matters	49
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director
	Independence	49
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	49
PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	50

PART I

Item 1. Business

Ruddick Corporation (the “Company”) is a holding company which, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is engaged in two primary businesses: Harris Teeter, Inc. (“Harris Teeter”) currently operates a regional chain of supermarkets in eight states in the southeastern U.S. and the District of Columbia, while American & Efird, Inc. (“A&E”) manufactures and distributes industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles on a global basis.

At September 28, 2008, the Company and its subsidiaries had total consolidated assets of $1,696,407,000 and had approximately 25,500 employees. The principal executive office of the Company is located at 301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28202.

Ruddick Corporation, which is incorporated under North Carolina law, was created in 1968 through the consolidation of the predecessor companies of Ruddick Investment Company (which was subsequently merged into Ruddick Operating Company) and A&E. In 1969, the Company acquired Harris Teeter. Ruddick Operating Company is not classified as a separate operating component of the Company due to its limited operations and relative size to the consolidated group. Ruddick Operating Company manages venture capital holdings in a limited number of entities and has investments in various independently managed venture capital investment funds. For information regarding the Company’s investments, see the Note entitled “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 hereof.

The two primary businesses of the Company, together with financial information and competitive aspects of such businesses, are discussed separately below. For other information regarding industry segments, see the Note entitled “Industry Segment Information” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 hereof.

The only foreign operations conducted by the Company are through A&E. Neither of the two primary businesses would be characterized as seasonal. The following analysis is based upon the Company’s operating locations for the fiscal periods and year end (in thousands):

	2008		2007		2006
Net Sales for the Fiscal Year:
Domestic United States	$	3,810,635	$	3,454,198	$	3,089,776
Foreign Countries		181,762		185,010		176,080
	$	3,992,397	$	3,639,208	$	3,265,856
Net Long-Lived Assets at Fiscal Year End:
Domestic United States	$	978,363	$	860,493	$	726,128
Foreign Countries		40,625		41,990		42,748
	$	1,018,988	$	902,483	$	768,876

The Company’s consolidated working capital as of September 28, 2008 consisted of $477,156,000 in current assets and $410,803,000 in current liabilities. Normal operating fluctuations in these balances can result in changes to cash flow from operating activities presented in the statements of consolidated cash flows that are not necessarily indicative of long-term operating trends. There are no unusual industry practices or requirements relating to working capital items in either of the Company’s subsidiary operations.

The Company employs fifteen people at its corporate headquarters, including two executive officers who formulate and implement overall corporate objectives and policies. The Company’s employees perform functions in a number of areas including finance, accounting, internal audit, risk management, financial reporting, employee benefits and public and shareholder relations. The Company assists its subsidiaries in developing long-range goals, in strengthening management personnel and their operations and financing. Management of each subsidiary is responsible for implementing operating policies and reports directly to management of the Company.

Harris Teeter

As of September 28, 2008, Harris Teeter operated 176 supermarkets located in North Carolina (127), Virginia (28), South Carolina (9), Maryland (3), Tennessee (3), Delaware (2), District of Columbia (2), Florida (1) and Georgia (1). These supermarkets offer a full assortment of groceries, produce, meat and seafood, delicatessen items, bakery items, wines and non-food items such as health and beauty care, general merchandise and floral. In addition, Harris Teeter operated pharmacies in 112 of their supermarkets as of September 28, 2008. Retail supermarket operations are supported by two company-owned distribution centers and one company-owned dairy production facility. Other than milk and ice cream produced by the company-owned facility, Harris Teeter purchases most of the products it sells, including its private label brands, from outside suppliers or directly from the manufacturers. Harris Teeter’s sales constituted 92% of the Company’s consolidated sales in fiscal 2008 (91% in fiscal 2007 and 89% in fiscal 2006). 

1

The supermarket industry is highly competitive. Harris Teeter competes with local, regional and national food chains along with independent merchants. In addition to the more traditional food stores, Harris Teeter also competes with discount retailers (including supercenters that carry a full line of food items), many of which are larger in terms of assets and sales. In the past several years, considerable consolidation of competitors has taken place in the supermarket industry which has reduced the number of local food chains and independent merchants. Additionally, some discount supercenter operators, such as Wal-Mart and Target, are continuing to expand and offer more items typically found in supermarket formats. As a result, Harris Teeter is likely to compete with more, larger food chains in its markets. Principal competitive factors include store location, price, service, convenience, cleanliness, product quality and product variety. No one customer or group of related customers has a material effect upon the business of Harris Teeter.

As of September 28, 2008, Harris Teeter employed approximately 10,300 full-time and 11,800 part-time individuals, none of whom were represented by a union. Harris Teeter considers its employee relations to be good.

American & Efird, Inc.

A&E is one of the world’s largest global manufacturers and distributors of industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles, produced from natural and synthetic fibers. Manufacturers of apparel, automotive materials, home furnishings, medical supplies and footwear rely on A&E industrial sewing thread to manufacture their products. A&E’s primary products are industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles sold through its employed sales representatives, commissioned agents and distributors. A&E also distributes sewing supplies manufactured by other companies. A&E sales constituted 8% of the Company’s consolidated sales in fiscal 2008 (9% in fiscal 2007 and 11% in fiscal 2006).

A majority of A&E’s sales are industrial thread for use in apparel products. The apparel market is made up of many categories servicing both genders and diverse age groups, including jeanswear, underwear, menswear, womenswear, outerwear, intimate apparel, workwear and childrenswear. A&E also manufactures industrial thread for use in a wide variety of non-apparel products including home furnishings, automotive, footwear, upholstered furniture, sporting goods, caps and hats, gloves, leather products, medical products and tea bag strings.

Headquartered in Mt. Holly, North Carolina, the company operated six modern manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and six distribution centers strategically located in the United States as of the fiscal year ended September 28, 2008. The manufacturing facilities have been designed for flexibility and efficiency to accommodate changing customer product demands.

A&E also has wholly-owned operations in Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, England, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Nicaragua, Italy, Mexico, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Turkey, Poland and Slovenia; majority-owned joint ventures in China (two), Dominican Republic and South Africa; minority interest in ventures with ongoing operations in Bangladesh, Brazil, India and Sri Lanka; and a 50% ownership interest in a joint venture in China. A&E’s consolidated assets in these foreign operations total approximately $174 million. Management expects to continue to expand foreign production and distribution operations, through acquisitions, joint ventures or new start-up operations.

The domestic order backlog, believed to be firm, as of September 28, 2008, was approximately $10,535,000 versus $11,576,000 at the end of the preceding fiscal year. The international order backlog as of the end of fiscal 2008 was approximately $2,685,000 versus $3,387,000 at the end of the preceding fiscal year. The majority of the domestic and international order backlog was filled within five weeks of the fiscal 2008 year end. As of September 28, 2008, A&E had approximately 7,300 domestic and 6,900 international active customer accounts. In fiscal 2008, no single customer accounted for more than 4% of A&E’s total net sales, and the ten largest customers accounted for approximately 15% of A&E’s total net sales.

A&E purchases cotton from farmers and domestic cotton merchants. There is presently a sufficient supply of cotton worldwide and in the domestic market. Synthetic fibers are bought from the principal American synthetic fiber producers for domestic operations and from the principal Asian and American synthetic fiber producers for operations in China. There is currently an adequate supply of synthetic fiber for A&E’s global operations.

2

A&E has two patents issued. There are no material licenses, franchises or concessions held by A&E. Research and development expenditures were $509,000, $487,000, and $445,000 in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, none of which were sponsored by customers. Two full-time employees are currently engaged in this activity.

The industrial sewing thread industry is highly competitive. A&E is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial sewing threads and also manufactures and distributes consumer sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles. A&E competes globally with Coats plc, as well as regional producers and merchants in the industrial thread, embroidery thread and technical textile markets. The key competitive factors are quality, service and price.

A&E and its consolidated subsidiaries employed approximately 3,400 individuals worldwide as of September 28, 2008. None of the domestic employees and an insignificant number of employees of foreign operations are represented by a union. A&E considers its employee relations to be good.

Available Information

The Company’s Internet address is www.ruddickcorp.com. The Company makes available, free of charge, on or through its website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5 as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

This report contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would” and “could” are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers of this report should not rely solely on the forward-looking statements and should consider all uncertainties and risks throughout this report. The statements are representative only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

All forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results may differ materially from those set forth in our forward-looking statements. We face risks that are inherent in the businesses and the market places in which Harris Teeter and A&E operate. The following discussion sets forth certain risks and uncertainties that we believe could cause actual future results to differ materially from expected results. In addition to the factors discussed below, other factors that might cause our future financial performance to vary from that described in our forward-looking statements include: (i) changes in federal, state or local laws or regulations; (ii) cost and stability of energy sources; (iii) cost and availability of energy and raw materials; (iv) management’s ability to predict accurately the adequacy of the Company’s present liquidity to meet future financial requirements; (v) continued solvency of any third parities on leases the Company has guaranteed; (vi) management’s ability to predict the required contributions to the pension plans of the Company; (vii) the Company’s requirement to impair recorded goodwill; (viii) changes in labor and employee benefit costs, such as increased health care and other insurance costs; (ix) ability to recruit, train and retain effective employees and management in both of the Company’s operating subsidiaries; (x) the extent and speed of successful execution of strategic initiatives; (xi) volatility of financial and credit markets which would affect access to capital for the Company; and (xii) unexpected outcomes of any legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business of the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations and also could cause actual results to differ materially from those included, contemplated or implied by the forward-looking statements made in this report, and the reader should not consider any of the above list of factors and the following discussion to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

Risks Related to Harris Teeter

The Supermarket Industry is Highly Competitive. The supermarket industry is characterized by narrow profit margins and competes on value, location and service. Harris Teeter faces increased competitive pressure in all of its markets from existing competitors and from the threatened entry by one or more major new competitors. The number and type of competitors faced by Harris Teeter vary by location and include: traditional grocery retailers (both national and regional), discount retailers such as “supercenters” and “club and warehouse stores,” specialty supermarkets, drug stores, dollar stores, convenience stores and restaurants. In addition, certain Harris Teeter supermarkets also compete with local video stores, florists, book stores and pharmacies. Aggressive supercenter expansion, increasing fragmentation of retail formats, entry of non-traditional competitors and market consolidation have further contributed to an increasingly competitive marketplace. 

3

Additionally, increasingly competitive markets and economic uncertainty have made it difficult generally for grocery store operators to achieve comparable store sales gains. Because sales growth has been difficult to attain, Harris Teeter’s competitors have attempted to maintain market share through increased levels of promotional activities and discount pricing, creating a more difficult environment in which to achieve consistent sales gains. Some of Harris Teeter’s competitors have greater financial resources and could use these resources to take measures which could adversely affect Harris Teeter’s competitive position. Accordingly, Harris Teeter’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected by competitive factors, including product mix and pricing changes which may be made in response to competition from existing or new competitors.

Harris Teeter’s Expansion Plans Are Subject toRisk. Harris Teeter has spent, and intends to continue to spend, significant capital and management resources on the development and implementation of expansion and renovation plans. Harris Teeter’s new store opening program has accelerated in recent years and involves expanding the company’s Washington, D.C. metro market area which incorporates northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, southern Maryland and coastal Delaware. The successful implementation of Harris Teeter’s renovation and expansion plans are subject to several factors including: the availability of new, suitable locations on reasonable commercial terms, or at all; the success of new stores, including those in new markets; management’s ability to manage expansion, including the effect on sales at existing stores when a new store is opened nearby; the ability to secure any necessary financing; change in regional and national economic conditions; and increasing competition or changes in the competitive environment in Harris Teeter’s markets.

Harris Teeter’s new stores may initially operate at a loss, depending on factors such as prevailing competition and market position in the surrounding communities and the level of sales and profit margins in existing stores may not be duplicated in new stores. Pursuing a strategy of growth, renovation and expansion in light of current highly competitive industry conditions could lead to a near-term decline in earnings as a result of opening and operating a substantial number of new stores, particularly with respect to stores in markets where Harris Teeter does not have a significant presence. If Harris Teeter’s expansion and renovation plans are unsuccessful, it could adversely affect Harris Teeter’s cash flow, business and financial condition due to the significant amount of capital and management resources invested.

Food Safety Issues Could Result in a Loss of Consumer Confidence and Product Liability Claims. Harris Teeter could be adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the safety and quality of the food supply chain. These concerns could cause shoppers to avoid purchasing certain products from Harris Teeter, or to seek alternative sources of supply for their food needs, even if the basis for the concern is not valid and/or is outside of the company’s control. Adverse publicity about these types of concerns, whether or not valid, could discourage consumers from buying our products and any lost confidence on the part of our customers would be difficult and costly to reestablish. As such, any issue regarding the safety of any food items sold by Harris Teeter, regardless of the cause, could have a substantial and adverse effect on the company’s operations.

Harris Teeter’s Geographic Concentration May Expose it to Regional or Localized Downturns. Harris Teeter operates primarily in the southeastern United States, with a strong concentration in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. As a result, Harris Teeter’s business is more susceptible to regional factors than the operations of more geographically diversified competitors. These factors include, among others, changes in the economy, weather conditions, demographics and population. Although the southeast region has experienced economic and demographic growth over the past several years, a significant economic downturn in the region could have a material adverse effect on Harris Teeter’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Ownership and Development of Real Estate May Subject Harris Teeter to Environmental Liability. Under applicable environmental laws, as an owner or developer of real estate, Harris Teeter may be responsible for remediation of environmental conditions that may be discovered and may be subject to associated liabilities (including liabilities resulting from lawsuits brought by private litigants) relating to Harris Teeter supermarkets and other buildings and the land on which those building are situated, whether the properties are leased or owned, and whether such environmental conditions, if in existence, were created by Harris Teeter or by a prior owner or tenant. The discovery of contamination from hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure to properly remediate such contaminated property, may adversely affect Harris Teeter’s ability to sell or rent real property or to borrow using real property as collateral. Liabilities or costs resulting from noncompliance with current or future applicable environmental laws or other claims relating to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on Harris Teeter’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

4

Risks Related to A&E

A&E Operates in a Competitive Global Industry. A&E competes on a global basis with a large number of manufacturers in the highly competitive sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textile industries. Maintaining A&E’s competitive position may require substantial investments in product development efforts, manufacturing facilities, distribution network and sales and marketing activities. Competitive pressures may also result in decreased demand for A&E’s products or force A&E to lower its prices. Other generally adverse economic and industry conditions, including a decline in consumer demand for apparel products, could have a material adverse effect on A&E’s business.

A&E may not Succeed at Integrating Its Acquisitions. In recent years, A&E has expanded its foreign production and distribution capacity by acquiring other manufacturers, entering into joint ventures or starting new businesses. Management expects A&E to continue this activity and expand foreign production and distribution operations through acquisitions, joint ventures or new start-up operations. The process of combining these acquisitions with A&E’s existing businesses involves risks. A&E will face challenges in consolidating functions, integrating organizations, procedures, operations and product lines in a timely and efficient manner and retaining key personnel. Failure to successfully manage and integrate acquisitions, joint ventures or new start-up businesses could lead to the potential loss of customers, the potential loss of employees who may be vital to the new operations, the potential loss of business opportunities or other adverse consequences that could affect A&E’s financial condition and results of operations. Even if integration occurs successfully, failure of future acquisitions to achieve levels of anticipated sales growth, profitability or productivity may adversely impact A&E’s financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, expansions involving foreign markets may present other complexities that may require additional attention from members of management. The diversion of management attention and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could have a material adverse effect on A&E’s revenues, level of expenses and operating results.

A&E Has Substantial International Operations. In fiscal 2008, approximately 55% of A&E’s net sales and a large portion of A&E’s production occurred outside the United States, primarily in Europe, Latin America and Asia. A&E’s corporate strategy includes the expansion and growth of its international business on a worldwide basis. As a result, A&E’s operations are subject to various political, economic and other uncertainties, including risks of restrictive taxation policies, changing political conditions and governmental regulations. A&E’s foreign operations also subjects A&E to the risks inherent in currency translations. A&E’s global operations make it impossible to eliminate completely all foreign currency translation risks and its impact on A&E’s financial results.

A&E Has Raw Material Price Volatility. The significant price volatility of many of A&E’s raw materials may result in increased production costs, which A&E may not be able to pass on to its customers.A significant portion of the raw materials A&E uses in manufacturing thread and technical textiles are petroleum-based. The prices for petroleum and petroleum-related products are volatile. While A&E at times in the past has been able to increase product prices due to raw material increases, A&E generally is not able to immediately raise product prices and may be unable to completely pass on underlying cost increases to its customers. Additional raw material and energy cost increases that A&E is not able to fully pass on to customers or the loss of a large number of customers to competitors as a result of price increases could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Other Risks

Our Self-Insurance Reserves are Subject to Variability and Unpredictable External Factors. As discussed in more detail below in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies—Self-insurance Reserves for Workers’ Compensation, Healthcare and General Liability,” the Company is primarily self-insured for most U.S. workers’ compensation claims, healthcare claims and general liability and automotive liability losses. Accordingly, the Company determines the estimated reserve required for claims in each accounting period, which requires that management determine estimates of the costs of claims incurred and accrue for such expenses in the period in which the claims are incurred. The liabilities that have been recorded for these claims represent our best estimate of the ultimate obligations for reported claims plus those incurred but not reported. Changes in legal trends and interpretations, variability in inflation rates, changes in the nature and method of claims settlement, benefit level changes due to changes in applicable laws, and changes in discount rates could all affect ultimate settlements of claims or the assumptions underlying our liability estimates, which could cause a material change for our self-insurance liability reserves and impact earnings.

The Company may Incur Increased Pension Expenses. The Company maintains certain retirement benefit plans for substantially all domestic full-time employees and a supplemental retirement benefit plan for certain selected officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, including a qualified pension plan which is a non-contributory, funded defined benefit plan and a non-qualified supplemental pension plan for executives which is an unfunded, defined benefit plan. The Company has frozen participation and benefit accruals under the Company-sponsored defined benefit plan effective September 30, 2005 for all participants, with certain transition benefits provided to those participants that have achieved specified age and service levels on December 31, 2005; however, at September 28, 2008, the Company’s pension plans had projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets. The amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to our pension plans will depend on government regulation, returns on plan assets and actuarial assumptions regarding our future funding obligations. For more information, refer to the Note entitled “Employee Benefit Plans” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 hereof. 

5

The current global economic conditions could adversely affect the Company's operating results by increasing costs related to obtaining financing at acceptable rates and by negatively impacting our customers. These conditions could materially affect the Company’s customers causing reductions or cancellations of existing sales orders and inhibit the collectibility of receivables. In addition, the Company’s suppliers may be unable to fulfill the Company’s outstanding orders or could change credit terms that would negatively affect the Company’s liquidity. All of these factors could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

The executive office of the Company is located in a leased space of a downtown office tower at 301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28202.

Harris Teeter owns its principal offices near Charlotte, North Carolina, a 517,000 square foot distribution facility east of Charlotte, a 913,000 square foot distribution facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, and a 90,500 square foot dairy processing plant in High Point, North Carolina. Both distribution facilities contain dry grocery warehousing space and refrigerated storage for perishable goods. In addition, the Greensboro facility has frozen goods storage and a single pick facility for health and beauty care products and other general merchandise. Harris Teeter operates its retail stores primarily from leased properties. As of September 28, 2008, Harris Teeter held title to the land and buildings of approximately 2.3% of its supermarkets. The remaining supermarkets are either leased in their entirety or the building is owned and situated on leased land. In addition, Harris Teeter holds interest in properties that are under development for store sites. In future years the proportion of store development and store ownership may increase. Harris Teeter’s supermarkets range in size from approximately 16,000 square feet to 73,000 square feet, with an average size of approximately 46,700 square feet. The following table sets forth selected statistics with respect to Harris Teeter stores for each of the last three fiscal years:

	2008		2007		2006
Stores Open at Period End		176		164		152
Average Weekly Net Sales Per Store*	$	414,101	$	402,982	$	380,812
Average Square Footage Per Store at Period End		46,708		46,197		44,535
Average Square Footage Per New Store Opened
During Period		48,330		51,737		51,607
Total Square Footage at Period End		8,220,583		7,576,302		6,769,245
____________________
*Computed on the basis of aggregate sales of stores open for a full year.

A&E's principal offices, six domestic manufacturing plants and one distribution center are all owned by A&E and are all located in North Carolina. Domestic manufacturing and related warehouse facilities have an aggregate of approximately 1,662,000 square feet of floor space. A&E has a domestic dyeing production capacity of approximately 27,000,000 pounds per year. Capacities are based on 168 hours of operations per week. In addition, A&E leases five distribution centers scattered throughout its domestic markets with an aggregate of approximately 149,000 square feet of floor space.

Through consolidated subsidiaries, A&E also owns seven international manufacturing and/or distribution facilities with an aggregate of approximately 794,000 square feet of floor space. A&E also leases another 24 international manufacturing and/or distribution facilities with an aggregate of approximately 613,000 square feet of floor space. The foreign consolidated subsidiaries engaged in manufacturing have a dyeing production capacity of approximately 22,450,000 pounds per year. Capacities are based on 168 hours of operations per week. In addition to its consolidated subsidiaries, A&E also has minority interests in various joint ventures and a 50% ownership interest in a joint venture in China.

6

The Company believes its facilities and those of its operating subsidiaries are adequate for its current operations and expected growth for the foreseeable future.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal matters from time to time in connection with their operations, including various lawsuits and patent and environmental matters. These matters considered in the aggregate have not had, nor does the Company expect them to have, a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.

Item 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following list contains the name, age, positions and offices held and period served in such positions or offices for each of the executive officers of the Registrant.

Thomas W. Dickson, age 53, is the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and has been Chairman of the Board of Directors since March 2006 and President and principal executive officer since February 1997. Prior to that time, he served as Executive Vice President of the Company from February 1996 to February 1997. Prior to that time, from February 1994 to February 1996 he served as President of, and from February 1991 to February 1994 he served as Executive Vice President of, American & Efird, Inc.

John B. Woodlief, age 58, is the Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and has been the Vice President – Finance and principal financial officer of the Company since November 1999. Prior to that time, he served as a partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers since 1998 and a partner in Price Waterhouse from 1985 to 1998. He served as Managing Partner of theCharlotte, North Carolina office of Price Waterhouse and PricewaterhouseCoopers from January of 1997 to June of 1999. He joined Price Waterhouse in 1972.

Frederick J. Morganthall, II, age 57, was elected President of Harris Teeter on October 30, 1997. Prior to that time, and beginning in October 1996, he served as Executive Vice President of Harris Teeter. He was also Harris Teeter’s Senior Vice President of Operations from October1995 to October 1996, Vice President of Operations from April 1994 to October 1995 and Vice President of Sales and Distribution from October 1992 to April 1994.

Fred A. Jackson, age 58, has been President of A&E since August 1996. Prior to that time, and beginning in January 1996, he served as Executive Vice President of A&E. He was also A&E’s Senior Vice President - Industrial Thread Sales from October 1993 to January 1996.

The executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries are elected annually by their respective Boards of Directors. Thomas W. Dickson is the nephew of Alan T. Dickson who is a director of the Company and is the son of R. Stuart Dickson who was a director of the Company during the fiscal year ended September 28, 2008. No other executive officer has a family relationship as close as first cousin with any other executive officer or director or nominee for director.

7

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Information regarding the principal market for the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”), number of shareholders of record, market price information per share of Common Stock and dividends declared per share of Common Stock for each quarterly period in fiscal 2008 and 2007 is set forth below.

The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As of November 14, 2008, there were approximately 4,700 holders of record of Common Stock.

Quarterly Information

	First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
Fiscal 2008
Dividend Per Share	$	0.12	$	0.12	$	0.12	$	0.12
Market Price Per Share
High		38.03		36.99		39.79		38.98
Low		31.15		31.71		33.89		29.47
Fiscal 2007
Dividend Per Share	$	0.11	$	0.11	$	0.11	$	0.11
Market Price Per Share
High		28.91		30.50		32.39		37.28
Low		25.20		26.30		29.53		27.53

The Company expects to continue paying dividends on a quarterly basis which is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and subject to legal and contractual requirements. Information regarding restrictions on the ability of the Company to pay cash dividends is set forth in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Capital Resources and Liquidity" in Item 7 hereof.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides information as of September 28, 2008 regarding the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Company’s equity compensation plans.

			Number of securities remaining
	Number of securities to be	Weighted-average exercise	available for future issuance under
	issued upon exercise of	price of outstanding options,	equity compensation plans
	outstanding options,	warrants and rights	(excluding securities
	warrants and rights		reflected in column (a))
Plan category	(a) (1)	(b) (2)	(c)
Equity compensation plans
approved by security
holders	618,756	$16.40	1,679,200
Equity compensation plans
not approved by security
holders	-0-	-0-	-0-
Total	618,756	$16.40	1,679,200

(1)

Includes grants of 135,770 performance shares outstanding as of September 28, 2008. Excludes 99,294 shares of Common Stock that are deliverable in connection with the 99,294 stock units outstanding under the Ruddick Corporation Director Deferral Plan (the “Deferral Plan”) that have been accumulated in a rabbi trust for the purpose of funding distributions from the Deferral Plan. Does not include any shares of restricted stock that were outstanding as of September 28, 2008 since these shares are already outstanding and do not represent potential dilution. For more information on the Company’s restricted stock and performance share grants, see the Note entitled “Stock Options and Stock Awards” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 hereof.

(2)

The weighted average exercise price does not take into account performance share awards or restricted stock units outstanding as of September 28, 2008.

8

Comparison of Total Cumulative Shareholder Return for Five-Year Period Ending September 28, 2008

The following graph presents a comparison of the yearly percentage change in the Company’s cumulative total shareholders’ return on Common Stock with the (i) Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, (ii) Standard & Poor’s Midcap 400 Index, (iii) Standard & Poor’s Food Retail Index, and (iv) Standard & Poor’s Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods Index for the five-year period ended September 28, 2008.

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among Ruddick Corporation and Certain Indicies**

	Cumulative Total Return
	9/30/03	9/30/04	9/30/05	9/30/06	9/30/07	9/30/08
Ruddick Corporation	100.00	129.09	154.44	177.76	232.46	227.98
S & P 500	100.00	113.87	127.82	141.62	164.90	128.66
S & P Midcap 400	100.00	117.55	143.60	153.02	181.73	151.42
S & P Food Retail	100.00	93.74	117.59	122.06	138.83	104.53
S & P Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods	100.00	121.41	145.13	163.99	187.50	128.57

____________________

* $100 invested on 9/30/03 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.

** The Company utilizes two indices, rather than a single index, for its peer group comparison: Standard & Poor’s Food Retail Index and Standard & Poor’s Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods Index. The Company believes that the separate presentation of these indices more accurately corresponds to the Company’s primary lines of business.

9

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table summarizes the Company’s purchases of its common stock during the quarter ended September 28, 2008.

			Total Number of	Maximum Number
			Shares Purchased as	of Shares that May
			Part of Publicly	Yet Be Purchased
	Total Number of	Average Price	Announced Plans or	Under the Plans or
Period	Shares Purchased	Paid per Share	Programs (1)	Programs
June 30, 2008 to
August 3, 2008	- 0 -	n.a.	- 0 -	2,868,569
August 4, 2008 to
August 31, 2008	46,100	$30.35	46,100	2,822,469
September 1, 2008 to
September 28, 2008	- 0 -	n.a.	- 0 -	2,822,469
Total	46,100	$30.35	46,100	2,822,469

(1) In February 1996, the Company announced the adoption of a stock buyback program, authorizing, at management’s discretion, the Company to purchase and retire up to 4,639,989 shares, 10% of the then-outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, for the purpose of preventing dilution as a result of the operation of the Company’s comprehensive stock option and awards plans. The stock purchases are effected from time to time pursuant to this authorization. As of September 28, 2008, the Company had purchased and retired 1,817,520 shares under this authorization, of which 46,100 shares were purchased during the quarter ended September 28, 2008. The stock buyback program has no set expiration or termination date.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	2008		2007		2006		2005		2004
Net sales	$	3,992,397	$	3,639,208	$	3,265,856	$	2,964,655	$	2,868,597
Operating profit		173,785		148,174		123,069		115,260		112,414
Net income		96,752		80,688		72,336		68,598		64,659
Net income per share
Basic		2.02		1.69		1.53		1.45		1.39
Diluted		2.00		1.68		1.52		1.44		1.38
Dividend per share		0.48		0.44		0.44		0.44		0.40
Total assets		1,696,407		1,529,689		1,362,936		1,203,640		1,109,097
Long-term debt -- including
current portion		320,578		264,392		237,731		163,445		166,287
Shareholders' equity		823,835		736,610		670,517		608,942		549,710
Book value per share		17.06		15.31		14.10		12.82		11.76

Note: The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to September 30. Fiscal years 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 includes the 52 weeks ended September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007, October 1, 2006 and October 2, 2005. Fiscal year 2004 includes the 53 weeks ended October 3, 2004.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current plans, expectations and beliefs about future events. In light of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other factors discussed in this section, there are risks that our actual experience will differ materially from the expectations and beliefs reflected in the forward-looking statements in this section and throughout this report. For more information regarding what constitutes a forward-looking statement, please refer to “Risk Factors” in Item 1A hereof. 

10

Overview

The Company operates primarily in two business segments through two wholly owned subsidiaries: retail grocery (including related real estate and store development activities) – operated by Harris Teeter, and industrial sewing thread (textile primarily), including embroidery thread and technical textiles – operated by American & Efird. Harris Teeter is a regional supermarket chain operating primarily in the southeastern United States, including Delaware and the District of Columbia. American & Efird is a global manufacturer and distributor of sewing thread for the apparel and other markets, embroidery thread and technical textiles. The Company evaluates the performance of its two businesses utilizing various measures which are based on operating profit.

During fiscal 2008, Harris Teeter’s market environment continued to be highly competitive, characterized by competition from other traditional grocery retailers, as well as other competitors including, but not limited to, discount retailers such as “neighborhood or supercenters” and “club and warehouse stores,” specialty supermarkets and drug stores. Generally, the markets in the southeastern United States continue to experience new store opening activity and aggressive feature pricing or everyday low prices by competitors. In response, Harris Teeter utilizes information gathered from various sources, including its Very Important Customer ("VIC") loyalty card program, and works with suppliers to deliver effective retail pricing and targeted promotional spending programs that drive customer traffic and create value for Harris Teeter customers. In addition, Harris Teeter differentiates itself from its competitors with its product selection, assortment and variety, and its focus on customer service. These efforts have resulted in overall gains in market share within Harris Teeter’s primary markets.

Harris Teeter has continued its aggressive new store development program with the opening of 15 new stores during fiscal 2008. Harris Teeter opened 19 new stores during fiscal 2007 and 16 new stores during fiscal 2006. Much of Harris Teeter’s new store growth is focused on expanding its Washington, D.C. metro market area which incorporates northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, southern Maryland and coastal Delaware. The aggressive new store activity has resulted in higher pre-opening and incremental start-up costs associated with the new store openings and has required additional borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

Business conditions for A&E’s customers in the textile and apparel industry remain difficult in the Americas due to the continued shift of apparel sourcing outside the Americas and the challenging retail environment faced in many parts of the world due to general economic conditions. Over the past several years, apparel production has shifted from the Americas to other regions of the world, predominately Asia. It has been estimated by the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Textiles and Apparel that Asia and the Indian sub-continent accounted for approximately 69% of the apparel imports into the U.S. in 2006, approximately 73% in 2007 and approximately 75% for the first eight months in 2008. This has greatly impacted A&E operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. As a result, A&E’s strategic plans have included the expansion of its operations in the Asian markets and the expansion of product lines beyond apparel sewing thread.

A&E’s growth in China and other Asian markets has been accomplished through additional investments in its wholly owned subsidiaries by way of capital expenditures and through strategic joint ventures. In fiscal 2003, A&E entered into a joint venture in China resulting in a 50% ownership interest in Huamei Thread Company Limited, which is one of the largest thread producers in the China market. During fiscal 2005, A&E acquired an 80% ownership interest in Jimei Spinning Company Limited (a thread yarn spinning company located in China) and increased its ownership interest in Hengmei Spinning Company Limited (another thread yarn spinning company in China) from 60% to 80%. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, A&E entered into a joint venture with Vardhman Textiles Limited in India (“Vardhman”) to manufacture, distribute and sell sewing thread for industrial and consumer markets within India and for export markets. A&E continues to transform its business to be more Asian centric, which is in line with the global shifting of A&E’s customer base.

A&E also expanded its global presence during fiscal 2005 by entering into a joint venture in Brazil resulting in a 30% ownership interest in Linhas Bonfio S.A. In addition, in fiscal 2006, A&E obtained a majority ownership interest in its two joint ventures in South Africa.

A&E’s fiscal 2004 acquisition of certain assets and the U.S. business of Synthetic Thread Company, Inc. provided A&E with an entry into the technical textiles market. A&E expanded its customer base and product line offerings in the technical textiles arena by acquiring certain assets and the U.S. business of Ludlow Textiles Company, Inc. in fiscal 2005. Technical textiles represent non-apparel yarns A&E supplies to its customers in the automotive, telecommunication, wire and cable, paper production and other industries. Further diversification was achieved in fiscal 2005 by A&E’s acquisition of certain assets and the business of Robison-Anton Textile Co., a U.S. producer of high-quality embroidery threads. The sale of non-apparel threads and yarns resulting from these acquisitions has partially offset sales declines in the U.S. resulting from the shifting of apparel manufacturing. In fiscal 2006, A&E expanded its production and distribution of non-apparel products through the acquisition of TSP Tovarna Sukancev in Trakov d.d. (TSP) located in Maribor, Slovenia. A&E continues to expand the manufacturing and distribution of non-apparel products throughout its global operations. 

11

A&E continues to face increased operating costs and highly competitive pricing in its markets. A&E has substantially completed the integration and consolidation of the strategic investments made in the past few years and has rationalized its U.S. operations.

Results of Operations

Rental Costs Incurred during a Construction Period

On October 6, 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 13-1, “Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred during a Construction Period.” The FSP generally applies to leases of land or pad leases, including “cold dark shells” where the Company assumes responsibility for store and site construction. Harris Teeter’s construction period typically extends for six to nine months. Under this FSP, rental costs that are incurred during the construction period are recognized as rental expense. Prior to the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company capitalized such costs during the construction period. As required by FAS 13-1, the Company ceased capitalization of construction period rents effective January 2, 2006. Although the guidance permits retrospective application to prior periods, the Company did not restate prior periods due to the relatively small percentage of land leases in those periods. Construction period rent required to be expensed as a non-cash charge is included with the pre-opening costs in the discussion of segment operations under the caption “Harris Teeter, Retail Grocery Segment” below.

Consolidated Overview

The following table sets forth the operating profit components by each of the Company's operating segments and for the holding company ("Corporate") for the 52 weeks ended September 28, 2008 (fiscal 2008), September 30, 2007 (fiscal 2007), and October 1, 2006 (fiscal 2006). The table also sets forth each of the segment’s net income components as a percent to total net sales and the percentage increase or decrease of such components over the prior year (in thousands):

	Fiscal 2008		Fiscal 2007		Fiscal 2006		% Inc. (Dec.)
		% to		% to		% to	08 vs	07 vs
		Sales		Sales		Sales	07	06
Net Sales
Harris Teeter	$ 3,664,804	91.8	$ 3,299,377	90.7	$ 2,922,679	89.5	11.1	12.9
American & Efird	327,593	8.2	339,831	9.3	343,177	10.5	(3.6)	(1.0)
Total	$ 3,992,397	100.0	$ 3,639,208	100.0	$ 3,265,856	100.0	9.7	11.4
Gross Profit
Harris Teeter	$ 1,138,857	28.53	$ 1,021,739	28.07	$    897,637	27.49	11.5	13.8
American & Efird	69,590	1.74	74,608	2.05	74,285	2.27	(6.7)	0.4
Total	1,208,447	30.27	1,096,347	30.12	971,922	29.76	10.2	12.8
SG&A Expenses
Harris Teeter	961,092	24.08	867,656	23.84	770,000	23.58	10.8	12.7
American & Efird	67,262	1.68	73,184	2.01	72,706	2.22	(8.1)	0.7
Corporate	6,308	0.16	7,333	0.20	6,147	0.19	(14.0)	19.3
Total	1,034,662	25.92	948,173	26.05	848,853	25.99	9.1	11.7
Operating Profit (Loss)
Harris Teeter	177,765	4.45	154,083	4.23	127,637	3.91	15.4	20.7
American & Efird	2,328	0.06	1,424	0.04	1,579	0.05	63.6	(9.8)
Corporate	(6,308)	(0.16)	(7,333)	(0.20)	(6,147)	(0.19)	(14.0)	19.3
Total	173,785	4.35	148,174	4.07	123,069	3.77	17.3	20.4
Other Expense, net	19,674	0.49	17,683	0.48	9,672	0.30	11.3	82.8
Income Tax Expense	57,359	1.44	49,803	1.37	41,061	1.26	15.2	21.3
Net Income	$      96,752	2.42	$      80,688	2.22	$      72,336	2.21	19.9	11.5

12

Consolidated net sales increased 9.7% in fiscal 2008 and 11.4% in fiscal 2007 when compared to prior years as a result of strong sales gains at Harris Teeter. The fiscal 2008 and 2007 increases were partially offset by sales declines at A&E. Over the past several years, A&E has pursued a global expansion strategy along with the diversification of its product lines; however, the percentage of foreign sales to consolidated net sales has declined during these periods as a result of the sales mix between the operating subsidiaries. Foreign sales for fiscal 2008 represented 4.6% of the consolidated sales of the Company, compared to 5.1% for fiscal 2007 and 5.4% for fiscal 2006. Refer to the discussion of segment operations under the captions “Harris Teeter, Retail Grocery Segment” and “American & Efird, Industrial Thread Segment” for a further analysis of the segment operating results.

The gross profit margin increase for fiscal 2008 was driven by a gross profit margin improvement at Harris Teeter that was offset, in part, by a gross profit margin decline at A&E from fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008. The increase in gross profit as a percent to sales for fiscal 2007 resulted primarily from improved gross profit margins at Harris Teeter, although A&E also realized improved gross profit as a percent to its sales for fiscal 2007. Refer to the discussion of segment operations under the captions “Harris Teeter, Retail Grocery Segment” and “American & Efird, Industrial Thread Segment” for a further analysis of the segment operating results.

Consolidated selling, general & administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, as a percent to consolidated net sales, decreased in fiscal 2008 as a result of the leverage created through sales gains that apply against fixed costs at Harris Teeter and lower SG&A expenses at A&E and Corporate. SG&A expenses, and its percent to sales, increased in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 as a result of increased operating costs at both subsidiaries. As previously disclosed, Corporate SG&A expenses for fiscal 2006 included income of $2.2 million for life insurance proceeds and a pre-tax charge of $1.5 million related to new Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans. Refer to the discussion of segment operations under the caption “Harris Teeter, Retail Grocery Segment” and “American & Efird, Industrial Thread Segment” for a further analysis of the segment operating results.

Other expense, net includes interest expense, interest income, investment gains and losses, and minority interest. Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) increased $1.8 million in fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007 and $3.9 million in fiscal 2007 over fiscal 2006. The increase for both periods resulted from additional interest expense associated with increased borrowings under the Company’s credit facility in support of Harris Teeter’s new store development program. In addition, incremental borrowings were required for A&E’s fiscal 2008 equity investment in Vardhman. The increase in interest expense was offset, in part, by a lower weighted average interest rate realized during fiscal 2008. As previously disclosed, fiscal 2006 includes an investment gain of $4.0 million related to the sale of a real estate investment held by Corporate.

The effective consolidated income tax rate for fiscal 2008 was 37.2% as compared to 38.2% for fiscal 2007 and 36.2% for fiscal 2006. Income tax expense for fiscal 2008 included refund claims related to prior years of approximately $2.4 million associated with A&E’s foreign operations. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2006 was lower primarily due to tax savings associated with non-taxable life insurance proceeds.

As a result of the items discussed above, consolidated net income for fiscal 2008 increased by $16.1 million, or 19.9%, over fiscal 2007 and net income per diluted share increased by 19.0% to $2.00 per share in fiscal 2008 from $1.68 per share in fiscal 2007. Consolidated net income for fiscal 2007 increased by $8.4 million, or 11.5%, over fiscal 2006 and the net income per diluted share of $1.68 increased by 10.5% from $1.52 per share in fiscal 2006.

Harris Teeter, Retail Grocery Segment

The following table sets forth the consolidated operating profit components for the Company's Harris Teeter supermarket subsidiary for fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006. The table also sets forth the percent to sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior year (in thousands):

	Fiscal 2008			Fiscal 2007			Fiscal 2006			% Inc. (Dec.)
			% to			% to			% to	08 vs	07 vs
			Sales			Sales			Sales	07	06
Net Sales	$	3,664,804	100.00	$	3,299,377	100.00	$	2,922,679	100.00	11.1	12.9
Cost of Sales		2,525,947	68.92		2,277,638	69.03		2,025,042	69.29	10.9	12.5
Gross Profit		1,138,857	31.08		1,021,739	30.97		897,637	30.71	11.5	13.8
SG&A Expenses		961,092	26.23		867,656	26.30		770,000	26.34	10.8	12.7
Operating Profit	$	177,765	4.85	$	154,083	4.67	$	127,637	4.37	15.4	20.7

Sales increased 11.1% in fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007 and 12.9% in fiscal 2007 over fiscal 2006, as a result of incremental new stores and comparable store sales increases. During fiscal 2008, Harris Teeter opened 15 new stores (2 of which were replacements) and closed 3 stores. During fiscal 2007, Harris Teeter opened 19 new stores (2 of which were replacements) and closed 7 stores and during fiscal 2006 Harris Teeter opened 16 new stores (3 of which were replacements and 6 of which were acquired from Winn-Dixie in fiscal 2005) and closed or divested 9 stores. The increase in sales from new stores exceeded the loss of sales from closed stores by $275.7 million in fiscal 2008, $230.1 million in fiscal 2007 and $199.4 million in fiscal 2006. Comparable store sales (see definition below) increased 2.86% ($91.3 million) for fiscal 2008 as compared to increases of 4.87% ($136.4 million) for fiscal 2007 and 3.20% ($81.8 million) for fiscal 2006. Comparable store sales were negatively impacted by Harris Teeter’s strategy of opening additional stores in its core markets that have a close proximity to existing stores. However, management expects these stores, and any similar new additions in the foreseeable future, to have a strategic benefit of enabling Harris Teeter to capture sales and expand market share as the markets it serves continue to grow. 

13

Harris Teeter considers its reporting of comparable store sales growth to be effective in determining core sales growth during periods of fluctuation in the number of stores in operation, their locations and their sizes. While there is no standard industry definition of "comparable store sales," Harris Teeter has been consistently applying the following definition. Comparable store sales are computed using corresponding calendar weeks to account for the occasional extra week included in a fiscal year. A new store must be in operation for 14 months before it enters into the calculation of comparable store sales. A closed store is removed from the calculation in the month in which its closure is announced. A new store opening within an approximate two-mile radius of an existing store that is to be closed upon the new store opening is included as a replacement store in the comparable store sales measurement as if it were the same store. Sales increases resulting from existing comparable stores that are expanded in size are included in the calculations of comparable store sales, if the store remains open during the construction period.

Gross profit, and its percent to sales, for fiscal 2008 and 2007 continued to improve as a result of changes in Harris Teeter’s market mix and its retail pricing and targeted promotional spending strategies. Improvements have also been realized from the continued emphasis Harris Teeter places on distribution, manufacturing and store level productivity efforts, private label branding, assortment and product mix, in addition to volume increases. These improvements help offset higher fuel costs and increased LIFO charges.

SG&A expenses as a percent to sales has continued to decrease from prior years, as a result of the leverage created through sales gains that apply against fixed costs. Included with SG&A expenses are pre-opening costs, which consist of pre-opening rent, labor and associated fringe benefits and recruiting and relocations costs incurred prior to a new store opening and amounted to $15.4 million (0.42% of sales) in fiscal 2008, $17.9 million (0.54% of sales) in fiscal 2007 and $15.8 million (0.54% of sales) in fiscal 2006. These costs will fluctuate between reporting periods depending on the new store opening schedule and market location. As previously disclosed, incremental costs associated with the 2005 Winn-Dixie store acquisition amounted to $2.3 million (0.08% of sales) in fiscal 2006. The sales increases along with a continued emphasis on operational efficiencies and overhead cost containment during this time of expansion, have provided the savings that offset the increased costs associated with Harris Teeter’s new store program (pre-opening costs and incremental start-up costs), increased petroleum-based supply costs, associate benefit costs, credit and debit card fees, and new store occupancy costs.

The improvements in operating profit as a percent to sales in each of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 resulted from the sales and cost elements described above. Harris Teeter continues to concentrate on its core markets, which management believes have greater potential for improved returns on investment in the foreseeable future. Harris Teeter had 176 stores in operation at September 28, 2008, compared to 164 stores at September 30, 2007 and 152 stores at October 1, 2006.

American & Efird, Industrial Thread Segment

The following table sets forth the consolidated operating profit components for the Company's A&E textile subsidiary for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006. The table also sets forth the percent to sales and the percentage increase or decrease over the prior year (in thousands):

	Fiscal 2008		Fiscal 2007		Fiscal 2006		% Inc. (Dec.)
		% to		% to		% to	08 vs	07 vs
		Sales		Sales		Sales	07	06
Net Sales	$ 327,593	100.00	$ 339,831	100.00	$ 343,177	100.00	(3.6)	(1.0)
Cost of Sales	258,003	78.76	265,223	78.05	268,892	78.35	(2.7)	(1.4)
Gross Profit	69,590	21.24	74,608	21.95	74,285	21.65	(6.7)	0.4
SG&A Expenses	67,262	20.53	73,184	21.53	72,706	21.19	(8.1)	0.6
Operating Profit	$     2,328	0.71	$     1,424	0.42	$     1,579	0.46	63.6	(9.8)

14

Sales decreased 3.6% in fiscal 2008 from fiscal 2007 and 1.0% in fiscal 2007 from fiscal 2006. The decreases in sales were driven primarily by sales declines in the United States, Canada and Mexico (the North American Free Trade Association Region or “NAFTA”) between the comparable fiscal years. Sales gains in A&E’s Asian operations have been offset by the sales declines realized in NAFTA. As previously disclosed, the fiscal 2007 sales decrease was partially offset by sales gains attributable to the fiscal 2006 acquisition of TSP and obtaining a majority ownership interest in two joint ventures in South Africa, resulting in the consolidation of those entities.

Foreign sales for fiscal 2008 accounted for approximately 55% of total A&E sales as compared to approximately 54% in fiscal 2007 and 51% in fiscal 2006. Foreign sales, especially in the Asian markets, will continue to be a significant proportion of total A&E sales as a result of the shifting global production of its customers and A&E's strategy of increasing its presence in such global markets. Management recognizes that a major challenge facing A&E is the geographic shift of its customer base and, as a result, management remains committed to its strategic plans that will transform A&E’s business to a more Asian-centric global supplier of sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles.

Gross profit, and its percent to net sales, decreased in fiscal 2008 from fiscal 2007, primarily as a result of weak sales and poor overhead absorption in the U.S. operations, and $273,000 of severance costs associated with the consolidation of one of A&E’s manufacturing facilities in North Carolina into A&E’s remaining North Carolina operations. Gross profit as a percent to net sales increased in fiscal 2007 from fiscal 2006, primarily as a result of improved operating schedules in several of the A&E’s foreign operations. As previously disclosed, the increase in fiscal 2007 was partially offset by $448,000 of severance costs associated with the consolidation of the operations of two of A&E’s manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania into A&E’s North Carolina operations. In addition, the production from one North Carolina manufacturing facility was consolidated into the remaining North Carolina operations in fiscal 2007, but there were no layoffs as a result. The shifting of apparel production from the Americas to Asia has continued and management is focused on optimizing costs and manufacturing capacities through the rationalization of its domestic operations.

SG&A expenses, and its percent to sales, in fiscal 2008 decreased from fiscal 2007, primarily as a result of increased net profit realized from non-consolidated subsidiaries and reduced costs in A&E's U.S. operations. In addition, SG&A expenses were offset by an expense reversal of approximately $0.9 million for costs associated with certain import duties levied against A&E’s Mexico operations and previously accrued by A&E. As disclosed in prior filings, A&E resolved the dispute through an amnesty program provided by the Mexican authorities during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The net decrease in fiscal 2008 was offset, in part, by increases in certain items, such as employee health care costs. SG&A expenses increased slightly in fiscal 2007 from fiscal 2006 and included incremental costs associated with the integration of acquired businesses. The incremental costs and other cost increases in fiscal 2007 were offset, in part, by a gain realized from the disposal of assets utilized in A&E’s U.S. operations. As previously disclosed, SG&A expenses for fiscal 2007 included $378,000 of severance and impairment costs associated with the consolidation of A&E’s U.S. operations.

A&E’s operating profit improvement for fiscal 2008 and the decrease in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006 resulted from the sales and cost elements described above. A&E’s operating results continue to be adversely impacted by the challenging retail apparel environment that has continued to exist in many parts of the world.

Outlook

Harris Teeter’s continued improvement in operating performance and financial position provides the flexibility to support its store development program that includes new and replacement stores along with the remodeling and expansion of existing stores. During fiscal 2009, Harris Teeter plans to open 17 new stores (2 of which will be replacements for existing stores) and complete 4 major remodels (1 of which will be expanded in size). The new store opening program for fiscal 2009 is expected to result in a 9.8% increase in retail square footage as compared to an 8.5% increase in fiscal 2008. The annual number of new store openings planned for fiscal year 2010 and thereafter are expected to be somewhat less than that of fiscal 2009. The Company routinely evaluates its existing store operations in regards to its overall business strategy and from time to time will close or divest older or underperforming stores. In addition, management continues to evaluate Harris Teeter’s capital expenditures during these times of economic uncertainty and adjusts its strategic plan accordingly.

The new store program for fiscal 2009 anticipates the continued expansion of Harris Teeter’s existing markets, including the Washington, D.C. metro market area which incorporates northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, southern Maryland and coastal Delaware. Real estate development by its nature is both unpredictable and subject to external factors including weather, construction schedules and costs. Any change in the amount and timing of new store development would impact the expected capital expenditures, sales and operating results.

Startup costs associated with opening new stores under Harris Teeter’s store development program can negatively impact operating margins and net income. In the current competitive environment, promotional costs to maintain market share could also negatively impact operating margins and net income in future periods. The continued execution of productivity initiatives implemented throughout all stores, maintaining controls over waste, implementation of operating efficiencies and effective merchandising strategies will dictate the pace at which Harris Teeter’s operating results could improve, if at all.

15

A&E has been able to diversify its customer base, product mix and geographical locations through acquisitions and joint venture agreements completed in recent years. In addition, A&E continues to increase its investment in China and India to support the rapidly growing apparel production in these regions and to become more Asian-centric. A&E will find it difficult to generate significant improvements in profitability in the absence of a more favorable retail environment. A&E management continues to focus on providing best-in-class service to its customers and expanding its product lines throughout A&E’s global supply chain. In addition, management continues to evaluate ways to further rationalize A&E’s U.S. operations and to evaluate its structure to best position A&E to take advantage of opportunities available through its enhanced international operations.

The Company’s management is cautious in its expectations for fiscal 2009 due to the current economic environment and its impact on our customers. The Company will continue to refine its merchandising strategies to respond to the changing shopping demands as a result of the challenging economic environment. The retail grocery market remains intensely competitive and the textile and apparel environment faces additional challenges during this recessionary period. Further operating improvement will be dependent on the Company’s ability to increase Harris Teeter’s market share, rationalize A&E’s operations, offset increased operating costs with additional operating efficiencies, and to effectively execute the Company’s strategic expansion plans.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

The Company is a holding company which, through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Harris Teeter and A&E, is engaged in the primary businesses of retail grocery and the manufacturing and distribution of industrial thread, technical textiles and embroidery thread, respectively. The Company has no material independent operations, nor material assets, other than the investments in its operating subsidiaries, as well as investments in certain fixed assets, cash equivalents and life insurance contracts to support corporate-wide operations and benefit programs. The Company provides a variety of services to its subsidiaries and is dependent upon income and upstream dividends from its operating subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the subsidiary dividends, which have historically been determined as a percentage of net income of each subsidiary.

The Company's principal source of liquidity has been cash generated from operating activities and borrowings available under the Company’s credit facility. During fiscal 2008, the net cash provided by operating activities was $227.2 million, compared to $212.6 million during fiscal 2007 and $159.7 million during fiscal 2006. Investing activities during fiscal 2008 required net cash of $226.2 million compared to $204.8 million during fiscal 2007 and $229.2 million during fiscal 2006. Capital spending has been financed by cash provided by operating activities along with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility. Financing activities for fiscal 2008 provided $2.0 million of cash and included an additional $38.0 million of borrowings under the Company’s credit facility ($100 million term loan less net reduction on revolver borrowings of $62.0 million) and $8.0 million for the purchase and retirement of 249,600 shares of the Company’s common stock (at an average price of $32.05 per share). Financing activity also includes $23.2 million for the payment of dividends in fiscal 2008 compared to $21.1 million in fiscal 2007 and $20.9 million in fiscal 2006.

During fiscal 2008, consolidated capital expenditures totaled $199.5 million. Harris Teeter capital expenditures were $192.2 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $205.5 million in fiscal 2007 and $210.3 million in fiscal 2006. A&E's capital expenditures were $7.3 million during fiscal 2008 compared to $7.7 million in fiscal 2007 and $7.6 million in fiscal 2006. During fiscal 2008, Harris Teeter made an additional net investment of $19.0 million ($22.7 million additional investments less $3.7 million received from property investment sales and partnership distributions) in connection with the development of certain of its new stores. Additionally, A&E invested $24.1 million for its equity interest in Vardhman. Fiscal 2009 consolidated capital expenditures are planned to total approximately $247 million, consisting of $241 million for Harris Teeter and $6 million for A&E. In addition to the fiscal 2009 planned capital expenditures, A&E invested an additional $8.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 in connection with its increased investment in Vardhman. Harris Teeter anticipates that its capital for new store growth and store remodels will be applied in its existing markets in fiscal 2009 as well as the foreseeable future. A&E expects to invest in the expansion and modernization of its global operations. Such capital investment is expected to be financed by internally generated funds, liquid assets and borrowings under the Company’s credit facility. The Company’s credit facility provides substantially more liquidity than what the Company expects to be required during the credit facility term.

16

On December 20, 2007, the Company and eleven banks entered into a new credit agreement that provides for a five-year revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) in the aggregate amount of up to $350 million and a non-amortizing term loan of $100 million due December 20, 2012. The new credit agreement also provides for an optional increase of the Revolving Credit Facility by an additional amount of up to $100 million and two 1-year maturity extension options, both of which require consent of the lenders. The new credit agreement replaced a previously existing $350 million revolving credit facility dated June 7, 2006. The amount which may be borrowed from time to time and the interest rate on any outstanding borrowings are each dependent on a leverage factor. The leverage factor is based on a ratio of rent-adjusted consolidated funded debt divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and operating rents, as set forth in the new credit agreement. The more significant of the financial covenants which the Company must meet during the term of the new credit agreement include a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. As of September 28, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of the new credit agreement and $29.0 million of borrowings were outstanding under Revolving Credit Facility. Issued letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and amounted to $28.5 million as of September 28, 2008. In addition to the $292.5 million of borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 28, 2008, the Company has the capacity to borrow up to an aggregate amount of $44.5 million from two major U.S. life insurance companies utilizing certain insurance assets as collateral. In the normal course of business, the Company will continue to monitor the liquidity under its bank facility and evaluate other financing opportunities based on the Company’s needs and market conditions.

Covenants in certain of the Company’s long-term debt agreements limit the total indebtedness that the Company may incur. The most restrictive of these covenants is a consolidated maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as defined in the Company’s credit agreement. As of September 28, 2008, the amount of additional debt that could be incurred within the limitations of the debt covenants exceeded the additional borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility. As such, management believes that the limit on indebtedness does not restrict the Company’s ability to meet future liquidity requirements through borrowings available under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, including any liquidity requirements expected in connection with the Company’s expansion plans for the foreseeable future.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The Company has assumed various financial obligations and commitments in the normal course of its operations and financing activities. Financial obligations are considered to represent known future cash payments that the Company is required to make under existing contractual arrangements, such as debt and lease agreements. Management expects that cash provided by operations and other sources of liquidity, such as the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet these obligations on a short and long-term basis. The following table represents the scheduled maturities of the Company’s contractual obligations as of September 28, 2008 (in thousands):

			Less than						More than
	Total		1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		5 Years
Long-Term Debt (1)	$	346,877	$	23,089	$	44,291	$	151,513	$	127,984
Operating Leases (1) (2)		1,520,763		91,913		192,562		195,374		1,040,914
Capital Lease Obligations (1) (2)		149,908		7,566		15,177		15,302		111,863
Purchase Obligations – Fixed Assets		73,546		73,546		-		-		-
Purchase Obligations – Inventory		578		578		-		-		-
Purchase Obligations – Service Contracts/Other		21,599		10,957		9,714		928		-
Other (3)		16,424		1,592		3,208		3,115		8,509
Total Contractual Cash Obligations	$	2,129,695	$	209,241	$	264,952	$	366,232	$	1,289,270

____________________
 

(1)	For a more detailed description of the obligations refer to the Notes entitled “Leases” and “Long-Term Debt” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 hereof. Amounts represent total expected payments of principal and interest. Payment on variable interest debt is estimated using an interest rate of 4.5% applied to the outstanding balance.
(2)	Represents the minimum rents payable and includes leases associated with closed stores. The obligations related to the closed store leases are discussed below. Amounts are not offset by expected sublease income and do not include various contingent liabilities associated with assigned leases as discussed below.
(3)	Represents the projected cash payments associated with certain deferred compensation contracts. The net present value of these obligations is recorded by the Company and included with other long-term liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

17 

In connection with the closing of certain store locations, Harris Teeter has assigned leases to several other merchants with recourse. These leases expire over the next 13 years, and the future minimum lease payments of approximately $57.7 million, in the aggregate, over that future period have been assumed by these merchants. In the highly unlikely event, in management's opinion based on the current operations and credit worthiness of the assignees, that all such contingent obligations would be payable by Harris Teeter, the approximate aggregate amounts due by year would be as follows: $8.4 million in fiscal 2009 (28 stores), $7.4 million in fiscal 2010 (22 stores), $7.0 million in fiscal 2011 (18 stores), $6.4 million in fiscal 2012 (16 stores), $5.7 million in fiscal 2013 (13 stores) and $22.8 million in aggregate during all remaining years thereafter.

The Company utilizes various standby letters of credit and bonds as required from time to time by certain programs, most significantly for self-insured programs such as workers compensation and various casualty insurance. These letters of credit and bonds do not represent additional obligations of the Company since the underlying liabilities are recorded as insurance reserves and included with other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the Company occasionally utilizes documentary letters of credit for the purchase of merchandise in the normal course of business. Issued and outstanding letters of credit totaled $28.5 million at September 28, 2008.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, management’s determination of estimates and judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities requires the exercise of judgment in the selection and application of assumptions based on various factors including historical experience, current and expected economic conditions and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company constantly reviews the relevant, significant factors and makes adjustments where the facts and circumstances dictate.

Management has identified the following accounting policies as the most critical in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements because they involve the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

Vendor Rebates, Credits and Promotional Allowances

Consistent with standard practices in the retail industry, Harris Teeter receives allowances from vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements. Given the highly promotional nature of the retail supermarket industry, the allowances are generally intended to defray the costs of promotion, advertising and selling the vendor’s products. Examples of such arrangements include, but are not limited to, promotional, markdown and rebate allowances; cooperative advertising funds; volume allowances; store opening discounts and support; and slotting, stocking and display allowances. The amount of such allowances may be determined on the basis of (1) a fixed dollar amount negotiated with the vendor, (2) an amount per unit purchased or as a percentage of total purchases from the vendor, or (3) amounts based on sales to the customer, number of stores, in-store displays or advertising. The proper recognition and timing of accounting for these items are significant to the reporting of the results of operations of the Company. The Company applies the authoritative guidance of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (“SAB No. 104”) – Revenue Recognition, Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 02-16 (“EITF 02-16”) – Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Considerations Received from a Vendor, and other authoritative guidance as appropriate. Under SAB No. 104, revenue recognition requires, as a prerequisite, the completion of the earnings process and its realization or assurance of realizability. Vendor rebates, credits and other promotional allowances that relate to Harris Teeter’s buying and merchandising activities, including lump-sum payments associated with long-term contracts, are recorded as a component of cost of sales as they are earned, the recognition of which is determined in accordance with the underlying agreement with the vendor, the authoritative guidance and completion of the earning process. Portions of vendor allowances that are refundable to the vendor, in whole or in part, by the nature of the provisions of the contract are deferred from recognition until realization is reasonably assured.

18

Harris Teeter’s practices are in accordance with EITF 02-16 and are based on the premise that the accounting for these vendor allowances should follow the economic substance of the underlying transactions, which is evidenced by the agreement with the vendor as long as the allowance is distinguishable from the merchandise purchase. Consistent with this premise, Harris Teeter recognizes allowances when the purpose for which the vendor funds were intended and committed to be used has been fulfilled and a cost has been incurred by the retailer. Thus, it is the Company’s policy to recognize the vendor allowance consistent with the timing of the recognition of the expense that the allowance is intended to reimburse and to determine the accounting classification consistent with the economic substance of the underlying transaction. Where the Company provides an identifiable benefit or service to the vendor apart from the purchase of merchandise, that transaction is recorded separately. For example, co-operative advertising allowances are accounted for as a reduction of advertising expense in the period in which the advertising cost is incurred. If the advertising allowance exceeds the cost of advertising, then the excess is recorded against the cost of sales in the period in which the related expense is recognized.

There are numerous types of rebates and allowances in the retail industry. The Company’s accounting practices with regard to some of the more typical arrangements are discussed as follows. Vendor allowances for price markdowns are credited to the cost of sales during the period in which the related markdown was taken and charged to the cost of sales. Slotting and stocking allowances received from a vendor to ensure that its products are carried or to introduce a new product at the Company’s stores are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales over the period covered by the agreement with the vendor based on the estimated inventory turns of the merchandise to which the allowance applies. Display allowances are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales in the period earned in accordance with the vendor agreement based on the estimated inventory turns of the merchandise to which the allowance applies. Volume rebates by the vendor in the form of a reduction of the purchase price of the merchandise reduce the cost of sales when the related merchandise is sold. Generally, volume rebates under a structured purchase program with allowances awarded based on the level of purchases are recognized, when realization is assured, as a reduction in the cost of sales in the appropriate monthly period based on the actual level of purchases in the period relative to the total purchase commitment and adjusted for the estimated inventory turns of the merchandise. Some of these typical vendor rebate, credit and promotional allowance arrangements require that the Company make assumptions and judgments regarding, for example, the likelihood of attaining specified levels of purchases or selling specified volumes of products, the duration of carrying a specified product and the estimation of inventory turns. The Company constantly reviews the relevant, significant factors and makes adjustments where the facts and circumstances dictate.

Inventory Valuation

The inventories of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are valued at the lower of cost or market with the cost of substantially all domestic U.S. inventories being determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Foreign inventories and limited categories of domestic inventories are valued on the weighted average and on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost methods. LIFO assumes that the last costs in are the ones that should be used to measure the cost of goods sold, leaving the earlier costs residing in the ending inventory valuation. The Company uses the “link chain” method of computing dollar value LIFO whereby the base year values of beginning and ending inventories are determined using a cumulative price index. The Company generates an estimated internal index to “link” current costs to the original costs of the base years in which the Company adopted LIFO. The Company’s determination of the LIFO index is driven by the change in current year costs, as well as the change in inventory quantities on hand. Under the LIFO valuation method at Harris Teeter, all retail store inventories are initially stated at estimated cost as calculated by the Retail Inventory Method (RIM). Under RIM, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. RIM is an averaging method that has been widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. Inherent in the RIM calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates, including markups, markdowns, lost inventory (shrinkage) percentages and the purity and similarity of inventory sub-categories as to their relative inventory turns, gross margins and on hand quantities. These judgments and estimates significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost, as well as gross margin. Management believes that the Company’s RIM provides an inventory valuation which reasonably approximates cost and results in carrying the inventory at the lower of cost or market. Management does not believe that the likelihood is significant that materially higher LIFO reserves are required given its current expectations of on-hand inventory quantities and costs.

The proper valuation of inventory also requires management to estimate the net realizable value of the Company’s obsolete and slow-moving inventory at the end of each period. Management bases its net realizable values upon many factors including historical recovery rates, the aging of inventories on hand, the inventory movement of specific products and the current economic conditions. When management has determined inventory to be obsolete or slow moving, the inventory is reduced to its net realizable value by recording an obsolescence reserve. Given the Company’s experiences in selling obsolete and slow-moving inventory, management believes that the amounts of the obsolescence reserves to the carrying values of its inventories are materially adequate.

With regard to the proper valuations of inventories, management reviews its judgments, assumptions and other relevant, significant factors on a routine basis and makes adjustments where the facts and circumstances dictate.

19

Self-insurance Reserves for Workers’ Compensation, Healthcare and General Liability

The Company is primarily self-insured for most U.S. workers’ compensation claims, healthcare claims and general liability and automotive liability losses. The Company has purchased insurance coverage in order to establish certain limits to its exposure on a per claim basis.

Actual U.S. workers’ compensation claims, and general liability and automotive liability losses, are reported to the Company by third party administrators. The third party administrators also report initial estimates of related loss reserves. The open claims and initial loss reserves are subjected to examination by the Company’s risk management and accounting management utilizing a consistent methodology which involves various assumptions, judgment and other factors. Such factors include but are not limited to the probability of settlement, the amount at which settlement can be achieved, the probable duration of the claim, the cost development pattern of the claim and the applicable cost development factor. The Company determines the estimated reserve required for U.S. worker compensation claims in each accounting period. This requires that management determine estimates of the costs of claims incurred and accrue for such expenses in the period in which the claims are incurred. The Company measures the liabilities associated with claims for workers’ compensation, general liability and automotive liability at Harris Teeter through the use of actuarial methods to project an estimate of ultimate cost for claims incurred. The estimated cost for claims incurred are discounted to present values using a discount rate representing a return on high-quality fixed income securities with an average maturity equal to the average payout of the related liability. Harris Teeter liabilities represent approximately 96% of the total Company self-insurance reserves for workers compensation, general liability and automotive liability claims. For liabilities associated with A&E’s workers’ compensation, general liability and automotive liability claims, management estimates the ultimate cost for claims incurred based on actual claims, reviewed for the status and probabilities associated with potential settlement and then adjusts them by development factors from published insurance industry sources. The Company constantly reviews the relevant, significant factors and makes adjustments where the facts and circumstances dictate. Management does not believe the likelihood is significant that existing worker compensation claims, general liability claims and automotive liability claims will be settled for materially higher amounts than those accrued.

The variety of healthcare plans available to employees are primarily self-insured, although some locations have insured health maintenance organization plans. The Company records an accrual for the estimated amount of self-insured healthcare claims incurred by all participants but not yet reported (IBNR) using an actuarial method of applying a development factor to the reported claims amount. The most significant factors which impact on the determination of the required accrual are the historical pattern of the timeliness of claims processing, changes in the nature or types of benefit plans, changes in the plan benefit designs, employer-employee cost sharing factors, and medical trends and inflation. Historical experience and industry trends are continually monitored, and accruals are adjusted when warranted by changes in facts and circumstances. The Company believes that the total healthcare cost accruals are reasonable and adequate to cover future payments on pre-existing claims.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Closed Store Obligations

The Company assesses its long-lived assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the net non-discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of net book value over the estimated fair value of the asset impaired. The fair value is estimated based on expected future cash flows.

The value of property and equipment associated with closed stores and facilities is adjusted to reflect recoverable values based on the Company's prior history of disposing of similar assets and current economic conditions. Management continually reviews its fair value estimates and records impairment charges for assets held for sale when management determines, based on new information which it believes to be reliable, that such charges are appropriate.

The results of impairment tests are subject to management's estimates and assumptions of projected cash flows and operating results. The Company believes that, based on current conditions, materially different reported results are not likely to result from long-lived asset impairments. However, a change in assumptions or market conditions could result in a change in estimated future cash flows and the likelihood of materially different reported results.

The Company records liabilities for closed stores that are under long-term lease agreements. The liability represents an estimate of the present value of the remaining non-cancelable lease payments after the anticipated closing date, net of estimated subtenant income. The closed store liabilities usually are paid over the lease terms associated with the closed stores, unless settled earlier. Harris Teeter management estimates the subtenant income and future cash flows based on its historical experience and knowledge of (1) the market in which the store is located, (2) the results of its previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and (3) the current economic conditions. The actual cost of disposition for these leases is affected by specific real estate markets, inflation rates and general economic conditions and may differ significantly from those assumed and estimated.

20

Store closings generally are completed within one year after the decision to close. Adjustments to closed store liabilities primarily relate to changes in subtenants and actual costs differing from original estimates. Adjustments are made for changes in estimates in the period in which the change becomes known. Any excess store closing liability remaining upon settlement of the obligation is reversed to income in the period that such settlement is determined. The Company constantly reviews the relevant, significant factors used in its estimates and makes adjustments where the facts and circumstances dictate.

Retirement Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans

The Company maintains certain retirement benefit plans for substantially all domestic full-time employees and supplemental retirement benefit plans for certain selected directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries. Employees in foreign subsidiaries participate to varying degrees in local pension plans, which, in the aggregate, are not significant. The qualified pension plan is a non-contributory, funded defined benefit plan, while the non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit plans are unfunded, defined benefit plans. The Company’s current funding policy for its qualified pension plan is to contribute annually the amount required by regulatory authorities to meet minimum funding requirements and an amount to increase the funding ratios over future years to a level determined by its actuaries to be effective in reducing the volatility of contributions.

The Company has certain deferred compensation arrangements which allow or allowed in prior years its directors, officers and selected key management personnel to forego the receipt of earned compensation for specified periods of time. The Company may also, from time to time, make discretionary annual contributions into the Director Deferral Plan on behalf of its outside directors. These plans are unfunded. The Company utilizes a rabbi trust to hold assets set aside to pay the respective liabilities of these plans. For further disclosures regarding the Company’s pension and deferred compensation plans, see the Note entitled “Employee Benefit Plans” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 hereof.

The Company maintains a post-retirement healthcare plan for retirees whose sum of age and years of service equal at least 75 at retirement. The plan continues coverage from early retirement date until the earlier date of eligibility for Medicare or any other employer’s medical plan. The Company requires that the retiree pay the estimated full cost of the coverage. The Company also provides a $5,000 post-retirement mortality benefit to a small number of retirees under a prior plan. The obligations and expenses associated with each of these benefit plans are not material.

The determination of the Company’s obligation and expense for pension, deferred compensation and other post-retirement benefits is dependent on certain assumptions selected by management and used by the Company and its actuaries in calculating such amounts. The more significant of those assumptions applicable to the qualified pension plan include the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the rates of increase in future compensation and the rates of future employee turnover. Those assumptions also apply to determinations of the obligations and expense of the following plans, except as noted: (1) supplemental pension – no funded assets to be measured, and (2) deferred compensation arrangement and post-retirement mortality benefit – no funded assets to be measured and no dependency on future rates of compensation or turnover.

In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, actual results that differ from management’s assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect the Company’s recognized expense and recorded obligation in such future periods. While management believes that its selections of values for the various assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the assumptions may materially affect pension and other post-retirement obligations and future expense. As an example, as of September 28, 2008, each 25 basis point reduction in the discount rate would effectively increase total pension liabilities (the qualified pension plan and the supplemental retirement benefit plan) by approximately $9.2 million and could increase future pension expense through the amortization of accumulated unrecognized actuarial losses.

Recent Accounting Standards

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements." SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 becomes effective for the Company’s 2009 fiscal year beginning on September 29, 2008, with the exception of its application to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities which has been delayed for one year as a result of the FASB’s February 2008 issuance of Staff Position 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.” The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

21

In October 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active.” This FSP applies to financial assets within the scope of accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements in accordance with SFAS No. 157. FSP No. FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. This FSP became effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued and did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 permits companies to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. Unrealized gains and losses on these items will be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be applied instrument by instrument (with a few exceptions), is irrevocable and is applied only to entire instruments and not to portions of instruments. This new standard becomes effective for the Company’s 2009 fiscal year beginning on September 29, 2008. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) is a revision of SFAS No. 141 that requires most identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interest, and goodwill acquired in a business combination to be recorded at “full fair value.” This new standard applies to all business combinations, including combinations among mutual entities and combinations by contract alone. SFAS No. 141(R) becomes effective for the Company’s 2010 fiscal year beginning on September 28, 2009 and will be applied to business combinations occurring after the effective date.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements.” SFAS No. 160 requires noncontrolling interest (previously referred to as minority interests) to be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability or other item outside of permanent equity. This new standard applies to the accounting for noncontrolling interest and transactions with noncontrolling interest holders in consolidated financial statements and will become effective for the Company’s 2010 fiscal year beginning on September 28, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 160 on its consolidated financial statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its fixed interest rate debt obligations. Generally, the fair value of debt with a fixed interest rate will increase as interest rates fall, and the fair value will decrease as interest rates rise. As of September 28, 2008, the Company had no significant foreign exchange exposure and no significant outstanding derivative transactions.

The table below presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates for the Company’s significant fixed interest rate debt obligations ($121.4 million of Senior Notes due at various dates through 2017):

	2009		2010		2011		2012		2013		Thereafter		Total		Fair Value
Fixed rate debt obligations	$	7,143	$	7,143	$	7,142	$	-	$	-	$	100,000	$	121,428	$	127,053
Weighted average interest rate		6.48%		6.48%		6.48%		-		-		7.64%		7.43%

For a more detail description of fair value, refer to the Note entitled “Financial Instruments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 hereof.

22

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

RUDDICK CORPORATION
AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

	Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	24
Consolidated Balance Sheets, September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007	26
Statements of Consolidated Income for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2008,
September 30, 2007 and October 1, 2006	27
Statements of Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the
fiscal years ended September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007 and October 1, 2006	28
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2008,
September 30, 2007 and October 1, 2006	29
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	30
Schedule I- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the fiscal
years ended September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007 and October 1, 2006	S-1

23

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Ruddick Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ruddick Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 28, 2008. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule “Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves.” These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 28, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have 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 September 28, 2008, based on criteria established in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO),” and our report dated November 21, 2008, expressed, an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

As discussed in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position 13-1, “Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction Period” effective January 2, 2006. Additionally, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” as of September 30, 2007, and Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109” effective October 1, 2007.

KPMG LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
November 21, 2008

24

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Ruddick Corporation:

We have audited Ruddick Corporation and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2008, based on criteria established in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 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 the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls 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, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 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 September 28, 2008, based on criteria established in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Ruddick Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 28, 2008, and our report dated November 21, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

KPMG LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
November 21, 2008

25

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
RUDDICK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES(dollars in thousands)

	September 28,		September 30,
	2008		2007
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	29,759	$	26,747
Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts of $2,819 and $3,962		91,528		92,998
Refundable Income Taxes		8,607		6,796
Inventories		312,589		295,662
Deferred Income Taxes		6,477		9,775
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		28,196		24,286
Total Current Assets		477,156		456,264
Property
Land		21,375		27,358
Buildings and Improvements		238,413		219,701
Machinery and Equipment		942,213		872,705
Leasehold Improvements		619,677		518,056
Total, at Cost		1,821,678		1,637,820
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization		854,347		770,184
Property, Net		967,331		867,636
Investments		143,902		100,736
Deferred Income Taxes		361		-
Goodwill		8,169		8,169
Intangible Assets		26,355		27,617
Other Long-Term Assets		73,133		69,267
Total Assets	$	1,696,407	$	1,529,689
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Notes Payable	$	11,150	$	11,694
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations		9,625		8,535
Accounts Payable		236,649		227,493
Deferred Income Taxes		347		-
Accrued Compensation		63,826		57,352
Other Current Liabilities		89,206		77,696
Total Current Liabilities		410,803		382,770
Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations		310,953		255,857
Deferred Income Taxes		10,877		870
Pension Liabilities		44,306		62,821
Other Long-Term Liabilities		89,685		85,037
Minority Interest		5,948		5,724
Commitments and Contingencies		-		-
Shareholders' Equity
Common Stock, no par value - Shares Outstanding: 2008 – 48,278,136;
2007 – 48,127,252		83,252		81,677
Retained Earnings		767,562		693,992
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Income Taxes		(26,979)		(39,059)
Total Shareholders' Equity		823,835		736,610
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	1,696,407	$	1,529,689

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

26

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
RUDDICK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	52 Weeks Ended		52 Weeks Ended		52 Weeks Ended
	September 28,		September 30,		October 1,
	2008		2007		2006
Net Sales	$	3,992,397	$	3,639,208	$	3,265,856
Cost of Sales		2,783,950		2,542,861		2,293,934
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses		1,034,662		948,173		848,853
Operating Profit		173,785		148,174		123,069
Interest Expense		20,334		17,654		14,125
Interest Income		(1,185)		(307)		(630)
Net Investment Loss (Gain)		41		(228)		(4,447)
Minority Interest		484		564		624
Income Before Taxes		154,111		130,491		113,397
Income Tax Expense		57,359		49,803		41,061
Net Income	$	96,752	$	80,688	$	72,336
Net Income Per Share:
Basic	$	2.02	$	1.69	$	1.53
Diluted	$	2.00	$	1.68	$	1.52
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:
Basic		47,824		47,605		47,233
Diluted		48,295		48,139		47,687

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

27

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
RUDDICK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	Common Stock					Accumulated Other		Total
	Shares	Common		Retained		Comprehensive		Shareholders'		Comprehensive
	(No Par Value)	Stock		Earnings		Income (Loss)		Equity		Income
Balance at October 2, 2005	47,488,979	$	70,558	$	582,953	$	(44,569)	$	608,942
Exercise of stock options,
including tax benefits of $914	313,814		5,597		-		-		5,597
Directors' stock plan	-		2		-		-		2
Share-Based Compensation	153,692		2,545		-		-		2,545
Shares effectively purchased and
retired for withholding taxes	(3,591)		(74)		-		-		(74)
Shares purchased and retired	(395,000)		(7,899)		-		-		(7,899)
Net earnings	-		-		72,336		-		72,336	$	72,336
Dividends ($0.44 a share)	-		-		(20,867)		-		(20,867)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment (net of $216 for tax)	-		-		-		1,301		1,301		1,301
Pension liability adjustment
(net of $5,668 for tax)	-		-		-		8,634		8,634		8,634
Balance at October 1, 2006	47,557,894		70,729		634,422		(34,634)		670,517	$	82,271
Exercise of stock options,
including tax benefits of $1,820	400,262		7,531		-		-		7,531
Directors' stock plan	-		1		-		-		1
Share-Based Compensation	184,365		3,853		-		-		3,853
Shares effectively purchased and
retired for withholding taxes	(15,269)		(437)		-		-		(437)
Net earnings	-		-		80,688		-		80,688	$	80,688
Dividends ($0. 44 a share)	-		-		(21,118)		-		(21,118)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment (net of $298 for tax)	-		-		-		3,617		3,617		3,617
Pension liability adjustment
(net of $10,774 for tax)	-		-		-		16,881		16,881		16,881
Impact of SFAS 158 Adoption
(net of tax benefit of $16,072)	-		-		-		(24,923)		(24,923)		-
Balance at September 30, 2007	48,127,252		81,677		693,992		(39,059)		736,610	$	101,186
Exercise of stock options,
including tax benefits of $1,917	233,158		5,276		-		-		5,276
Directors' stock plan	-		(12)		-		-		(12)
Share-Based Compensation	196,494		5,376		-		-		5,376
Shares effectively purchased and
retired for withholding taxes	(29,168)		(1,065)		-		-		(1,065)
Shares purchased and retired	(249,600)		(8,000)		-		-		(8,000)
Net earnings	-		-		96,752		-		96,752	$	96,752
Dividends ($0.48 a share)	-		-		(23,182)		-		(23,182)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment (net of $384 for tax)	-		-		-		1,079		1,079		1,079
Pension liability adjustment
(net of $6,988 for tax)	-		-		-		10,855		10,855		10,855
Postemployment benefits liability
adjustment (net of $95 for tax)	-		-		-		146		146		146
Balance at September 28, 2008	48,278,136	$	83,252	$	767,562	$	(26,979)	$	823,835	$	108,832

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

28

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
RUDDICK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(dollars in thousands)

	52 Weeks Ended		52 Weeks Ended		52 Weeks Ended
	September 28,		September 30,		October 1,
	2008		2007		2006
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$	96,752	$	80,688	$	72,336
Non-Cash Items Included in Net Income:
Depreciation and Amortization		114,405		100,798		88,910
Deferred Income Taxes		13,665		(3,108)		(8,353)
Net Gain on Property Sales		(1,789)		(2,432)		(1,811)
Impairment Losses		129		618		2,603
Share-Based Compensation		5,376		3,853		2,471
Other, Net		1,703		(2,649)		2,067
Changes in Operating Accounts Providing (Utilizing) Cash:
Accounts Receivable		1,552		(2,588)		(7,804)
Inventories		(16,853)		(28,213)		(15,840)
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		(3,464)		303		(1,717)
Accounts Payable		7,116		40,132		20,520
Other Current Liabilities		8,331		13,054		7,045
Other Long-Term Operating Accounts		(235)		11,662		(1,689)
Other, Net		500		500		1,000
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		227,188		212,618		159,738
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital Expenditures		(199,500)		(219,903)		(218,536)
Purchase of Other Investments		(46,799)		(9,835)		(47,771)
Acquired Favorable Leases		(1,136)		-		(1,695)
Proceeds from Sale of Property		24,606		14,989		25,850
Return of Partnership Investments		129		12,557		2,627
Proceeds from Sale of Temporary Investments		-		-		16,859
Purchase of Temporary Investments		-		-		(3,930)
Investments in Company-Owned Life Insurance		(1,879)		(1,881)		191
Other, Net		(1,647)		(735)		(2,797)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(226,226)		(204,808)		(229,202)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net Proceeds from (Payments on) Short-Term Debt Borrowings		865		750		(812)
Net (Payments on) Proceeds from Revolver Borrowings		(62,000)		10,200		80,800
Proceeds from Long-Term Debt Borrowings		100,371		319		2,639
Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations		(10,207)		(8,387)		(9,447)
Dividends Paid		(23,182)		(21,118)		(20,867)
Proceeds from Stock Issued		3,359		5,711		4,683
Share-Based Compensation Tax Benefits		1,917		1,820		914
Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock		(8,000)		-		(7,899)
Other, Net		(1,139)		(210)		(544)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		1,984		(10,915)		49,467
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents		2,946		(3,105)		(19,997)
Effect of Foreign Currency Fluctuations on Cash		66		664		-
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year		26,747		29,188		49,185
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$	29,759	$	26,747	$	29,188

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

29

RUDDICK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ruddick Corporation and subsidiaries, including its wholly owned operating companies, Harris Teeter, Inc. and American & Efird, Inc., collectively referred to herein as the Company. All material intercompany amounts have been eliminated. To the extent that non-affiliated parties held minority equity investments in joint ventures of the Company, such investments are classified as minority interest.

The Company reviews its investments in entities to determine if such entities are deemed to be variable interest entities (VIE’s) as defined by FIN 46 and FIN 46-R. The Company will consolidate those VIE’s in which the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entity. As of the fiscal year ended on September 28, 2008, the Company concluded that it does not have any VIE’s that required consolidation.

Fiscal Year
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to September 30. However, the Company’s Harris Teeter subsidiary’s fiscal periods end on the Tuesday following the Company’s fiscal period end. Fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 include the 52 weeks ended September 28, 2008 (September 30, 2008 for Harris Teeter), September 30, 2007 (October 2, 2007 for Harris Teeter) and October 1, 2006 (October 3, 2006 for Harris Teeter), respectively.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statements of consolidated cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid cash investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Temporary Investments
The Company has historically invested in various municipal and tax-exempt bonds and other similar investments in order to enhance its return on excess cash. The Company selected specific investments based on certain criteria, which include, but are not limited to, suitable liquidity and credit quality requirements.

Inventories
The Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market with the cost of substantially all domestic U.S. inventories being determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Foreign inventories and limited categories of domestic inventories are valued on the weighted average and on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost methods. Under the LIFO valuation method at Harris Teeter, all retail store inventories are initially stated at estimated cost as calculated by the Retail Inventory Method (RIM). Under RIM, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. LIFO indices are developed approximately one month prior to year end except for inventory held at Harris Teeter’s distribution facilities which are developed at year end. The annual LIFO measurement is achieved by applying the indices to the actual inventory on hand as of year end.

Vendor Rebates, Credits and Promotional Allowances
Consistent with standard practices in the retail industry, Harris Teeter receives allowances from vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements. These allowances are generally intended to defray the costs of promotion, advertising and selling the vendor’s products. Vendor rebates, credits and other promotional allowances that relate to Harris Teeter’s buying and merchandising activities, including lump-sum payments associated with long-term contracts, are recorded as a component of cost of sales as they are earned, the recognition of which is determined in accordance with the underlying agreement with the vendor, the authoritative guidance and completion of the earning process. Portions of vendor allowances that are refundable to the vendor, in whole or in part, by the nature of the provisions of the contract are deferred from recognition until realization is reasonably assured.

30

Harris Teeter recognizes allowances when the purpose for which the vendor funds were intended and committed to be used has been fulfilled and a cost has been incurred by the retailer. Thus, it is the Company’s policy to recognize the vendor allowance consistent with the timing of the recognition of the expense that the allowance is intended to reimburse and to determine the accounting classification consistent with the economic substance of the underlying transaction. Where the Company provides an identifiable benefit or service to the vendor apart from the purchase of merchandise, that transaction is recorded separately. For example, co-operative advertising allowances are accounted for as a reduction of advertising expense in the period in which the advertising cost is incurred. If the advertising allowance exceeds the cost of advertising, then the excess is recorded against the cost of sales in the period in which the related expense is recognized.

Vendor allowances for price markdowns are credited to the cost of sales during the period in which the related markdown was taken and charged to the cost of sales. Slotting and stocking allowances received from a vendor to ensure that its products are carried or to introduce a new product at the Company’s stores are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales over the period covered by the agreement with the vendor based on the estimated inventory turns of the merchandise to which the allowance applies. Display allowances are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales in the period earned in accordance with the vendor agreement. Volume rebates by the vendor in the form of a reduction of the purchase price of the merchandise reduce the cost of sales when the related merchandise is sold. Generally, volume rebates under a structured purchase program with allowances awarded based on the level of purchases are recognized, when realization is assured, as a reduction in the cost of sales in the appropriate monthly period based on the actual level of purchases in the period relative to the total purchase commitment and adjusted for the estimated inventory turns of the merchandise.

Property and Depreciation
Property is recorded at cost and is depreciated, using principally the straight-line method, over the following useful lives:

Land improvements	10-40 years
Buildings	15-40 years
Machinery and equipment	3-15 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life or the remaining term of the lease. Assets under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life or the lease term. Maintenance and repairs are charged against income when incurred. Expenditures for major renewals, replacements and betterments are added to property. The cost and the related accumulated depreciation of assets retired are eliminated from the accounts with gains or losses on disposal being added to or deducted from income. Property categories include $46,224,000 and $57,889,000 of accumulated costs for construction in progress at September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Closed Store Obligations
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144 “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company assesses its long-lived assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the net non-discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of net book value over the estimated fair value of the asset impaired, and recorded as an offset to the asset value. The fair value is estimated based on expected future cash flows or third party valuations, if available.

The value of property and equipment associated with closed stores and facilities is adjusted to reflect recoverable values based on the Company's prior history of disposing of similar assets and current economic conditions. Management continually reviews its fair value estimates and records impairment charges for assets held for sale when management determines, based on new information which it believes to be reliable, that such charges are appropriate.

The Company records liabilities for closed stores that are under long-term lease agreements. The liability represents an estimate of the present value of the remaining non-cancelable lease payments after the anticipated closing date, net of estimated subtenant income. The closed store liabilities usually are paid over the lease terms associated with the closed stores, unless settled earlier. Harris Teeter management estimates the subtenant income and future cash flows based on its historical experience and knowledge of (1) the market in which the store is located, (2) the results of its previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and (3) the current economic conditions.

31

Investments
The Company’s Harris Teeter subsidiary invests in certain real estate development projects, with a managing partner or partners, in which Harris Teeter either operates or plans to operate a supermarket. American & Efird has investments in various non-consolidated foreign entities in which they hold a minority interest and a 50% ownership interest in a joint venture in China. These investments, depending on the state of development, are accounted for either under the equity method of accounting or at cost. In addition, the Company continues to hold certain equity investments in a few emerging growth companies as a result of investments made in certain venture capital funds during prior years. Real estate and other investments are carried at the lower of cost or market and are periodically reviewed for potential impairment in accordance SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Investments accounted for under the equity method totaled $91,194,000 and $64,305,000 at September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively. Investments accounted for under the cost method totaled $52,708,000 and $36,431,000 at September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill and certain other intangibles with indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently, if circumstances indicate a potential impairment. Intangible assets with finite, measurable lives continue to be amortized over their respective useful lives until they reach their estimated residual values, and are reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

Insurance
The Company utilizes a combination of self-insured retention and high-deductible programs for most U.S. workers’ compensation claims, healthcare claims, and general liability and automotive liability losses. The Company has purchased insurance coverage in order to establish certain limits to its exposure on a per claim basis. The Company determines the estimated reserve required for U.S. worker compensation claims, general liability and automotive liability by first analyzing the costs of claims incurred and then adjusts such estimates by development factors from published insurance industry sources. The Company measures the cost associated with workers’ compensation claims, and general liability and automotive liability losses at Harris Teeter based upon a projection of the ultimate cost for claims incurred. The estimated total expected costs of claims includes an estimate for claims incurred but not reported (IBNR) and is discounted to present values using a discount rate representing a return on high-quality fixed income securities with an average maturity equal to the average payout of the related liability.

The Company records an accrual for the estimated amount of self-insured healthcare IBNR claims. These reserves are recorded based on historical experience and industry trends, which are continually monitored, and accruals are adjusted when warranted by changes in facts and circumstances.

Deferred Rent
The Company recognizes rent holidays, including the period of time the Company has access prior to the store opening, which typically includes construction and fixturing activity, and rent escalations on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The deferred rent amount is included in Other Long-Term Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position 13-1, “Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred during a Construction Period,” the Company began expensing construction period rent as incurred as of the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2006.

Derivatives
The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) entered into in the normal course of business were not significant during any of the periods presented.

Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from retail operations at the point of sale to its customers and from manufacturing operations at the point of shipment to its customers, based on shipping terms.

Cost of Sales
The major components of cost of sales in the retail supermarket segment are (a) the cost of products sold determined under the Retail Inventory Method (see "Inventories” above) reduced by purchase cash discounts and vendor purchase allowances and rebates, (b) the cost of various sales promotional activities reduced by vendor promotional allowances, and reduced by cooperative advertising allowances to the extent an advertising allowance exceeds the cost of the advertising, (c) the cost of product waste, including, but not limited to, physical waste and theft, (d) the cost of product distribution, including warehousing, freight and delivery, and (e) any charges, or credits, associated with LIFO reserves and reserves for obsolete and slow moving inventories. Additionally, the costs of production of product sold by the dairy operation to outsiders are included in cost of sales in the period in which the sales are recognized in revenues.

32

The major components of cost of sales in the textile manufacturing and distribution segment are (a) the materials and supplies, labor costs and overhead costs associated with the manufactured products sold, (b) the purchased cost of products bought for resale, (c) any charges, or credits, associated with LIFO reserves and reserves for obsolete and slow moving inventories, (d) the freight costs incurred to deliver the products to the customer from the point of sale, and (e) all other costs required to be classified as cost of sales under authoritative accounting pronouncements.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The major components of selling, general and administrative expenses in the retail supermarket segment are (a) the costs associated with store operations, including store labor and training, fringe benefits and incentive compensation, supplies and maintenance, regional and district management and store support, store rent and other occupancy costs, property management and similar costs, (b) advertising costs, (c) shipping and handling costs, excluding freight, warehousing and distribution costs, (d) merchandising and purchasing department staffing, supplies and associated costs, (e) customer service and support, and (f) the costs of maintaining general and administrative support functions, including, but not limited to, personnel administration, finance and accounting, treasury, credit, information systems, marketing, and environmental, health and safety, based on appropriate classification under generally accepted accounting principles.

The major components of selling, general and administrative expenses in the textile manufacturing and distribution segment are (a) the costs of maintaining a sales force, including compensation, incentive compensation, benefits, office and occupancy costs, travel and all other costs of the sales force, (b) shipping and handling costs, excluding freight, (c) the costs of advertising, customer service, sales support and other similar costs, and (d) the costs of maintaining general and administrative support functions, including, but not limited to, personnel administration, finance and accounting, treasury, credit, information systems, training, marketing, and environmental, health and safety, to the extent that such overhead activities are not allocable to indirect manufacturing costs in cost of sales under generally accepted accounting principles. The Company also includes the net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries within selling, general and administrative expenses.

The major components of selling, general and administrative expenses in the corporate segment are (a) the costs associated with a portion of compensation and benefits of holding company employees, and (b) certain other costs that are not related to the operating companies.

Advertising
Costs incurred to produce media advertising are expensed in the period in which the advertising first takes place. All other advertising costs are also expensed when incurred. Cooperative advertising income from vendors is recorded in the period in which the related expense is incurred and amounted to $1,717,000, $1,635,000 and $1,745,000 in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Net advertising expenses of $25,818,000, $24,486,000, and $23,311,000 were included in the Company's results of operations for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Foreign Currency
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations (if applicable) are translated at the current exchange rates as of the end of the accounting period, and revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are net of income taxes and accumulated as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.

Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Tax credits are recorded as a reduction of income taxes in the years in which they are generated. Deferred tax liabilities or assets at the end of each period are determined using the tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes are settled or realized. Accordingly, income tax expense will increase or decrease in the same period in which a change in tax rates is enacted. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)
Basic EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares. Diluted EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares adjusted by the dilutive effect of potential common stock equivalents resulting from the operation of the Company’s comprehensive stock option and awards plans.

33

Stock Options and Stock Awards
The Company adopted SFAS 123R as of the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2006 utilizing the modified prospective method which requires fair-value accounting for all share-based payments to employees for new awards and previously granted awards that were not vested as of the adoption date. Compensation expense for stock awards are based on the grant date fair value and are expensed ratably over their vesting period, resulting in more expense in the early years. Income tax benefits attributable to stock options exercised are credited to capital stock.

Other Comprehensive Income
Other comprehensive income refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net earnings but rather are recorded directly in shareholders’ equity. The accumulated components of other comprehensive income, net of taxes at September 28, 2008 were accumulated net losses for minimum pension liabilities of $33,527,000, accumulated net gains for postemployment liabilities of $78,000 and accumulated net gains for foreign currency translation adjustments of $6,470,000.

Reclassifications
To conform with classifications used in the current year, the financial statements for the prior year reflect certain reclassifications.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market with the cost of substantially all domestic U.S. inventories being determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The LIFO cost of such inventories was $32,651,000 and $22,175,000 less than the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method at September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively. Foreign inventories and limited categories of domestic inventories, totaling $76,360,000 for fiscal 2008 and $72,616,000 for fiscal 2007, are valued on the weighted average and on the FIFO cost methods. The following table summarizes the components of inventories at September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 (in thousands):

	2008		2007
Finished Goods	$	281,952	$	264,375
Raw Materials and Supplies		23,901		24,783
Work in Process		6,736		6,504
Total Inventories	$	312,589	$	295,662

COMPANY OWNED LIFE INSURANCE (COLI)

The Company has purchased life insurance policies to fund its obligations under certain benefit plans for officers, key employees and directors. The cash surrender value of these policies is recorded net of policy loans and included with other long-term assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The cash value of the Company’s life insurance policies were $54,880,000 at September 28, 2008 and $52,055,000 at September 30, 2007, and no policy loans were outstanding at either date.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The carrying amount of intangible assets at September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 was as follows (in thousands):

	2008		2007
Amortizing Intangible Assets:
Acquired favorable operating leases		18,170		17,034
Customer lists		5,534		5,534
Land use rights – foreign operations		4,439		4,179
Non-compete agreements		4,054		4,286
Trademarks, licenses and other		2,554		2,554
Total amortizing intangibles		34,751		33,587
Accumulated amortization		(8,396)		(5,970)
Total intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$	26,355	$	27,617

Acquired favorable operating leases are recorded at Harris Teeter. All other amortizing intangible assets are recorded by American & Efird. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $2,658,000, $2,619,000 and $2,281,000 in fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Amortizing intangible assets have remaining useful lives from one year to 47 years. Projected amortization expense for intangible assets existing as of September 28, 2008 is: $2,573,000, $2,340,000, $1,902,000, $1,624,000 and $1,406,000 for fiscal years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

34

GOODWILL

Goodwill is recorded by the Company’s American & Efird textile subsidiary. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Company conducts an annual review during the first fiscal quarter to determine if there exits any impairment of goodwill. There has been no goodwill impairment charge required for the periods presented.

LEASES

The Company leases certain equipment under agreements expiring during the next 6 years. Harris Teeter leases most of its stores under leases that expire during the next 25 years. It is expected that such leases will be renewed by exercising options or replaced by leases of other properties. Most store leases provide for additional rentals based on sales, and certain store facilities are sublet under leases expiring during the next 10 years. Certain leases also contain rent escalation clauses (step rents) that require additional rental amounts in the later years of the term.

Rent expense for the fiscal years was as follows (in thousands):

	2008		2007		2006
Minimum, net of sublease income	$	85,693	$	84,106	$	79,281
Contingent		1,932		1,597		1,471
Total	$	87,625	$	85,703	$	80,752

Future minimum lease commitments (excluding leases assigned - see below) and total minimum sublease rental income to be received under non-cancelable subleases at September 28, 2008 were as follows (in thousands):

	Operating				Capital
Fiscal Year	Leases		Subleases		Leases
2009	$	91,913	$	(2,486)	$	7,566
2010		95,344		(2,403)		7,581
2011		97,218		(2,176)		7,596
2012		97,927		(2,075)		7,611
2013		97,447		(1,669)		7,691
Later years		1,040,914		(4,346)		111,863
Total minimum lease obligations (receivables)	$	1,520,763	$	(15,155)		149,908
Amount representing interest						(83,350)
Present value of net minimum obligation (included with long-term debt)					$	66,558

In connection with the closing of certain store locations, Harris Teeter has assigned leases to other merchants with recourse. These leases expire over the next 13 years and the future minimum lease payments totaling $57,745,000 over this period have been assumed by these merchants.

LONG-TERM DEBT

On December 20, 2007, the Company and eleven banks entered into a new credit agreement that provides for a five-year revolving credit facility in the aggregate amount of up to $350 million and a non-amortizing term loan of $100 million due December 20, 2012. The new credit agreement also provides for an optional increase of the revolving credit facility by an additional amount of up to $100 million and two 1-year maturity extension options, both of which require consent of the lenders. The new credit agreement replaced a previously existing $350 million revolving credit facility dated June 7, 2006. Outstanding borrowings under the new credit agreement bear interest at a variable rate based on a reference to: rates on federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System or the prime rate in effect on the interest determination date; the LIBOR Market Index Rate; or, the LIBOR Rate, each plus an applicable margin. The amount which may be borrowed from time to time and the applicable margin to the referenced interest rate are each dependent on a leverage factor. The leverage factor is based on a ratio of rent-adjusted consolidated funded debt divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and operating rents, as set forth in the credit agreement. The more significant of the financial covenants which the Company must meet during the term of the new credit agreement include a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. As of September 28, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of the credit agreement. Issued letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowings under the revolving credit facility and amounted to $28,540,000 as of September 28, 2008. The Company is charged a variable commitment fee based on the amount available for borrowings, which amounted to $292,460,000 as of September 28, 2008. The commitment fee rate applied to the net unused balance was 0.120%, 0.120% and 0.120% for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

35

Covenants in certain of the Company’s long-term debt agreements limit the total indebtedness that the Company may incur. The most restrictive of these covenants is a consolidated maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as defined in the Company’s credit agreement. As of September 28, 2008, the amount of additional debt that could be incurred within the limitations of the debt covenants exceeded the additional borrowings available under the revolving credit facility. As such, management believes that the limit on indebtedness does not restrict the Company’s ability to meet future liquidity requirements through borrowings available under the Company’s revolving credit facility, including any liquidity requirements expected in connection with the Company’s expansion plans for the foreseeable future.

Long-term debt at September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 was as follows (in thousands): 

		2008		2007
6.48% Senior Note due $7,143 annually through April, 2011	$	21,428	$	28,572
7.72% Senior Note due April, 2017		50,000		50,000
7.55% Senior Note due July, 2017		50,000		50,000
Bank Term Loan due December, 2012, variable interest		100,000		-
Revolving Line of Credit, variable interest		29,000		91,000
Capital lease obligations		66,558		39,327
Other obligations		3,592		5,493
Total		320,578		264,392
Less current portion		9,625		8,535
Total long-term debt	$	310,953	$	255,857

Long-term debt maturities (including capital lease obligations) in each of the next five fiscal years are as follows: 2009 - $9,625,000; 2010 - $ 9,780,000; 2011 - $ 9,529,000; 2012 - $ 1,745,000; 2013 - $ 130,823,000.

Total interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, on debt and capital lease obligations was $20,334,000, $17,654,000 and $14,125,000 for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Capitalized interest totaled $2,220,000, $2,318,000 and $1,083,000 for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents and receivables. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure to each individual financial institution and places its temporary cash into investments of high credit quality. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to their dispersion across various companies and geographies.

The carrying amounts for certain of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The fair value of variable interest debt is equal to its carrying amount. The estimated fair value of the Company’s significant fixed interest debt obligations (Senior Notes due at various dates through 2017) outstanding as of September 28, 2008 was $127,053,000 as compared to its carrying amount of $121,428,000. This estimated fair value is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and maturities.

CAPITAL STOCK

The capital stock of the Company authorized at September 28, 2008 was 75,000,000 shares of no par value Common Stock, 4,000,000 shares of Preference Stock (non-cumulative voting $0.56 convertible, $10 liquidation value), and 1,000,000 shares of Additional Preferred Stock. No shares of Preference Stock or Additional Preferred Stock were issued or outstanding at September 28, 2008.

36

One preferred share purchase right is attached to each outstanding share of common stock, which rights expire on November 16, 2010. Each right entitles the holder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of a new Series A Junior Participating Additional Preferred Stock for $60. The rights will become exercisable only under certain circumstances related to a person or group acquiring or offering to acquire a substantial portion of the Company's common stock. If certain additional events then occur, each right would entitle the rightholder to acquire common stock of the Company, or in some cases of an acquiring entity, having a value equal to twice the exercise price. Under certain circumstances the Board of Directors may extinguish the rights by exchanging one share of common stock or an equivalent security for each qualifying right or may redeem each right at a price of $0.01. There are 600,000 shares of Series A Junior Participating Additional Preferred Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of the rights.

The Board of Directors adopted a stock buyback program in 1996, authorizing, at management’s discretion, the Company to purchase and retire up to 10% of the then outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock for the purpose of preventing dilution as a result of the operation of the Company’s comprehensive stock option and awards plans. Pursuant to this plan, the Company purchased and retired 250,000 shares at a total cost of $8,000,000, or an average price of $32.05 per share and 395,000 shares at a total cost of $7,899,000, or an average price of $20.00 per share during fiscal 2008 and 2006, respectively. There were no stock purchases during fiscal 2007.

STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK AWARDS

At September 28, 2008, the Company has 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2002 equity incentive plans, which were approved by the Company’s shareholders and authorized the issuance of 5,500,000 shares of common stock pursuant thereto. Under certain stock option plans, the Company has granted incentive stock options to employees or nonqualified stock options to employees and outside directors. The Company’s incentive stock options generally become exercisable in installments of 20% per year at each of the first through fifth anniversaries from grant date and expire seven years from grant date and nonqualified stock options expire ten years from grant date. Historically and pursuant to the terms of certain plans, the Company grants a single, one-time nonqualified stock option of 10,000 shares, generally vested immediately, to each of its outside directors at the time of their initial election to the Board. Under each of the stock option plans, the exercise price of each stock option shall be no less than the market price of the Company's stock on the date of grant, and an option's maximum term is ten years. At the discretion of the Company, under certain plans a stock appreciation right may be granted and exercised in lieu of the exercise of the related option (which is then forfeited). Certain of the plans also allow the Company to grant stock awards such as restricted stock. Under the plans, as of September 28, 2008 the Company may grant additional options or stock awards and performance shares in the amount of 1,309,000 shares.

Beginning in November 2004, the Board of Directors began approving equity awards in lieu of stock options. Historically these awards were apportioned 50% as a fixed award of restricted stock (restricted from sale or transfer until vesting ratably over a five-year period of continued employment) and 50% as performance share awards, based on the attainment of certain performance targets for the ensuing fiscal year. If the fiscal year performance targets are met, the performance shares are subsequently issued as restricted stock and vest over four years of continued employment.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment" (“SFAS 123R”) as a replacement to SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” SFAS 123R supersedes APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations, which allowed companies to use the intrinsic method of valuing share-based payment transactions. SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on the fair-value method as defined in SFAS 123. The Company adopted SFAS 123R as of the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2006 utilizing the modified prospective method which requires fair-value accounting for all share-based payments to employees for new awards and previously granted awards that were not vested as of the adoption date.

Stock awards are being expensed ratably over the employees’ five-year requisite service period in accordance with the graded vesting schedule, resulting in more expense being recognized in the early years. Compensation expense related to restricted awards totaled $5,339,000, $3,529,000 and $1,901,000 for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The remaining unamortized expense as of September 28, 2008 is $7,560,000, with a weighted average recognition period of 1.81 years.

Compensation expense related to stock options totaled $37,000, $324,000 and $645,000 for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The fair value of the stock options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company used historical data to estimate the expected life, volatility and expected forfeitures of the stock option value. The risk-free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the time of grant. The weighted average fair value for stock options granted in fiscal 2008 was $11.28 per option and was based on the following weighted average assumptions: an expected life of 6.32 years; a risk-free interest rate of 3.23%; volatility of 31.51%; and a dividend yield of 1.38%. No options were granted in fiscal years 2007 or 2006.

37

A summary of the status of the Company's restricted stock awards as of September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007 and October 1, 2006, changes during the periods ending on those dates and weighted average grant-date fair value (WAGFV) is presented below (shares in thousands):

Stock Awards	September 28, 2008		September 30, 2007		October 1, 2006
	Shares	WAGFV	Shares	WAGFV	Shares	WAGFV
Non-vested at beginning of period	477	25.17	325	$ 20.92	116	$ 22.47
Granted	278	36.69	269	28.63	233	20.21
Vested	(90)	23.62	(50)	21.55	(15)	22.06
Forfeited	(76)	29.02	(67)	21.09	(9)	21.64
Non-vested at end of period	589	30.34	477	25.17	325	20.92

The total fair value of stock awards that vested during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $3,280,000, $1,417,000 and $304,000, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans as of September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007, and October 1, 2006, changes during the years ending on those dates and related weighted average exercise price is presented below (shares in thousands):

	2008			2007			2006
Stock Options	Shares		Price	Shares		Price	Shares		Price
Outstanding at beginning of year	731	$	16.01	1,179	$	15.82	1,544	$	15.78
Granted	10		35.24	-		-	-		-
Exercised	(248)		16.01	(440)		15.50	(339)		15.47
Forfeited	(8)		16.70	(7)		16.40	(7)		15.84
Expired	(2)		15.11	(1)		15.83	(19)		19.07
Outstanding at end of year	483	$	16.40	731	$	16.01	1,179	$	15.82
Options exercisable at year end	386	$	16.27	447	$	15.85	611	$	15.59

The option price per share for stock options outstanding as of September 28, 2008 ranged from $11.50 to $35.24 and the average period remaining to vest and become exercisable was 0.14 years. The weighted average contractual term of stock options outstanding at September 28, 2008 was 2.9 years. The total cash received from stock options exercised for the exercise price and related tax deductions are included in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income. The Company has historically issued new shares to satisfy the stock options exercised. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options as of the balance sheet dates and stock options exercised during the periods ending on those dates is presented below (in thousands):

	2008	2007	2006
Intrinsic value of outstanding options at end of period	$8,346	$ 12,923	$ 12,288
Intrinsic value of options exercisable at end of period	6,713	7,984	6,512
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the fiscal year	4,847	6,178	2,589

INCOME TAXES

The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), on October 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that is required to be met before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

At the date of adoption of FIN 48, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included $6.7 million of tax positions that are highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of these positions would not affect the annual effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the tax authority to an earlier period. Also as of the adoption date, the Company had accrued interest expense related to the unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.2 million. The Company has elected to record interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense. Due to the timing nature of the tax positions and the amount of related interest previously accrued, there was no cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 required to be recorded against retained earnings or material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

38

The following table provides a reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal 2008 (in thousands):

	2008
Balance at beginning of year	$	6,691
Reclassification of uncertain positions from taxes payable		1,151
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		-
Additions for tax positions of prior years		474
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(669)
Reductions for settlements		-
Reductions for deposits made		(1,500)
Balance at end of year	$	6,147

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for the fiscal year 1999 and onward with fiscal years 1999 to 2004 under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). In connection with the fiscal years under examination, the Company has filed a protest with respect to certain IRS-proposed adjustments with which it does not agree. Those adjustments will be addressed with the Appeals Division of the IRS. Although there have been discussions with the Appeals Division, the timing of any resolution is currently uncertain. The Company and some of its subsidiaries file separate tax returns with the state of North Carolina. The North Carolina statute of limitations for several entities remains open for the fiscal years 2004 to 2006. Foreign and U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from 3 to 5 years.

Although the timing of any resolution of the tax matters for those years currently in appeals is uncertain, the Company believes it is reasonably possible that a settlement could occur within the next twelve months and has included the related liabilities with Other Current Liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any outcomes and the timing of audit settlement are subject to significant uncertainty; however, management believes appropriate provisions for all outstanding issues have been made for all jurisdictions and all open tax years.

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):

	2008		2007		2006
CURRENT
Federal	$	34,313	$	44,147	$	40,842
State and other		9,381		8,764		8,572
		43,694		52,911		49,414
DEFERRED
Federal		12,398		(3,550)		(5,906)
State and other		1,267		442		(2,447)
		13,665		(3,108)		(8,353)
Provision for income taxes	$	57,359	$	49,803	$	41,061

Income from foreign operations before income taxes in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $1,420,000, $2,868,000 and $4,040,000, respectively. Income taxes provided for income from foreign operations in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $931,000, $425,000 and $422,000, respectively, including the minority interest in such taxes.

39

Income tax expense differed from an amount computed by applying the statutory tax rates to pre-tax income as follows (in thousands):

	2008		2007		2006
Income tax on pre-tax income at the statutory
federal rate of 35%	$	53,939	$	45,672	$	39,689
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
State and other income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		7,277		5,933		4,885
Tax credits		(2,820)		(424)		(428)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)		(920)		(1,010)		(1,127)
COLI		(459)		(1,081)		(1,721)
Other items, net		342		713		(237)
Income tax expense	$	57,359	$	49,803	$	41,061

The tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to the Company's consolidated deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

	2008		2007
Deferred Tax Assets:
Employee benefits	$	27,466	$	34,032
Rent obligations		20,997		19,752
Reserves not currently deductible		16,075		14,405
Vendor allowances		7,656		6,610
Other		3,978		2,793
Total deferred tax assets	$	76,172	$	77,592
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$	(60,296)	$	(52,388)
Inventories		(14,205)		(8,518)
Undistributed earnings on foreign subsidiaries		(3,695)		(3,470)
Other		(2,362)		(4,311)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(80,558)	$	(68,687)

As of September 28, 2008, the Company had approximately $7,961,000 of state cumulative net operating loss carryforwards, $3,940,000 of foreign cumulative net operating loss carryforwards and $1,608,000 of foreign tax credit carryforwards. The state net operating losses will begin to expire in fiscal 2022, the foreign net operating losses begin to expire in fiscal 2009 and the foreign tax credits begin to expire in fiscal 2010. A valuation allowance of $2,553,000 and $1,436,000 is included with deferred income taxes as of September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively. The valuation allowance increased by $1,117,000 from fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008, increased $697,000 from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007 and decreased $1,622,000 from fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2006. The allowance was developed based upon the uncertainty of the realization of certain state and foreign deferred tax assets related to net operating losses and other foreign tax items. Although realization is not assured for the remaining deferred tax assets, it is considered more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be realized through future taxable earnings.

Undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign operations amount to approximately $20.8 million at September 28, 2008. Of those earnings, approximately $11.4 million are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes is required to be provided thereon. If those earnings were distributed, the Company would be subject to U.S. federal taxes and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries of approximately $4.4 million (less any applicable U.S. foreign tax credits).

40

INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates primarily in two businesses: retail grocery (including the real estate and store development activities of the Company) - Harris Teeter and industrial thread (textile primarily), including technical textiles and embroidery thread -American & Efird. Harris Teeter operates a regional chain of supermarkets in the southeastern United States. American & Efird manufactures and distributes sewing thread for the apparel and other markets, technical textiles and embroidery thread throughout their global operations. The Company evaluates performance of its two businesses utilizing various measures which are based on operating profit.

Summarized financial information for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 is as follows (in millions):

	Industrial		Retail
	Thread		Grocery		Corporate (1)		Consolidated
2008
Net Sales	$	327.6	$	3,664.8			$	3,992.4
Gross Profit		69.6		1,138.8				1,208.4
Operating Profit (Loss)		2.3		177.8	$	(6.3)		173.8
Assets Employed at Year End		291.4		1,306.2		98.8		1,696.4
Depreciation and Amortization		17.9		96.4		0.1		114.4
Capital Expenditures		7.3		192.2		-		199.5
2007
Net Sales	$	339.8	$	3,299.4			$	3,639.2
Gross Profit		74.6		1,021.7				1,096.3
Operating Profit (Loss)		1.4		154.1	$	(7.3)		148.2
Assets Employed at Year End		284.3		1,150.5		94.9		1,529.7
Depreciation and Amortization		19.1		81.1		0.6		100.8
Capital Expenditures		7.7		205.5		6.7		219.9
2006
Net Sales	$	343.2	$	2,922.7			$	3,265.9
Gross Profit		74.3		897.6				971.9
Operating Profit (Loss)		1.6		127.6	$	(6.1)		123.1
Assets Employed at Year End		297.1		980.1		85.7		1,362.9
Depreciation and Amortization		18.1		69.6		1.2		88.9
Capital Expenditures		7.6		210.3		0.6		218.5

(1) Corporate Operating Profit (Loss) includes a portion of compensation and benefits of holding company employees and certain other costs that are not related to the operating companies. Operating profit of the operating companies include all direct expenses and the common expenses incurred by the holding company on behalf of its operating subsidiaries. Corporate Assets Employed include property, equipment, cash and investment assets, and net cash surrender value of Company-owned life insurance.

Geographic information for the Company’s fiscal years is based on the operating locations where the items were produced or distributed as follows (in thousands):

	2008	2007	2006
Net Revenues – Domestic United States	$ 3,810,635	$ 3,454,198	$ 3,089,776
Net Revenues – Foreign	181,762	185,010	176,080
	$ 3,992,397	$ 3,639,208	$ 3,265,856
Net Long-Lived Assets – Domestic United States	$    978,363	$ 860,493	$ 726,128
Net Long-Lived Assets – Foreign	40,625	41,990	42,748
	$ 1,018,988	$ 902,483	$ 768,876

41

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains various retirement benefit plans for substantially all domestic full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. These plans include the Ruddick Retirement and Savings Plan (“Savings Plan”) which is a defined contribution retirement plan, the Ruddick Corporation Employees’ Pension Plan (“Pension Plan”) which is a qualified non-contributory defined benefit plan and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) which is a non-qualified supplemental defined benefit pension plan for certain executive officers. Effective September 30, 2005, participation in the Pension Plan was closed to new entrants and frozen for all participants, with certain transition benefits provided to those participants that have achieved specified age and service levels on December 31, 2005.

Substantially all domestic full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries participate in one of the Company sponsored retirement plans. Employees in foreign subsidiaries participate to varying degrees in local pension plans, which, in the aggregate, are not significant. Employee retirement benefits or Company contribution amounts under the various plans are a function of both the years of service and compensation for a specified period of time before retirement. The Company's current funding policy for the Pension Plan is to contribute annually the amount required by regulatory authorities to meet minimum funding requirements and an amount to increase the funding ratios over future years to a level determined by its actuaries to be effective in reducing the volatility of contributions.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” as of the end of fiscal 2007. SFAS No. 158 required the Company to recognize the funded status of its defined benefit pension plans based on the projected benefit obligation and measure the benefit obligation for postretirement benefit plans based on the accumulated benefit obligation. The adoption of the new standard effectively increased pension and other long-term liabilities by $40.3 million, reduced shareholders’ equity (increased accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)) by $24.9 million, increased deferred tax benefits by $16.1 million and reduced intangible assets by $0.7 million. However, due to an increase in discount rates from September 30, 2006 to September 30, 2007 and actual returns for pension assets exceeding the expected rate of return, the actual increase in pension liabilities and reduction in equity in fiscal 2007 was $13.4 million and $8.0 million, respectively.

The Company’s fiscal year end is used as the measurement date for Company-sponsored defined benefit plans. The following table sets forth the change in the benefit obligation and plan assets, as well as the funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 for the Pension Plan and SERP (in thousands):

	Pension Plan				SERP
	2008		2007		2008		2007
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at the beginning of year	$	280,151	$	285,400	$	30,863	$	30,919
Service cost		1,588		2,040		822		800
Interest cost		17,010		16,157		1,889		1,741
Plan change		-		-		-		1,125
Actuarial (Gain) loss		(58,932)		(13,504)		(4,889)		(2,487)
Benefits paid		(11,098)		(9,942)		(1,235)		(1,235)
Pension benefit obligation at end of year		228,719		280,151		27,450		30,863
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at the beginning of year		248,193		221,205		-		-
Actual return on plan assets		(31,402)		31,229		-		-
Employer contribution		7,500		7,500		1,235		1,235
Benefits paid		(11,098)		(9,942)		(1,235)		(1,235)
Non-investment expenses		(1,330)		(1,799)		-		-
Fair value of assets at end of year		211,863		248,193		-		-
Funded status		(16,856)		(31,958)		(27,450)		(30,863)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss		50,830		62,856		1,481		6,830
Unrecognized prior service cost		508		728		2,292		2,540
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost	$	34,482	$	31,626	$	(23,677)	$	(21,493)

42

	Pension Plan				SERP
	2008		2007		2008		2007
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
consist of:
(Prepaid) Accrued benefit liability	$	(34,482)	$	(31,626)	$	23,677	$	21,493
Accumulated other comprehensive income		51,338		63,584		3,773		9,370
Net amount recognized	$	16,856	$	31,958	$	27,450	$	30,863
The Company’s defined benefit pension plans had projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets as follows (in thousands):
	Pension Plan				SERP
	2008		2007		2008		2007
Projected benefit obligation	$	228,719	$	280,151	$	27,450	$	30,863
Accumulated benefit obligation		207,093		249,314		19,903		21,453
Fair value of plan assets		211,863		248,193		-		-

A minimum pension liability adjustment is required when the projected benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets and accrued pension liabilities. This adjustment also requires the elimination of any previously recorded pension assets. The minimum liability adjustment, net of tax benefit, is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and included in the Statements of Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income.

Net periodic pension expense for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 included the following components (in thousands):

Pension Plan	2008		2007		2006
Service cost	$	1,588	$	2,040	$	1,562
Interest cost		17,010		16,157		15,514
Expected return on plan assets		(18,598)		(17,335)		(16,019)
Amortization of prior service cost		220		220		198
Recognized net actuarial loss		4,424		6,971		8,316
Net periodic pension expense	$	4,644	$	8,053	$	9,571
SERP
Service cost	$	822	$	800	$	880
Interest cost		1,889		1,741		1,604
Amortization of prior service cost		248		109		140
Recognized net actuarial loss		461		767		752
Net periodic pension expense	$	3,420	$	3,417	$	3,376

Net periodic pension expense for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans is determined using assumptions as of the beginning of each year. The projected benefit obligation and related funded status are determined using assumptions as of the end of each year. The following table summarizes the assumptions utilized:

	2008	2007	2006
Weighted Average Discount Rate (both Plans) – End of Year	7.90%	6.25%	5.75%
Rate of Increase in Future Payroll Costs:
Pension Plan	3.0% - 8.0%*	3.0% - 8.0%*	3.0% - 8.0%*
SERP	6.0%	6.0%	6.0%
Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets (Pension Plan only)	8.00%	8.25%	8.25%
____________________       * Rate varies by age, higher rates are associated with lower aged participants.

43

Discount rates are based on the expected timing and amounts of the expected employer paid benefits and are established by reference to a representative yield curve of non-callable bonds with a credit rating of Aa and above with durations similar to the pension liabilities. The weighted average discount rate utilized at the end of fiscal 2008 of 7.90% represents an increase of 165 basis points over the prior year and significantly reduced the recorded pension liabilities. A discount rate of 6.25% (consistent with fiscal 2007), would have resulted in pension liabilities totaling approximately $105 million, or approximately $61 million higher than what was recorded as of September 28, 2008. Expected long-term return on plan assets is estimated by asset class and is generally based on historical returns, volatilities and risk premiums. Based upon the plan’s asset allocation, composite return percentiles are developed upon which the plan’s expected long-term is based.

The SERP is unfunded, with benefit payments being made from the Company’s general assets. Assets of the Pension Plan are invested in directed trusts. Assets in the directed trusts as of the fiscal year end were invested as follows:

Asset Class	2008	2007
Fixed income	30.3%	25.8%
Domestic equities	37.1	43.1
International equities	7.5	8.4
Tactical asset allocation fund	11.1	11.6
Alternative Investments – Real Estate	4.5	4.0
Alternative Investments – Hedge Funds	4.7	4.5
Guaranteed investment contracts	0.9	0.7
Cash equivalents	3.9	1.9
	100%	100%

Investments in the pension trust are overseen by the Retirement Plan Committee which is made up of officers of the Company and directors. The plan assets are split into two segments: the Strategic Allocation segment over which the Committee retains responsibility for directing and monitoring asset allocation, and the Tactical Allocation segment which is directed by an advisor selected by the Committee.

The Company has developed an Investment Policy Statement based on the need to satisfy the long-term liabilities of the Pension Plan. The Company seeks to maximize return with reasonable and prudent levels of risk. Risk management is accomplished through diversification across asset classes, multiple investment manager portfolios and both general and portfolio-specific investment guidelines. Asset guidelines for the Strategic Allocation segment are:

Asset Class	Minimum Exposure		Target		Maximum Exposure
Investment grade fixed income and cash equivalents		30.0%		40.0%		50.0%
Domestic equities:		25.0		40.0		55.0
Large cap value		3.0		9.0		20.0
Large cap growth		3.0		9.0		20.0
Large cap core		3.0		10.0		20.0
Small cap value		0.0		6.0		12.0
Small cap growth		0.0		6.0		12.0
International equities:		5.0		10.0		15.0
International growth		0.0		5.0		10.0
International value		0.0		5.0		10.0
Alternative Investments:		0.0		10.0		20.0
Real Estate		0.0		5.0		10.0
Hedge Funds		0.0		5.0		10.0

Managers are expected to generate a total return consistent with their philosophy, offer protection in down markets and achieve a rate of return which ranks in the top 40% of a universe of similarly managed portfolios and outperforms a target index, net of expenses, over rolling three year periods.

The Investment Policy Statement contains the following guidelines:

– Categorical restrictions such as limiting the average weighted duration of fixed income investments, limiting the aggregate amount of American Depository Receipts (ADRs), no direct foreign currency speculation, limited foreign exchange contracts, and limiting the use of derivatives;

– Portfolio restrictions that address such things as investment restrictions, proxy voting, and brokerage arrangements; and

– Asset class restrictions that address such things as single security or sector concentration, capitalization limits and minimum quality standards.

44

The Company plans to contribute $7.5 million to the Pension Plan and approximately $1.3 million to the SERP during fiscal 2009. Due to the current economic environment that has resulted in a significant decrease in the market value of Pension Plan assets subsequent to year end, the Company may increase the planned contribution in fiscal 2009. The Company’s contribution to the SERP represents the benefit payments made during the fiscal year.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the Company’s defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):

	Pension Plan			SERP
2009		$11,418	$	1,285
2010		12,218		1,270
2011		13,040		1,253
2012		13,928		1,352
2013		14,853		1,612
Years 2014-2018		87,774		11,846

The Savings Plan is a defined contribution retirement plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, that was authorized for the purpose of providing retirement benefits for employees of the Company. The Company provides a matching contribution based on the amount of eligible compensation contributed by the associate and an automatic retirement contribution based on age and years of service.

In prior years the Company sponsored an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”). In connection with other changes made to the Company’s retirement plans, the Company has ceased contributions to the ESOP and participants became fully vested in their ESOP account balances as of September 30, 2005. In May 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a merger of the ESOP into the Savings Plan and in December 2007, the assets of the ESOP were transferred to the Savings Plan. Historically, the Company provided cash contributions, as determined by the Board of Directors, to a trust for the purpose of purchasing shares of the Company's common stock on the open market. Such contributions were based on the Company’s net income for the fiscal year as a percentage of average shareholders’ equity. The total amount contributed was comprised of a base contribution of 1.5% of participants’ eligible compensation and an additional contribution of up to 3.5% of eligible compensation. The Company’s final contribution to the ESOP was made in December 2005 based on fiscal 2005 results. At September 28, 2008, approximately 11% of the Company's common shares outstanding were owned by employees as participants in the ESOP.

The Company has certain deferred compensation arrangements which allow, or allowed in prior years, its directors, officers and selected key management personnel to forego the receipt of earned compensation for specified periods of time. These arrangements include (1) a directors’ compensation deferral plan, funded in a rabbi trust, the benefit and payment under such plan being made in the Company’s common stock that has historically been purchased on the open market, (2) a key management deferral plan, unfunded, the benefit liability under such plan determined on the basis of the performance of selected market investment indices, and (3) other compensation deferral arrangements, unfunded and only available to directors and select key management in prior years, the benefit liability for which is determined based on fixed rates of interest.

Expense associated with the Savings Plan, deferred compensation arrangements and other plans, were as follows (in thousands):

	2008	2007	2006
Savings Plan	$19,189	$18,350	$16,864
Deferred Compensation and other	394	1,679	3,159

45

COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

The following table details the computation of EPS for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands except per share data):

		2008		2007		2006
Basic EPS:
Net income	$	96,752	$	80,688	$	72,336
Weighted average common shares outstanding		47,824		47,605		47,233
Basic EPS	$	2.02	$	1.69	$	1.53
Diluted EPS:
Net income	$	96,752	$	80,688	$	72,336
Weighted average common shares outstanding		47,824		47,605		47,233
Net potential common share equivalents - stock options		260		379		377
Net potential common share equivalents - stock awards		211		155		77
Weighted average common shares outstanding		48,295		48,139		47,687
Diluted EPS	$	2.00	$	1.68	$	1.52

Stock awards that are based on performance are excluded from the calculation of potential common share equivalents until the performance criteria are met. Accordingly, the impact of 139,270, 114,393 and 99,349 performance shares for the fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted shares. Anti-dilutive common share equivalents excluded from the calculation of common share equivalents amounted to 6,071 shares for stock options and 276 shares for stock awards for fiscal 2008. There were no anti-dilutive common share equivalents excluded from the calculation of common share equivalents for 2007 and 2006.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in various lawsuits and environmental and patent matters arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that such matters will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

See "Leases" above in this Item 8 for additional commitments and contingencies.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

A portion of the sales and operating costs of American & Efird’s foreign operations are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. This creates an exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. The impact of changes in the relationship of other currencies to the U.S. dollar has historically not been significant, and such changes in the future are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows.

The following table sets forth selected cash payments and non-cash activity for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):

	2008	2007	2006
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, Net of Amounts Capitalized	$ 19,263	$ 17,295	$ 15,402
Income Taxes	46,072	52,384	60,536
Non-cash activity:
Assets Acquired under Capital Leases	26,844	23,207	-

46

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The Company’s stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The following table sets forth certain financial information, the high and low sales prices and dividends declared for the common stock for the periods indicated (in millions, except per share data):

	First	Second	Third	Fourth	Fiscal
	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter	Year
2008 Operating Results
Net Sales	$976.7	$975.6	$ 1,013.6	$ 1,026.5	$3,992.4
Gross Profit	291.0	301.4	307.4	308.6	1,208.4
Net Income	23.4	24.1	24.5	24.8	96.8
Net Income Per Share:
Basic	0.49	0.50	0.51	0.52	2.02
Diluted	0.48	0.50	0.51	0.51	2.00
Dividend Per Share	0.12	0.12	0.12	0.12	0.48
Market Price Per Share:
High	38.03	36.99	39.79	38.98	39.79
Low	31.15	31.71	33.89	29.47	29.47
2007 Operating Results
Net Sales	$880.8	$891.8	$ 923.0	$ 943.6	$3,639.2
Gross Profit	261.4	269.9	281.5	283.5	1,096.3
Net Income	18.3	20.0	21.2	21.2	80.7
Net Income Per Share:
Basic	0.39	0.42	0.44	0.44	1.69
Diluted	0.38	0.42	0.44	0.44	1.68
Dividend Per Share	0.11	0.11	0.11	0.11	0.44
Market Price Per Share:
High	28.91	30.50	32.39	37.28	37.28
Low	25.20	26.30	29.53	27.53	25.20

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. As of September 28, 2008, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

47

(b) Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting. Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2008, based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of September 28, 2008, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

(c) Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2008 has been audited by KPMG, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, which appears in Item 8, Financial Statement and Supplementary Data included herein, expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2008.

(d) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. During the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2008, there has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

48

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

For information regarding executive officers, refer to “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Item 4A hereof. Other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled "Election of Directors," “Corporate Governance Matters” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Company's 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "2009 Proxy Statement").

Code of Ethics and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Company has adopted a written Code of Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that applies to our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer and our Vice President and Treasurer. The Company has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to all employees, officers and directors of the Company as well as any subsidiary company officers that are executive officers of the Company. Each of our operating subsidiaries maintains a code of ethics tailored to their businesses. The Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct are available on the Company’s website, www.ruddickcorp.com, under the “Corporate Governance” caption, and print copies are available to any shareholder that requests a copy. Any such requests should be directed to: Ruddick Corporation, 301 South Tryon Street, Suite 1800, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Attention: Secretary of the Company. Any amendments to the Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct, or any waivers of the Code of Ethics, or any waiver of the Code of Conduct for directors or executive officers, will be disclosed on the Company’s website promptly following the date of such amendment or waiver. Information on the Company’s website, however, does not form a part of this Form 10-K.

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Committee Charters
In furtherance of its longstanding goal of providing effective governance of the Company’s business and affairs for the benefit of shareholders, the Board of Directors of the Company has approved Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Guidelines contain general principles regarding the functions of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Guidelines are available on the Company’s website referenced above and print copies are available to any shareholder that requests a copy. In addition, committee charters for the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are also included on the Company’s website and print copies are available to any shareholder that requests a copy in accordance with the procedures set forth above.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Election of Directors -Directors' Fees and Attendance,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation Decisions,” “Report of the Compensation Committee,” "Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the 2009 Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Principal Shareholders” and “Election of Directors-Beneficial Ownership of Company Stock” in the 2009 Proxy Statement and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in Item 5 hereof.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Transactions with Related Persons and Certain Control Person” and “Corporate Governance Matters” in the 2009 Proxy Statement.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Approval of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the 2009 Proxy Statement.

49

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)	The following documents are filed as part of this report:		Page
	(1)	Financial Statements:
		Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	24
		Consolidated Balance Sheets, September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007	26
		Statements of Consolidated Income for the fiscal years ended
		September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007, and October 1, 2006	27
		Statements of Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
		for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007,
		and October 1, 2006	28
		Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended
		September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007, and October 1, 2006	29
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	30
	(2)	Financial Statement Schedules: The following report and financial
		statement schedules are filed herewith:
		Schedule I - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	S-1
		All other schedules are omitted as the required information is
		inapplicable or the information is presented in the consolidated
		financial statements or related notes thereto.
	(3)	Index to Exhibits: The following exhibits are filed with this report
		or, as noted, incorporated by reference herein.

Exhibit
Number	Description of Exhibit
3.1*	Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, dated December 14, 2000, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2000 (Commission File No. 1-6905).
3.2*	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Ruddick Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 21, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-6905).
4.1*	$50,000,000 6.48% Series A Senior Notes due March 1, 2011 and $50,000,000 Private Shelf Facility dated March 1, 1996 between Ruddick Corporation and The Prudential Insurance Company of America, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1996 (Commission File No. 1-6905).
4.2*	$50,000,000 7.55% Senior Series B Notes due July 15, 2017 and $50,000,000 7.72% Series B Senior Notes due April 15, 2017 under the Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated April 15, 1997 between Ruddick Corporation and The Prudential Insurance Company of America, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year period ended September 28, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-6905).

50

Exhibit
Number	Description of Exhibit
4.3*	Credit Agreement, dated December 20, 2007, among Ruddick Corporation, as Borrower, Wachovia Bank, National Association, Branch Banking and Trust Company, Regions Bank, Bank of America, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., RBC Centura, CoBank, ACB, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, U.S. AgBank, FCB, Farm Credit Bank of Texas and GreenStone Farm Credit Services, ACA, as Lenders, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2007 (Commission File No. 1-6905).
	The Company has other long-term debt but has not filed the instruments evidencing such debt as part of Exhibit 4 as none of such instruments authorize the issuance of debt exceeding 10 percent of the total consolidated assets of the Company. The Company agrees to furnish a copy of each such agreement to the Commission upon request.
10.1*	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan of Ruddick Corporation, as amended and restated, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1990 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.2*	Resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and the Plan's Administrative Committee with respect to benefits payable under the Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan to Alan T. Dickson and R. Stuart Dickson, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 1991 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.3*	Deferred Compensation Plan for Key Employees of Ruddick Corporation and subsidiaries, as amended and restated, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1990 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.4*	1993 Incentive Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 3, 1993 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.5*	Description of the Ruddick Corporation Long Term Key Management Incentive Program, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 1991 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.6*	Ruddick Corporation Irrevocable Trust for the Benefit of Participants in the Long Term Key Management Incentive Program, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1990 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.7*	Rights Agreement dated November 16, 2000 by and between the Company and First Union National Bank, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2000 (Commission File No. 1-6905).
10.8*	Ruddick Corporation Senior Officers Insurance Program Plan Document and Summary Plan Description, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 1992 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.9*	Ruddick Corporation 1995 Comprehensive Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.10*	Ruddick Corporation 1997 Comprehensive Stock Option and Award Plan (the “1997 Plan”), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 28, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.11*	Ruddick Corporation Director Deferral Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 29, 1998 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**

51

Exhibit
Number	Description of Exhibit
10.12*	Ruddick Corporation Senior Officers Insurance Program, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 29, 1998 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.13*	Ruddick Corporation 2000 Comprehensive Stock Option and Award Plan (the “2000 Plan”), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 1, 2001 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.14*	Description of retirement arrangement between the Company and each of Alan T. Dickson and R. Stuart Dickson effective May 1, 2002, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.15*	Ruddick Corporation Flexible Deferral Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2002 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.16*	Ruddick Corporation 2002 Comprehensive Stock Option and Award Plan (the “2002 Plan”), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 30, 2003 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.17*	Form of Ruddick Corporation Non-Employee Director Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for use in connection with the 1995 Plan, 1997 Plan, 2000 Plan and 2002 Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 17, 2004 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.18*	Form of Ruddick Corporation Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement for use in connection with the 1995 Plan, 1997 Plan, 2000 Plan and 2002 Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 17, 2004 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.19*	Form of Ruddick Corporation Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for use in connection with the 1995 Plan, 1997 Plan, 2000 Plan and 2002 Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 17, 2004 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.20*	Form of Ruddick Corporation Restricted Stock Award Agreement for use in connection with the 1997 Plan, 2000 Plan and 2002 Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 17, 2004 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.21*	Summary of Executive Bonus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 3, 2004 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.22*	Ruddick Corporation Director Deferral Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 16, 2006 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.23*	Ruddick Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for the benefit of Alan T. Dickson effective March 31, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 31, 2006 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.24*	Ruddick Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for the benefit of R. Stuart Dickson effective March 31, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 31, 2006 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.25*	Ruddick Corporation Cash Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2007 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**

52

Exhibit
Number	Description of Exhibit
10.26*	Addendum to the Ruddick Corporation 2002 Comprehensive Stock Option and Award Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2007 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.27*	Change-in-Control and Severance Agreement dated September 19, 2007 between the registrant and Mr. Tomas W. Dickson, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 19, 2007 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.28*	Change-in-Control and Severance Agreement dated September 19, 2007 between the registrant and Mr. John B. Woodlief, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 19, 2007 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.29*	Change-in-Control and Severance Agreement dated September 19, 2007 between the registrant and Mr. Frederick J. Morganthall, II, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 19, 2007 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.30*	Change-in-Control and Severance Agreement dated September 19, 2007 between the registrant and Mr. Fred A. Jackson, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 19, 2007 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.31*	Ruddick Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Amendment No. 2 dated September 19, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 19, 2007 (Commission File No. 1-6905).**
10.32+	Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation.
21+	List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
23+	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1+	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2+	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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.
32.2+	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

____________________
 

*	Incorporated by reference.
**	Indicates management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an Exhibit.
+	Indicates exhibits filed herewith and follow the signature pages.
(b)	Exhibits
	See (a )(3) above.
(c)	Financial Statement Schedules
	See (a) (2) above.

53

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		RUDDICK CORPORATION
		(Registrant)
Dated: November 21, 2008	By:	/s/ THOMAS W. DICKSON
		Thomas W. Dickson,
		Chairman of the Board, President and
		Chief Executive Officer

     Pursuant to the requirements 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/ THOMAS W. DICKSON	Chairman of the Board , President and	November 21, 2008
Thomas W. Dickson	Chief Executive Officer and Director
	(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ JOHN B. WOODLIEF	Vice President – Finance and Chief	November 21, 2008
John B. Woodlief	Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ RONALD H. VOLGER	Vice President and Treasurer	November 21, 2008
Ronald H. Volger	(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ JOHN R. BELK	Director	November 21, 2008
John R. Belk
/s/ JOHN P. DERHAM CATO	Director	November 21, 2008
John P. Derham Cato
/s/ ALAN T. DICKSON	Director	November 21, 2008
Alan T. Dickson
/s/ JAMES E. S. HYNES	Director	November 21, 2008
James E. S. Hynes
/s/ ANNA S. NELSON	Director	November 21, 2008
Anna S. Nelson
/s/ BAILEY W. PATRICK	Director	November 21, 2008
Bailey W. Patrick
/s/ ROBERT H. SPILMAN, JR.	Director	November 21, 2008
Robert H. Spilman, Jr.
/s/ HAROLD C. STOWE	Director	November 21, 2008
Harold C. Stowe
/s/ ISAIAH TIDWELL	Director	November 21, 2008
Isaiah Tidwell
/s/ WILLIAM C. WARDEN, JR.	Director	November 21, 2008
William C. Warden, Jr.

54

SCHEDULE I

RUDDICK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
For the Fiscal Years Ended
September 28, 2008, September 30, 2007
and October 1, 2006
(in thousands)

COLUMN A	COLUMN B	COLUMN C	COLUMN D		COLUMN E
		ADDITIONS
	BALANCE	CHARGED TO			BALANCE
	AT BEGINNING	COSTS AND			AT END
DESCRIPTION	OF FISCAL YEAR	EXPENSES	DEDUCTIONS		OF PERIOD
Fiscal Year Ended October 1, 2006:
Reserves deducted from assets
to which they apply -
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	$4,131	$731	$ 1,143	*	$3,719
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2007:
Reserves deducted from assets
to which they apply -
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	$3,719	$971	$ 728	*	$3,962
Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2008:
Reserves deducted from assets
to which they apply -
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	$3,962	$32	$ 1,175	*	$2,819

____________________
 
*Represents accounts receivable balances written off as uncollectible, less recoveries.

S-1

EX-10.32

Exhibit 10.32

Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation

     Ruddick Corporation (the “Company”) compensates each member of its Board of Directors (the “Board) who is not an employee of the Company or its subsidiaries. Effective January 1, 2009, non-employee directors will receive $34,000 per year for services as a director, plus $2,000 for each Board meeting or committee meeting attended. In addition to the general fees for directors described above, the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board is paid an additional annual fee of $6,000 for services as chairman of that committee.

Non-employee directors of the Company may defer the payment of the annual fee and/or Board meeting fees, pursuant to the Company’s Director Deferral Plan (the “Deferral Plan”). The deferred fees are converted into units representing shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”) with a fair market value equal to the value of the fees deferred, and the number of units is then credited to the director’s account, along with additional units representing the amount of any dividends or stock distributions. Upon termination of service as a director or in the event of death, the balance of the director’s account will be distributed to the director or a designated beneficiary in the form of Common Stock.

Under the Company’s 1995 Comprehensive Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”), the Company automatically granted each non-employee director at the time the 1995 Plan was adopted a ten-year option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the option grant. Since that time, pursuant to the provisions of the Company’s stock option plans, the Company has automatically granted a ten-year option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock to each new non-employee director upon his or her initial election as director. These options are immediately vested, and the exercise price of these options is equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the director’s election.

The Company grants additional equity awards to its non-employee directors from time to time, at the Board’s discretion. These equity awards generally have taken the form of stock option grants and discretionary contributions by the Company to the Deferral Plan for the benefit of each non-employee director, however, other award types may be granted in the future at the discretion of the Board. On November 20, 2008, the Board approved discretionary contributions by the Company to the Deferral Plan for the benefit of each non-employee director in the amount of $14,000.

The Company also provides term life insurance coverage for each non-employee director.

EX-21

EXHIBIT 21

RUDDICK CORPORATION

Affiliated Companies
As of November 21, 2008

Listed below are the domestic subsidiaries of Ruddick Corporation, (the “Registrant”) all of which are wholly owned and are owned directly by the Registrant, unless otherwise indicated.

Subsidiary	State of Incorporation
American & Efird, Inc. (3)	North Carolina
American & Efird Enterprises, Inc. (1)	North Carolina
Harris Teeter, Inc. (3)	North Carolina
Harris Teeter Properties, LLC (2)	North Carolina
Harris-Teeter Services, Inc. (2)	North Carolina
HTTAH, LLC (2)	North Carolina
HTP Relo, LLC (2)	North Carolina
Ruddick of Delaware, Inc.	Delaware
Ruddick Operating Company	Delaware
Ruddco Management, Inc. (3)	North Carolina
RDK Investments Company (3)	North Carolina

____________________

⁽¹⁾ Owned by American & Efird, Inc.
⁽²⁾ Owned by Harris Teeter, Inc.
⁽³⁾ Owned by Ruddick Operating Company

In the normal course of business, RDK Investments Company and Harris Teeter Properties LLC from time to time makes investments in corporations and partnerships that may result in ownership of capital stock or other interests as an investment.

Listed below are the foreign subsidiaries of the Registrant, all of which are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by American & Efird, Inc., unless otherwise indicated. Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, certain entities that are not deemed to be significant subsidiaries, individually or in the aggregate, have been excluded from the list below.

Subsidiary	Jurisdiction of Incorporation
American & Efird (H.K.) Limited (1)	Hong Kong
Dongguan Dongmei Thread Mfg. Co. Ltd.	China
American & Efird (G.B.) Limited	England
American & Efird Canada Incorporated	Canada
American & Efird International B.V.	Netherlands
A&E Netherlands B.V.	Netherlands
American & Efird Italia S.p.A.	Italy
Hilos A&E de Costa Rica, S.A.	Costa Rica
Distribuidora A&E de Costa Rica, S.A.	Costa Rica
Exportadora A&E de Costa Rica, S.A.	Costa Rica
Compañia Comercial A&E de Guatemala, S.A. (1)	Guatemala
Hilos A&E de El Salvador, S.A. de C.V. (1)	El Salvador
Hilos American & Efird de Honduras, S.A. de C.V. (1)	Honduras
American & Efird de Mexico, S.A. de C.V (1)	Mexico
Hilos American & Efird de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (1)	Mexico
Servicios American & Efird de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (1)	Mexico
American & Efird Mills (S) Pte. Ltd.	Singapore
American & Efird (Malaysia) SDN. BHD.	Malaysia
Hilos American & Efird de Nicaragua, S.A. (1)	Nicaragua
American & Efird (Polska) Sp. z o.o. (1)	Poland
Hengmei Spinning Company, Ltd. - Joint venture, 80% owned	China
Hilos A&E Dominicana, Ltd. - Joint venture, 51% owned	Cayman Islands
American and Efird Lanka (Private) Limited
- Joint venture, 33 1/3% owned	Sri Lanka
American & Efird (Bangladesh) Ltd. – Joint venture, 33 1/3% owned	Bangladesh
American & Efird (South Africa) (Proprietary) Ltd.
– Joint venture, 80% owned	South Africa
Bieze Stork B.V.	Netherlands
Huamei Thread Company Limited – Joint venture, 50% owned	China
Hilos A&E de Colombia S.A. (1)	Colombia
A&E Iplik Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi (1)	Turkey
Jimei Spinning Company Limited – Joint venture, 80% owned	China
Linhas Bonfio S.A. – Joint venture, 43% owned (1)	Brazil
TSP Tovarna Sukancev in Trakov d.d.	Slovenia
Vardhman Yarns and Threads Limited – Joint venture, 49% owned	India

____________________

⁽¹⁾ Single shares (or shares representing 2% or less of such entities) are owned by persons designated by American & Efird, Inc. in order to comply with local law.

EX-23

EXHIBIT 23

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
Ruddick Corporation:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements No. 33-26302, No. 33-56567, No. 333-19085, No. 333-22659, No. 333-53671, No. 333-62768, No. 333-98265, No. 333-105665, No. 333-131927 and No. 333-143746 on Form S-8 of Ruddick Corporation and subsidiaries of our reports dated November 21, 2008, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Ruddick Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 28, 2008, and the related financial statement schedule “Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves,” management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2008 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2008, which reports appear in the September 28, 2008, annual report on Form 10-K of Ruddick Corporation.

As discussed in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position 13-1, “Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction Period” effective January 2, 2006. Additionally, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” as of September 30, 2007, and Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109” effective October 1, 2007.

	/s/ KPMG LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
November 21, 2008

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
for the Chief Executive Officer

I, Thomas W. Dickson, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Ruddick Corporation;
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 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 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.

/s/ Thomas W. Dickson
Name:	Thomas W. Dickson
Title:	Chairman of the Board, President and
	Chief Executive Officer
Date:	November 21, 2008

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
for the Chief Financial Officer

I, John B. Woodlief, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Ruddick Corporation;
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 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 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.

/s/ John B. Woodlief
Name:	John B. Woodlief
Title:	Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Date:	November 21, 2008

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

I, Thomas W. Dickson, state and attest that I am the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ruddick Corporation (the "Company"). I hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that

• the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended September 28, 2008 containing financial statements (the "periodic report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and
   
• the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented.

/s/ Thomas W. Dickson
Name:	Thomas W. Dickson
Title:	Chairman of the Board, President and
	Chief Executive Officer
Date:	November 21, 2008

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

I, John B. Woodlief, state and attest that I am the Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Ruddick Corporation (the "Company"). I hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that

• the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended September 28, 2008 containing financial statements (the "periodic report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and
   
• the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented.

/s/ John B. Woodlief
Name:	John B. Woodlief
Title:	Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Date:	November 21, 2008